37 Ways to Grow Your Mobile Pet Grooming Business

Mobile pet grooming is a fast-growing animal services sector. Mobile pet grooming is convenient for both the business owner and the pet owner. Most pet owners, especially the elderly prefer to have their pets groomed at home. Besides, some pets do not like to be transported as they get irritated, anxious or aggressive.  And, as the mobile groomer, you do not incur expenses like rent and utility bills.

If you are into mobile pet grooming, here are ways you can grow your business.

1. Have a business plan in place

Established or starting, a business plan is crucial. Clearly state your goal, know the exact services you want to offer, always keep a detailed record of expenses and the time it will take to break even.

2. Refine your styling skills

It is easier to grow when you know what you are doing. Have a clear understanding of pet features. Coat characteristics and canine anatomy, for example, are some of the features you should know how to handle.

3. Register your business as a legal entity

Business activities are dynamic thus you can expect any outcome. Establishing your business as a legal entity will protect you in case your pet grooming business gets sued.

4. Understand your legal responsibilities

Regardless of how well your business is doing, it can quickly fail if you violate legal requirements. These requirements differ depending on your location. Examples include permits and licenses, liability waivers for clients and regional laws on grooming businesses.

5. Get insurance

It is essential to protect your business and your employees by taking out insurance coverage for your business. By doing so, your business is not doomed even after loss-causing situations.

6. Tax registration

Register your company for taxes according to your state and federal laws.

7. Establish a sound accounting system

Accurate accounting is vital for the success of any business. Ensure you keep detailed, accurate and up to date records of your business transactions for evaluation.

8. Set up a different bank account for your business

Opening an account solely for your dog grooming business portrays your business as serious, credible and professional.

9. Acquire all the necessary tools and equipment

A successful business runs its operations smoothly. To ensure this happens, you need all the required tools so that work doesn’t stop midway. Examples of must-haves include a vehicle, power generator, power connections, waste containers, and grooming tools.

10. Stand out

There are many mobile pet groomers out there hence the need to stand out in the crowd. Build a strong brand to differentiate your business from the competitor. Find what you can offer the best and maximize on it.

11. Partner with complementary businesses

Joining efforts with other related industries will aid in your marketing efforts. Pet trainers, veterinarians, and pet kennels are some examples of such businesses. It will help grow your credibility and client base.

12. Create a special first visit

The first impression is a prerequisite for any future relations. Therefore, strive to make your first visit special. For example, offer your services at a discount for a chance to showcase your skills.

13. Get creative

You cannot stand out by doing what your competitors are doing. Come up with new ideas to attract new clients. Offer promotions like rewards and seasonal sales. You can also come up with new styling techniques that include using paints and dyes.

14. Be calm and gentle while handling the pets

Displaying trustworthiness to both your client and their pet is vital. Your van is a new environment for the pet hence may trigger stress in the pet. Stay calm and gentle while handling the pet to assure them of its safety.

15. Provide top-notch services

Clients appreciate great services. By offering quality services, you build your reputation hence keep your client base while attracting new clients.

16. Build great relationships

When people are treated well, this will go a long way in boosting your business. Build and maintain a good relationship with the pet owner and he/she will become a repeat client.

17. Stay focused

Your business will not grow in one day. If you do not get clients, do not give up. Instead, review your business. Identify your weak areas and perfect on them. Keep offering quality services and your business will grow over time.

18. Offer competitive pricing

Your growth rate is affected by the prices for the services you are offering. Avoid falling in the trap of under-pricing to attract customers. Set up competitive prices by comparing the pricing of your competitors. Remember, mobile grooming is costlier than traditional grooming.

19. Attend community events

Be on the watch for activities that involve pets. Attend them and let people know about your services. For example, you can offer free pet nail trimming services at these events.

20. Offer free pet-training lessons

You can print manuals and hand them out personally. Alternatively, submit them online through an email system.

21. Use traditional marketing

Using traditional methods of advertising can help grow your business. Make use of informative business cards and brochures. Ensure they have all the necessary details. Give them out to friends, neighbors and at pet parks.

22. Ask for referrals

Referrals make it easy to gain trust in a service. Encourage your customers to refer your business in exchange for valuables like discounts.

23. Create a website

A website will help you to reach the online audience. Include quality content, links to helpful blogs and your contact information. Add your site address to your printed cards.

24. Give freebies

Partner up with local shelters and rescue groups and offer the rescued pets free grooming. Take quality photos before and after grooming and post them to your website.

25. Put your business on Facebook
    

Facebook has many users. Use the opportunity to open a Facebook page and link it to your website. Interact with other groomers and customers. Share photos and events to spark interest in your business.

26. Involve your customers

Make your customers feel unique and appreciated by involving them. For example, create contests featuring their pets. Set up an attractive prize for the winner.

27. Listen to your customers

Your customers are your best bet on how to satisfy them. Listen to their desires and go with the flow.

28. Take photos for social media and website

Pictures are a reliable marketing tool. Take clear before and after pictures of your clients’ pets and post them online.

29. Record a video for your website

Videos are a simple and fun way to share information. Record a video while you work and post it to your website or social media pages.

30. Stay in touch with your clients

Staying in touch helps build trust and confidence in your business. Sending newsletters to your clients, for example, can help you stay in touch.

31. Ask for testimonials

Reviews are an excellent way to build trust and credibility. Ask your clients to leave reviews and post them on your website.

32. Send a thank you note

It is important to appreciate your customers. If you have not done so yet, craft a quick note and send to them.

33. Update your marketing materials

Over time, your business cards, flyers, brochures, and logos can change. Ensure the information is up to date. 

34. Newspaper advertising

Daily newspapers are extensive thus you may not reach the target audience. Instead, use smaller, community-based papers to reach your potential customers.

35. Use your van for advertisement

Use your outer van space creatively. Let people tell at a glance that you are a pet groomer by just looking at your van.

36. Utilize local online listings

Many people use online directories. Get listed on directories such as Yelp to enable potential clients to find you.

37. Building a team

Once your business grows, you will need to employ more staff. While it is a great idea to hire, ensure you assess your candidates carefully by checking their experience and work history.