💡 What If You Could Grow 30% Without Gaining a Single New Client?

Imagine increasing your revenue by 30% and boosting your business growth by up to 15%—without spending a dime on marketing or acquiring a single new client. No ads. No fancy funnels. Just by reframing how you present the services you already offer. That’s the power of intentional, ethical upselling. And yet, so many groomers hesitate to implement it—not because they don’t care, but because it feels pushy, awkward, or even dishonest. Let’s bust that myth wide open.


In a perfect world, every grooming business would operate on an all-inclusive model:

đŸŸ These are the services your pet needs.
đŸ’Č Here’s what they cost.
📝 Please sign this estimate.

Simple, transparent, and holistic.

But not every facility has adopted this model. And by not doing so, they may be leaving serious income—and sustainable growth—on the table. The truth is, many groomers are offering additional services
 they’re just not getting paid for them. Others hesitate to upsell at all, often for reasons like these:


đŸš« “Upselling Feels Like a Scam”

Let’s get something straight: upselling isn’t sleazy when the service has real value. The issue usually comes down to a disconnect—either the groomer doesn’t fully understand the benefit, or they’re unsure how to clearly communicate that value to the pet owner.

Take toothbrushing, for example. Most groomers know brushing only works if maintained at home. But are you framing it as a life-extending wellness practice? Poor dental health can reduce a pet’s lifespan by up to 30% and cause chronic pain that results in behavioral issues. That’s powerful information. Imagine offering a take-home kit that includes a free brushing with every refill—a better upsell, better compliance, and better pet health.

Or consider brush and comb sales. Instead of simply selling tools the owner likely won’t use, what if you offered a kit bundled with a 15-minute tutorial? Help them understand how regular, proper use leads to cleaner homes and less stressful grooming for their pet. You’re not selling a comb. You’re selling peace of mind.


💾 “I Don’t Want to Nickel and Dime My Clients”

No one wants sticker shock. And yes, jumping from $50 to $85 on a grooming ticket can feel like overcharging—unless the value is clearly communicated. Clear pricing distinctions matter, especially for services like de-shedding. Is it a light touch-up included in the bath? Or a full treatment with masks and soaks?

Spa add-ons, like conditioning masks or paw soaks, aren’t frivolous if they address real concerns. But the key is confidence and competence. Is the groomer trained to explain how a skin-soothing soak helps relieve chronic itching? Can they explain the value of deep conditioning for coat health and mat prevention?


đŸ˜¶ “I’m an Introvert—I Don’t Want to Have These Conversations”

Even the shyest groomer can upsell—if the system supports them. Relying on posters or countertop signs doesn’t cut it. How many of us push a door that clearly says pull? đŸ™‹â€â™€ïž

Instead, imagine using custom carbonless estimate forms during check-in. As you evaluate the pet, check off the services they need. The owner now sees exactly what’s recommended, what’s optional, and what it all costs—without a sales pitch.

Add smart line items like “Collar Washing”—a small, convenient service that solves a real problem. Or offer an in-salon-only discount on a new collar. It’s about showing options, not pushing them.


🙄 “There’s No Incentive for Me (or My Team) to Upsell”

Let’s be honest: if the upsell doesn’t benefit the groomer, why should they bother? Build in fair, motivating compensation. Start by calculating what each upsell costs in time and product. Then, design a system that rewards the groomer while still delivering excellent value to the client.


🛒 What Does Effective Upselling Actually Look Like?

It looks like this:
For my husband’s birthday, he wanted a $70 bird sculpture from a John Oliver segment. Simple purchase, right?

đŸȘ¶ Add to cart.
đŸȘ¶ “Would you like a $20 figurine to go with that?” Yes.
đŸȘ¶ “Spend $20 more for free shipping—here are some $20 items.” Sure.

Suddenly, my cart jumped from $70 to $150. Not because I was pressured—but because I was offered choices that made sense to me. That’s the secret sauce: educate, don’t sell.


đŸ§Œ The Takeaway

You don’t need to be a smooth-talking salesperson. You just need systems, services you believe in, and groomers who can communicate value. When you nail that? Upselling naturally evolves into all-inclusive pricing—and your business becomes simpler, stronger, and more profitable.

📝 Want a tip? Create your own carbonless estimate forms at Vistaprint.

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