The New Grooming Bus
- Thread starter monsinour
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btldreef
Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3361729
Kingston is downstate not upstate. you have to get past the catskills to get to upstate. While I know my wife would clean up grooming downstate, we dont want to live down there. Its just not for us.
LOL, I know. LI is honestly different than the city and westchester area. Downstate isn't for you and Upstate isn't for me, LOL. Honestly, I'll never leave LI and if I did, it would be all the way to Cali or New Orleans. My husband hates both, so here is where we stay.
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3361729
Kingston is downstate not upstate. you have to get past the catskills to get to upstate. While I know my wife would clean up grooming downstate, we dont want to live down there. Its just not for us.
LOL, I know. LI is honestly different than the city and westchester area. Downstate isn't for you and Upstate isn't for me, LOL. Honestly, I'll never leave LI and if I did, it would be all the way to Cali or New Orleans. My husband hates both, so here is where we stay.
monsinour
Active Member
you dont want to be in nawlins. I was there in january a long time ago. I had shorts and a t-shirt on. It was 60 outside. Everyone looked at me like I was nuts. The weather was perfect. The people are ... well they are different. The town looked like all other big towns. Dirty.
btldreef
Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3361733
you dont want to be in nawlins. I was there in january a long time ago. I had shorts and a t-shirt on. It was 60 outside. Everyone looked at me like I was nuts. The weather was perfect. The people are ... well they are different. The town looked like all other big towns. Dirty.
I would not live in the city, but I love the culture. I'm a musician, remember? I would die to live in the Garden District. I go there twice a year, hubby things I'm nuts too.
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3361733
you dont want to be in nawlins. I was there in january a long time ago. I had shorts and a t-shirt on. It was 60 outside. Everyone looked at me like I was nuts. The weather was perfect. The people are ... well they are different. The town looked like all other big towns. Dirty.
I would not live in the city, but I love the culture. I'm a musician, remember? I would die to live in the Garden District. I go there twice a year, hubby things I'm nuts too.
darthtang 2
Member
Raise your prices. The only difference between your pricing and my pet spa is smooth coated breeds. we only charge 45, that is our minimum...all the rest is on par. you are losing money in my opinion. My wife does 12 dogs in a day without breaking her back. Plus we also have one other employee....that can do 6-8. 2 dogs a day cover our lease, 1 dog a day covers all other bills. The rest is profit. I have read some of your financial problems. just something to think about.....
mylady
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by darthtang 2 http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3361779
Raise your prices. The only difference between your pricing and my pet spa is smooth coated breeds. we only charge 45, that is our minimum...all the rest is on par. you are losing money in my opinion. My wife does 12 dogs in a day without breaking her back. Plus we also have one other employee....that can do 6-8. 2 dogs a day cover our lease, 1 dog a day covers all other bills. The rest is profit. I have read some of your financial problems. just something to think about.....
You cannot compare prices because each geographical area is different. My minimum fee is $60. I have mobile grooming friends in Jersey That charge $80 for a Pug. You can only charge what the market can handle. In Ohio 10 years ago the average price was $25 for a groom. It's all very subjective. What I charge here is extrememly expensive compared to some and cheap compared to other parts of the country. 1.5 grooms per week, not per day, covers my expenses. That is everything. I'm sorry, I spent my years doing 12 dogs a day and I refuse. It's not worth it, I plan on still grooming 30 years from now and at that pace there is no way my body would hold up. Even doing just little dogs with a bather. My work is the best around and I do not skimp on quality. I treat every groom (except the senior or special needs dogs I do) like Lisa Leady will be coming up after I'm done to inspect. I use only the best products and tools and take exceptional pride in my work. I have a fabulous employee that is also an award winning groomer and the clients love her. With mobile I'm not tied to a shop from 9-5 or whenever it has to close. I schedule around my needs, mostly when I want or need to be with my kids. I could never do that in a salon. I also get to know my clients on a more personal basis because I am in their homes. Mobile is very different from salon grooming. Both have their pros and cons. I hate prepping the van in the winter and dealing with the cold. I love that I can groom 3 dogs and make the same amount I made grooming 8 working for someone else. I love that at only 10 dogs per week I not only cover expenses but make a profit. Now with my employee working and my overhead as low as it is, I usually make about 33% of what she brings in, which for a groomer being paid commission is practically unheard of. In a salon, most groomers being paid commission the owner is making 20-25% of what the employee brings in after taxes and such.
Mobile can be extremely expensive to start off in if you go out and buy a brand new Wag N Tails Elite for $85K etc, but those aren't the only options. I bought used and bought outright and got the business started. My bus was supposed to be ready a year ago, a whole other story, and I never expected this van (the original) to last this long. I had counted on 1-2 years with her and now it's been more than 3, so I can't blame her for giving me problems. She's old and tired. Once the new bus is here and I won't be at the shop with the van every other week, things will be much better.
Originally Posted by darthtang 2 http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3361779
Raise your prices. The only difference between your pricing and my pet spa is smooth coated breeds. we only charge 45, that is our minimum...all the rest is on par. you are losing money in my opinion. My wife does 12 dogs in a day without breaking her back. Plus we also have one other employee....that can do 6-8. 2 dogs a day cover our lease, 1 dog a day covers all other bills. The rest is profit. I have read some of your financial problems. just something to think about.....
You cannot compare prices because each geographical area is different. My minimum fee is $60. I have mobile grooming friends in Jersey That charge $80 for a Pug. You can only charge what the market can handle. In Ohio 10 years ago the average price was $25 for a groom. It's all very subjective. What I charge here is extrememly expensive compared to some and cheap compared to other parts of the country. 1.5 grooms per week, not per day, covers my expenses. That is everything. I'm sorry, I spent my years doing 12 dogs a day and I refuse. It's not worth it, I plan on still grooming 30 years from now and at that pace there is no way my body would hold up. Even doing just little dogs with a bather. My work is the best around and I do not skimp on quality. I treat every groom (except the senior or special needs dogs I do) like Lisa Leady will be coming up after I'm done to inspect. I use only the best products and tools and take exceptional pride in my work. I have a fabulous employee that is also an award winning groomer and the clients love her. With mobile I'm not tied to a shop from 9-5 or whenever it has to close. I schedule around my needs, mostly when I want or need to be with my kids. I could never do that in a salon. I also get to know my clients on a more personal basis because I am in their homes. Mobile is very different from salon grooming. Both have their pros and cons. I hate prepping the van in the winter and dealing with the cold. I love that I can groom 3 dogs and make the same amount I made grooming 8 working for someone else. I love that at only 10 dogs per week I not only cover expenses but make a profit. Now with my employee working and my overhead as low as it is, I usually make about 33% of what she brings in, which for a groomer being paid commission is practically unheard of. In a salon, most groomers being paid commission the owner is making 20-25% of what the employee brings in after taxes and such.
Mobile can be extremely expensive to start off in if you go out and buy a brand new Wag N Tails Elite for $85K etc, but those aren't the only options. I bought used and bought outright and got the business started. My bus was supposed to be ready a year ago, a whole other story, and I never expected this van (the original) to last this long. I had counted on 1-2 years with her and now it's been more than 3, so I can't blame her for giving me problems. She's old and tired. Once the new bus is here and I won't be at the shop with the van every other week, things will be much better.
monsinour
Active Member
well, the place to start is for lower gas prices starting next week friday. Then hope that there is no ill weather on wednesday so I dont get stranded in detroit or baltimore.
And thanks for the good spirits. I think that once we have a vehicle that stays out of the repair shop, we will start to actually make decent $. Who knows, maybe I will take the old unit out and park in a pet store parking lot and offer quick baths to dogs walking into the store.
And thanks for the good spirits. I think that once we have a vehicle that stays out of the repair shop, we will start to actually make decent $. Who knows, maybe I will take the old unit out and park in a pet store parking lot and offer quick baths to dogs walking into the store.
reefraff
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362091
well, the place to start is for lower gas prices starting next week friday. Then hope that there is no ill weather on wednesday so I dont get stranded in detroit or baltimore.
And thanks for the good spirits. I think that once we have a vehicle that stays out of the repair shop, we will start to actually make decent $. Who knows, maybe I will take the old unit out and park in a pet store parking lot and offer quick baths to dogs walking into the store.
LOL! Park in front of petsmart and undercut there price by 5 bux.
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362091
well, the place to start is for lower gas prices starting next week friday. Then hope that there is no ill weather on wednesday so I dont get stranded in detroit or baltimore.
And thanks for the good spirits. I think that once we have a vehicle that stays out of the repair shop, we will start to actually make decent $. Who knows, maybe I will take the old unit out and park in a pet store parking lot and offer quick baths to dogs walking into the store.
LOL! Park in front of petsmart and undercut there price by 5 bux.
darthtang 2
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by reefraff http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362185
LOL! Park in front of petsmart and undercut there price by 5 bux.
Petsmart around here is actually higher than most grooming salons already.
Originally Posted by reefraff http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362185
LOL! Park in front of petsmart and undercut there price by 5 bux.
Petsmart around here is actually higher than most grooming salons already.
reefraff
Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362189
Actually, we did talk to them about offering baths to customers walking in. Not sure where it went though. There are a few petstores that dont have grooming where this would work better.
Yep, maybe even *****, do they offer grooming? If you have any dog parks in the area that might be good too. Get a lawn chair and a beverage. Either have a relaxing day watching folks play with their dogs or make some money. Probably couldn't get away with that for long though, sure there is an law against it/
Originally Posted by Monsinour http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362189
Actually, we did talk to them about offering baths to customers walking in. Not sure where it went though. There are a few petstores that dont have grooming where this would work better.
Yep, maybe even *****, do they offer grooming? If you have any dog parks in the area that might be good too. Get a lawn chair and a beverage. Either have a relaxing day watching folks play with their dogs or make some money. Probably couldn't get away with that for long though, sure there is an law against it/
darthtang 2
Member
Yep, maybe even *****, do they offer grooming? If you have any dog parks in the area that might be good too. Get a lawn chair and a beverage. Either have a relaxing day watching folks play with their dogs or make some money. Probably couldn't get away with that for long though, sure there is an law against it/
Loitering........
meowzer
Moderator
Quote:
Originally Posted by darthtang 2 http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362259
Quote:
Originally Posted by reefraff http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362246
Yep, maybe even *****, do they offer grooming? If you have any dog parks in the area that might be good too. Get a lawn chair and a beverage. Either have a relaxing day watching folks play with their dogs or make some money. Probably couldn't get away with that for long though, sure there is an law against it/
Loitering........
ESPECIALLY in NY......Here in OK you could sell anything (except youself..LOL) anywhere.....just pull into an empty lot and go for it
in NY I'm surprsied you don't need a permit to have a freakin garage sale LOL
Originally Posted by darthtang 2 http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362259
Quote:
Originally Posted by reefraff http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362246
Yep, maybe even *****, do they offer grooming? If you have any dog parks in the area that might be good too. Get a lawn chair and a beverage. Either have a relaxing day watching folks play with their dogs or make some money. Probably couldn't get away with that for long though, sure there is an law against it/
Loitering........
ESPECIALLY in NY......Here in OK you could sell anything (except youself..LOL) anywhere.....just pull into an empty lot and go for it
in NY I'm surprsied you don't need a permit to have a freakin garage sale LOL
mylady
Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362263
ESPECIALLY in NY......Here in OK you could sell anything (except youself..LOL) anywhere.....just pull into an empty lot and go for it
in NY I'm surprsied you don't need a permit to have a freakin garage sale LOL
Actually, you do. It's $10 for the permit to have a garage sale.
I've never discussed anything with any of the chains, I think hubby is remembering incorrectly. I did speak to an independant pet store that is a chain here that does not offer grooming about parking in their lot one day a week etc. Never heard anything back about it. Honestly though, I can't take anymore new clients for myself and my daytime groomer is approaching that point as well. Mobiles don't need the number of clients a salon needs to keep us fully booked and most clients stay on a 4-8 week schedule. The other amazing thing to me is the tips. At the salon the average tip was $5. In the mobile, even with my prices $20 higher than the salons, most clients tip me a minimum of $15, most $20+ and about 85% of my clients tip. I was flabberghasted when I first started. I don't expect or rely on tips, it was just something that really surprised me when I started mobile. And it seems it's always the easy dogs that tip well LOL. I do a mini poodle in a 7 strip(1/4 inch all over on the body) with clean face, top knot and tail band. I charge $70 for this dog which takes me about 45 minutes and they always give me $100. People truly appreciate the service and the convenience. All dogs also get to pick a new toy out of my toy bin after every groom. Those are a huge hit!
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/383945/the-new-grooming-bus/20#post_3362263
ESPECIALLY in NY......Here in OK you could sell anything (except youself..LOL) anywhere.....just pull into an empty lot and go for it
in NY I'm surprsied you don't need a permit to have a freakin garage sale LOL
Actually, you do. It's $10 for the permit to have a garage sale.
I've never discussed anything with any of the chains, I think hubby is remembering incorrectly. I did speak to an independant pet store that is a chain here that does not offer grooming about parking in their lot one day a week etc. Never heard anything back about it. Honestly though, I can't take anymore new clients for myself and my daytime groomer is approaching that point as well. Mobiles don't need the number of clients a salon needs to keep us fully booked and most clients stay on a 4-8 week schedule. The other amazing thing to me is the tips. At the salon the average tip was $5. In the mobile, even with my prices $20 higher than the salons, most clients tip me a minimum of $15, most $20+ and about 85% of my clients tip. I was flabberghasted when I first started. I don't expect or rely on tips, it was just something that really surprised me when I started mobile. And it seems it's always the easy dogs that tip well LOL. I do a mini poodle in a 7 strip(1/4 inch all over on the body) with clean face, top knot and tail band. I charge $70 for this dog which takes me about 45 minutes and they always give me $100. People truly appreciate the service and the convenience. All dogs also get to pick a new toy out of my toy bin after every groom. Those are a huge hit!
darthtang 2
Member
Actually, you do. It's $10 for the permit to have a garage sale.
I've never discussed anything with any of the chains, I think hubby is remembering incorrectly. I did speak to an independant pet store that is a chain here that does not offer grooming about parking in their lot one day a week etc. Never heard anything back about it. Honestly though, I can't take anymore new clients for myself and my daytime groomer is approaching that point as well. Mobiles don't need the number of clients a salon needs to keep us fully booked and most clients stay on a 4-8 week schedule. The other amazing thing to me is the tips. At the salon the average tip was $5. In the mobile, even with my prices $20 higher than the salons, most clients tip me a minimum of $15, most $20+ and about 85% of my clients tip. I was flabberghasted when I first started. I don't expect or rely on tips, it was just something that really surprised me when I started mobile. And it seems it's always the easy dogs that tip well LOL. I do a mini poodle in a 7 strip(1/4 inch all over on the body) with clean face, top knot and tail band. I charge $70 for this dog which takes me about 45 minutes and they always give me $100. People truly appreciate the service and the convenience. All dogs also get to pick a new toy out of my toy bin after every groom. Those are a huge hit!
Tipping really depends on the client type..as a mobile your client is usually going to have a higher or more disposable income. We encountered the same thing when we set up shop in our location...surrounded by million dollar homes...lol...we have q client that comes every two weeks for her labradoodle..bill is 120::::she always gives 150. The thing that really surprised us is the 100-300 dollar tips at christmas time.......
mylady
Member
I have found that the people in the million dollar homes actually tip the least LOL. Hey, they didn't get that rich by giving it away! 
I do a Sammy and an Aussie on a gentlemans farm, two very hardworking people and they tip me $80 each time and I groom them every 4 weeks. I have a client with 3 cavs and a goldendoodle that tips me $160 each time for all 4 dogs. Yeah, when I first started I almost fell over when the tips started out so high! The majority of my clients are not millionares, many are well off though, but most are middle to upper middle class. Love them all though. I swear I have the best clients in the world. When I had surgery I had clients asking me to send them emails or texts to make sure I was okay. When my dog passed I had clients sending me sympathy cards. I just adore all of my clients, they are such amazing people. Even the somewhat quirky ones!
I do a Sammy and an Aussie on a gentlemans farm, two very hardworking people and they tip me $80 each time and I groom them every 4 weeks. I have a client with 3 cavs and a goldendoodle that tips me $160 each time for all 4 dogs. Yeah, when I first started I almost fell over when the tips started out so high! The majority of my clients are not millionares, many are well off though, but most are middle to upper middle class. Love them all though. I swear I have the best clients in the world. When I had surgery I had clients asking me to send them emails or texts to make sure I was okay. When my dog passed I had clients sending me sympathy cards. I just adore all of my clients, they are such amazing people. Even the somewhat quirky ones!