How To Fire A Grooming Client 🚫

Happy Friday Daily Groomers!

‍

We’ve all encountered that one client who just makes the job... well, not worth it… like at all.

‍

Whether it's endless rescheduling, refusal to properly secure their pet (or care for their pet in the first place), or just being a flat out toxic person sometimes you have to make the tough call: it’s time to let that client go.

‍

It’s important not to forget - you control your business and can choose who you keep as clients.

‍

Saying “you’re fired” to a client was our popular poll question from last week.

‍

Here are the results when asked “how many clients have you fired in your grooming career?…

‍

‍

Obviously, this isn't a huge sample size, but we found it interesting that no one chose “none”, so it seems everyone who responded to our poll has fired a client at some point in their grooming career.

‍

It must just be a write of passage and part of the biz!! 😂😂😂

‍

If you haven’t fired your first client yet, just wait, it’s coming…

‍

Some of the Daily Groomers had great feedback on this topic from prior experience!

‍

I have fired a total of three clients in the four years of owning my business. Due to constant late arrivals, no shows, aggressive dogs, and my latest… due to lack of respect for my salon’s policies.

‍

I've been grooming 40 yrs and have never regretted firing a customer

‍

Now that you've heard some honest takes from groomers who've had to fire clients, it's clear that letting someone go isn't easy, but sometimes it has to be done.

‍

So how do you handle it without creating unnecessary drama?

‍

Here are a few down-to-earth steps to break up with a client while keeping things respectful and professional.

‍

1. Blame the Schedule (And Stick to It)

‍

You: “Due to increased demand, I’m adjusting my regular routes, and I’m afraid I’ll no longer be able to accommodate your location in my schedule.”

‍

This works particularly well if the client lives just a little too far off the beaten path—or if you simply can't justify the hassle anymore. It's not you, it's the route!

‍

2. The “Specialized Services” Angle

‍

Sometimes, a client's needs just don’t match what you offer, and that's okay.

‍

You: “I’ve decided to focus on a different set of services moving forward, so I think it would be best for you to find another groomer who specializes in what you’re looking for.”

‍

This way, you’re not saying you don’t want them; you’re saying you’re not the right fit, and they deserve better!

‍

3. The Maintenance Reminder

‍

For clients who never seem to brush or do any at-home care, this is a perfect opportunity to shift responsibility back to them.

‍

You: “To ensure the best grooming results, I need pets to have some at-home maintenance between visits. It seems like this isn’t quite working for [dog’s name], so I think it’s best if we part ways.”

‍

It’s not about blame, it’s about setting a standard for your business. You're not a miracle worker—you’re a groomer!

‍

4. Safety First, Always

‍

If you’ve got a particularly challenging dog or a safety concern, it’s okay to be firm.

‍

You: “For the safety of both myself and [dog’s name], I don’t think I can continue with our grooming appointments. I highly recommend you seek a groomer who specializes in handling [specific behavior or breed] for the best experience.”

‍

Safety should never be compromised, and most reasonable pet parents will understand when you frame it this way.

‍

5. Keep It Short and Sweet

‍

If all else fails, keep your exit simple.

‍

You: “I’m afraid I’m unable to continue providing grooming services for [dog’s name] at this time. I wish you all the best in finding a groomer who’s the perfect match!”

‍

Short, polite, and to the point. No need for elaborate explanations—just a clean break.

‍

6. The “Slow Fizzle”

‍

If you’re looking for a less direct way to part ways, you can opt for the “slow fizzle.” (Named this one myself 😂)

‍

This approach is all about gradually distancing yourself from the client without an official break-up.

‍

You: Don't pick up when they call—let it go to voicemail. When you do respond, take your time, and always be "booked up" for a while. If they ask for a specific date, tell them you'll check your schedule and then... just don't get back to them.

‍

This method works well if you're worried about bad reviews or gossip, as clients tend to be less upset if they feel the relationship simply faded. And if they do ask why you haven’t been available, you can always say you’ve been swamped with work. No hard feelings, just a gradual drift apart.

‍

7. The “No F**ks Given” Method

‍

Tell them to kick rocks and block their number…

‍

You: “Kick rocks!”

‍

Okay maybe that’s not the best approach but hey, as a groomer, your time is precious, and you deserve to work with clients who make your day easier, not harder.

‍

Don’t be afraid to set boundaries and let go of clients who aren’t the right fit.

‍

At the end of the day, you’re doing what’s best for yourself and your business!

‍

Groom happy!

‍

Alex

‍

‍

🗣️ What People Are Barking About

‍

The best of the best advice or thought provoking topics shared this week online👇

‍

‍

I’m curious to see how you guys would handle this one.

‍

✋The Groomer’s Toolkit

‍

📚 Read - Read - Stacie Marie Fetterman tell a story about Kodi the Newfoundland and charging your worth in The Daily Groomer Facebook Community! Join in on the support from fellow groomers in our private Facebook group. ❤️

‍

📺 Watch - Chris Elias tell all on a jam-packed pricing strategies workshop on The Daily Groomer YouTube channel.

‍

🎧 Listen - The ladies behind La Bella Pet Spa talk about the importance of certifications on the latest episode of The Daily Groomer Podcast.