Charge for Your Time, AND Your Worth

I started my own high-end retro pet grooming salon 13 years ago. I was very hands-on in my business and went to pet grooming school to start my grooming business on the right foot for my brand.

I was fortunate to put an exit strategy in place by selling my grooming salon two years ago to my former groomer. He exceeded all expectations. I’m able to expand my brand into other areas of interest (award winning pet grooming apparel, retail & wholesale dog bakery @retrostylistwear @bowwowdogbakery) and still groom my Standard Poodle & Bichon in this space I now share with my former groomer, Gabriel Feitosa.

If you don’t know who Gabriel is, he is a big deal. Find Gabriel Feitosa on Instagram (@gabrielfeitosagroomer) to see how charming, experienced and talented he is in the international world of pet grooming.

Joining our businesses in one space has been very beneficial for a multitude of reasons. It’s not often that two business owners get to chat with each other on a daily basis.

The finer details of garnering clients, scheduling, employee management, and everything that comes with high end grooming salon ownership can only be shared among a niche group of entrepreneurs.

I have agonized over every expense, joy and frustration Gabriel experienced. It makes it easy for us to relate to one another. One thing stands out that Gabriel has been very good at in his second year. I wish I had realized this earlier in my career. He not only charges his time, but also his WORTH.

There is a mental transition that happens when you go from “groomer” to grooming salon owner.

New business owners give discounts and don’t value their time and worth like seasoned professionals. There is a point when you realize that you need to work smarter, not harder. The benefit is longevity for your business, especially attractive in labor intensive pet grooming.

Eventually an experienced pet grooming salon owner realizes it’s okay to say “no” and charge their worth. Also, you can make way for a new client that will fill the same spot with less complaints and better overall loyalty.

In year two, Gabriel Feitosa put his foot down realizing that taking every client will not make his business successful. Every business has their own brand of “people” or clientele. Raising prices to pay for his time and worth makes way for new clients that appreciate him and are willing to pay for his time and expertise.

How does this relate to pet retail? Think about how many items you might be giving away, selling or services you are providing that do not really pay for your time or worth.

I find that pet groomers find it most difficult to raise prices on services and retail items even though we live in a society where market demand (among many factors) is what determines the price of our goods.

Many pet groomers give away items like treats, poo bags and upgrades thinking they need to do this to appease their clients. Don't get me wrong! If you’re a proper dog bakery giving away treats makes perfect sense (think Krispy Kreme Donuts). If your motive is to appease, clients may have a hard time purchasing these items later, and possibly when you want to increase your profit margins and get paid your worth.

You don’t have to give away the house or do what everyone else is doing. Find your niche in your neighborhood and make sure that whether it’s a service or a product, it will give you the profit that your TIME and WORTH deserve. 

Until next time…

Leel Michelle

Retro Stylist Wear    ◄