Dealing with the Dickersons
By Kathy Hosler
October 4, 2019
We all get phone calls from people who want special treatment as well as a bargain price. Those individuals are understood as “The Dickersons”. They will ‘dicker’ on the cost as well as every bit detail of the groom.
“Hi, I’m calling to see what you fee to groom a dog. He’s a genuine great boy. I clean him daily with my own hairbrush. The breeder told me that he won’t requirement groomed up until he is a year old, however I can’t see his eyes. I’ll bath him before I bring him—that will make his grooming cheaper, won’t it? Oh, as well as I requirement him done today.”
We all get phone calls from people who want special treatment as well as a bargain price. Those individuals are understood as “The Dickersons”. They will ‘dicker’ on the cost as well as every bit detail of the groom. They want you to go above as well as beyond to satisfy their requests, however are unwilling to pay what your services are worth. It’s like they expect to get all the amenities of a high-end resort, however are only ready to pay for a one–night stay at Motel 6.
To the Dickersons, cost is uppermost in their mind as well as the choosing aspect in selecting a groomer. What they frequently don’t take into consideration is that it’s not just a concern of price, it’s a concern of value got for the money spent.
We all like to get bargains, so when people ask about your pricing, don’t be angered or get defensive. utilize it as an chance to inform them about what makes your services worth more. You have to offer yourself as well as explain the value you give them as well as their pets.
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“In reality, I may be a lot more costly than others,” you say. “But that’s since I utilize high high quality products, state–of–the–art equipment, as well as I routinely go to continuing education to supply the newest as well as finest services for your pet.”
Most people truly like their family pets as well as will not hesitate to spend money on them, particularly when they feel they are getting exceptional value for that money. The amount you fee for a groom may be vastly different than what other groomers charge.
When it pertains to setting your prices, your charges requirement to cover all of your day–to–day service expenses, lease or mobile van payment, utilities, products as well as equipment, worker expenses, insurances, etc. everything counts. If you are just guessing exactly how much you requirement to charge, you may not be in service for long. when you understand what your costs are, you can determine exactly how much money you requirement to produce each day. Whether you fee by the pet or by the hour, you understand what you have to bring in to make ends satisfy as well as make a profit.
So exactly how do you manage it when somebody wants a discount? choose in development what your policy will be on providing discount rates or complimentary services, as well as then stay with it. No matter exactly how outlandish or demanding of a request somebody makes, stay calm as well as offer with it in a expert way according to that policy.
“Hi, I have two dogs as well as I am thinking about having them groomed by your mobile service. What do you fee as well as do I get a discount rate for the second pet dog considering that you can groom them both in one trip?”
“I have a service pet dog (he’s got a vest as well as everything). will you groom him for free?”
“My last groomer charged $45.00 to groom my second generation tiny Aussie Doodle. Do you cost match?”
Having a policy in location assists get rid of being caught off guard by a Dickerson. It is absolutely your option if you want to provide somebody a minimized price, however don’t enable yourself to be bullied into it. keep in mind, you can discount rate yourself ideal out of business. And, when you lower someone’s cost or provide them a complimentary service, they will want as well as expect it every time. Additionally, they may tell their buddies as well as neighbors, as well as they will want one too.
“Hi, you groom my neighbor’s two Schnauzers. If I get mine done at the exact same time, it will be more affordable for all three, right? And, she stated that you always provide them a blueberry facial for free. I want that for my dog, too.”
Don’t enable the Dickersons to take advantage of you. Groomers are notoriously generous. We donate our time as well as talents at regional shelters as well as rescue groups. And, at times, do grooms for free, however you can’t provide away your skills on a everyday basis. Your time is precious, so don’t discount rate your labor. As a expert you need to stand firm as well as tell the Dickersons that your grooming costs are non–negotiable.
Instead of providing discounts, boost your revenues by doing service promotions. They make the client feel that they are getting additional value as well as they likewise benefit you. offer a ‘special of the month’. It might be anull