I am a dog groomer and need ideas to bring in more customers does any one have any ideas ?

i manage a grooming shop and need ideas to promote business any suggestions will help thank you

try hosting an open house- with dog treats- people treats
host a dog makeover contest with before and after pictures- with a grand prize- let customers vote
promote your local animal shelter- donate $1/ groom to them- and maybe ask them if you put out a donation box- can the biggest single gift name a puppy at the shelter
host specials for different breed days- sheltie day, lab day etc.

Add an additional station to your business environment. Create a "self wash" station, where there are multiple large tubs and dog shampoo dispensers. Charge like a DIY car wash.. Where you have o insert quarters every few minutes, and/or like a laundromat where you have to pay for the soap.. Or, eliminate that hassle, and just charge a 5-8 dollar fee for facility use.

I think after people who regularly complain and avoid having their pets groomed would be MORE than willing to cough up the extra bucks after enduring a sopping embarrassment when their large pooch goes A-Wall and gets them all wet in a community wash place. :)

Word of mouth is the best advertising. Start rewarding your clients who refer their friends and relatives to your shop. Take one of your own dogs, groom it up pretty, and start taking him places where dog people frequent. When you are asked where you have your dog groomed, tell them the name of your shop. You don't have to mention that you are the shop manager.

We are having the same problem at the dog groomer's I work at, putting a nice big ad in the Yellowpages helped a lot, even though it did cost a lot. We are thinking of painting the windows outside with dogs and the phone number really big, I will probably end up doing this in a few weeks.

Hope this helps!

I own my own "doggie spa"....LOL....
I don't know what that name of your shop is and/or where you are located but I am SURE it is not in my neck on the woods (small town in Ontario, Canada).
I wonder about the name....what is it??? People like the idea of a "Spa" for their dogs...perhaps you can incorporate that in your advertising......a relaxing spa day for your dog....or some such....
What about a senior's discount??? What about a 10%^ new client discount on first groom??? What about "free gift with every groom" (ie: find a wholesaler that you can get "cheap toys" for a buck - or send them home with biscuits or chewies???
Also, you could consider a "rewards" program for your regular clients...
10 grooms and the 11th is free....something like some of the dog food programs... Or a "multiple dog discount"...bring in 3, get 10 % off the total bill....
Just ideas...I use a few of them....depends upon the client...I have 1 who gets 10 % off because she always brings in her 3 Shih Tzu's the same day. I have another client who brings in 2 Maltipoos EVERY 5 WEEKS (together) so...she gets 1 dog free after 10 grooms....I may "comp" the second one at Christmas....
See what advertising on your local radio station costs....is there a local paper you can ad in or are you in a large center???
E-mail me more detail and I will see what other ideas I can help with...
GOod luck

I groom my own dogs so I am not too familiar with prices and the time involved, but coupons on fliers are always good. Maybe a punch card system where every ? grooming is free? Or, if cost feasible - 2 for 1 on your first visit. Any money lost would be recouped in future visits, if they were satisfied with your services.

Ask several veterinarians if you can post a flier on their boards. Give a discount with coupon or two for one etc. or give a hearty discount for the third visit etc.
Grocery stores ditto. Special prices for senior citizens, military anything else you may want to give a discount to would be welcome.

There are great answers from everyone who responded, if you would like to email me in private, there are a few more minds that I can connect you with who are also groomers.

Wondering who is Iggy and what is wrong with them?

Ask to leave business cards at your local vet's office, or on their bulletin board if they have one. Offer a coupon in your town newspaper. Look for pet fairs in your area & set up a booth.

I don't have any suggestions. Just like you don't speak french. Oh and btw, thanks for the 2 points!

Put a coupon in your local paper....so much off. No one has any money to spare right now.