The Profitable Mobile Grooming Playbook 💸

Happy Friday Daily Groomers!

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The team just got back from Las Vegas where I gave a presentation to hundreds of mobile grooming franchise owners.

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This was after I lost $160 on the blackjack table but I was still in good spirits!! 😂😂😂

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We called this presentation “The Profitable Mobile Grooming Playbook” where I shared case studies from wildly profitable grooming business owners.

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(If you’re mobile, salon or even running a small businesses, most of these principals hold true!)

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After diving into more than 1,000 hours of interviews on The Daily Groomer Podcast (with everyone from single-van groomers to franchisors running 100+ vehicles), we’ve distilled the best tips and strategies into one comprehensive framework.

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Below is a high-level look at our “Profitable Mobile Grooming Playbook,” featuring real insights from grooming business owners who’ve walked the walk.

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Let’s dig in!

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Why Focus on Profitability?

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Profit = Revenue – Expenses

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It’s simple on paper, but tough to optimize in the real world. Our interviews show that the most profitable grooming businesses consistently focus on the same four pillars:

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1. Maximize Revenue
2. Build High-Value, Long-Term Clients
3. Empower Your Team
4. Streamline Operations

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When these pillars work together, they can help you achieve (or exceed) $200k per van annually—without burning out.

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1. Maximize Revenue

What Does “Great” Look Like?

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Leading mobile grooming businesses often earn $200k+ per van, which can break down to:

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• $17k/month

• $4k/week

• $800/day

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Your exact pricing and dog count per day will vary based on market and skill set. The key is setting a target so you know what you’re aiming for.

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Key Levers to Pull

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• Increase Prices (strategic but straightforward)

• Fill Your Schedule (answer every call, capture every lead)

• Upsell & Cross-Sell (boost average order value)

• Expand Working Days/Hours (if feasible for you and your team)

• Offer Loss-Leader Services (like discounted nail trims & deshedding treatments) to get new clients in the door

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“About 30 to 50 percent of the people who come in for just a nail trim event end up becoming full-time grooming clients.” - Jessica & Dan Brandis, Grand Paws Pet Salon

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Pro Tip: Even if you’re fully booked, always answer the phone (or have someone do it). A quick “we’re fully booked but can add you to our waitlist” helps maintain a professional reputation and ensures no lead slips through the cracks.

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2. Build High-Value, Long-Term Clients

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What Does “Great” Look Like?

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• 80%+ of clients on a recurring schedule (4–8 weeks)

• Consistent flow of 5-star reviews

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Reliable recurring appointments = predictable revenue. Plus, clients on regular schedules often trust you with additional services or upsells.

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Strategy: Map the Customer Journey

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• 3 Days Before Appointment: Send a friendly reminder or quick text with what to expect.

• 24 Hours Before: Confirm arrival time, share final tips (e.g., your last chance to make a first impression).

• 24 Hours After: Check in for feedback, ask for a review if they’re thrilled.

• 2 Weeks After: Send personalized grooming tips based on breed or a prompt to book the next appointment.

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“So many business owners are afraid to just ask.” - Ana Cartorri, Jazz’s Wonderland

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Simply asking for a review can significantly boost your online reputation. Incorporate that ask into your post-groom follow-ups. Need more customers? Ask for a referral.

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Strategy: Set Targets & KPIs

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• Recurring Booking Rate (aim for 80%+ to rebook at checkout)

• Review Volume & Rating (goal: 4.5+ stars on Google/Yelp)

• Average Order Value (AOV) (track those upsells over time)

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“Our rebooking goals incentivize our groomers to do the hard thing—make the ask.” - Shannon O’Dore, Aussie Pet Mobile

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3. Empower Your Team

Your groomers are your most valuable asset. A supportive, career-focused team fuels growth and prevents costly turnover.

What Does “Great” Look Like?

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• A career-focused mindset (not just “bus stops” for your groomers)

• Clear, measurable goals and expectations

• A positive, supportive culture

• An environment that hires for passion and invests in skill-building

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“Everyone can offer more money. But what can you do that shows that groomer you actually care?” - Sandy Stowe, Zoomin Groomin

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Strategies to Empower

• Offer Real Benefits: PTO, healthcare, or even paying for grooming school.

• Create Growth Paths: Advanced certifications, specialized training, leadership roles.

• Continuously Recruit: Even if you have a great team, keep an eye out for passionate candidates (“horse people,” vet techs, etc.).

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“They either have that spark, or they don’t. Skill can be refined, but if they don’t care about the dog, I won’t hire them.” - Abby Kirwin, Masterpiece Canine Spa

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4. Streamline Operations

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What Does “Great” Look Like?

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• You can step away (vacation, sick day) without the business falling apart.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for everything from pricing to emergency protocols.

• Potential to scale to multiple vans and eventually sell your business if you choose.

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Strategy: Standardize & Automate

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• SOPs: Document your check-in/check-out process, grooming procedures by breed, crisis handling, etc.

• Automation: Use scheduling software to confirm appointments, send reminders, and track rebookings.

• Delegation: A part-time or virtual assistant (or AI solutions - more on this below…) can handle phone calls, admin tasks, and social media.

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“It’s not fun. It’s actually quite painful, but it adds up over time—and it’s so worth it.” - Sarah Himelstein, Puptown

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Bringing It All Together

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Here’s your 4-Pillar Checklist for building (and maintaining) a profitable mobile grooming business:

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1. Maximize Revenue: Upsell, expand capacity, and answer every lead.
2. Build High-Value Clients: Create a journey that encourages recurring appointments and 5-star reviews.
3. Empower Your Team: Invest in benefits, culture, and ongoing training.
4. Streamline Operations: Standardize procedures, automate admin, and prepare for growth.

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Even one small change—like setting a weekly rebooking goal or offering a new upsell—can make a significant impact on your bottom line.

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We’ll be sharing this entire playbook again in an upcoming free virtual workshop exclusively for The Daily Groomer community—where we’ll dig even deeper into each pillar and share more real quotes and case studies from successful mobile grooming business owners.

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Our goal for 2025 is to bring more groomers and grooming businesses owners together so we can all learn from each other.

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For now, join our private Facebook group of over 3,000 groomers, where we regularly post free workshops, expert interviews, and industry updates.

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More updates and insights coming soon!

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For the love of grooming,

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Alex Martin 🐶

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🗣️ What People Are Barking About

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Since we’re on our feet all day (and dealing with water, hair, and the occasional mystery puddle 🫠), finding the right pair is a game-changer.

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✋The Groomer’s Toolkit

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📚 Read - 2,624 members strong! We’re building the largest community in grooming at the The Daily Groomer Facebook Community ❤️

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📺 Watch - Finding groomers is the hardest part of the biz. Learn how to train groomers from scratch with Aaryn Mistro on The Daily Groomer YouTube channel.

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🎧 Listen - Going deeper on empowering your team… on this episode on The Daily Groomer Podcast you will learn how to build your grooming staff - commissions, job titles, & more with Angie Landis.