You want the best possible kit for your canine clients, don’t you? But that can get pretty expensive! High-end, top-quality products are pricey and the costs can add up quickly. This is especially true when we’re talking about consumables like shampoos or conditioners. So how can you find deals on products for your dog grooming kit?
Lucky for you, we’re going to dive into that. So keep reading!
Check out free resources for groomers
We’ve written about this topic before, but in case you missed the memo: there are a ton of free resources for dog groomers! While most of the ones on our list are informational sites, plenty of pet groomer forums exist! These forums will come in handy when you’re trying to find insider details on sales, information about wholesalers, or even connect with other groomers who are selling equipment! Three of our favorites forums are:
Other professional groomers – especially those that are well versed in the industry – will be able to give you great tips on finding discounts and building your dog grooming kit on a budget.
Keep an eye out for good-quality used items
Speaking of looking to other groomers… watch out for good quality used items! Obviously, don’t buy half-used bottles of flea shampoo. But you might be able to find used dog grooming equipment like grooming tables, harnesses, and even clippers that can be disinfected and put to good use!
You might be wondering, who would get rid of a perfectly good grooming table?! The answer is simple! Anyone who is downsizing their salon, retiring from grooming or even just upgrading to fancier equipment is going to want to get rid of their stuff. And if it’s still in good shape, why not sell it to a groomer in need?
It’s important to note that you should make sure you can go see and assess the item’s state before buying it. That’s why sites like Kijiji or EBay’s Classified Ads can work well—most sellers are local to your area!
Look into wholesalers in your area
Wholesalers are companies who sell products in high quantities at lower prices. They usually aim to serve retailers or other large-scale operations. Looking into grooming wholesalers, either online or in your area, can be a great resource to find products for your salon. This would be the most cost efficient for products that you go through quickly, like shampoos and conditioners. If the wholesaler requires you to purchase more than necessary, ask another groomer to split the products (and the cost!)
If you’re considering offering any special services in your salon, like selling treats, toys, brushes, and other dog-related goodies, wholesalers are definitely something you need to look into.
Here are a few online wholesalers to check out:
Besides wholesalers, you have a couple of other options if you want to buy in bulk:
- Buy directly from the company. Contact the company and see if they’d be willing to work out a price deal with you for buying in large quantities.
- Check Amazon or other e-commerce websites that can have great deals!
Dog Grooming Shows, Expos, and Conventions
Pet grooming tradeshows are some of the best events you can attend to boost your career. Not only will you have a chance to network with other professionals in your area and meet industry experts, but you’ll also get the inside scoop on the latest pet products!
From grooming gadgets to dog treats and accessories, many manufacturers and distributors will offer great product deals for event attendees. If you own a dog grooming salon, don’t miss out on this opportunity to test new products and stock up on old favorites.
Discounts through your grooming school
A benefit of getting certified through a dog grooming school is student discounts! QC Pet Studies offers students discounts to several brands! From shears to shampoos to marketing tools for groomers, you could build a great kit using these offers.
Here’s a sneak peek at some discounts QC Pet Studies students get:
- 20% off Sharkfin Shears products
- 25% off BabelBark’s fitness monitor
- 50% off products on Epi-Pet’s website
- And more! See the rest here.
Discounts available to you through your dog grooming school are something you need to take advantage of. These discounts are made to help you find the best products for your dog grooming kit, so you can get the most out of your course and start your career off on the right foot!
Do you know any other places groomers can get discounts? Leave a comment and let your fellow dog groomers know!
Thanks for sharing these deals.
Hey Joseph, you’re very welcome! Thank YOU for taking the time to read our article and leave a comment, we really appreciate it. Did you wind up utilizing any of the deal/discount tips discussed in this blog? 🙂
All the best,
The QC Team