Greedy Bitch

 Hello hello and welcome to Greedy Bitch, a podcast where groomers stop apologizing for charging their worth.  I’m your host River Lee, founder of the Savvy Groomer.

Today’s episode is sponsored by the Price Increase Masterclass, a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you all about increasing your prices.

Let’s talk about today's topic:

How to avoid cookie cutter pricing

We’ve all asked around in Facebook groups to see what other groomers are charging. This works fine for a quick thermometer check, but this is awful for setting your prices. It is awful because every groomer’s business is so different. 

I’m going to show you why you need to evaluate how your business is different and create a pricing structure that works for you.

What is cookie cutter pricing?

Cookie cutter pricing is a pricing structure that assumes what works for other groomers will also work for you. Cookie cutter pricing takes other groomers’ prices at face value and fails to consider what factors might be affecting their prices, such as geographical location, experience level, business type, number of employees, products used, and so on.

This happens a lot in community forums like Facebook groups. We ask other groomers what their pricing is and then take those prices and use them in our own business. 

Asking around can be okay for a quick temperature check, but it is important to ask for as much extra information as you can before putting too much trust in someone else’s business model.

Are they running their business out of a salon, a mobile salon, or a home? Do they have general pick-up and drop-off times or do they do dogs one-on-one? Do they use top-tier luxury products or cheap products? What level of care are they providing for their animals?

If you don’t ask these questions, you are doing yourself and the industry a disservice. You really cannot base your prices off of this without considering all these factors.

An example of why cookie cutter pricing doesn’t work: My blonde moment

If you’ve been following along, you might know that I recently dyed my hair blonde. My friend also dyes her hair blonde.

She pays a lot less for her hair treatments, but her hair is damaged from it. She also goes several weeks between appointments, so her roots often show. She is fine with this, so she continues to pay the price that she pays. It is her hair and it is completely up to her what she wants and she can decide what is worth it to her.

On the other hand, I pay a premium for my hair treatments and I go every three weeks, so in total, I am paying so much more for my hair. However, my hair is not damaged. Also, I have really dark hair that I want covered, so it is worth it to me to go more often.

You might be wondering, River, what does this have to do with pet grooming? My point is, even though my friend and I get the same basic result (blonde hair), you can’t compare the services. You can’t expect me to pay the same price that my friend does when I am buying much more expensive products and am going twice as often.

A pet grooming business coaching example

Let’s look at another more relevant example. 

I have two wonderful business coaching clients who have very similar business models. They’re both solopreneurs with one-on-one grooming businesses providing similar services. However, one business is in California and one is in a rural area. California is one of the most expensive areas in the country, and a rural grooming salon just cannot compete on those prices. 

So, it is completely unrealistic for both of these businesses to charge the same prices, even though they are so similar in other ways.

This is a great example of why asking for other groomers’ prices in a Facebook group and blindly using those prices in your business is such a bad idea.

Additionally, the market is wrong and so most groomers are not charging enough to be profitable, let alone keep up with inflation. 

Why is the market wrong?

Basically, most groomers are not charging enough to even keep up with inflation. 

Many groomers have been in the business for 30 or 40 years but have not raised their prices every year to keep up with inflation. 

Say you’ve been in business for 40 years. In 1980, you used to charge $45 to groom a dog. $45 in 1980 is worth $145 today — so you would need to charge $145 just to keep up with your old prices. But you also need to honor the fact that during that time frame, you’ve become an incredible groomer with 40 years of experience. Therefore, $145 is not enough and you need to factor in your experience level and any certifications you’ve earned since then.

Also, many groomers look to big box stores like Petco and PetSmart to set their prices. What most people don’t realize is that these stores sell grooming services as loss leaders. This means that they actually lose money on grooming, but it gets people into the stores to buy their products and that’s how they make money. 

Many times the market is just a race to the bottom, which is not sustainable and hurts business.

What can we do to avoid cookie cutter prices?

As an industry, we need to make our prices match what we want in our life and business, which means no more cookie cutter prices. Stop basing your prices off of what other people charge.

To start, you should start evaluating your pricing annually. Inflation happens at an average rate of 3–5% per year, so raising your prices at least that much every year is a great place to start. But don’t stop there! There is so much that needs to go into pricing. 

Everyone is afraid of raising prices, being the most expensive, and losing clients. But you need to realize that if you do things right, you can groom fewer pets and make the same amount of money — or more! 

Calculate how much you are going to earn at certain price points. Make choices that are best for you, your family, and your business. Use guidelines to create your own pricing structure around your wants and needs. Consider things like what salary you need for yourself and/or for your employees, what types of pets you want to groom, how many pets you want to groom, how many hours you want to work per week, how much time you want to take off, and so on.

Your long-term happiness is so important. And using cookie cutter prices and just keeping up with inflation is not enough. 

That sounds great, right? But it also sounds really hard and scary, I know. That’s where The Savvy Groomer can help.

If you’ve been using cookie cutter prices and not keeping up with inflation in your business, don’t feel bad. For a while, I didn’t know any better either. It is not our fault we didn’t know, because how could we? But now that we know, we need to stop with cookie cutter pricing. 

That said, we need to strategize our price increases and make strong business plans to roll them out. Good marketing is critical and being prepared with things like scripted talking points can be a game changer. 

It is so important to know how much your services are worth and to charge appropriately for your skillset, location, and business goals. 

If you guys are interested in learning more about the Price Increase Masterclass, be sure to check out savvygroomer.com/pimc. This is a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you how to formulate and implement your price increase so you can finally make money and grow your business.

Thank you all so much for listening to this podcast, How to avoid cookie cutter pricing. Be sure to visit me at SavvyGroomer.com to see my current opportunities to work with me in growing your pet grooming business plus more free resources for you to learn. See you in our free community on Facebook - Savvy Pet Professionals! As always, Happy Grooming!

 Hello hello and welcome to Greedy Bitch, a podcast where groomers stop apologizing for charging their worth.  I’m your host River Lee, founder of the Savvy Groomer. 

Today’s episode is sponsored by the Price Increase Masterclass, a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you all about increasing your prices.

Let’s talk about today’s topic:

Why being called expensive isn’t an insult

First, let’s start with some context. As a pet grooming salon owner, you have a lot of expenses to cover in order to provide a high-quality service to your customers. These expenses include things like rent, utilities, supplies, insurance, and  your employees’ wages. All of these costs need to be factored into your pricing structure, along with a reasonable profit margin.

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter. When a customer says that your prices are “too expensive,” it can be easy to feel insulted or defensive. After all, you’re providing a valuable service to their beloved pets, and it can feel like they’re not appreciating the time and effort that goes into it. However, it’s important to remember that their perception of what is “expensive” is relative to their own financial situation and what they value.

For some customers, price is the most important factor in their decision-making process. They may be looking for the cheapest possible option, and they may not fully understand or appreciate the value that your salon provides. However, other customers may prioritize quality, convenience, or other factors over price. These are the customers who are willing to pay a premium for a service that meets their specific needs and expectations.

So, what can you do when a customer says that your prices are too expensive? First, it’s important to listen to their concerns and try to understand where they’re coming from. Ask them what specifically they feel is too expensive, and see if there’s anything you can do to address their concerns. For example, you may be able to offer them your very best pricing or provide a more detailed breakdown of your pricing structure to help them understand the value that they’re getting. As for the very best pricing, this does not necessarily mean a discount. What this means is that your 4 week grooming price may be $100, and your 8 week pricing may be $200, therefore the 4 week grooming price is your very best price and it looks like the customer is getting a discount in their eyes.

However, it’s also important to recognize that not every customer is going to be a good fit for your business. If someone is consistently complaining about your prices or trying to haggle with you, they may not be the type of customer that you want to attract. Instead, focus on building relationships with customers who value the quality of your services and are willing to pay it.

Ultimately, the key to success in the pet grooming industry is to understand your target customer and their specific needs and preferences. While some customers may balk at the price, others will appreciate the value that you provide and be willing to pay a premium for your services. By staying true to your pricing structure and focusing on building relationships with the right types of customers, you can build a successful and profitable business that stands the test of time.

It’s also important to remember that price isn’t the only factor that customers consider when choosing a pet grooming salon. Customers may be willing to pay a higher price if they feel that they are getting a better overall experience. For example, if your salon provides a more comfortable and relaxing environment for pets, or if your employees are especially skilled or personable, customers may be willing to pay more for your services.

In fact, it can be a good strategy to focus on providing an exceptional experience rather than trying to compete on price alone. This can help differentiate your business from the competition and attract the types of customers who are willing to pay more for a premium service. By focusing on building a strong brand and reputation for quality, you can create a loyal customer base that will keep coming back, even if your prices are higher than other pet grooming salons in the area. 

It’s also worth remembering that the cost of doing business can vary depending on the location and the size of your salon. If you’re operating in a more expensive, or if you have a larger salon that requires more staff or equipment, you may need to charge more for your services in order to cover your costs and make a reasonable profit. Customers who are familiar with the pet grooming industry will understand this, and be willing to pay more for a service that is worth the price.

Being called “expensive” by a customer is not necessarily a bad thing. While it can be tempting to try to lower your prices to attract more customers, this may not be the best long-term strategy for your business. Instead, focus on providing an exceptional experience for your customers and building a strong brand that emphasizes quality and value. By doing so, you can attract the types of customers who are willing to pay a premium for a service that meets their specific needs and expectations. 

Being called “expensive” by a customer is not necessarily an insult. It’s simply a reflection of their own priorities and financial situation. As a pet grooming salon owner, it’s important to understand the value that you provide and to price your services accordingly. By focusing on building relationships with customers who appreciate your quality and value, you can create a successful and sustainable business for years to come.

If you guys are interested in learning more about the Price Increase Masterclass, be sure to check out savvygroomer.com/pimc. This is a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you how to formulate and implement your price increase so you can finally make money and grow your business.

Thank you all so much for listening to this podcast, why being called expensive isn’t an insult. Be sure to visit me at SavvyGroomer.com to see my current opportunities to work with me in growing your pet grooming business plus more free resources for you to learn. See you in our community on Facebook - Savvy Pet Professionals! As always, Happy Grooming

 Hello hello and welcome to Greedy Bitch, a podcast where groomers stop apologizing for charging their worth.  I’m your host River Lee, founder of the Savvy Groomer. 

Today’s episode is sponsored by the Price Increase Masterclass, a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you all about increasing your prices.

Let’s talk about today’s topic:

5 mindset myths holding your business back

Let’s talk about some limiting beliefs and how they hold us back.

What are limiting beliefs? A limiting belief is a false belief that a person acquires as a result of making an incorrect conclusion about something in life. 

For example: A person could acquire a limiting belief about their ability to succeed as soon as they struggle or fail. Their limiting belief could look something like, “Why try, I will simply fail like I always do.”

Limiting beliefs are toxic. They rob you of your confidence, talents and ability to share with others.

They are your mind’s way of saving you in dangerous or difficult situations before you learned how to cope or overcome them.

When you experienced an emotionally overwhelming situation, your mind looked for a way to shield and protect you.

Let’s identify your mindset.

Identify what your mindset is telling you. How are those beliefs limiting your potential?

Identify the feeling attached to your limiting belief. Anger? Sadness? Helplessness? Overwhelm?

When was the first time you felt this way? Where were you? What do you remember?

When you identify it, don’t brush it off. Sometimes you need to embrace being uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to lean in and observe. 

“Whatever makes you uncomfortable is your biggest opportunity for growth.” -Bryant McGill

“An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming.” -Anonymous

Let’s talk about 5 mindset myths holding your business back.

Myth #1 - In order to make more money, I need to offer more services.

Figuring out your profitability will allow you to know if you are charging enough per pet.

If you keep grooming pets but you aren’t making enough profit per hour, you’re going to burn out.

Grooming more pets in the same amount of time can lead to accidents, poor quality or bad customer service.

Myth #2 - My clients can’t afford my services.

You may be saying, “Increase my prices? My clients will leave. They can’t afford me. They flipped out over a $5 increase.

Let’s be honest. If people are choosing to leave you over $5, you’re not succeeding at creating good customer service and branding. The only people that leave over $5 are Walmart customers. If they chose you over price, make sure your business model fits accordingly.

Do your clients see value? And this is value beyond the dollar sign. If they see value, they are not as worried about the dollar amounts.

Myth #3 - If I don’t help, this dog/cat/client will suffer.

I understand that your heart is in the right place. I know you’re a good, kind, compassionate person, and I genuinely honor that. 

I want you to remind yourself that you are not the one who chose to ignore and neglect your furry friend. You are not the one watching that pet slowly become matted every day. 

If the client isn’t educated they need to be educated. That doesn’t mean you have to do it for free. Your time costs money, and it’s going to save that client a lot of money in the future by giving them that proper education. 

When you do groom this pet, it’s like buying a pet store puppy. If you give this person a break on price and groom their pet, then they’re just going to come back in 6 months or a year. You are continuing the cycle of abuse.

Myth #4 - Charging what I’m worth means I’m greedy.

If you want to groom for free there are lots of rescues and non-profits who will accept your time/donation!

Businesses are in business to make money. I cannot go into the grocery store to pick up a gallon of milk in exchange of brownie points.

Choosing to not plan your financial future means you will be a burden to loved ones or potentially live in poverty. By planning your financial future, you will be able to age with dignity and not be forced to groom while in pain.

Myth #5 - My client is the problem.

Assuming your client is an asshole or she’s a stuck up bitch isn’t going to solve the problem.

You attracted them, tolerated them and let this all happen. Why are you shocked?

Create better marketing, branding, policies and procedures. Attract better clients so you can replace the ones you don’t want.

Let’s create a business that supports your life, not a life that supports your business. 

If you guys are interested in learning more about the Price Increase Masterclass, be sure to check out savvygroomer.com/pimc. This is a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you how to formulate and implement your price increase so you can finally make money and grow your business.

Thank you all so much for listening to this podcast, 5 mindset myths holding your business back. Be sure to visit me at SavvyGroomer.com to see my current opportunities to work with me in growing your pet grooming business plus more free resources for you to learn. See you in our community on Facebook - Savvy Pet Professionals! As always, Happy Grooming

Hello hello and welcome to Greedy Bitch, a podcast where groomers stop apologizing for charging their worth.  I’m your host River Lee, founder of the Savvy Groomer.

Today’s episode is sponsored by the Price Increase Masterclass, a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you all about increasing your prices.

Let’s talk about today's topic:

What is wealth?

So what does it mean to be wealthy? What I have learned in my personal life is to think about what wealth means as a relative term that makes sense to me. What does it mean to be wealthy in my life? For me, wealth means freedom. Wealth means being able to do what I want when I want. Wealth means security, safety, and that my son is able to have the best life possible. Those are some of the things that wealth will give me.

Now does wealth have a dollar amount? For me, it does. I know exactly how much money I need to have in an investment in order to be able to just live off of that investment. 

I also want to talk about our mindset surrounding wealth.

One time when I went to a trade show, I noticed some groomers checking out the mobile grooming vans. Now, just to put it in perspective, a Mercedes Sprinter van goes for about $80,000 to over $125,000. And so these groomers were complaining about the price and saying, “It’s so expensive. How would I ever make that money back?” You can’t have a wealthy mindset if you are so worried about those things.

We have to start thinking about wealth in terms of what we want. What is wealth to you? How much do you want? Do you equate wealth with positive things like success, fun, being grateful, and positive? Or do you associate wealth with negative things like greedy people, people that take advantage of people? How do you view wealth? That’s going to be incredibly important in how well you’re going to do in turn. If you honestly believe that the only people who make money are the bad guys, you’re never going to make enough money. That’s the truth. And if you do make enough money, you’re probably not going to do something with it like save for retirement or investing in yourself or your business. I don’t know how much you’ve saved for retirement yet, but the majority of groomers that I’ve met have nothing saved for retirement. 

For example, if saving up cash to buy a car scares you a little bit then ask yourself, “Okay, why does that scare me?” Is it something that you can’t do? Right now it might be something that you can’t do, but when you are wealthy you will be able to.

Again, wealth is relative. What kind of lifestyle would you have? Think about all the positive things that you could do with your wealth. Personally, I love giving. Nothing is more fun than giving. For my business owners, how awesome would it be to give all of your employees a trip to a trade show or upgrading your salon in a way that supports your employees? Stu McLaren says, “The more money you make the more money you can give!” 

When you’re wealthy, where do you want to go? 

A lot of times we have these limiting beliefs about how much money we should have. When do I become a bad person for having money based on my dollar amount?

Your relationship with money is what’s going to help you retire.

When figuring out what you need in order to be wealthy, I generally suggest starting out with figuring out how much money you’re going to need to retire. This will all come from figuring out your budget. 

So in order for you to feel and get wealthy, we then need to figure out how to get you there. The whole point of wealth is to be comfortable. You want to be able to protect yourself and the people you love. You have to know what wealth means to you. It’s important to always be working towards your dream and what you envision your life being when you’re wealthy. 

So what is your vision of wealth? Is it owning your own grooming salon, but not having to groom? Is it owning your own mobile van? Do you want to own a daycare, boarding, and grooming facility? What kind of business do you want? Do you want to travel? Where do you want to live? What do you want your life to look like?

If you guys are interested in learning more about the Price Increase Masterclass, be sure to check out savvygroomer.com/pimc. This is a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you how to formulate and implement your price increase so you can finally make money and grow your business.

Thank you all so much for listening to this podcast, What is wealth. Be sure to visit me at SavvyGroomer.com to see my current opportunities to work with me in growing your pet grooming business plus more free resources for you to learn. See you in our free community on Facebook - Savvy Pet Professionals! As always, Happy Grooming!

Hello hello and welcome to Greedy Bitch, a podcast where groomers stop apologizing for charging their worth.  I’m your host River Lee, founder of the Savvy Groomer.

Today’s episode is sponsored by the Price Increase Masterclass, a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you all about increasing your prices.

Let’s talk about today's topic:

How to handle requests for discounts

What do you say when clients ask for a discount? Everyone has different business models and different ways of running their business. There are things that you like to do that I might hate and vice versa. You have to do what’s best for your business and don’t let anyone tell you what’s best for your business unless they're your business coach.

So my answer when someone asks for a discount is that I ask them, “Why”. It’s an opportunity to educate them and consider their feelings. A lot of times they simply don’t understand what we do and why we charge what we do. 

I’ve heard in a lot of grooming groups that people think it’s rude for clients to ask for a discount and that no one should do that. So let’s think about why someone might ask for a discount for a moment. 

What are some potential answers they’re going to give me?

They may ask if you offer multi-pet discounts.

They’re probably going to ask, “Do you offer multi-pet discounts?” Now this may be somebody who’s considering getting another dog or maybe even has two puppies. That’s up to you if you want to offer a multi-pet discount. You may end up saying, “It takes the same amount of time to groom four dogs no matter if they’re in the same household or not.” That is the case for the salon. In a mobile, it would take a lot less drive time if you were to groom the 4 pets at a single household.

It’s up to you to educate them in a polite manner.

Clients just want to know what discounts you offer.

As someone who spends an obscene amount of money at Starbucks, I asked them if there were any discounts, and there was. I wouldn’t have known unless they told me about it or I asked about it. 

Did you know that Tiffany’s offers a discount on engagement rings to military personnel? My ex husband is a Navy veteran and he would ask all the time, “Do you offer a military discount?” We would always be surprised at how many places were so generous to help out veterans and we really appreciated that. I think we saved about 10-20% on my engagement ring. 

Now you’re probably not going to get a discount at Nordstrom, but they created a whole other business, Nordstrom Rack, for those who are more discount shoppers. So you may say to Nordstrom, “Do you have any sales? Or do you offer discounts?” They may say, “At this store we don’t, however, we do have an outlet.”

It’s not rude to ask for a discount. Asking for discounts is very common, especially in America, but even more so in other cultures. If you think that asking for discounts is rude, then on the flipside, do you think that offering upsells is rude? You’re essentially saying, “That price you’re willing to pay, are you willing to pay more?”

If you don’t want to discount your services, you absolutely do not have to. Please do not think that on any level that I am suggesting that you should. What I’m saying is that when your client is asking, consider what their motivation is.

Another reason may be that they’re thinking about coming in more often.

They may want to increase their frequency, but they’re not really sure if it’s a wise thing to do. A lot of that comes down to them not understanding what we do. For example, if I had someone ask me, “Hey, if I come for a haircut every 4 weeks, and then I do a bath every two weeks, is there a discount?” That’s a great question and it depends on your business model. 

If you don’t and a client says, “That’s stupid.” You could say, “You know, I totally respect that but due to the time, care and attention that your pet needs to receive, I cannot lower my prices.” If they continue, say, “Thank you so much. That’s just not something I’m willing to work with right now.” 

They may say that they’re willing to do a part of the grooming beforehand.

This is my least favorite kind of situation. They may ask, “Hey, if I bathe my own dog at home can I get a discount?” I would say, “I really appreciate the thought, however, it’s really hard to get a professional blowout on your dog at home. And if they’re not properly blown out, I won’t be able to give a good haircut. I don’t want you to get a subpar haircut.” They typically don’t have a $600 high velocity dryer at home, or the patience or the setup to sit there and blow that hair out so that it’s ready to be cut. Without the proper prep work, a bad haircut could reflect poorly on your reputation. 

By giving them that education, you’re going to be the go-to authority. 

Even high-end clients are going to ask for discounts, so don’t take it personally. 

If you guys are interested in learning more about the Price Increase Masterclass, be sure to check out savvygroomer.com/pimc. This is a 6-module Masterclass where we teach you how to formulate and implement your price increase so you can finally make money and grow your business.

Thank you all so much for listening to this podcast, How to handle requests for discounts. Be sure to visit me at SavvyGroomer.com to see my current opportunities to work with me in growing your pet grooming business plus more free resources for you to learn. See you in our free community on Facebook - Savvy Pet Professionals! As always, Happy Grooming!

 What is a consultation groom?

A consultation is the action or process of formally consulting or discussing.

A lot of us have heard of a consultation with a mechanic, lawyer, real estate agent, etc. 

Many people will call multiple similar places of business in order to get estimates and then they will usually go with the lowest estimate.  Because of the time that a consultation takes, some businesses charge a consultation fee.

You may have noticed that I used to offer a free virtual coffee, and then began charging $25. I then raised this to a $299 consult call. What I found was that the people who really wanted to talk to me would talk to me. When my consultation aka virtual coffee was free or $25 we had a high cancellation rate.  When it was $299 we had a 0% cancellation rate.

I would suggest that you offer consultation grooms to first-time clients and again when the pet hasn’t been groomed in 8 weeks or more.  These pets may be matted, have fleas, have tangles, have lost their pattern, etc.  I need to make sure that this new person aligns with my business. 

In the beginning I highly suggest any new person you give them their very first consultation for no additional fees, or a small fee (perhaps no more than 10-20% of your service price). 

Let’s say that your goal is to charge every 4 week client with a Shih Tzu $100. Therefore, I could make the first consultation groom start at $120 depending upon the time, care and attention that the pet requires. If the client then chooses to rebook for 4 weeks I will give them a $20 discount (so the price is back to $100). I effectively charge them that $20 consultation and then if they rebook they will pay $100 for their next appointment. Note: this is just one option. 

Another option is to charge a consultation fee, and then apply it for when they come in for a grooming appointment. You could say that you’re going to look over their pet, and it’s x amount of dollars. And then at that time you like me and I like you we can go ahead and book that appointment, and that fee will be applied to your grooming appointment.

A client who books this appointment is actually interested in creating a long-term relationship. Do you want people who want to create long-term relationships and do you just want anyone? Remember, there’s no wrong answer here. But if you want to build soulmate clients, if you want to build a business where you are growing long-term relationships of a select clientele, you need to start doing things differently.

How much should consultation grooms be?  This varies wildly depending upon how much you charge.

You have to consider how much time that consultation is really going to take. Now I love when people say that it’ll only take 5 minutes, but that’s simply not true. Just taking their information takes more than 5 minutes. To thoroughly go over a pet, and communicate the long-term needs and wants for a haircut can take anywhere between 15 minutes and 30 minutes. You want to make sure that you are communicating properly and that you can meet their needs. 

So you can charge 10-20% of the groom price, or however long the consultation takes. For example, if I charge $100 an hour, then I would charge for a consultation anywhere between $25-$50.

If you charge double for clients on an 8 vs 4 week schedule- aka $100 for 4 week, $150 for 6 week and 200 for 8 weeks you can always charge clients $200 and limit them to only 1, 2 or 3 consultation grooms a year to make sure they aren’t taking advantage of you.

There’s never been more pets than right now. This is because so many people got a dog or cat during covid. So we are getting burnt out from doing these consultations and not accounting for our time and money. 

How would you begin to implement this?

I would book this as your last appointment of the day, that way you can groom the pet start to finish or be able to make sure that you have extra time. If an average pet takes you 1 hour then I would schedule an hour and a half. And I would charge them for it! 

You could say, “Just so you know, this is a consultation groom. What we will do is we will groom your pet start to finish in order to see how they handle the grooming process to make them more comfortable with the grooming salon/mobile. It’s realistically going to take us anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half, hence the extra fee. However, once the groom is done we will be able to give you a better estimate for the following grooming appointment and any grooming appointments beyond that.”

This is a great way to deter people from shop hopping and  allow you to attract clients to actually commit to you. 

Remember, it’s totally fine if you’d rather not offer a consultation groom, and just want clients to come in for that first time and you hope you blow them away. If they are your soulmate client, they absolutely will stay. 

Today’s podcast was sponsored by Group Mentoring. This is where you can join a private community of like-minded savvy pet professionals. You can have your questions answered and listen to other questions from the group that you may not have considered. We offer the Business Workshop Library as well as quarterly live masterclasses and workshops as a bonus for joining Group Mentoring. If you’d like to sign up, go to savvygroomer.com/group.

Thank you all so much for listening to this podcast, What is a consultation groom.Be sure to visit me at SavvyGroomer.com to see my current opportunities to work with me in growing your pet grooming business plus more free resources for you to learn. See you in our community on Facebook - Savvy Pet Professionals! As always, Happy Grooming!

 Today’s episode is sponsored by the Price Increase Masterclass, a 6-module masterclass where we teach you all about increasing your prices.

Why Pet Grooming Business Owners Shouldn’t Feel Guilty Raising Their Prices

It is not uncommon for business owners, particularly those in the pet grooming industry, to feel guilty about raising their prices. This guilt may stem from a variety of factors, such as a desire to be competitive, a fear of alienating current customers, or a belief that charging more for services is inherently unfair. However, it is important for pet grooming business owners to recognize that raising their prices is often necessary for the sustainability and growth of their businesses.

There are several reasons why pet grooming business owners should not feel guilty about raising their prices.

The cost of running a pet grooming business is not cheap. Business owners must consider the cost of rent, utilities, supplies, and wages when determining their prices. These costs can add up quickly, and if business owners do not charge enough to cover them, they may struggle to keep their businesses afloat. In addition, business owners may also have to pay for marketing, insurance, and other business expenses. These additional costs can put even more pressure on business owners to increase their prices.

The value of a pet grooming business's services should be reflected in its prices. Pet grooming business owners provide a valuable service to their clients, and the time and expertise that goes into grooming a pet is worth a fair price. If business owners are not charging enough for their services, they may be undervaluing their own skills and time. This can lead to burnout and frustration, as business owners may feel like they are not being fairly compensated for their hard work. In addition, charging fair prices for services can help business owners attract and retain talented employees, as it allows them to offer competitive wages and benefits.

Raising prices can actually benefit a pet grooming business in the long run. By charging a fair price for their services, business owners can attract more high-value customers who are willing to pay for quality services. This can lead to increased revenue and profitability, which can be reinvested in the business to improve the customer experience and drive further growth. For example, business owners may be able to invest in new equipment or training, or hire additional staff to improve their services. In addition, charging fair prices can help business owners establish their businesses as trusted and respected providers of pet grooming services, which can lead to more word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business.

It is important for pet grooming business owners to remember that they are running a business, not a charity. While it is important to be compassionate and considerate of their customers' needs, business owners have the right to charge a fair price for their services. Feeling guilty about raising prices can prevent business owners from making necessary changes to their pricing models, which can ultimately harm their businesses. In addition, business owners have a responsibility to their employees to operate their businesses in a financially responsible manner. This includes charging fair prices for their services in order to generate sufficient revenue to cover their costs and create a profit.

It is important for pet grooming business owners to communicate with their customers about why they are raising their prices. This can help customers understand the value of the services being provided and the costs that go into running a pet grooming business. Business owners can also consider offering promotions or discounts to help ease the transition to higher prices. This can help to foster good relationships with customers and show that the business is willing to go the extra mile to provide value to its clients.

It is important for pet grooming business owners to stay up to date on industry trends and costs in order to determine fair pricing for their services. This can help them ensure that their prices are competitive and reflective of the value they provide to their customers. Business owners should regularly review their prices and make adjustments as needed in order to stay competitive and cover their costs.

It is important for pet grooming business owners to have confidence in the value of their services. If business owners do not believe in the value of their services, it will be difficult for them to charge fair prices for their work. It is important for business owners to recognize the value of their skills, expertise, and time, and to communicate this value to their customers.

It is important for pet grooming business owners to be transparent with their customers about their pricing. This can help build trust and understanding between the business and its clients. Business owners should be clear about what services are included in their prices and any additional fees that may be charged. By being transparent about their pricing, business owners can help customers understand the value of their services and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.

Finally, it is important for pet grooming business owners to remember that raising their prices is not always the only solution to increasing revenue and profitability. There are other ways that business owners can grow their businesses, such as expanding their services, improving the customer experience, or increasing their marketing efforts. Business owners should consider all of their options and make the decision that is best for their businesses and their customers.

All in all, a pet grooming business owners should not feel guilty about raising their prices. Doing so is often necessary for the sustainability and growth of their businesses, and it allows them to provide valuable services to their customers at a fair price. By staying up to date on industry trends, having confidence in the value of their services, being transparent with their customers, and considering all of their options, business owners can make informed decisions about their pricing and build successful and sustainable businesses.

If you guys are interested in learning more about the Price Increase Masterclass, be sure to check out savvygroomer.com/pimc. This is a 6-module masterclass where we teach you how to formulate and implement your price increase so you can finally make money and grow your business.

Thank you all so much for listening to this podcast, Why Pet Grooming Business Owners Shouldn’t Feel Guilty Raising Their Prices. Be sure to visit me at SavvyGroomer.com to see my current opportunities to work with me in growing your pet grooming business plus more free resources for you to learn. See you in our community on Facebook - Savvy Pet Professionals! As always, Happy Grooming

Today’s episode is sponsored by the Price Increase Masterclass, a 6-module masterclass where we teach you all about increasing your prices.

Why Pet Groomers Should Raise Their Prices

As a pet groomer, you are providing an essential service to your clients – caring for the well-being and appearance of their beloved pets. Whether you are a solo groomer working from a small home-based business or part of a larger grooming salon, it's important to consider the value of the services you provide and to set your prices accordingly.

There are several good reasons why pet groomers might consider raising their prices:

It's important to remember that raising your prices should not be taken lightly, and it's essential to communicate any price changes to your clients in a clear and transparent manner. Consider offering promotions or discounts to loyal customers to ease the transition and show your appreciation for their continued business. You might also consider offering a tiered pricing system, where you offer different levels of service at different price points. This can allow your clients to choose the level of service that best meets their needs and budget.

In addition to the financial benefits of raising your prices, it's important to consider the value of your time and expertise. As a pet groomer, you have likely spent a significant amount of time and energy learning your craft and honing your skills. It's important to fairly compensate yourself for the hard work and dedication you bring to your business. By setting competitive prices and valuing your time and expertise, you can create a sustainable and successful business that allows you to thrive and grow.

Overall, there are many valid reasons why pet groomers might consider raising their prices. By providing high-quality services and staying attuned to market demand and operating costs, you can ensure that you are fairly compensated for the valuable work you do. By setting competitive prices and offering value to your clients, you can build a successful and sustainable business that allows you to thrive and grow.

It's also important to consider the overall customer experience when setting your prices. While price is certainly a factor for many consumers, it's not the only factor. By providing excellent customer service, a clean and welcoming environment, and a high level of care and attention to detail, you can differentiate your business and justify higher prices.

In addition to the financial benefits of raising your prices, it's important to consider the impact on your own well-being and quality of life. If you are constantly working long hours and not fairly compensating yourself for your time and expertise, it can lead to burnout and a lack of satisfaction with your work. By setting competitive prices and valuing your time and energy, you can create a sustainable business model that allows you to enjoy your work and achieve a good work-life balance.

In conclusion, there are many valid reasons why pet groomers might consider raising their prices. By staying attuned to market demand and operating costs, continuously improving your skills and services, and valuing your time and expertise, you can create a successful and sustainable business that allows you to thrive and grow. By setting competitive prices and providing excellent customer service, you can differentiate your business and provide value to your clients.

If you guys are interested in learning more about the Price Increase Masterclass, be sure to check out savvygroomer.com/pimc. This is a 6-module masterclass where we teach you how to formulate and implement your price increase so you can finally make money and grow your business.

Thank you all so much for listening to this podcast, Why Pet Groomers Should Raise Their Prices. Be sure to visit me at SavvyGroomer.com to see my current opportunities to work with me in growing your pet grooming business plus more free resources for you to learn. See you in our community on Facebook - Savvy Pet Professionals! As always, Happy Grooming

 Today's episode is sponsored by the Price Increase Masterclass, a 6-module masterclass where we teach you all about increasing your prices.

Why Pet Groomers Should Feel Good About Charging Their Worth

As pet groomers, you play a vital role in the well-being and care of animals, and it's important to recognize the value of your work. In this episode, we'll be discussing the reasons why pet groomers should feel good about charging their worth and how to confidently communicate and negotiate your rates with clients.

1: The Importance of Valuing Your Time and Expertise

As a pet groomer, your time and expertise are valuable assets. You have spent countless hours training and learning about the proper techniques for grooming and caring for animals, and this knowledge and experience is something that should be respected and compensated accordingly.

Charging your worth means recognizing the value of your time and the services you provide, and not undervaluing yourself or your work. It's important to understand that your time is limited and that every moment you spend working is time you could be spending on other things, such as with your family or pursuing other interests.

Charging your worth also means being compensated fairly for the value you provide to your clients and their pets. When you provide high-quality grooming services, you are helping to improve the health and happiness of the animals in your care. This is something that should be recognized and compensated appropriately.

2: The Costs of Running a Business

In addition to the value of your time and expertise, it's important to consider the costs of running a business as a pet groomer. From equipment and supplies to rent and utilities, there are many expenses that go into running a successful grooming business.

Charging your worth means taking these costs into account and making sure you are compensated fairly for the services you provide. It's important to remember that you are not just providing a service to your clients, but also running a business and incurring costs along the way.

It's also important to remember that charging your worth does not necessarily mean charging the highest possible rate. It means charging a rate that reflects the value of your time and expertise and takes into account the costs of running your business.

3: Communicating and Negotiating Your Rates with Clients

So now that we've established the importance of charging your worth, how do you go about communicating and negotiating your rates with clients?

First and foremost, it's important to be confident in the value of your services and the rate you are proposing. Be prepared to explain to clients why your rate is fair and reasonable, and how it reflects the value of your time and expertise and the costs of running your business.

It's also important to be open to negotiation and to be willing to listen to your clients' concerns or questions. Be prepared to have a dialogue and to find a mutually acceptable solution.

It's also helpful to be upfront about your rates from the beginning, rather than waiting until after the grooming service has been provided. This can help to avoid misunderstandings or issues down the line.

4: The Importance of Self-Care

As a pet groomer, it's important to remember that charging your worth is not just about the financial aspect of your business, but also about taking care of yourself and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Working long hours and undervaluing your time and expertise can lead to burnout and negatively impact your well-being. It's important to prioritize self-care and make sure you are taking breaks and allowing yourself time to rest and recharge.

Charging your worth means valuing yourself and your time, and being willing to set boundaries with your clients to ensure that you are not overextending yourself. This can help to prevent burnout and ensure that you are able to provide high-quality services to your clients and their pets.

5: Overcoming Fear and Doubt

It's natural to have fears and doubts when it comes to charging your worth and negotiating your rates with clients. You may be worried about losing clients or not being able to attract new ones if you increase your rates.

However, it's important to remember that you are providing a valuable service and that there will always be clients who are willing to pay a fair price for high-quality grooming. It's also important to remember that by undervaluing yourself and your work, you are not only doing a disservice to yourself, but also to the industry as a whole.

One way to overcome fear and doubt is to educate yourself on industry standards and to surround yourself with supportive colleagues and mentors who can offer guidance and encouragement. It's also helpful to have a clear understanding of your own worth and to be confident in the value of your services.

6: The Benefits of Charging Your Worth

Charging your worth has many benefits, both for you and your clients. By valuing your time and expertise and being compensated fairly, you are able to run a sustainable and successful business. This can lead to greater financial stability and security, which can in turn allow you to focus on providing the best possible care to your clients and their pets.

Charging your worth also helps to establish you as a professional in your field and can attract clients who are willing to pay for high-quality grooming services. This can lead to a more positive and rewarding work experience and allow you to build a strong and loyal client base.

Finally, by charging your worth and valuing your work, you are helping to elevate the industry as a whole and demonstrate the value of pet grooming as a profession.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, pet groomers should feel good about charging their worth and valuing their time and expertise. By doing so, you are not only taking care of yourself and your business, but also providing high-quality services to your clients and their pets. Remember to be confident in the value of your services, be open to negotiation, and prioritize self-care in order to achieve a healthy and rewarding work-life balance. 

If you guys are interested in learning more about the Price Increase Masterclass, be sure to check out savvygroomer.com/pimc. This is a 6-module masterclass where we teach you how to formulate and implement your price increase so you can finally make money and grow your business.

Thank you all so much for listening to this podcast, Why Pet Groomers Should Feel Good About Charging Their Worth. We hope this discussion has been helpful and that you feel empowered to confidently communicate your rates with clients.

Be sure to visit me at SavvyGroomer.com to see my current opportunities to work with me in growing your pet grooming business plus more free resources for you to learn. See you in our community on Facebook - Savvy Pet Professionals! As always, Happy Grooming

Hello hello and welcome to Greedy Bitch, a podcast where groomers stop apologizing for charging their worth.  I’m your host River Lee, founder of the Savvy Groomer.

Today’s episode is sponsored by the Price Increase Masterclass, a 6-module masterclass where we teach you all about increasing your prices.

Let’s talk about today's topic:

Why Pet Grooming Business Owners Should Increase Prices Before the Recession Hits

In today's episode, we will be discussing the importance of increasing prices before a recession hits. As a pet grooming business owner, it's important to be proactive and prepared for economic downturns. We will explore the reasons why it's crucial to increase prices before a recession, as well as some strategies for doing so effectively.

The consequences of not increasing prices before a recession

Before we dive into the reasons why pet grooming business owners should increase prices before a recession, let's first discuss the consequences of not doing so. During a recession, consumers may be more hesitant to spend money on non-essential items such as pet grooming. This can lead to a decrease in demand for services and a corresponding decrease in revenue for pet grooming business owners.

If demand for services decreases and revenue decreases, it can be difficult for pet grooming business owners to maintain the same level of operation. This may result in the need to cut costs, such as reducing the number of employees or lowering the quality of products and services. These cost-cutting measures can ultimately have a negative impact on the overall customer experience and reputation of the business.

In addition to the potential loss of revenue and negative impact on the customer experience, not increasing prices before a recession can also lead to financial strain for pet grooming business owners. If expenses remain the same or increase while revenue decreases, it can be difficult to maintain profitability and pay bills on time. This financial strain can be especially difficult for small business owners who may not have the same financial resources as larger businesses.

Why pet grooming business owners should increase prices before a recession

Now that we've discussed the consequences of not increasing prices before a recession, let's talk about the reasons why it's important for pet grooming business owners to do so.

One of the main reasons is to ensure the sustainability of the business. By increasing prices beforehand, pet grooming business owners can buffer against potential losses and ensure that their business can weather the storm of a recession. This can help to prevent the need for drastic cost-cutting measures and allow the business to continue operating at a high level.

Another reason to increase prices before a recession is to take advantage of the current economic climate. During times of economic growth, consumers may be more willing to pay higher prices for services. By increasing prices now, pet grooming business owners can capitalize on this willingness to spend and potentially increase their profits.

It's also important to consider the long-term impact of not increasing prices before a recession. If prices are not increased during times of economic growth, it can be difficult to make up for lost revenue during a recession. This can lead to financial strain and potentially even the failure of the business. By increasing prices beforehand, pet grooming business owners can set themselves up for success in the long term and be better prepared for future economic downturns.

Strategies for increasing prices effectively

Now that we've discussed the reasons why it's important for pet grooming business owners to increase prices before a recession, let's talk about some strategies for doing so effectively.

One strategy is to introduce new services or packages at higher price points. For example, a pet grooming business could offer a simplified deluxe grooming package that includes additional services built in such as teeth brushing or nail grinding. By offering new, premium services at higher price points, pet grooming business owners can increase their overall revenue without alienating their existing customers.

Another strategy is to implement moderate, incremental price increases over time. This allows pet grooming business owners to gradually adjust to the new price points and gives customers time to adjust as well. 

Communicating price increases to customers

Effective communication is key when it comes to increasing prices. It's important for pet grooming business owners to be transparent and explain the reasoning behind the price increase to customers. This can help to build trust and understanding, and may make customers more willing to accept the changes.

There are several ways that pet grooming business owners can communicate price increases to customers. One method is through direct communication, such as by sending out emails or letters to existing customers or posting announcements on social media or the business website. It's important to provide clear, concise information about the price increase and the reasons behind it.

Another method is to provide value to customers in exchange for the price increase. This could include offering exclusivity through a membership.  By providing value and exclusivity to customers, pet grooming business owners can help to offset the impact of the price increase and make it more palatable to customers.

If you’re interested in learning about memberships in the grooming industry check out our free workshop, “Does your grooming business need a membership model?”
www.savvygroomer.com/mw

It's also important to consider the timing of the price increase. Pet grooming business owners may want to consider increasing prices during slower periods, as this may be less disruptive to business operations. It's also important to give customers advance notice of the price increase so that they have time to prepare.  At the Savvy Groomer we suggest having yearly increases in march or september.

Potential objections and how to address them

It's natural for customers to have objections or concerns when it comes to price increases. Pet grooming business owners should be prepared to address these objections and reassure customers that the price increase is necessary and justified.

One common objection is that the price increase is too high. In this case, pet grooming business owners can explain the reasons behind the increase and highlight the value that customers will receive in exchange for the higher price. They can also point out any additional services or perks that are being offered as part of the price increase.

Another objection may be that the price increase is not fair or justified. In this case, pet grooming business owners can provide examples of how the price increase is necessary in order to maintain the quality of products and services and ensure the sustainability of the business. They can also emphasize the importance of investing in their business in order to continue providing the best possible service to customers.

Thank you for listening to this podcast on why pet grooming business owners should increase prices before a recession hits. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Price Increase Masterclass, be sure to check out savvygroomer.com/pimc. This is a 6-module masterclass where we teach you how to formulate and implement your price increase so you can finally make money and grow your business.

Thank you all so much for listening to this podcast, Why Pet Grooming Business Owners Should Increase Prices Before the Recession Hits. Be sure to visit me at SavvyGroomer.com to see my current opportunities to work with me in growing your pet grooming business plus more free resources for you to learn. See you in our community on Facebook - Savvy Pet Professionals! As always, Happy Grooming