so want to do this

[karen mccarrell]

:idea: Ok so I have been a dog groomer over 40 yrs. I currently have a mobile grooming business in Fl.
I want to travel all over and groom dogs as a way of making a living....What do you think.

 

[DC Fuse]

Hi Karen, Welcome to the site!
If your heart and mind are telling you to do this I encourage you to do just that.
My first question is do you have an area of the country you want to start in? You could research these areas by online versions of newspapers help wanted to get a general feel of demand but dogs are everywhere. Maybe do a free listing website like Craigslist and others under services offered and gauge demand. Something like "Mobile dog groomer re-locating to your area looking for clients"

You could also check online for your competition or lack of. Same w/rates. What are you using now for this service (van,rv,trailer)?

I would think it will take some time to get clients so will you be able to hang in their? Maybe contact Dog Dr.s of your availability for referrals and give them a small %? You may find RV resorts a captive audience and some of these are chains so you could still travel.

Just some thoughts. Others will have ideas too.

Good Luck to you.

 

[PastTense]

How much of your business is repeat business and referrals from existing customers? My guess would be that the large majority would be. Consequently I think you would need to have substantially cheaper rates traveling around.

 

[cyndi]

A mobile groomer, in Quartzsite, for the season might be a hit. Would you drive around like the honey wagons?

Do different states require you to be licensed? Are health licenses required? I'm sure you'd require at least a business license in each state, if not town/city or county.

 

[karen mccarrell]

Just camping for a few days to a week and grooming in the camp ground. The regulations in florida georgia Kentucky tenn indiana do not require any licenses because its a service not a retail business. Dogs are everywhere. I have a portfolio. I have groomed and won several competitions I am good at my art and love it. Not wanting to set up shop just groom a few and off to another campground. Travel the world.

 

[light trip]

Welcome Karen, I think a mobile dog grooming gig would work well for a mobile life style, if as you said you don't need a license in the area you want to go to.

Seems you already have your ducks in a row, but how bout checking with your current customers if you can use some of them as a reference before you hit the road.

When your in an area maybe Veterinarians would let you leave your card them them if they don't do grooming, seems you're very well established.

Just had my dog groomed yesterday, and started thinking about mobile groomers for the first time, don't know why it's taken me this long to think of it, guess I'm slow. But worry about how my dog is being treated more then the cut. The cut grows out. I trust our current groomer but we just had a groomer in this area arrested for animal abuse.

 

[Patrick46]

I think it's a winner idea Karen!!

I was gonna suggest a portfolio, but it sounds like you've got that covered. I'm a pinstriper, and I can't emphasize the value and importance of a good portfolio. You say you've won shows even...well then I'd definately have the ribbons and professional quality photos of the winning entires in your book for folks to take note of. (you can't beat this kind of advertisement)
Another thing I'd suggest would be a nice, professionally done, folding A-frame sign you could put out in front of your rig for when you're parked at a campground or RV park. (have a good shop do it too, as a cheap sign only advertises cheap work...and you don't want that.) ...and don't skimp!!

Lots of good walk-up business.

Staying at snowbird gathering places like Quartzite & Yuma would be a particularly busy place for you. Once customers find you, and like your work, then they'll tell their friends...and word-of-mouth from happy customers is one of the best ways to drum up more business!!

Do you have an RV now??

Welcome to the forum!!!

Patrick in Oregon

 

[akrvbob]

If I were you I would look into a toy hauler for your business. Here is a post I did on a friends toy hauler who was going to run a business out of it. It comes either with a generator or ready for a generator and with the hot water heater and tanks all ready with plenty of room for kennels and bench. It would be perfect for you! I'm including some pics 1) standing in front looking toward the back you see it is a huge open area and the back door-wall drops open. 2) It has all the comforts of home 3) including a very nice bathroom.
Bob

 

[karen mccarrell]

Already have the toy hauler lol complete with a 2014 indian motorcycle. It has everything already to groom. I dont use cages because I do 1 at a time. My boyfriend plays music so hoping he can pick up some gigs too.

---

Also my truck has signage already ordered. Happy Camper grooming...coming to a camp ground near you.

 

[akrvbob]

Karen, you are really ready to go aren't you!!

Come to Quartzsite!!! I think both you and BF will do really well there! We had a freind come to the RTR at Quartzsite and she did Karaoke at the local pizza place and she was so good she ended up with a paying gig! She had a great voice but even more personality.

There are over 100,000 RVers there in the winter and most have dogs and the money to spend to get them groomed!
Bob

 

[Patrick46]

This one comes with a customer already waiting for you!!

 

[akrvbob]

That dog would make you rich!! I never saw a dog that loved rolling in mud more than he does!

I just got a new dog and within a week he was rolling in cow poop!
Bob

 

[rvwandering]

Call around to some of the campgrounds where you live and see if they'll be okay with you setting up shop for a week or two. Public parks probably won't allow it but private parks might. You may have to go the Craigs list or bulletin board route and fly under the radar.

I agree with everyone suggesting Quartzsite and Yuma. Many RVers have dogs and since they're down south for months at a time they should be ready and willing customers.

 

[Patrick46]

another thing that might work would be RV gatherings and rallys. Anyplace where lots of RV's gather for moderate to extended stays should work great!!