Happy Friday Daily Groomers!

Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and we hope you're planning to take some well-deserved time off before the holiday rush kicks in.

If you find yourself with a little downtime before slipping into that post-feast food coma and you weren't able to attend our recent workshop with Chaz from Wag'n Tails, don't worry—we've got you covered!

We've put together a helpful recap of the valuable insights he shared on thriving in the mobile grooming industry.

Let's catch you up...

We had another incredible turnout for this session, reflecting the growing interest in mobile grooming within our community. (Don’t sleep on our monthly virtual & free workshops!)

Chaz provided practical advice on everything from selecting the right van to navigating common challenges faced by mobile groomers.

Here's the lowdown on what you missed:

1. Think Before You Leap into Mobile Grooming

Chaz kicked things off by stressing the importance of self-awareness and planning before diving into mobile grooming. He emphasized knowing your market, your skills, and your financial situation.

His key message?

"To win the lottery, you've got to buy a ticket."

Translation: Success comes to those who prepare.

2. Choosing the Right Van is Everything

Overwhelmed by van options? Chaz broke it down, explaining the pros and cons of different models—Ford, Mercedes, Dodge—you name it.

3. Generators vs. Batteries: The Great Debate

Chaz delved into the nitty-gritty of energy solutions. Should you go with a generator or a clean power battery system?

Spoiler alert: He's seeing a big shift toward battery systems.

Why?

• Quieter operation (no more noisy generators scaring the pups!)

• Lower maintenance costs (save up to $7,000 per year!)

• Environmentally friendly

But he also acknowledged that generators have their place, especially if you're powering through long days and need continuous power.

4. Financing Without the Headache

Worried about the hefty price tag of a new van?

Chaz shared multiple financing options to get you on the road without breaking the bank:

• Dealer Financing: Similar to car loans.

• In-House Lease Program: Perfect if you're just starting out or have less-than-stellar credit.

• SBA Loans: For the more established businesses out there.

Best part? Flexible payment schedules mean you can start earning before your first payment is due.

5. Maintenance: Keep That Van Shiny and New

Chaz can't stress this enough—regular maintenance is key.

• Daily Cleaning: Keep it tidy between each doggo.

• Weekly Deep Cleans: Get into all those nooks and crannies.

• Professional Appearance: Your van is a rolling billboard—make it look the part!

6. Insurance: Don't Skip It

We know, insurance talk can be a snooze-fest, but Chaz made it clear—proper coverage is non-negotiable.

His tips:

• Make sure your policy covers the van, the conversion, and the equipment.

• Look for policies that include lost income coverage.

• Consider insurers who understand the pet industry, like Pet Biz or Governor's Insurance.

7. Set Your Prices Like a Pro

Chaz touched on pricing strategies to ensure you're not just breaking even but thriving.

Key takeaway: Don't undervalue your services. You're providing a premium, convenient service, and your pricing should reflect that. The national average for grooming the smallest dog in a mobile van? Around $130.

8. Avoid Common Pitfalls

Chaz highlighted some common mistakes new mobile groomers make:

• Underpricing Services: Know your worth!

• Poor Routing: Plan your routes to save time and gas.

• Neglecting Marketing: Use that van as a mobile advertisement.

• Not Planning for Downtime: Save funds for unexpected hiccups.

9. The Future is Bright (and Mobile!)

Chaz sees a growing demand for mobile grooming services.

His prediction?

Mobile grooming is set to boom as more pet parents seek convenience. He anticipates mobile grooming will soon rival traditional salons in popularity.

Want The Full Scoop?

These highlights are just scratching the surface. The full workshop is packed with actionable advice, real-life stories, and a lively Q&A session where Chaz answers burning questions from fellow groomers.

👉 Grab the Recording, Slides, Guide, and Van Maintenance Checklist Here:

• Workshop Recording: Watch Now

• Presentation Slides: View Slides

• Workshop Guide and Q&A: Get the Guide

He walked through the van maintenance checklist live on the workshop that he gives to his fleet clients at Wag’N Tails. It’s the same maintenance regiment that hundreds of van owners are using to keep their vans (& businesses) healthy!

If you missed the workshop but still want the checklist, we made it available below for Daily Groomer subscribers. 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

After hearing Chaz, it's clear that mobile grooming is here to stay and will be a big part of the future of this industry.

If you have any questions or just want to chat about going mobile, feel free to reach out to Chaz directly and tell him I sent you.

He's more than happy to help fellow groomers navigate the world of mobile grooming.

Get in Touch with Chaz:

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 1-574-381-5059

Keep calm and groom on,

Alex

✋The Groomer’s Toolkit

📚 Read - Most grooming business owners prefer to hire experienced groomers—but finding them can be a real challenge. Discover a fresh hiring hack shared in the Daily Groomer Private Facebook Community!

📺 Watch - This is a must watch! Joe Zuccarello, the President of Paragon Grooming School, explains how to elevate your game to become GREAT in grooming here on The Daily Groomer YouTube page. 

🎧 Listen - It’s time to rethink your take on grooming franchises… Meet the women behind Zoomin Groomin’s rapid growth on The Daily Groomer Podcast to unlock how to maintain a high quality service as you scale.

That’s all folks! Keep calm and groom on 🐶🤘