If you research the going rate in your area, you’ll see that there’s an average price that dog groomers charge for basic services. You’ll also find, however, that there are some groomers with more experience and a wider array of services who charge a little more.
Many professional dog groomers find it tricky to make a smooth transition into pricing their services higher—you can risk losing clientele! But raising your prices as your experience increases shouldn’t discourage your loyal clients from coming back to you! So how do you effectively raise prices without scaring old clients and potential new ones away? Read on to find out!
How can you tell when you’re ready to raise your prices?
You might consider raising your prices if:
- You’ve recently mastered a new skill or obtained an additional grooming certification.
- You’ve gained a few years of experience and the going rate in your area has risen, but your prices are the same as when you first started working.
- Your client base has expanded significantly since you started working.
- You’re so busy you’re having to turn clients away, yet you’re turning a very small profit (or none at all!).
The key to raising your prices is to do so gradually and when it’s justified.
If you’ve only been working for a few months and you realize groomers around you are suddenly charging more, evaluate why that may be:
- Do they have more years of experience?
- Did they recently graduate from another training program?
- Are their services high in demand?
You want to take steps towards increased prices that benefit both you and your clientele. Offering something new makes clients feel like it’s worth it to pay a little extra!
Here are five tactics for increasing your dog grooming prices in ways that offer your clients more for their money while also benefiting you.
1. Creating service packages
Consider creating fun pricing packages for clients who want more than one service at a time. You’ll be able to charge more because more services are being rendered, and the clients will be willing to pay more because they’re getting more for their money.
For example, you can have different packages such as a standard bath package (brushing and bathing), a more advanced option that also includes nail clipping and ear cleaning, and a third “full-service” option that includes all of the above plus clipping/stuling.
2. Completing additional training
Learn a new skill
Expanding your services and improving your techniques is one of the best reasons to raise your prices. When you learn new techniques or trends, clients will see that you’re being proactive about bettering yourself as a professional. You’ll also be sought-after if you’re on the ball about learning the latest trends and other groomers haven’t seized the opportunity yet.
They’ll also be excited about the idea of new services, new techniques, and new combination packages. The more you can offer clients, the more they’ll be willing to pay!
Improve your existing skills
Training to enhance your current skillset is also hugely beneficial. If you can further your skills by learning from industry experts and/or obtaining different types of grooming certifications, you’ll be regarded as a more qualified professional and can justify raising your prices. Clients won’t mind paying a little more if they know just how qualified you are!
3. Using higher quality products
Investing in better quality grooming products and supplies is worth it for both you and your clients. More reputable suppliers provide “luxury” products, making them worth the money. Make sure that you invest in products based on quality and not price alone. Just because a vendor sells the most expensive products doesn’t mean they offer the best quality on the market. Do some research and get to know your brands and businesses. Choose products and supplies that give clients their money’s worth and charge accordingly.
4. Offer workshops
Dog groomers can do more for their clients than just grooming their pets. Along with your grooming packages, offer to actually teach your clients basic grooming practices and advise them about products and grooming tactics.
The more they learn from you during your session together, the better they’ll feel about grooming their pets in-between their periodic visits to your business (which they should be doing anyways!). You’re helping them build confidence, learn new techniques, and improve their grooming skills.
5. On a case-by-case basis
If you’re not quite ready to raise your overall rates, you can still evaluate your prices according to the individual client. Don’t hesitate to charge a little extra if clients want you to do more for them.
For example, a client may ask you to squeeze them into an already hectic day, or deal with a particularly anxious or aggressive dog. They will understand that these details are above and beyond your regular service packages, and will be willing to pay extra for your accommodation.
Charge what you’re worth
Pricing your services well is always worth it. Your clients will value getting professional grooming for a fair price. Once you’ve built a client base and gained some industry experience, your clients will also understand when you raise your prices based on your ability to offer them a higher level of service.
Any other tips we missed? Let us know!
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