Whether you are opened or temporarily closed right now, take this time to plan for huge growth within your grooming business! 

A wash and a haircut, toss on a bow. 

Trim up some toenails, it’s quite a show.

You fluff and you buff

There’s a tail wag and a kiss,

But is it enough to grow your business?

Teaming with groomers all over the country has given us an inside perspective to how grooming businesses are expanding from a simple ‘pet barbershop’ to a complete experience for both animal and pet owner. Furbaby owners of the millennial generation are wanting more for their time. They want moments worth sharing on social media stories. They want to spend money at businesses that make them feel like family. 

As a groomer, you are in a unique position to make all of this possible to your clients, and in turn, you can become the hot spot in your pet community.

Growing Your Grooming Business 

Partnerships

Creating larger package bundles or offering keepsakes clients can walk away with after an appointment will help spread your business by word of mouth. Becoming a wholesaler allows you the chance to sell or include items within a package deal. 

• You can contact an Etsy store to partner with, utilizing a sweet bow, bow tie, or bandana along with their business card for new clients. 
• Recording a pet’s heartbeat takes only 20 seconds and storing it in a My Furbaby’s Heartbeat Bear Animal will be a keepsake your human clients will hold onto forever - especially as their pet ages. 

Community Events

Pet expos, Earth Day events, Farmers’ Markets even - you can set up a booth full of animal information, goodies to sell, and quick grooming services. The more frequently your business is seen, the faster it will grow.

In-House Events

Host your own events in your parking lot whenever possible. You can allow other local businesses to set up a booth if the event is large enough, or you can keep it small and offer a puppy play time in a large gated (supervised) area. You can offer a discount for the day, or include free treats and homemade treat recipe ideas. 

Pairing with a local pet trainer may be beneficial, as well. You can host a basic training class each weekend, or a simple class offered once a month.

Boutique Offerings

Gone are the days where you can simply wash and dry an animal. Your business is expected to offer high-quality items to peruse and shop from. Shampoos, bath items, bakery treats, toys, possibly a freezer of goat milk and top-of-the-line food choices should be considered to add revenue and increase your foot traffic. 

Photo Booth

If you have the space, offering a fun place for your clients to snap a picture with their furbaby will have them coming back time and time again. 

Mobile Growth

Have you considered taking your business on the road a few days each month? Allowing clients the option of having you come to them gives you the ability to increase prices and advertise without more than a heightened gas budget.  

Newsletters

As your clients check in, grab their e-mail address and send out bi-weekly or monthly emails full of fun pet information. You can include the happenings at your business, the latest trends, helpful tips, and other great thoughts you may have to share. Make sure you always attach a coupon; you want their feet to walk back through your door.