Month: September 2025

Are You Leaving Money On The Grooming Table?

💰 Rethinking Upsells for a Stronger, Smarter Pet Business In a perfect world, every grooming shop would offer inclusive services:👉 “Here’s what your pet needs.”👉 “Here’s what it costs.”👉 “Sign here.” But in reality, not every facility operates under an all-inclusive model. And many groomers—especially those uncomfortable with upselling—may be leaving 30% more income and 10–15% potential growth behind. Now imagine making more money without spending anything on marketing or client acquisition. The key? Rethinking what upselling really means—and how it can serve both you and your clients. 💡 What’s Holding You Back From Upselling? Let’s talk honestly. If you’re hesitant to upsell, you’re not alone. Here’s why many groomers resist—and how to reframe those doubts. 🚫 “Upselling Feels Like a Scam.” Only if it’s done wrong. Take toothbrushing. Most groomers know brushing during an appointment won’t solve long-term dental issues. But instead of skipping it—or offering it as a weak add-on—what if you educated the client? Explain how poor dental care can shorten a pet’s life by up to 30% and lead to painful behavioral issues. Then offer a home care kit with easy instructions, and include a free in-shop brushing with every refill purchase. Suddenly, the upsell becomes a value-driven solution—not a cash grab. 💬 “I Don’t Want to Nickel-and-Dime My Clients.” Clients will notice if a $50 bill suddenly becomes $85—but what they really notice is whether you’ve communicated the value. De-matting and flea baths are clear-cut charges. But services like de-shedding? That’s where transparency makes all the difference. Define what’s included in your base bath, and clearly outline what a full de-shedding package entails—plus why it benefits their pet. Spa services like soaks and masks? These need confident, trained groomers who can explain why the product matters. If you don’t believe in it or understand how to use it, the client never will. 🧠 “I’m an Introvert. I Don’t Want to Explain Things.” Upselling doesn’t have to be awkward, long-winded, or pushy. You don’t even have to speak it if you have the right tools. Try using custom carbonless estimate forms that list all your services and pricing. During check-in, check off what the pet needs while reviewing them. The client sees the menu, the prices, and the reasoning—without you needing to deliver a sales pitch. One of my favorite line items? Collar washing. For a small charge, wash the pet’s collar during the bath—or offer a discount on a brand-new collar as a same-day purchase. Low effort, high return—and the client sees it as thoughtful, not pushy. ❌ “There’s No Incentive for Me (or My Staff) to Upsell.” That’s a business structure problem. Groomers should never feel like upselling only benefits the owner. Figure out what an upsell costs you in time and product. Then build in a fair, motivating commission or bonus structure. When groomers are properly compensated, they’ll be invested in identifying services that benefit the pet and the business. 🛒 Let’s Talk John Oliver and Bird Sculptures For my husband’s birthday, he wanted a $70 metal bird sculpture featured on an episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Easy enough—add to cart. Then came the upsells:➡️ “Add this $20 John Oliver figurine to perch on your bird.”➡️ “Spend $20 more to qualify for free shipping—check out our $20 deals?” Of course I clicked. I added two more items. Suddenly, my cart was $150 instead of $70—and I felt good about it. I wanted those extras because they were fun, made sense, and were presented at just the right time. Your clients are no different. Upselling isn’t about pressure—it’s about presenting meaningful options and letting them decide. ✂️ Upselling That Works Starts With Belief and Training If you believe in your services, and you train your staff to confidently and clearly communicate the benefits, upselling becomes second nature. You may even discover that your add-ons evolve into all-inclusive pricing, creating a seamless experience that both simplifies operations and improves client satisfaction. So no—you’re not being pushy. You’re being proactive, professional, and pet-focused. And that’s what truly grows a grooming business.

 Setting Clients Up for Success

🐾 How Clear Communication Creates Happy Pets, Happy People, and a Thriving Grooming Business Imagine a world where every client interaction is smooth, every grooming appointment runs on time, and every pet in your care is well-prepared, calm, and happy. Sounds like a dream? It can be!  Groomers spend so much time setting themselves up for success—investing in tools, training, and systems—but what if we put just as much effort into setting our clients (two-legged and four-legged) up for success too? By establishing clear expectations, boundaries, and support systems, you create a business environment built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. This isn’t just about customer service—it’s about creating an experience that works for everyone involved, especially the pets. Here’s how to set your clients up for success—and why it matters more than you think. ✅ 1. Build Trust Through Professionalism The foundation of any successful client relationship is trust. And trust begins with how professional you appear—both in communication and in presentation. Ask yourself: Think of it this way: If your surgical team showed up in t-shirts and sneakers before your operation, would you feel confident? Probably not. Your clients want to feel the same sense of reassurance. Display your continuing education certificates proudly in the lobby. Create a peaceful, controlled environment even when things are busy. First impressions—and ongoing consistency—matter. 📄 2. Offer a “What to Expect” Handout Clients aren’t groomers. They don’t know what happens behind the scenes, and they shouldn’t be expected to. A well-crafted handout (digital or printed) outlining your process helps reduce confusion, minimize repetitive questions, and build confidence. It doesn’t need to be long—just clear. Here’s an example you can adapt: “After check-in, your pet will receive a gentle, hands-on assessment to evaluate coat condition and spot any behavioral or medical concerns. Next comes a relaxing hydro-massage bath with carefully selected shampoos and conditioners. Ears are cleaned during the bath, followed by nail trimming and hand drying with ear protection. Once dry, your pet is brushed, combed, and groomed according to the style discussed. We finish with bows or bandanas for a touch of flair!” Add your own flair—and include anything your clients frequently ask about. The goal is to make them feel informed, not overwhelmed. 📆 3. Educate on the Importance of Scheduling A consistent grooming schedule isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for the pet’s comfort and wellbeing. Help clients understand: This is also a perfect opportunity to talk about at-home care. You can even draw relatable comparisons: “You wouldn’t go months without brushing your teeth or hair—your pet needs the same regular maintenance between visits.” 📝 4. Use Terms of Service to Set Boundaries A clear, signed Terms of Service agreement is not just good business—it’s a boundary-setting powerhouse. It protects youwhile educating your clients about your expectations. Your TOS should include policies around: It tells clients that you are a professional business owner, not a hobbyist or a pushover. And it sets the tone for a relationship based on mutual respect. 🛑 5. Use Waivers to Protect Your Business Some situations require an extra layer of documentation. Always have signed waivers for: And here’s your new mantra: “No” is a complete sentence. If a client refuses to sign the necessary waivers or TOS—don’t groom the pet. You have every right to say no. 🤝 6. Provide Professional Referrals When Needed You don’t have to groom every pet that walks through your door. Sometimes, the kindest and most professional thing you can do is refer a client elsewhere—whether it’s to a vet, a trainer, or another groomer who specializes in a particular breed or temperament. When you refer out: I often received referrals for senior pets or cats, and in return, I’d refer pets that needed specialty trims or required mid-groom breaks. Collaboration over competition always wins. 🎯 Final Thoughts: Not Every Client Is Your Client—And That’s Okay Not every pet owner will appreciate the care and professionalism you put into your work. Some are only interested in speed and convenience—and those likely aren’t your people. And that’s okay. But for the clients who do care (and there are many), these strategies will transform your business. By setting clear expectations, maintaining healthy boundaries, and communicating the why behind your policies, you’ll create smoother appointments, stronger relationships, and a more joyful grooming environment—for you and the pets.

The Smartest Move You’re Not Making (Yet): Join Your State Grooming Association!

In a rapidly evolving pet care industry, professional pet groomers are continually seeking ways to grow, stay informed, and connect with like-minded peers. One of the most powerful steps a groomer can take is joining a state grooming association. These organizations offer more than just a membership card—they provide resources, advocacy, community, and credibility that can make a tangible difference in a groomer’s career. 1. Professional Recognition and Credibility Being a member of a recognized state grooming association immediately sets a groomer apart. It demonstrates a commitment to professionalism, continuing education, and industry standards. Many associations provide members with a certificate, wall plaque, or listing on their website, which helps build trust with clients and showcases accountability. 2. Access to Continued Education Staying up to date with the latest grooming techniques, safety protocols, and business practices is vital. State associations often host or provide discounts to grooming seminars, hands-on workshops, webinars, and trade shows. These events allow groomers to expand their knowledge and stay current in an industry where trends and tools are always changing. 3. Networking Opportunities Working in a salon, mobile, or house-call setting can be isolating. A state association creates a community where groomers can connect, share experiences, exchange referrals, and even mentor one another. These relationships can lead to long-term friendships, business collaborations, or valuable support during challenging times. 4. Advocacy and Representation State grooming associations are often at the forefront of legislative efforts that impact the grooming industry. Whether it’s animal welfare laws, licensing requirements, or small business regulations, these associations give groomers a collective voice. Members are kept informed and can contribute to shaping the policies that directly affect their livelihoods. 5. Exclusive Perks and Discounts Membership often comes with financial benefits, including discounts on insurance, grooming supplies, continuing education events, and more. These perks can add up quickly and provide significant savings over time, especially for small business owners managing tight margins. 6. Elevating the Industry Joining a state association is also about being part of something bigger—raising the standards of the profession and advocating for excellence in care. Members help promote ethical practices, safe handling, and the overall well-being of pets, which enhances the industry’s reputation. But wait, you don’t have an association, but want to start one? Then join the World Alliance Of Grooming Associations at https://waga.wildapricot.org to get started with support. In Summary Joining a state grooming association is an investment in a groomer’s future. It supports personal and professional growth, creates opportunities for connection, and reinforces the values that make grooming a respected and essential part of the pet care world. For groomers who want to stand out, stay supported, and shape the future of their profession, a state association is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

From Guesswork to Game Plan: Build a Grooming Business That Grows

📝 Do You Really Need a Business Plan? (Yes—And Here’s Why) Wait—don’t scroll past this.Are you about to skip this article because you think a business plan doesn’t apply to you? Maybe you’re thinking: Think again. A written business plan is not just a fundraising tool—it’s the blueprint for your business’s success. It’s the document that keeps you focused, organized, and ready to grow with intention. “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.” — Alan Lakein Why Every Pet Business Needs a Business Plan Even if you’re not starting from scratch, your business still needs direction. A business plan provides: ✔️ Clarity on your mission and vision✔️ A roadmap for scaling or shifting direction✔️ A tool for evaluating what’s working—and what’s not✔️ A valuable asset when it’s time to retire or sell your business Let’s break down what your plan should include: 1. Business Description What does your business do—and why does it matter?Describe how you operate, what you offer, what makes you qualified, and most importantly—your why. Go beyond a name and service list. Let the soul of your business come through. This is your chance to shine. 2. Products and Services Detail every product and service you offer. What makes them unique? How did you determine pricing and timing?Remember: time is money. Your pricing should reflect the cost of time, materials, and value. If not, you’re working hard—but not smart. 3. Sales & Marketing Strategies How do you attract clients—and more importantly, keep them?Include your website, social media, local outreach, referral programs, and any advertising you’ve done.Then take it further: What’s worked? What hasn’t? Let data, not emotion, guide future strategy. 4. Day-to-Day Operations This is your behind-the-scenes reality. Include: If you ever want to sell your business or step away, consistent documentation—like updated business plans and clean financial records—dramatically increases your company’s value. 5. Development & Future Goals This is your dream space.What do you want to add, change, or launch in the future? Whether it’s a new service, product line, or expansion—write it down. A goal without a plan is just a wish. 6. Financial Summary Startups: base projections on similar businesses.Established groomers: dig deep. Every penny counts. Use accounting software to track each revenue stream separately—so you can see what’s thriving and what’s dragging you down. This section reveals where your money is going and what’s driving profits. If you’re allocating resources to something that isn’t paying off—you’ll know. 7. Business Summary (a.k.a. The Snapshot) Summarize your business in easy-to-read bullet points.This is often the first thing banks, investors, or buyers will read—make it compelling and clear. 🧰 Ready to Get Started? Visit SBA.gov for free downloadable templates to make writing your business plan easier. Customize it to fit your grooming business’s needs—and revisit it yearly to update your goals, financials, and direction. ✨ Final Thought: Don’t Guess. Plan. Whether you’re brand new or decades in, your business deserves a roadmap grounded in reality—not wishful thinking. A business plan isn’t just for investors—it’s for you. It helps you make confident, informed decisions and adds measurable value to your business every step of the way. 📌 So grab a pen, open that template, and start mapping out the future of your grooming business—one smart, intentional section at a time.