Hey, Groomers - How would I go about opening my own shop?

Question

I'm currently a groomer for PetSmart, and I'd like to open my own shop sometime soon...

What do I need to do to get started?

Answer 1

Oh, my, this is going to sound like a paraphrase of my usual response to breeding questions.

But if you need to ask this, you are NOT ready to open your own shop.

Get a job working with a really good groomer in a smaller shop. Spend a few years learning how a shop is run.  Take a course on small business management. There are books specifically on running a grooming business (like The Art and Business of Professional Grooming by Dorothy Walin), get and read as many as you can.

And of course, make sure your grooming is up to snuff.  Make sure you know the proper cuts for the breeds.  Spend time at dog shows so you know the subtle differences between a welsh, lakeland and airedale clip.  Many groomers can't even tell the difference between a schnauzer cut and a wheaten cut!  

Make sure you know about parasite and disease control, basic information on health issues and especially skin problems, dog behavior and training, including handling difficult dogs, and canine first aid.

You might want to join the Groomer's BBS.

http://www.groomers.net/discus/messages/...

Answer 2

Well, I'm sure you know the equipment you need.

The first thing you need to do is get an EIN (Employer Identification Number), it's what the government uses for tax purposes. You also need a resale license if you are doing any sort of selling of things like toys and such in your shop.

Both of these are free.

You may need to also register with the town that you live in as a business.

Answer 3

A LOT of grooming experience for one...

And if you open your own grooming salon, business will most likely be very slow for a while, as you will have to build up your reputation.

Getting a job at an existing private salon will give you much more of an idea of what it will take to one day start your own.