I wanted to share a brief overview of the benefits of doing house calls. In another blog I will discuss how to market yourself as a house call groomer, and what the benefits are for clients, but today let's focus on us: the groomers.
Low start up cost & overhead
This is the number one reason I, and many others, initially chose house call. With only the cost of your equipment (table, dryer, shampoo, etc and a vehicle), you have everything you need to start your business, other than insurance and other business permits of course. The low start up cost makes it viable for people with little capital in the beginning of their business or those that want to start their business debt free. I made a profit from day one since I already owned all my equipment, own my vehicle out right, and already had all my insurance and permits from being an IC. Overhead is also minimal since you aren’t paying to rent a building, have no utility costs etc. The big bills for house call businesses are gas, vehicle maintenance, and insurance which leaves a much lower total than even a home shop. This makes turning into a profitable business that much faster.
Close relationship with clients
Once people start doing house call, this is why most, including myself, keep doing it. I love knowing my clients on a personal level and the trust that comes with that. I know any recommendations I make are taken to heart, as my clients know me and view me as the professional I am.
Ability to charge a premium for services
Along with the low start up and overhead, house call is a premium service, or a luxury, and should be charged accordingly. I charge just about the same as, or a little under, mobile groomers. For those unable to go mobile, house call is a way to be able to charge higher prices for a valuable service without the van.
Flexible schedule
Another big plus is my book is that with house call, there’s no physical shop to keep open “just in case” someone calls. If I am slow for a day I can go out with a friend for lunch, take care of errands, write blog ;) … pretty much whatever I’d like with my time. If you’re a parent you can easily schedule your appointments around children’s school and after school activities.
These are just a few of the benefits I personally find from doing house call. Any house callers out there, are there other benefits that you really enjoy that I missed?
Thank you for the informative post. I've been considering house call for my elderly clients for some time, and this article was really helpful.
Posted by: Debra | 03/25/2011 at 09:21 PM
I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your website?
Posted by: jankanar | 02/05/2013 at 09:26 AM