Mid Year Musings 2022

CHILLY RECEPTION

Hi Subscriber First Name! How’s your Winter going? Back in the olden days (ie, 3 years ago) Winter used to be a lovely bit of down-time for us groomers. There was time to deep clean your space and tools, refresh your socials, slickers and smocks, actually have a bit of time off! 😲 But it seems that all that has changed, and there are many many dogs and not many many groomers which has led to a bit of a situation.

It’s hard when you have to turn clients away because you are simply too busy. It’s hard to say no to clients who don’t understand that ‘just one more’ dog in the day, or ‘he’s only tiny’ can be the breaking of you. Groomers walk such a fine line between professional business practices and the emotional pull of a doggy in need. It can be challenging to stand our ground, charge our worth and stay sane.

Things will balance out in time (we hope 🤞). One thing is for sure, we need more groomers! If you have a grooming business and you want to take your existing staff to the next level, check out our online skill sets. They’re an easy, affordable way to kick-start a keen bather’s next step up to grooming for example. We’ve packed over 50+ years combined grooming education into these skill sets. We can help you if you want to take the next step.

1. Layers! Easy, peel on and peel off layers will save your power bill. And good lord that power bill is going to be going up something shocking if all reports are to be believed (possibly by 40%!) It’s important to remember that if you are hot in a room with a heater on, imagine how hot the dog you are working with could be? Best to meet half way. Looking at upgrading your groom room’s heating system? This is a great article.

2. Look at your pricing! EOFY falls in our Winter so snuggle up one night with tea and blankets and take a good hard look at your pricing. Think about costs that have changed for you over the last 12 months - rent, insurances, shampoos, etc. Has anything gone down in price? Most likely, no. Remember also that Superannuation is moving to 10.5% on July 1. And Award wages are also increasing. Strawberry Seed are dishing out the goss re these increases at their free webinar tomorrow night. Book here. ⬅️ highly recommend.Take appropriate action regarding pricing where needed. Generally, if clients have a bit of notice, they are accepting of changes more easily. Use your socials and your CMS to communicate with your customers. Be sure to be genuine, kind, and professional.

3. Educate! Towards the end of Winter / early Spring is when we generally see lots of matted dogs coming in. Owners avoid Winter haircuts because they think the dog will literally freeze, even though there are possibly more clothing and bedding options for dogs these days than us hoomans! So get active on social media now and educate your clients about the importance of regular brushing and grooming. If we all do this, every year, the message will start to sink in. igroomhub has brochures if you need a hand / inspo for wording. Or just print these babies right out and hand them to clients, old school!

Yes, we are on the EOFY sale bandwagon too. Everything in the Scent range is 15% off until the end of June. What’s more, if you take a selfie with your purchase and review it on Insta (+ tag us), you will go into the draw to win a set of Pink Heiniger Saphir Cordless Clippers. There’s still time to enter - the winner is drawn on July 8.

GOT A MEMBERSHIP? Refer a friend and we will waive your next subscription payment - ie, you could literally get a free year if you have an annual sub and refer a groomer friend.

WANT A MEMBERSHIP? We’ve got 20% off new memberships. And that discount applies for the life of the membership. Pretty cool.

We hope you have a great month ahead. Mastergroom and Pup Cup NSW are coming up in August! igroomhub will have a stand at both events - we can’t wait to meet you!

Got questions, comments or feedback? Hit reply to let us know. We love hearing from you!

Go well,

UPCOMING EVENTS

• 1, 2 + 3 July T and Tay on Tour Melbourne

• 5 + 6 August The Pup Cup

• 5 + 6 + 7 August Mastergroom

• 14 August T and Tay on Tour Perth

• 9 + 10 September Adelaide Royals

• 2 October Melbourne Royals

• 22 + 23 October Brisbane Groomathon

All dressed up with somewhere to go? Hit reply and let us know so we can share it with other groomers on our Events page.

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