Pet grooming is in vogue in the US. You may run a pet grooming business quickly if you have the hands-on training and skills needed.
Average American households with only one dog spend $99 on pet grooming. On the other hand, those with one cat spend $18. However, pet-parent families with both pay $64 annually. It is a relatively large market, considering that 66% of Americans have pets.
An analysis shows that you may start small as a pet grooming contractor. Then, we begin taking orders and eventually land a physical business.
However, opening a brick-and-mortar business since inception is much better. Though it is cost incurring, barely $10000 will suffice for all expenses of running your pet grooming business.However, recovering costs and making a profit won’t be difficult, as the market is quite lucrative. If you still want to start your business at a low price, you must consider starting a mobile pet grooming business.
What’s your mode of operation?
There are multiple ways to run a pet grooming business. But it’s time to take the lead and decide how you want to get going.
If planning a business for the first time, picking the facilities may seem challenging. I will make suggestions for you to consider.
- You may rent a furnished salon and cut off individual expenses, with only a single rent to pay out.
- Modify your vehicle into a mobile pet grooming business or rent a commercial vehicle where you may install your utilities.
- Moreover, you may operate your business from your home itself. In that case, the facility and site costs don’t count in your budget.
- You/your groomers may visit pet owners’ places to give mobile services
You may take the lead yourself. Alternatively, you may recruit groomers too. However, I suggest small business owners start with their feet in dirty waters. Hence, they can also learn hands-on jobs.
Also, you may lead or train your staff if you are a skilled groomer.
Select a suitable Business entity
Now, it is time to decide on a suitable business entity. Most start-ups in the US are either sole owners (proprietors) or LLC companies. However, you may choose any legal structure that suits you.
Let’s explore the options now:
- Start an LLC Business
In an LLC, the owners or shareholders are immune from the debts and liabilities of the business entity.
- Corporation
In a corporation, the whole entity is considered a group. So, you have to share all liabilities as an owner.
- Sole proprietorship
You are solely responsible for all liabilities of the sole proprietorship business. So, the owner and entity are not legally separate.
- Partnership
There are two or more owners in the partnership. All liabilities and shares are split among partners according to their contributions.
Services you may offer
The US market has a convincing customer base. Now may be the best time to launch your business. Let’s learn about the most popular services you may offer:
- Washing
An average washing session might earn you $40 to $75. Each pet parent books a pet washing session once every three months. So, it is a staple earning source for those in the pet grooming business.
- Hair brushing
Almost all kinds of furry pets need hair brushing. However, brushing has less potential as a standalone service. You may package it with other services to charge higher.
- Hair trimming
Salons charge the highest price per hair trimming. But you may earn more through hair trimming by charging a variable. Charge a Chow Chow more than a Doberman.
- Nail cutting
Almost all pet grooming sessions include nail cutting/filing. However, pets may react abruptly during a nail trim. So, ensure that the concerned pet has gone through proper training. Otherwise, dealing with a German Shepherd or bulldog may be challenging.
- Teeth brushing
I feel teeth brushing is also an add-on service. You may include it in the package.
- Trimming for shows
This market is growing in the US. Brands like the American Kennel Club host 22000 events every year. Show trimming may be a good earning opportunity for you.
Things You Need To Know Before You Start A Pet Grooming Business
Before you start asking, “How much can I make with mobile pet grooming near me?” you will need to consider how much pet groomers make and how you can set your prices for pet grooming. A mobile pet grooming business costs much less than a general one.
This is because you will not need to buy expensive grooming tools from Pet Smart Grooming, you will not need to rent a building, and there are no investments in utilities and no overhead costs. Furthermore, you will only need to spend a little on gas since you are not the groomer who visits homes.
In a mobile pet grooming business, you work with pet groomers, whom you give contacts, and they visit your clients’ homes to groom pets.
How Much Can You Earn From Mobile Pet Grooming Business?
If you start a mobile pet grooming business and work with pet groomers, you will need to pay your groomers at least 50% of the total charge for grooming. Hence, you will be able to make up to 50% of every grooming. However, if you can do the grooming yourself, you keep the entire profit to yourself.
On average, in mobile pet grooming, each grooming charge ranges from USD $30-$90. Based on the location of the groomer, the mobile pet grooming charge might vary. Apart from that, you can add charges based on the extra services you offer.
How Much Does Pet Grooming Cost?
It is better to start small. However, you need some basic supplies to start your business. These are:
- Shavers and shears
- Dryers
- Tubs
- Grooming tables
- Cleaning supplies
- Crates
The cost of estimates may vary from $10000 to $18000. Moreover, you must bear recurring equipment costs like shampoos, conditioners, insurance, etc.
At the same time, you need to undergo a training program. It will allow you to work hands-on. That training may cost you somewhere between $500 to $3000.
These are the status costs other than your facility and licensing costs.
However, the cost would go up even higher if you recruit multiple employees under you.
The cost of grooming depends on the area in which you are operating your business. On average, a groomer can groom 4-5 dogs in a day if the locations are close to each other. However, if you want to start a pet grooming business near you, consider knowing the amount charged by the competitors in the market.
Hence, based on your market occupancy and client base, you can charge your grooming amount. Furthermore, if you are taking the help of other groomers, you must also consider paying them at least 50% of the amount earned from every grooming.
Starting A Pet Grooming Business: Steps To Follow
Planning is one of the first things you must ensure before starting a pet grooming business near you. There is more to a pet grooming business than just registering your business. With the rise in popularity of online services, you must ensure at least a social media presence from where you can retrieve clients for your business.
The following are the significant steps you will need to follow to start a pet grooming business near you:
Step 1: Find Out The Target Market
Once you have determined the expenses and relative earnings associated with a pet grooming business, you must find out your target market. Always look for clients who have been maintaining pets for many years. This is because most new pet owners get nervous, overprotective, and more concerned about their pets. On the other hand, old pet owners will give you freedom and will be okay with leaving their pets to you.
Step 2: Legalize Your Business
If you establish your business as a corporation or LLC, you will not be personally liable if your business is sued. If you want to avoid going for a sole proprietorship, you must register your business. Ensure to register your business for taxes as well. You must also ensure that you get local and state business licensing permits.
Step 3: Open A Separate Business Bank Account
If you want to protect the assets of your business, make sure that you have created a bank account solely dedicated to your business. If you mix your personal account and your business, your personal assets would also come at risk. Hence, ensure to open a separate bank account for your business. Apart from that, you must also ensure insuring your business, as it will protect your financial well-being at times of need.
Step 4: Have A Strong Online Presence
No matter what kind of business you have, having a solid online presence has become compulsory. If your pet grooming business manages to make a strong presence on the internet and social media, you will never go out of customers.
Furthermore, you can interact with your clients and get genuine feedback on your services if you have an excellent social media presence. You must also consider marketing your business through social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn. However, you must also ensure vital customer service and always try to resolve all the issues and discrepancies.
Advantages Of A Pet Grooming Business
While the finances may not be the greatest benefit of a pet grooming business, there are multiple other benefits that the business serves. Here are some of the advantages of a pet grooming business.
- If you love pets, this is the best way to convert it into a business. If cats, dogs, or other household pets are something that you are passionate about, and you have the accurate training and resources to invest in it, this is an effective way for you to earn money by doing what you love. Many owners see pets as a member of their families; hence, they are the ones who look for groomers who are equally passionate about pets as they are.
- Pet grooming offers multiple options for how and where to run the business. You can operate from your house and have the required space. You may also run a mobile business using a trailer or van with grooming equipment and supplies. You may pair with other pet associations to help you build your business with the right resources.
- While you get multiple options to operate your pet grooming business, they are the very same options that are applicable when you want to market and build a client base for your business. When you establish a cooperative relationship with multiple other pet-based businesses within your community, you can add up to a niche within the community and get hold of potential clients while also making it easy for potential clients to find out about your clients.
- These many options also offer you the opportunity to enlarge your business. As you have all the necessary training to work with pets of different temperaments and breeds, you can easily convert the same into additional services like dog walking, pet sitting, or even opening a kennel if you have the correct resources for it.
Disadvantages Of A Pet Grooming Business
While the pet grooming business has a beneficial perspective, there are also a couple of drawbacks. Let us go through them and see how they may affect the industry.
- The starting costs may need to be lowered. To be as successful as a professional pet groomer, you must pay a hefty amount to get access to all the necessary supplies for all the possible breeds that may come for a grooming session.
You will need a lot more than your love for animals in order to be a pet groomer. You need to have enough experience and knowledge about animals and what and what not to do with them. Even the littlest mistake or lack of proper knowledge can end up being fatal for the animals.
Summing Up
I hope you found enough information on how to start a pet grooming business near you. I suggest starting with a diverse portfolio of services to get orders from diverse customers. Starting a full-fledged business may cost around $20000 to $25000. However, the returns will also be as much.
However, before you start your business, you will need to have a strong plan ready regarding the profits you want to make and the associated costs. If you follow the aforementioned steps, you can start your business easily without much hassle.
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