1. |
Create
a positive environment. You need
to be excited about what you are doing! The positive
environment that you create for people’s
pets will show in the work that you do and will
help you keep things in perspective when you come
across challenges. People love knowing that their
pet is in good hands when they are away and will
gravitate again and again to you if you create
a calm and soothing environment in your mobile
salon. |
2. |
Always
have a cell phone. Be sure to have
a cell phone that is dedicated as your business
line. If you are grooming a dog and can’t
answer your phone, your answering-machine message
should be to the point, but very upbeat! Be sure
to call people back in a timely manner (no longer
than 24 hours). |
3. |
Map
out your territory. By mapping out
your territory, you will be able to save time! Try
to schedule clients that live near each other for
similar appointment times when possible. |
4. |
Advertise.
Decide on a territory that you are going to cover
and make sure that this area has enough pets to
keep you busy. Then let everyone in this area know
that you are a mobile groomer. Advertise with flyers
on street poles, dog parks, door hangers, inside
beauty salons, veterinarian offices, grocery stores,
coffee shops, etc! Many businesses have boards that
will allow local businesses to hang their flyers
up as long as it doesn’t compete with their
business. |
5. |
Have
a business card or brochure.
Be sure to have either a business card or brochure
with you at all times. It’s a good idea to
have these on hand because there will be plenty
of times when you are inside your groom mobile and
people will stop by to check out your salon. Your
marketing materials should be located in a convenient
location either near the door or on the outside
of your door so you can continue to groom and stay
focused on the pet you’re caring for. |
6. |
Make
the most of your time.
When you first start your business, you will have
some free time in between appointments. Use this
time to visit local dog parks or post flyers in
your territory. |
7. |
Confirm
appointments.
There is nothing more frustrating than showing up
to an appointment and finding that the client isn’t
home. Be sure to call the day before and confirm
all your appointments. |
8. |
Be
on time.
As much as it may be frustrating to show up to a
clients house and have them not be home, it’s
equally as frustrating for a client who has planned
their day only to have the groomer show up late.
If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late
for an appointment, be sure to call ahead and let
the client know. |
9. |
Keep
a clean workspace.
By keeping a clean trailer, you will impress not
only your client, but also other potential customers
who peek their head in to check out your trailer.
Remember, your trailer is a moving advertisement.
Be sure to keep it clean and clear of clutter. |
10. |
Be
professional. Being professional
not only includes acting professional and treating
people with respect, but dressing and looking professional
too. Wear a professional grooming uniform. Don’t
show up to an appointment looking like you just
groomed 5 other dogs, show up to each appointment
looking and acting fresh as if they are your first
and only appointment for that day. |
