More than 7 million dogs live in Italy, so opening a dog grooming salon is a very attractive business .
In fact, man’s best friends have needs that go beyond food, pampering and education.
By taking care of their hair, you can prevent any problems of dermatitis and allergies.
And their hygiene is also reflected in ours and that of our homes.
Because we care about our pets, we always try to entrust them to the expert hands of renowned professionals in the sector.
And, to find the right ones, we use similar criteria that we apply when choosing a hairdresser or barber shop for us.
If you think your passion for pets could turn into a full-time business, grooming is a great idea.
TO OPEN A GROOMING SHOP FOR DOGS, LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH
First of all, it must be specified that love for them is not enough.
You must have a lot of patience and a taste for aesthetics. You will have to deal every day with animals, scissors, combs and hairdryers.
There are many things to learn.
Like when it is the case to cut the hair and how to cut it and be able to calm the dog (the cat or the rabbit) if fearful or aggressive.
The techniques to dry it effectively and in a short time, recognize races, standards, trends in cutting.
Then there is the type of hair and any allergies to consider.
And evaluate how to choose specific products that have an excellent value for money.
So, the first thing to do to open a dog grooming salon is to attend specific courses and obtain the groomer certificate.
Generally, they are private entities that organize these professional courses.
And, in the end, they issue a diploma that certifies attendance, training and the acquisition of the indispensable requirements.
THE PROFESSIONAL Grooming COURSE FOR DOGS
In a digitalized world like ours, finding a valid course on the internet, taught by a successful groomer, is not difficult.
Not all courses have the same characteristics, nor do they certify for all skills.
For example, some dog grooming courses provide a foundation that includes treatments for cats.
While others, advanced, specialize the groomer in certain cuts and on the properties of the coat of certain dog breeds.
It is therefore important to understand which courses are suitable for your needs, to which you can enroll in order to reach your goal.
There are therefore factors that you need to consider before making a choice.
THE DURATION OF THE LESSONS
First of all, it is important to evaluate the length of the course, based on how much information you will be given.
Everyone would love to take a quick course and be able to work professionally right away.
However, as we know, the basic information is a lot, so it takes time.
A weekend course is definitely not what makes a beginner an expert groomer.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRACTICE TO OPEN A Grooming FOR DOGS
Theory is fundamental, because it allows you to better understand the work you will have to do.
But it will go side by side with practice, because theory alone is not sufficient to provide, effectively, the examples to learn the basic techniques.
So when choosing your course, you need to make sure that it includes theoretical lessons but that, at the same time, you spend a lot of time practicing.
The basic training and, subsequently, the refresher courses, constitute your business card and determine the choices of potential customers.
FIND THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOUR KNOWLEDGE
If you are a beginner and you are approaching this type of work for the first time, it is better to focus on basic courses.
In fact, there are many suitable for everyone, beginners and experts.
But taking an advanced course hoping to get more skills or more information in less time is not a winning idea.
Without the fundamental risks of wasting time and money.
Competence and experience are obtained by studying, working, and then regularly updating.
So you have to dedicate the necessary time to the preparation.
KNOWING BUROCRACY IS TO OPEN A Grooming Shop FOR DOGS
Passion, study and a lot of practice will allow you, first of all, to work alongside a groomer by learning all the secrets of the trade from him.
And, then, later, you can plan the opening of your grooming, becoming independent.
Also in this case it is necessary to follow certain bureaucratic procedures and respect the sanitary requirements.
A certified grooming course will also provide you with economic and legal information which, in this case, will come in handy.
It should be borne in mind that checks will happen to you and that everything must comply with the law, from the spaces to the work tools, from the electrical system to the tax point of view.
DIFFERENT INSTRUMENTS AND DIFFERENT RACES
Opening a grooming salon doesn’t just mean shampooing and shortening the hair.
Like hairdressers, groomers also use different types of scissors, clippers, hairdryers, blowers.
Just as they have specific tubs and tables that allow pets well-being and comfort.
And for professionals to work in extreme safety.
When you find a dog of a certain breed in front of you, you will have to know everything already.
He included as much information as possible about his characteristics, the character of that type of dog and his disposition.
In addition to being updated on cuts and trends.
COSTS AND DIPLOMAS ISSUED
Another factor to consider when deciding to attend a course is the cost.
You know well, it is an investment, but it must be evaluated very carefully, also based on the certificate that will be issued to you.
Economic savings are often not a valid discriminant. Because if your training is poor it will affect the quality of your services.
Better to invest a few more resources by relying on proven, serious and recognized courses.
If the training is up to par, you can definitely aim for a profitable business.
Obviously it will be up to you to put everything you have learned into practice, look for customers and build loyalty.
Professional reliability and good preparation are characteristics that should not be underestimated.
Moreover, from the most recognized courses, you will surely get better, more complete certificates.
Learning will be a useful springboard for starting the activity.
THE BUSINESS PLAN FOR OPENING A DOG Grooming
Once you have obtained the certification of the qualification to work as a groomer, you can seek employment from an already established professional.
The classic mess tin will prove to be very useful for opening your personal business.
If you decide to go on your own, start by writing an effective business plan.
You will have to enter all the data that will be useful, starting with the search for the location, in addition to the various expenses to be incurred.
The business plan, even in the case of an activity such as a grooming, proves to be an effective tool.
It allows you to plan the costs of opening and running the business and to list the services to be offered to the public.
In addition to understanding how long it will take, in theory, to break even on the initial investment.
The data highlighted by the business plan lead you to be better organized.
You can define your brand, services and think deeply about all aspects of your future business.
YOUR Grooming
You have finally received a diploma or certificate certifying your skills.
You have prepared a precise and exhaustive business plan and it is time to choose the right location.
This is a very important step because the chosen place must have precise characteristics.
The first factor to consider is the space.
Based on your financial capabilities and the services you intend to offer, you can identify an appropriate square footage.
You can also think about inserting shelves and display cases to sell accessories and cosmetic products.
In general you will need space to insert the tubs, the area dedicated to drying. And, in addition, the area with work surfaces, a bathroom and a welcoming waiting room.
The ideal would be to create a reception where to welcome customers. It must be separated from other places where the activity takes place.
Here, in addition to the appropriate furniture, there must be space to indicate the services offered and the related costs.
The spaces dedicated to washing and grooming must be designed to prevent animals from escaping or coming into contact with others.
You can also consider taking care of several dogs at the same time, thanks to the hiring of one or more employees.
However, it is necessary to maintain the safety distances necessary for the tranquility of the animals.
SELF SERVICE WASH
You could also offer an extra service: self-service washing and drying.
Many propose it, it is an area where people can directly take care of washing and drying their dog, independently.
It certainly needs more space and that it is well structured, so that the dogs are not close and are calm.
Sometimes washing and drying are not pleasant moments for animals which, therefore, can be more nervous.
In any case, an easily washable furniture will be chosen, creating essential but welcoming areas.
First of all it must be thought to favor the relaxation of the animal.
Maybe even inserting a space dedicated to games to spend time in a pleasant way and download any tensions.
WHERE TO OPEN A DOG Grooming? THE RIGHT LOCATION
Opening your grooming in an off-center, hard-to-reach area won’t do your business any good.
Instead, you should aim for a passageway, near or inside a shopping center.
Or even close to the city center, perhaps with a parking lot nearby and accessible by public transport.
All of these requirements will contribute to the healthy growth of your business.
ATTRACT CUSTOMERS
Once you have chosen the ideal area to open, it is important to take care of the aesthetics, so that customers are encouraged to enter.
Starting with the name of the business and the appearance of the sign.
A useful tip is to make the most of the use and combination of colors.
By now everyone knows, there are shades that are more striking than others.
For an environment that expresses hospitality and care, it is advisable to use warm colors.
They must be able to create the image of a hospitable, clean and comfortable environment in people’s minds.
In addition, the use of catchy slogans and particular names can be exploited.
Some effective examples are “Brand New”, “By a hair”, “Wash Dog”, “Pets”.
The names, combined with the right images, contribute to the success of the business.
And they will be shown on a logo created by a good graphic designer who will then distinguish your business everywhere.
You will include it in every promotional medium, from business cards to posters.
It will be what will make you recognize the site, social networks and marketing that you have carefully studied to broaden your audience.
INITIAL EXPENSES TO OPEN A DOG Groomer
To start, you must calculate the investment very carefully, evaluating your possibilities and calculating the installments of any loans.
The most incisive initial costs correspond to the purchase or rental of the spaces.
In addition to the cost of furniture, equipment, products and promotion.
You also have to budget for permits, taxes, bureaucratic expenses.
Subsequent expenses, ie management costs, are others such as any rent, bills and compensation for collaborators.
Refresher courses, possible breakdowns, equipment renewal and the cost of products should also be taken into account.
GET FINANCING
As we have just seen, the expenses for your dog grooming business are not low.
It may therefore be appropriate to evaluate funding.
The first step, from this point of view, is to contact the Chamber of Commerce of the region or city where you intend to open the business.
Here you can request advice regarding the benefits to be obtained.
For example, young or female entrepreneurs enjoy facilitations.
It is therefore good to inquire before proceeding.
Once you have all the data you need, you can go to the bank or credit institutions to obtain a loan.
You can also choose the franchise solution, so you will have less initial costs.
But you will have to respect certain agreements for a shorter or longer period of time.
EARNING FROM ACTIVITY
As you can imagine, the more customers you can satisfy in one day, the more your earnings will grow.
Based on your preparation, your efficiency and your predisposition to public relations you will be able to retain an increasing number of customers.
And, once satisfied, you can count on the best promotional tool: their word of mouth.
If you can find partners or sponsors, you can expand the showcase of services and products to be offered for sale.
Like, for example, ozone therapy.
And most importantly, buy what you need very discounted.
Once you have established yourself in your field, you can teach courses yourself, as long as you are predisposed to teaching.
This is another useful way to increase your earnings: you can give grooming lessons to anyone who wants to take up this business.
But also give lessons to your customers, concerning dog care and hygiene at home.
A welcoming and clean environment, well managed and friendly and open to dialogue employees will be strengths that will make you stand out from the competition.
And, as a result, they will help grow your list of repeat customers.
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS
Having a grooming and not advertising it is certainly penalizing.
Promotion is important because it allows more people to learn about the services you offer and broaden the audience of potential customers.
To be efficient, you need to make your logo stand out by adding an effective slogan.
YOU CAN CREATE EVENTS, STARTING FROM THE INAUGURATION
But also to propose cards and a studied discount system for the most loyal customers.
Or create promos specifically designed to attract new customers.
Promotional campaigns can involve the local press, as well as the specialized one.
Posts and images tailored for social media and your website, to be updated constantly, are excellent communication channels.
In fact, in a digitalized world like ours, the best way to advertise our business is to exploit the use of the internet.
The showcase site can help you to expose all the services offered by the business, publish news, indicate contacts and the place where you are.
Inside it is possible to create a small bulletin board for customer questions or to post photos of our four-legged friends during all treatments.
You can also evaluate the idea of a sector dedicated to online reservations, to optimize customer waiting times.
Or, if you’re particularly skilled, an e-commerce business is always a good idea.
You will offer products and accessories for dogs, cats and other small animals, with images and explanations. Indicating payment and delivery methods.
Work that your collaborator can also do if you don’t have a lot of time.
An even greater number of people can be reached if the various social networks such as the Facebook page and the Instagram profile are connected to the site .
Thanks to these and other social media, you can also answer users’ questions directly, thanks to the “direct” or “messenger” section.
There are different methods and ways to study an effective promotional campaign.
The important thing is, however, to make the most of every available channel to increase your clientele.
YOUR DOG Grooming
Now you have a pretty comprehensive idea of what the main aspects are to open your grooming salon and be successful.
One last idea: to differentiate yourself from the competition, you could use a camper or another means of grooming.
This way you can reach your customers at home.
The initial investments will mainly concern the adaptation of the vehicle to the services you will have to offer.
And, of course, you will have to comply in every respect.
But this could turn out to be a winning idea, given that not many offer a quality service, directly at the customers’ home.
Like any type of business, this too will take time, energy and money.
In the end, however, if carried out with passion and dedication, it can give you various satisfactions.
