Site Map | Search This Site | Contact Site Owner



DOG OWNERS: Love your dog -- hate poop?
Help is here at last!
THE INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORY OF DOG WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES

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:
Wednesday, 07-Apr-99 16:12:44

new in the field ... i was reading old messages and noticed that one of you guys(i suppose all of you)did a lot of research on the topic. Where should i look to find info on the # of dogs in my area? I am intrested in starting a similar business and would like to learn more about the start up of something such as this. i read a lot (in the message board)about sanitation of tools and such but what about the yard? do you just scoop and run or do you spray the yard down with something after the job is done? i have read about cleaning yards as a side job where the scooper just disposes of the mess in the trash can of the home owner therefore you wouldn't have to take it to the landfill. Is it better to do this as a young "comapany" or is it better to just take it to the landfill and if it is better to go to the landfill what does that intell? do you have to pay a certian amount monthly, do you have to do anything special to be allowed to dump animal waste in the landfill? i suppose all the answers to my questions can be found in the book that you keep talking about but i want to make sure that this is what i want to do before i spend money on it!! one more question... when you go to clean the yard what do you do if the dogs are outside dogs? do you work around them or do the owners put the dog away?

Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 10-Apr-99 02:40:02

Re: new in the field ... The first place I would check to find out how many dogs are in your area would be the office that issues dog licenses.
Normally it's not necessary to disinfect the yard itself, though we do spray our tools and shoes after every job. Sometimes there may be special circumstances, like cleaning a dog run with a concrete floor, or a wood deck, when a customer may specifically ask you to use disinfectant. That should be pretty rare, though; even in those places hosing down the deck with water is usually quite sufficient.
I personally feel that it's better to offer the complete service, including hauling away the waste. But there are some very successful scoopers, with very satisfied clients, who do leave the waste double-bagged in the customer's trash. It's really up to you, depending on your marketing strategy, positioning, local disposal regulations, etc.
Most landfills, as far as I know, charge a fee per visit, depending on how much you dump. You may need to get special permission to dump animal feces; in any case the way to find out the answer for sure, for your own location, is to call the landfill managers and talk to them about it.
As for outside dogs, most of the time we get along with them without a problem. Occasionally there is a dog that just won't let you work, or one that may not be safe to be in the yard with. In those cases we arrange for the owner to keep the dog inside or otherwise restrained on our service day.

Best Wishes!
Matthew

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 07-Apr-99 17:27:06

Press Releases ... Hey everyone!!!!

Although I have Matts wonderful book of Knowledge can anyone send me ( not on the message board) a copy of a press release that you may have come up with so that I can get an idea as to what to write up? I promise not to copy it is just a sample so I can see what I must do. Thanks, Happy Scoopin!!!!

Frank

K-9 Connections

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 08-Apr-99 21:38:11

Tax & web page ... Hey Matthew I was reading some of the archive message boards, and I saw something about different Pooper Scooper businesses having a web page on this web page. What ever became of that? Also I am wondering if we're supposed to charge tax.

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 09-Apr-99 17:39:53

Re: Tax & web page ... According to my wife/bookeeper who has been doing taxes for close to 12 years now. Taxes do not have to be collected unless your selling something. You are providing a service therefore no tax needs to be collected. This of course is in the state of Virginia. What its like where you live you may want to call city hall on that. All I do is charge a flat fee and when I send the customers a bill thats what they pay.

Frank

K-9 Connections

Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 10-Apr-99 02:27:09

Re: Tax & web page ... Whether you should charge tax for your services depends on your state. Frank's suggestion is a good one: call your local county auditor, sales tax bureau, or whatever office is in charge of sales tax where you live and just ask them. I don't know of any states that charge sales tax on this kind of service, but there may be some.

On the web pages... YES, web space is available at www.pooper-scooper.com.
If you need a full-fledged web site with lots of special features, I recommend Hosting Masters, the hosting service I use. You can get to their site by clicking on the banner at pooper-scooper.com [I get credit for referrals, you see. :)]
But if you just want web space for one or two pages of your own, with an address of http://www.pooper-scooper.com/yourname, I can provide that for just $25 for three months (less than $9/month). Included with that is email forwarding, so that e-mail sent to yourname@pooper-scooper.com will automatically be forwarded to your regular e-mail address.
If you're interested in web space at pooper-scooper.com (and such a prestigious address it is!), send me email (matthew@pooper-scooper.com).

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 09-Apr-99 21:56:39

back online ... I'am sorry we didn't reply to your remarks our computer broke down and as all you scoopers know starting a new business with little or no money we couldn't afford another one until now. We started our business in Nov(yes we know not a very good time to start)we have 11 customers so far.Winter was slow pickings but spring has sprung so we're expecting things to pickup.My wife was the one that came up with the company name LITTLE SCOOP OF ODORS dog waste removal service. Campbell River has a population of 30,000 people and is called "SALMOM CAPITAL OF THE WORLD" Well it's time to say bye and thanks for the remarks.

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 12-Apr-99 13:17:32

Re: back online ... Congratulations on your business picking up! We have about the same amount of clients as you, and are in an area with over 3.5 million (Atlanta)!

What marketing efforts have been the most successful for you?

Welcome back!
Erin

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 13-Apr-99 02:01:34

Re: Re: back online ... We use the local newspapers and distribute flyers. We also put business cards in the vet's offices, pet stores, laundry mats, and any grocery stores that would allow us (most only post for non-profit organizations). We've gone back to check the business cards and usually there's only one left, so someone is interested. Some have even been by word of mouth. Driving to and from customers' homes we will notice homes with dogs and drop off a flyer with our rates, pre-paid specials and seniors discounts. We don't have our magnetic door signs yet, but that's in the near future. These are only the basic advertising areas but they seem to work somewhat, so we'll just keep plugging along. BFN Dennis

Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 10-Apr-99 13:54:33

Now whet do I do?!?!?!?! ... Hello! I am new here. I ordered your book a few days ago, Matthew. You should have the check in the mail soon. I have dremed of starting my own business for years and probably for the last couple years, poop scooping is something I have toyed with. Since my day job is becoming more and more .... shall we say unpleasant ... I have gotten serious about doing this. Imagine my surprise when, just a few days after deciding, yes, this is what I want to do, I open the newspaper to a feature article about (gasp!) a new poop scooping business here in Austin that has just started, I was (and am still) shocked, horrified! Now what do I do? Based on what I read about this guy and his business, I suspect that he also ordered Matthew's book. How do I compete? This buy has invested $5K - $7K in the business, wears a uniform, has his truck PAINTED with his phone number, logo, etc. He moved to AUSTIN specifically to start this business. How do I compete with this? I realize that Austin is a big town but only so many people want this service, right? I am in despair ....

Jill in Austin, Texas

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 11-Apr-99 10:54:42

Re: Now whet do I do?!?!?!?! ... Don't give up. there's plenty of space down there in Austin! you never know till you try,get out there and work the other end of the coin, if you know what i mean.just because you don't have the funds he started with doesn't mean nothing will come your way.just think of the little train. I think I can, I think I can, I know I can.and just go for it! let me know how you are doing. Robin

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 11-Apr-99 12:53:27

Re: Now whet do I do?!?!?!?! ... First, don't panic. :)
One of the biggest factors in this business is persistence. I have seen a lot of people start up but not hang around long enough to build the business. So that takes care of some of the competition.
But suppose the other guy is really serious. That's OK,too. Austin is a big city, there must be hundreds of thousands of dogs in the area. There should be room for more than one or two pooper-scoopers.
And the other guy's business may actually help you. For one thing, the presence of more than one such service adds to the perception that this is a serious business, not just one nutty person's peculiar idea. The more marketing there is for the idea itself, the more people will begin to get used to the notion that they can hire someone to take care of this problem. More than one business promoting the service increases the total market, thus providing more customers for all.
I don't think a uniform is going to make a huge difference, though it's probably nice. Dress neatly, always start the day with fresh clean clothes, no holes, fraying or patches. If you really want the look of a uniform, you can have a hat embroidered with your company name, and get a few T shirts made up (you, or a friend, or Kinko's can print anything you want on iron-on transfers these days).
And what's to stop you from letting your vehicle, too? Computer-cut, customized vinyl lettering and graphics can cost hundred dollars or more, but with a half-pint of paint, a couple of artists brushes, stencils, and a few hours of your time, you can do a nice job of lettering for less than $10. If you don't want permanent signs on your personal vehicle, you can get nice magnetic signs for not too much money. (The message board archives have some discussions about costs, where to get them, etc.... of course, you can post a new message asking about them, too.)
So -- don't despair! :) After your initial worrying about the other guy, with a little more thought I think you'll realize that this may be a challenge, but not necessarily a bad thing for you at all. And it's certainly not the end of the road for your service!

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 11-Apr-99 18:47:50

Thanks for the tips .... ... I have managed to calm down a bit! Austin is a big town and I happen to live in the northwest, close to the burgeoning suburbs. Chin up. Looking forward to receiving the book ....

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 11-Apr-99 10:23:39

got the book ... I just got the book,I actually started my buisness around the first of march.(jumped the gun).I am up here in Montana,we are still experiencing some weather changes, and Its been hard getting people to aknowledge the buisness exsist.I've had people continually tell me that it is a good buisness idea,but hitting the right people has been challeging.I have put out flyers,put adds in papers,had a very good article written about me in one of the papers from the town in wich i live.I have had A couple of customers.so i guess i should be lucky,it didn't take me 6 months to get them, but it could take that long to get any more.I sent out statements to the custumers who yards i did do.on them i gave them 10% off of next billing if they refered me to three more peole. I am hoping that helps get my buisness off to a good start.Its been very scarry.I don't have a secound income and I am running out of money to advetise.Any suggestions on getting it out there more. I am the only one the state of montana has ever heard of.
would greatly appreciate any suggestions or comments.HELP i need this to get off the ground and don't want to give up on my dream!Or go back to work a regular job!YUK... thank you Robin

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 11-Apr-99 12:34:54

Re: got the book ... I think the main thing in this case is going to be persistence. I know it's hard to hang in there when things are not proceding as quickly as you want them to, though. From what I've seen, sometimes the biggest difference between reaching your goal and not reaching it is just staying in the race.
It may be necessary to add a second source of income while you are growing your customer base. It's not the most fun in the world, but sometimes that's what it takes.
In the meantime, what about signs on your car or truck? Good-looking signs do attract customers; many, many of my own first-time clients told me they had seen my trucks (even when I had only one of them ) around town for some time before they finally called.
I think a customer referral program is a very good idea, too. But a 10% discount for three referrals seems like small reward. I would offer one free visit for each new client they would refer. The cost of getting the new customer that way works out to be less than the cost of getting a new client by regular advertising.
What do your newspaper ads say? Maybe a little change in the copy would improve response. Are they classified ads or display ads? I found that regularly run, consistent classified ads were most effective over time.
Do you have a business phone line? That helps quite a bit, too.
When you have such a new idea, something people have never heard of before, the job is to introduce a whole new concept. This kind of marketing is different in some respects from selling things people are already familiar with. Of course many marketing principles will be the same, whether you're selling something old or new, but you might get some ideas by reading up on marketing to the so-called "early adopters," the trend-setters and community leaders.
In the end, marketing success will be the cumulative effect of many techniques: business cards, bulletin board notices, classified ads, telephone listings, voice mail, vehicle signs, publicity, flyers, leaving cards at groomers, vets and pet shops, and any other creative marketing projects you can think of.
Also be sure to keep track of where your current customers found out about you. By asking every new customer how they learned of you, and recording that information, you can see which of your efforts are producing results. Then you can focus more on those things, and let go of the efforts that don't bring in new people.

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 12-Apr-99 17:15:22

Re: got the book ... Everything Matt said is great. I've got two additional thoughts for you to consider.

First, something that's helped me is to say to myself, This week I'm going to get one customer. Then I focus, focus, focus on that one customer. I hit every vet in town. I stand outside Petsmart and pass out flyers (after asking the manager if its OK). I call all the pet-related non-profits in town (humane society, therapy animal groups, adoption agencies, etc.) and ask them if I can advertise in their newsleter in exchange for service at one of their upcoming events. I call everyone i know and ask for five referrals of friends with dogs, then call them. I put flyers on door steps in doggy neighborhoods. I put flyers on cars at local dog-walking hang-outs. I may only get one customer that week, but it's a step in the right direction.
The one-a-week method worked well for me when I first was getting started, becuase I'd get discouraged when I set my sights too high. Now I go for two new customers a week--and that's about what I get. It's not huge growth, but its steady.

The second suggestion is to keep in mind that this business is like any other--its a numbers game. The more you're out there, the more people you'll hit. I usually figure on a 1/2-percent return rate on my efforts. That means if I put out 1,000 flyers, I should get 5 customers. Sometimes I get more, sometimes less--depending on the areas I'm hitting.

It seems like you have faith in this business idea, and you have faith in yourself or you wouldn't be launching your own business. I'm rooting for you!

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 12-Apr-99 13:22:24

Dog Urine / Lawn Stains? ... (I must first apologize if this has been addressed - I thumbed through the archives of message board we always print out, but I didn't see it.)

Does anyone have experience in dealing with the lawn stains caused by dog urine? We didn't want to start dealing with chemicals beyond disinfectants (as it would require special licensing), but people are starting to ask us if we include that in our service.

I was wondering if anyone included it in their service, stopped providing that service, et cetera.

Thanks!
Erin, Dirty Work™

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 14-Apr-99 13:28:24

Re: Dog Urine / Lawn Stains? ... Urine will kill grass, due to the pH. We don't treat it, but there is a commercial product called DOGONIT (or something simiar). It's available at most garden supply stores and I have heard it works.

The cheap solution is to flush the area with plenty of water as soon as possible after urine is left.

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 14-Apr-99 15:02:40

Re: Dog Urine / Lawn Stains? ... Hi Erin,
Don't have any personal experience with repairing stains from urine or dog doo but do know of products on the market that are natural that are used for this. Some are dietary supplements that you give to your dog while others you spray or sprinkle on the grass directly where the damage is done. I have never used them so I can't speak on their effectiveness. I guess you could ask a vet for their opinion. Let me know if you need more info.

Mick , Scoopity Doo Dog

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 18-Apr-99 15:23:56

Re: Dog Urine / Lawn Stains? ... Thanks for the replies so far :)

We were torn regarding the inclusion of urine staining/lawn treatment in our scooping business. I have learned that fertilizing your lawn will burn it horribly if a dog urinates on the grass, as well as many other possibilities. It seems like to many variables to include in our business, as it stands now.

Thanks again!

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 15-Apr-99 06:37:45

insurance ... I have recently been contacting apartments for business and was hit with something i never had to deal with. A property manager informed me that i could not service apartments until i had insurance. I called my agent and he says it costs anyhere from $250-$500 a year for $300,000 worth of liability insurance. Does that sound right to you?? Is there any other hidden facts that I need to know before I get myself into this apartment venture?

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 15-Apr-99 19:04:12

Re: insurance ... Hi Pat
Having just purchased insurance I can tell you that the prices quoted seem about right. I bought a million dollars liability policy( I'm in Calif. and my agent said Calif businesses pay higher premiums than anywhere else because it seems that we are lawsuit crazy!) Also I must pay a fee for each large apt complex I happen to get. So I can understand why the apartment manager says you have to have liability coverage. It is probably required by their insurance carrier. Hope this was helpful to you. Happy Scooping!
Mick/ Scoopity Doo Dog

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 15-Apr-99 22:50:14

Re: insurance ... Sounds correct. I pay five hundred and something for one million in general commercial liability - Hartford.

Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 17-Apr-99 11:57:26

poop scoop inventor ... Hi... I'm looking for information on a poop scooper that a 10 year old invented and is selling. We received one as a gift and would like to get more - it works that good! It has a black plastic bucket with teeth that you wrap the back part with a plastic grocery sac and a telescoping handle. It is so cool...it picks up old and new poop like nothing. Sure beats the old garden spade we used!! Anyway, I hope someone out there can email me privately with a web page or address/phone number where to find this little guy. TIA!!!

Kelly
kmseme@ticon.net

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 23-Apr-99 18:26:12

Re: poop scoop inventor ... Just bought the scooper you're looking for. It is called SASI Scoop (Scoop and Sack It) The product is manufactured and distributed by T-Plas Tech Corp Englewood CO (303) 761-8363. The company name is Aaron's Industries, Inc. after Aaron Clark, the boy who invented it for a 5th grade class project. I paid $20 & it's very sturdy & has a telescoping handle.

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 18-Apr-99 13:53:25

Garbage bag size???Please help ... I searched through all the messages, and in the archives, but I cannot find the message from the person who mentioned a particular SIZE of bag that worked extremely well with the lobby dust pans from Rubbermaid. We are cleaning for a dog show in one week, and I need to know!! Can anyone help me? If someone has saved this message, could you email to me? Thank you SO much!!!

Pet

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 18-Apr-99 14:51:20

Re: Garbage bag size???Please help ... After trying different brands and sizes over the years, my favorite size is the 13-gallon, "Tall Kitchen" size. My favorite brand is Glad, although the same company packages the bags under different brand names, for instance "Target."
Here's the post from the archives, the one I think you were looking for...

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 10-Mar-99 11:07:22

Bags for lobby pan ... Waggin' Tails K 9 Waste Removal (in Orangevale, California, serving the Sacramento area) recently passed along the following tip:

RE: bags to fit inside rubbermaid lobby
pan... Check out your local janitorial supply shop and ask for 20x21 dark
office liners. They have just enough stretch to avoid tears and are not see-
through. They'll hold a whole week's worth of waste from 1-3 dogs depending on
diet, and perfectly fit the lobby pan with enough overlap to tie a good knot.
Box of 1000 runs about $25. Been using them for the past 10 years with no
problems. Happy Hunting!!!