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Scoopers & Friends Discussion Board Archives

Messages archived from the Scoopers & Friends Discussion Board, going back to May of 1998. The discussion board board is an online forum about the business of pet-waste removal. Browse the messages, CLICK HERE TO SEARCH by keyword, or click here to participate in current discussions.

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 21-Sep-98 20:35:21

HIRING & KEEPING EMPLOYEES ... I'M CONCERNED THAT MY AGGRESSIVE ADVERTISING START NEXT WEEK INTO THE PET WASTE REMOVAL BUSINESS WILL BRING A HEAVY INFLUX OF CALLS (BUMMER,HUH?). I'M STARTING WITH A
CATCHY 800 NUMBER AND BUSINESS CARD SIZE DISPLAY ADS IN A VERY POPULAR URBAN YUPPIE WEEKLY NEWSPAPER. I'M COUNTING ON THE 800 NUMBER TO BECOME RECOGNIZED AND REMEMBERED BEFORE MOVING INTO OTHER FORMS OF ADVERTISING, WHILE I WILL SIMPLY BE TESTING THE WATERS FOR A FEW WEEKS, MY CONCERN IS HIRING RELIABLE PEOPLE. MY INITIAL PLAN WILL BE TO PAY $3 PER YARD AT FIRST, THEN IF THE EMPLOYEE STAYS FOUR MONTHS, MOVE THEM UP TO $4 PER YARD. MY CHARGE WILL BE $8 PER YARD/$32 PER MONTH.

INITIALLY, I WILL WORK ONLY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AS I HAVE A FULL TIME JOB (FOR NOW). MY BUSINESS PLAN INCLUDES HIRING A "FRIDAY" PERSON TO WORK WHILE I AM AT MY JOB AND SO ON AS THE WORK COMES IN.
WHADDYA THINK?

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 25-Sep-98 00:31:49

Re: HIRING & KEEPING EMPLOYEES ... Twistehuff,
Congrats on choosing to go it on your own!
My limited experience in newspaper advertising has been very disappointing. My recommendation would be to go for it but don't put all your eggs in one basket. As in investing, diversify and think long term. Best of luck (we all know it has nothing to do with luck!)
Red

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 29-Sep-98 04:54:07

Re: HIRING & KEEPING EMPLOYEES ... I like your optimism about the results you hope to achieve from your newspaper ad. :) Don't be too disappointed if you're not overwhelmed with business right off the bat, though. It may take some time for people to get used to the idea.
I like the idea of a Friday person. And if you're starting your first employee as a part-timer, the pay-per-yard arrangement might work well. At $3 per yard, a good worker should be earning between $9 and $12 per hour after a few weeks of experience. For someone who's just looking to earn some extra money, that should be very attractive, I'd think.
For stable full-time employees, you might want to put some of that money into benefits like sick days and holidays. And of course, health insurance is a powerful way to draw and hold on to reliable, responsible employees.
There are important trade-offs. You have a certain portion of the total revenues that can be used for wages. If you don't have to provide benefits you can offer a larger hourly wage. But vacations and insurance appeal to workers looking for longer-term prospects.
The beauty of owning your own business is that you can make these choices -- sometimes it's also the trouble with owning your business. LOL :)
Some of the important considerations involved with hiring employees, and more in-depth information about what has worked well for me is covered in the "Hiring Helpers" section, pages 86 - 92 of "The Professional Pooper-Scooper."

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 23-Sep-98 05:39:13

Poop containment ... Hey glad I finally found you all!! Could anyone recommend some type of in ground containment system for poop? (dog of course). We recently had a loveable old doberman adopt us ...we have a small yard ...and well you professionals know the rest of the story i'm sure. Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated by sloan (old dobbie) and my family.

Thanks kathy coondawgies@worldnet.att.net

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 23-Sep-98 18:28:22

Doggie Doolie ... hey thanks for all your help..I was able to locate a Doggie Doolie (just what we were looking for) at a pet center in a near by city. I did try their website www.doogie doolie.com but was unable to get there...but they are still selling them in the Pacific Northwest anyway...I really do enjoy this BB..will keep checkin back to read thru the archives..Keep up the good work all you scoopers!! I just might start my own business too!!

Kathy

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 24-Sep-98 12:03:54

newspaper coverage ... Hi everyone!

Just wanted to let you all know that the local paper ran a story about PooP b Gone and the response was excellent. I received in 3 days 14 phone calls and signed up 10 customers. I'm still hopeing to get the other 4 to signup. I'm thrilled!! Just what PooP b Gone needed. I suggest to you other scoopers to send your local paper a press release about your businesses - it really works!!

Also, I want to thank Matthew and David (Doody Calls) for helping me on my webpage. Their hard work and efforts (and patience with me) produced a great page. I really appreciate it. Check it out www.pooper-scooper.com/PooPbGone/

Take care!!

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 29-Sep-98 04:19:37

All right! Way to go, Pat! ... 10 customers from one article -- that's great! Congratulations on getting the story picked up.
I'm delighted to have been helpful; thanks for the feedback. :)

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 30-Sep-98 00:44:43

Re: newspaper coverage ... Pat,

I guess congrats are in order! That is quite a bunch you PICKED UP!!

You truly are on your way.
* perhaps, I am a tad jealous, but after swallowing my dumb pride, I wanted to write and say that I am proud of your achievement.
( surely, one might do it for me!)

Keep it up... Happy scoopin'

Wil Phillips

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 01-Oct-98 07:12:58

Re: Re: newspaper coverage ... Thanks Wil!

That was nice of you to write. Believe me business has been slow coming - I almost gave up a few times, but I know persistents is the key. When I first started out, I only had 1 customer for the first 3 months and that was very disappointing. Hang in there and get your business name out as much as you can. The customers are there . . . you just need to let them know YOU are THERE!! Best of Luck to you. Let me know how business goes. Take care-

Pat

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 25-Sep-98 00:57:33

Thanks for my first customer! ... The day has finally arrived for me to get my first customer. Did all my advertising in the Dallas papers lead them to me? No. Did word of mouth or the yellow pages or flyers do it? No. The customer just happened to be talking with some old friends in New Hampshire (We are in Dallas, Texas) and they told him about the new business they had just begun (Dog-Gone-It?). He liked the idea so they referred him to this site's international directory and he found me listed there. The strangest part of it all is that he lives in the same apartments as I do!!! Twighlight Zone! Anyway, this new customer is 136 condominiums and is owned by a parent company that has 52 other properties in the Dallas area all of which I would be a on their preferred vender list and have some incredible opportunities! What a blessing! The problem I have to overcome at the moment is meeting all of their vendor requirements which include obtaining all kinds of insurance ( literally a million $ worth of coverage!). If you can't take the heat... Well, thank you Matthew for setting this site and message board up. It is invaluable to our businesses.
I just mailed out the press releases....I'll keep you posted.
RED, Pet Butler - Dallas

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 25-Sep-98 11:13:06

Re: Thanks for my first customer! ... Congrats! Call your insurance man. I suspect that your insurance won't be too expensive. Point out to him that you don't use any power tools. Your biggest problem (and we all know this one) is that you don't fit in the company's neat little catagories.

Good luck!

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 12-Oct-98 16:40:06

Re: Re: Thanks for my first customer! ... Insurance Problems!

I cannot seem to find any insurance company that will insure me for any reasonable amount. Does anyone have any recommendations or experience in obtaining general/commercial liability insurance?

I've tried at least a dozen companies with no luck. Can anyone help?

Red

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 25-Sep-98 22:00:51

Re: Thanks for my first customer! ... Hi Red,

Your Welcome for your first customer! Hope you get many more. Good Luck!!!

Barbara & John
Dog-Gone-It

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 29-Sep-98 04:03:03

Congratulations! And you're welcome :-) ... Wow! That's great, Red. :) I admit I'm surprised the other marketing methods didn't produce yet (I still think they will), and it took awhile, but when you get a first customer, you really get a first customer! I really hope this opportunity works out for you.
Pete's right about the insurance, it's a small price to pay and it's good for business. I would also recommend getting quotes from several insurance providers; premiums can vary quite a bit.
And you're right on top of things about that press release, too! It's a perfect example of newsworthy topics for publicity.
I'm happy we could be a part of it all, Red.

Again, congratulations!

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 30-Sep-98 14:04:28

New Markets? ... Kudos to all of you who have started successful companies. I am very interested in helping my parents (late 50's) develop a home based business. I'm curious if anyone has a list of "scoop" business locations. They are in the Orlando/Winter Park area and I live in Boulder, Colorado. Thanks for the information.

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 01-Oct-98 09:44:38

fees ... If I would want to start a business like this , what type of fees would you charge. And do you put the poop in a trash can when removing it? Any type of info would be appreciated.

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 05-Oct-98 19:20:32

Re: fees ... I like the ideas Matt gave me which is to
charge per the amount of dogs the customer
has. You should also sit down and figure out
all of your costs and make sure you are making
a profit . If the clients think its too high you only
have two choices , lower your costs or lower
your salary/wages . Check to see if the land-
fill will let you dump or not .Good Luck!
Ray (also starting)

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 08-Oct-98 04:00:13

Re: fees ... See the Frequently Asked Questions file at www.pooper-scooper.com for these and more answers. And of course be sure to read all the discussions here on the message board. :) You'll find the actual experience of several scoopers.
Part of the beauty of owning your own business is that you can decide these kinds of things for yourself. Of course, that's sometimes part of the difficulty of owning your own business, too.

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 02-Oct-98 01:18:30

Where can I find a popper scoop ... Hi
I am living in Turkey and have just brought a labrador as a responsible owner I want to dispose of the poop in a suitable way. Does anyone know how I can buy a pooper scoop by e mail or post. Also what are the best types. Never dreamed you could make a n industry out of poop!!

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 08-Oct-98 03:53:22

Re: Where can I find a popper scoop ... Hi Jane. :)
Check out the website at http://www.pet-expo.com/scoop.htm also check www.petneeds.com for online sources of pet-related products.
One pet-products supply company you can deal with by post is New England Serum Company, P.O. Box 128; Topsfield, MA 01983-0228 (phone: 1.800.637.3786)

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 04-Oct-98 09:18:53

Re: Dogs w / loose stools ... Hi Ray,

I also have a customer with a dog who has an extremely bad diet who also is pooping in very tall grass. I tried the shovel first, but it was pulling up half of the grass and the poop kept sliding off. I went to Walmart and bought myself a little kids rake (metal rongs - close together) and turn it over and scoop up the diarherra. It works real good and the grass slides right through. Get it a try!!

Pat (PooP b Gone)

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 04-Oct-98 10:53:42

Re: Dogs w / loose stools ... If you are using a scoop and shovel, it's possible to clean fairly well by gently scraping accross the grass with the shovel.

Since it's in your own yard, try putting sawdust or cat litter on the mess and leaving it for a little while to absorb the liquid.

If you live in an area served by someone listed at this site, consider having a pro handle that mess.

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 05-Oct-98 19:12:16

Re: Re: Dogs w / loose stools ... Thanks for the great ideas .I'll give them a try
and see which ones work the best for me.
Thanks Again!!

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 29-Oct-98 11:34:01

Re: Dogs w / loose stools ... At most hardware stores you can find a small leaf rake. Do not buy at a pet store, because they charge 3 times the cost at the hardware store.

Now when it comes to soft stools, the rake works best. But you need to start raking dead grass along with the process. The more dead grass you get the better the clean-up. I know it can be a mess but it takes alot of motions until it is cleaned up. Soft stools can be a problem and often I ask the owner what type of dog food he is giving the dog. The owner show interest.

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 05-Oct-98 18:24:08

new scooper ... hi everyone! l first got the idea to start up my own pooper scooper business here in Ontario from an ad l saw on t.v. I am a firefighter in a city of 90,000 and truely believe that there is a good market here for a scooper. I am very excited about getting started. I work 4 days on 4 off so I do have the time for this. anyone who would like to e-mail me with advice to get started, I would really appriciate it. thanks. happy scooping.

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 08-Oct-98 03:45:20

Re: new scooper ... Welcome, Chris. :) You'll find the folks who participate in this message board to be quite helpful. Read all the messages, including the archived messages at www.pooper-scooper.com -- you'll find all kinds of information.
If you have specific questions, don't hesitate to post them!

Best of luck!
Matthew

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 09-Oct-98 13:45:51

Dog Show experience ... Not much happening on the board lately, so I thought I'd share a recent experience, just for fun. My partner and I were hired for cleaning a large regional dog show last week. We were also given a booth space for free because I wanted to sell poop-related goods. We had a blast. We threw plastic poop in front of our booth, which made people stop and look. A few people bought poop pals and the new S.A.S.I. poop scoops and a couple of plastic poops. That was Friday. On Saturday and Sunday we had the first major snow storm of the year and all the booths (including us) packed up and quit.

So for the next two days we just had poop scooping in the sleet, rain, snow, and 40 mph wind gusts. It was fun anyway. We did such a fine job (we were told), that when it was all over, the kennel presidents came to us to say that we had all the dog show contracts for the region from there on if we wanted them. At $150/day it's not great money (since it takes two of us) but then, like my grandfather says, "If you clear a nickel, it's a nickel more than you had before."

Cheers!

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 13-Oct-98 18:41:38

Insurance Problems ... Insurance Problems!

I cannot seem to find any insurance company that will insure me for any reasonable amount. Does anyone have any recommendations or experience in obtaining general/commercial liability insurance?

I've tried at least a dozen companies with no luck. Can anyone help?

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 14-Oct-98 12:59:51

Re: Insurance Problems ... I use an independant agent, a local company that in turn deals with a number of larger insurers.

Who handles the commercial insurance on your truck? (If you don't have commercial insurance, be aware that you are NOT insured.)

How much insurance are you looking for, and what do they want? My one million dollar policy is about $700 per year.

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 22-Oct-98 15:44:35

Re: Insurance Problems ... All I can suggest is to keep calling more agents, especially independant agencies that deal with lots of insurance companies.
You might do well to call some of the other pet-related businesses in your area, like pet groomers and sitters, and finding out where they get insurance.
If you run out of leads, send me some e-mail and I'll give you my insurance agent's number. Even if he can't get you a policy (since we're in different states), he may be able to help you find the information you need.