Being in business for yourself is a very different experience from that of being an employee of a company. The risks are greater, but so are the rewards. And your income will depend on a number of factors, some of which you can control, but many that you simply can’t control.
Areas that are more densely populated with fewer miles that need to be driven between jobs provide higher incomes. The amount of competition in the area will partially dictate how much you can charge per groom. And the amount of time and effort that you put into the business is also going greatly affect your income.
You Do The Math: *Just One Example [of Many Possible Outcomes]
- 4 Groomings Per Day @ A Rate of $75.00 each
- Work 5 Days Per Week for 50 weeks each year
- Totals: $75,000 Gross Income / Before Expenses
*Please Note: This formula is used as an example only and following this formula verbatim, does not guarantee you a similar outcome. Use of this formula, is at your personal discretion.
Many Mobile Groomers Work Solo
Mobile grooming is one of few businesses where you can earn a full-time living while being the only one working in the business. Not having to hire employees equals more money in your pocket. Mobile grooming is considered a service industry, so there are no costly upfront expenses for inventory, save for several gallons of shampoo and conditioner and other grooming supplies.
You will set your business hours and you will set your prices.
You Will Need Outside Professionals
Two important services that you will need to contract and make use of on a regular basis is: a Certified Public Accountant, who will assist you with record keeping and help you keep on the good side of the government, and a Qualified Mechanic, who will be worth their weight in gold, as your grooming truck, and its mechanical systems like a hot water heater, and electrical generator will need to be maintained from time to time.
Mobile Grooming Offers You a Number of “Perks”
Many groomers just starting out do not realize that in addition to the fees that they are earning, there will be “tips.” Tips seem to be a tradition and an expression of gratitude from thankful pet owners. And not every pet owner will tip you. But, they can be anything from an extra few dollars in the pay envelope, to a loaf of pumpkin bread, to a basket of tomatoes from the pet owner’s garden. Christmas time seems to be a a particularly bountiful time for tipping, especially from long time regular customers.
Conclusion:
Mobile grooming may be an ideal and lucrative profession for the independent-minded “solo-preneur.”