May 2005

Starting a Dog grooming business can certainly be a profitable venture for the dog-lover and can be started as a home-based business.

The challenge is to be able to build your business and convince dog owners that cleaning their dog should be left up to you -- the professional.

Because a large majority of dogs either rarely get cleaned -- or get cleaned right in the bathtub.

Therefore, understanding that you have to build a business that does more than “cleans your dog” is the first step towards better profits. In fact, as with any business, you have to let your prospects and customers know why your product or service will benefit them, personally.

Save them time and rid their beloved dog of doggie-odor, and you’ve got something to offer. (It’s always about benefits!)

Starting a dog grooming business gives people convenience and allows them more time to do other things, rather than spend their time off from work shampooing their dog.

Another option in order to create this convenience is a mobile dog washing business. When I was a kid, we used to have a guy show up in a van to wash our pet dog right there in our driveway. How convenient is that?!!

But mobile dog grooming can also be a “pick-up-and-return” dog grooming service.

It allows you to save on the expense of buying a van large enough to clean the dog and instead start the service right from your home. And your profits can be a little higher because more people will pay a bit more for the convenience.

In addition, most people procrastinate when having their pets cleaned. By keeping on top of customers witha reminder service (like your dentist does) you’ll keep these customers on a long-term basis.

Valuable skills/Requirement:

The National Dog Groomers Association of America certifies groomers who pass a written examination consisting of 400 questions, with a separate part testing practical skills.

Understanding animals and how to handle their personalities is helpful. It is not as easy as it sound trying to wash a slippery, wet dog who prefers being a dirty dog.

Most pet groomers learn their trade by completing an informal apprenticeship, usually lasting 6 to 10 weeks, under the guidance of an experienced groomer.

Another way to get experience is through one of the fifty state-licensed grooming schools throughout the country, with programs varying in length from 4 to 18 weeks.

Startup Costs/Equipment

Indoor space like a garage or basement. Grooming tables can be made by hand or bought new and used. You will also want a kennel cage to keep the dog in while waiting to be cleaned or picked up.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

The Art & Business of Professional Grooming - Written by Dorothy Walin and is loaded with first-hand, practical help.

From Problems to Profits - The Madson Management System for the Pet Grooming Businesses - Written by Madeline Bright Ogle “Many reference materials attest to man’s fondness of pets, but no books trace the origins of pet grooming...”

How to Make Big Money Grooming Small Dogs - The Absolute Amateur's Guide to Profitable, Professional Canine Styling - Written by Robert S. Whitman.

All Breed Dog Grooming Guide - Written by Sam Kohl. A Step-by-step illustrated instructions for bathing, trimming, scissoring and grooming the breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. This revised edition includes 25 new breeds.
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SOURCE: HowToStartup.com