ow more than ever, pet care professionals have seen increased demand for elevated and personalized pet care. To no surprise, this goes beyond exceptionally pampering pets during visits. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter pet care; understanding breed-specific differences now lays a foundation for providing proper treatment. With this newfound demand for personalized care comes opportunities for pet care professionals to enter new communities and reach new clientele.
Mobile grooming has become increasingly popular in recent years. The boom can be credited to the COVID-19 pandemic, as it was one of the ways pet care services were able to operate under lockdown restrictions. Credited as essential in many states, one-to-one grooming proved lucrative for many in 2020 as operations went uninterrupted. Since then, this has given mobile business owners peace of mind and has contributed to the growing popularity of the business model.
For those just beginning their mobile grooming journey, the decision to buy a franchise or invest in your own mobile van is not one to make lightly. There are various factors to consider, including personal goals, preferences, finances and risk tolerance. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and what might be a better choice for one groomer may not necessarily be the right fit for another.
Franchises are tried-and-tested business models. Unlike mom-and-pop shops, they have existing practices in place franchisees can benefit from. Franchises often provide the best tools to ensure their franchisees’ success, including elevated training sessions, networking opportunities, established marketing tactics, up-to-date equipment and supplies, advanced technology, safety protocols for the groomer and pets in their care, proper insurance and ongoing support.
Additionally, franchising leverages the buying power of a larger franchise system, which helps reduce expenses for franchisees who may be unable to secure preferred pricing on their own. All these factors can prove beneficial for groomers new to pet care, business ownership or franchising in general.
In working with an established brand, a groomer may also have lower risk when it comes to investing. A proven concept and business system offer reduced risk compared to starting an independent business from scratch. As part of a franchise, groomers can learn how to hire the right people and grow both the business and team with proper guidance. Franchises also have a cohesive strategy to scale and manage their businesses. Once a common goal and vision are established, eventually franchisees have the option to take a backseat in the business and can be set up for long-term success.
In many cases, starting a mobile grooming business can be more cost effective compared to buying a franchise, which typically involves higher upfront fees and ongoing royalties. Mobile grooming vans allow lower initial investments, ideal for groomers just starting out in the industry. Unlike franchises, independent groomers are also not tied down to franchise-wide offerings or promotions.
While there are many benefits for groomers to own their own mobile vans, there are a few challenges to keep in mind. Working independently typically does not allow businesses to scale as quickly or cost-effectively compared to franchising. When starting a business from scratch, the groomer is solely responsible for everything involving the business, which can be intimidating. This includes, but is not limited to, finances, insurance, payroll, scheduling and van maintenance. That is why it is common for startups to go through a much slower process of setting up and receiving profit than franchises.
When working independently, there is also a lack of company culture. Grooming is a physically demanding job as it is, so being the only person to run an entire company can be tiresome.
Being on wheels can also help increase brand awareness at key community spots, including dog parks. A groomer’s ability to have a presence at an event can create additional revenue opportunities. For groomers owning and operating mobile businesses, vans should be thought of as traveling billboards. Treating company vehicles as a form of advertising acts as a strategic business approach, helping to increase brand visibility and potentially attract new customers.
When operating any business, customer service is a key factor in determining success. Independent businesses require top-notch customer service, as the owner becomes the face of the entire company. Being in a van allows for direct, one-on-one customer interactions, which can lead to stronger customer relationships and loyalty.
Mobile grooming also offers unparalleled convenience for pet owners. For clients constantly on the go, mobile grooming services can help lessen the burden by eliminating the need for pet owners to wait around at appointments, pick up and drop off their pets. Mobile groomers offer services at their clients’ doorsteps, saving them time and effort.
It is important to consider how factors such as initial investment costs, ongoing fees, support and training, the level of independence, and financial risks will impact the business decision. It is also a good idea to talk to current franchise owners and mobile grooming van operators to gain insights into their experiences and challenges.
Amy Addington has been President of Woofie’s since January 2022, and was a Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer from Woofie’s inception until then. She has been the Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Woofie’s, LLC, which merged into Woofie’s Ashburn, LLC in January 2022, since its inception in March 2004. She was also the Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Woofie’s Mobile Pet Spa Services, LLC, a position held from its inception in January 2017.