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Post by brightlite on May 31, 2009 10:38:54 GMT
would like to hear peoples experiences of this profession and any comments at all . i am thinking tentatively of setting up my own small business and this is one if the ideas i am interested in , as well as other equine bits and bobs . the courses seem to be very expensive , over 2k ? then there is all the equipment to purchase on top of the training costs . what do you think of these online courses and self taught certificates? do you think its worthwhile financially overall , or just a sideline hobby type job ? is the market saturated , or always room for more ? ( i am in cheshire ) any help , tips , advice appreciated  |
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Post by sarah00000 on May 31, 2009 13:40:51 GMT
I cant give you much help, but all I can say is that the dog groomers locally to me are fully booked up nearly a month ahead, all the time.....
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Milliesmum
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Post by Milliesmum on May 31, 2009 15:34:06 GMT
Agree, I have to book about 4 to 6 weeks in advance. I don't think it's a big money spinner, I pay about £20 to £25, to have Millie bathed, dried, groomed, trimmed - she's there for a good 2 or 3 hours and she isn't very co-operative! They definitely earn the money. I also think you build a reputation by word of mouth, people are quite picky who they trust with their dogs.
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Post by sophieandcallum on May 31, 2009 16:24:58 GMT
I think you have to plan it out, the equipment is VERY expensive, but you will get the money back eventually, but are you in a position to do this? Dog grooming is part of my animal care course, and personally would not be able to do the same thing day in day out. You need to take that into account too, and the fact that many will be difficult  . Agree with milliesmum, people are picky about who they leave their dogs with so once you have a good reputation your business will be booming! |
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Post by biggles on May 31, 2009 18:01:32 GMT
I am a dog groomer and currently have an 8 week waiting list for new clients and haven't advertised for 5 years. It's slow to start because (depending on breed) once you have groomed that particular dog it can be anything from 6-12 weeks before they will need you again. However, once you get a regular client base you will soon be fully booked all the time. I personally wouldn't advise on the on-line courses. Go to do the training course at a groomers where you will get hands on experience with all the different breeds. To be honest though you don't really learn the trade properly until you go on your own then you just get better with experience and also quicker. Some of the traning salons also offer a one day taster course which is great as you can see what it's really like!!! Not all perfect pooches I'm afraid. If you ask any groomer they will all say the same - you'll never be rich but you will be able to pay bills which for most of us is all we need, just to make a living and in our case pay for the horses too. I've been grooming dogs for over 10 years now and can honestly say I never woke up any morning and said "I don't want to go to work today", and not many people can say that about their job. Also I get what they call "job satisfaction". Everyone is always thrilled to see their dog looking gorgeous which gives me a buzz. Also you can loads of lovely pressies at Christmas!!! Good luck.
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Post by brightlite on May 31, 2009 18:37:17 GMT
thanks so much for your replies ! biggles those waiting lists sound great . i love the before and after effect , im sure i would get a buzz out of that too , bit like trimming up for a show ! i have been looking at this place www.firtreegrooming.co.uk/ what do you think it sounds like ? i didnt realise that the salons provided courses too , so ill look into that . i really appreciate your realistic input and experiences , im kind of 'starting again ' the children are growing up and the horses are more expensive than ever so i neeeeed to do something . milliesmum , is millie a lhasa ? i have one , hes adorable but getting fed up of me trying to clip and preen him for experience - he looks a bit uneven at the moment ( oops ) |
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Milliesmum
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Post by Milliesmum on May 31, 2009 18:49:22 GMT
Brightlite, Millie is a c0ckerpoo - she really should be longer than the picture but I have her trimmed quite short because she objects to being brushed, so rather than have her get really matted I get it all trimmed off!
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Post by biggles on May 31, 2009 20:38:29 GMT
Brightlite I have sent you a pm if I have done it correctly!
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Post by brightlite on May 31, 2009 21:13:12 GMT
thanks so much , ive just seen it |
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Post by mady on Jun 1, 2009 12:00:10 GMT
Does anyone know any decent dog groomers in Lancashire?
I've a spaniel and everytime she goes to the groomers she comes back scalped. This isnt too bad considering the weather but i would like her to look like a spaniel when she comes home ha ha
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nic101
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Post by nic101 on Jun 1, 2009 16:29:56 GMT
mady: i do mine myself.... cheap enough clippers.... pair of scissors - thinning comb - sorted no stressed owners/dogs! |
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Post by nffan on Jun 1, 2009 19:40:08 GMT
I struggle to get someone to do my yorkie, any tips on how to do him myself ?
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Post by brightlite on Jun 1, 2009 22:28:11 GMT
nffan when i finish my training i will be sure to let you know |
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