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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, 19-Apr-99 22:20:40

disinfectant ...I was wondering what kind of disinfectant to use (like the name of a brand) I called one of my local pet stores and they said they didn't have anything like that,but that Lysol worked good. Is that true?

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 21-Apr-99 00:49:07

Re: disinfectant ...Novasan - it's what most reputable kennels and vets use, and it kills all major dog diseases. (parvo etc) Most big pet stores carry it (in California) or they should be able to order it. Nominal cost is about $45.00 per gallon but it's really concentrated. Lasts about 6 months depending on how many customers you have.

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 22-Apr-99 00:42:42

Re: disinfectant ...I really should'nt do this late at night. The brand name is Nolvasan - Solution Disinfectant. They make several different pet related products that I didn't know about, so be sure to get Solution Disinfectant. Available at K.V. Vet supplies 800 423-8211, ask for a catolog.

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 21-Apr-99 00:05:32

I AM NEW ...hello. my name is Tammy and i am looking into starting my own Poop-N-Scoop Pet Waste Removal Service. I live in Cleveland, Ohio. I have been told of only one service like this around here but i cant seem to find it. So, I hope once people hear of me they will call..my mail man told me that if he still had his dogs he would have hired me. and he had 6.
I am a stay at home mother of a six year old and i am married. i am mainly doing this for extra money, but if it goes anywhere...then thats good too. the only problem i have had so far is what to do with the waste..my local garage dump told me no. and landfills charge by the ton only.
good news is business cards at office depot will only run me $9.99 for 1,000.
i have info comming in the mail about starting a business and all the permits ect..i will need.
as soon as i can come up with some money i will be buying matthew's book..(money is really tight. so i guess i picked a good business to start.)
well mainly the only thing i wanted to know is if there is anyone around cuyahoga county doing this? and any suggustions where i can take the waste? what is it that i have heard about sharing a garbage dumpster? how does that work.
thank you for any input.

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 21-Apr-99 19:22:34

Re: I AM NEW ...Landfills charge by the ton, but they will only charge you a percentage of that ton. You take your car onto their scales, they weigh you full, you dump the waste, then they weigh you empty. They charge you for the weight as a percentage of a ton. Our landfill charges $60/ton, but it runs me $5 to 10 per visit--with poop from about 40 customers.

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 21-Apr-99 22:24:45

Re: Re: I AM NEW ...they told me that it cost $30 for a ton and under. she said that even if i bring in a pound it will still cost me $30. i was told to wait till i had a ton. that wont work. i am still looking into other options.

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 27-Apr-99 17:22:36

Re: I AM NEW ...Tammy,
I think it would be in your best interest to
definitely start your business. I have friends
in your area and they always tell me they
wish I lived up there so I could do their yard.
I have always thought the Cleveland area
would be a wonderful place to scoop with all
of it's suburbs and houses being so close together, you could land entire neighborhoods
and not have to drive from one job to the next,
saving time and gas. I've tried to get my friend
to start a branch of Pooch's up there but he's
just to busy.
I just think it would be well worth your time.
I would start with flyers and just pick some
neighborhoods and walk house to house
hanging them on the mailboxes and if your
lucky some people will be outside and you can
actually talk to them. Also go to veterinaries

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 21-Apr-99 17:24:30

...heres something for everyone to print out. Thought you'll might like it:

http://www.wsu.edu:8000/~lobo/clean/one_of_those_days.gif

Good day everyone.

Frank

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 21-Apr-99 17:59:19

anyone using ADMail? ...Just wondering if anyone has tried the AdMail..not sending out postcards in the mail..but flyers in the weekly AdMails that end up in your mailbox every week? Results?
Just recieved your book Matthew...interesting reading hopefully will be starting my business up in June after making that final move. Have read about people offering discounts for seniors, K9 patrols, Humane Society adoptions....just wondered if anyone offers a retired military or military discount? Thanks and keep up the posts!

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 23-Apr-99 05:50:15

Re: anyone using ADMail? ...My question concering an offer for a military discount/retired military discount has come from the experiences when my mother, daughter and myself go out....mom gets the senior discount, daughter gets the kid's discount and I am to young or to old to get either one...just wondering it offering a "Retired Military" or "Military" Discount would/could entice new customers?

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 26-Apr-99 01:35:56

Re: anyone using ADMail? ...Thank you for the compliment of the book!
I have had only one experience using the mailed ads like the one you mention. I sent 10,000 advertising coupons to upper income residential areas. Two years later I got one customer from that.
I don't think anybody in the area had ever heard of such a thing before. They may have thought it was a joke. Or maybe it just didn't catch anybody's eye.. I don't know.
Others may have had better results - I hope so!
As for military discounts, I hadn't heard of any until you mentioned it. But if it helps support your business strategy or it's just something you feel you'd like to do, well... that's the beauty of owning your own business. You get to do it your way.

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 22-Apr-99 03:27:40

A great pooper scooper ...As a civic minded dog owner I didn't want to leave my dog's calling card all over my local nature strips.

Somehow picking it up with a plastic bag is just too smelly!

I was really happy when I found an "Oops" pet mess pick-up. I've been using it for quite a while now and it's fantastic.

I use deodorised nappy bags in my 'Oops' - so it's smell free and very efficient.

'Oops' are manufactured in Australia by R.A.N.D. Products Pty Ltd, 6-8 Remont Court, Cheltenham, Victoria, 3192, Australia.

I have nothing to do with this company, I just think it's a great product. Every dog owner should have one!!!

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 23-Apr-99 05:45:22

Professional Associations ...Still researching...just wondering how many of you PooperScoopers are members of Professional Business Associations(i.e.NASE, SOHO, etc) and whether or not being members actually helped your networking and "spreading" the word or was membership just hype and a partial tax deduction? Thanks in advance for your responses.

Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 24-Apr-99 03:24:36

Re: Professional Associations ...I formerly sold insurance. I found the NASE National Association of the Self Employed to be primarily a health insurance sales organization.

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 23-Apr-99 16:47:19

Cost of new customer ...Has anyone kept track of on average how much advertising in dollars does it take them to secure one new customer ? I'm also curious if anyone (matthew you must have) has kept track of the average time a customer stays on the books ?

Thanks everyone ! I'm ready to go and waiting for my first customer. My advertisement starts this wednesday in a CT weekly with 140K circulation. Wish me luck!

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 26-Apr-99 01:25:32

Re: Cost of new customer ...Hi Barry,
Excellent quesions! But I don't have great data on this.
Years ago I calculated an expense of about $10 to get a new customer, but that was before I was spending very much on advertising, and I'm not sure how accurate that figure would be now.
Certainly that number wouldn't hold up if someone were to figure that for every $100 spent on any particular marketing effort, 10 new customers would result. Of course it's not that simple.
My first customers actually cost much less than $10 each. Publicity in the local media cost me a grand total of about $10 (postage, paper, & envelopes), but produced dozens of customers over several months.
On the other hand, I have spent hundreds of dollars on things like a trade show booth, or much-larger-than-normal ads in the same classified columns I normally used, or a radio advertising schedule, and didn't get any customers directly.
So, my best guess would start at about $10, but that may not be very accurate any longer.
And I will have to admit that I have not calculated the average amount of time a customer stays on the books.
A few customers have stayed for as long as 8 or 9 years, maybe longer. Some drop off after a month or two; especially right after there has been a big increase in new customers, for instance in the spring.

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 23-Apr-99 23:54:00

high grass ...has anyone ever experienced tall grass? i noticed it is really hard to scoop in tall grass. any suggestions?

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 26-Apr-99 01:02:07

Re: high grass ...Yes, tall grass presents a real problem! Naturally, the worst time for tall grass is in the early spring, after the grass begins to grow, but before everybody starts their lawn-mowing habits for the season. Once they start mowing, they usually keep it up regularly, so it's less of a problem.
The first thing is that you have to SLOW DOWN quite a bit in tall grass. The grass hides the poop, shadows are cast, the grass grows taller than the hieght of even large piles... all in all making it a lot harder just to find the piles in the first place.
It also means it's more important to double-check the yard in order to get all the waste.
When the grass is tall it's more likely that you'll create divots when cleaning up. You can't use the simple "sweeping" strokes; when you put the pan next to the waste you don't get it down flush against the ground. You'll probably need to use more of an actual "scooping" technique, lowering the handle of the shovel, getting under the pile, and lifting it to get it into the pan.
You might even need to use the pan and the shovel together as a kind of tongs.
All in all, tall grass tremendously reduces your productivity! If grass gets much too tall, it may be necessary to suspend service until the grass is cut... or possibly to charge extra. It's not beneficial to the rest of your customers if you have to triple or quadruple the amount of time you spend at a few homes because of the length of the grass.
I'd like to read about other folks' experience with this important early-season problem. :)

Matthew
matthew@pooper-scooper.com

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 28-Apr-99 05:48:31

Re: high grass ...Hi Tammy,

I have a few customers who have VERY, VERY tall grass. I use a rake and flip it over like I'm using a shovel. It scoops the poop up nicely and pulls right thru the grass. Works every time.

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 25-Apr-99 22:38:19

new to the business ...I'm trying to get my business off the ground and
could use any and all advice/information on how to get customers and anything else that may provide helpful. Thanks.

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 26-Apr-99 00:52:36

Re: new to the business ...You'll find a lot of very helpful information here on this bulleting board! The people that participate here share quite a bit of their knowledge and experience. Be sure to read the entire contents of the message board. Don't forget to go to the archives of past messages, stored online at the Professional Pooper-Scooper Information Site: www.pooper-scooper.com
While at pooper-scooper.com, check out the whole site; there's a lot of information there, too.
And of course I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I've written a complete, detailed start-up manual based on my own years of experience starting, running, and growing my own dog-waste removal service in Columus, Ohio. I started with $150 in 1988... most people thought I was nuts... and by 1998 I had over 650 regular weekly customers, seven employees (including a full-time manager), and a fleet of six trucks. We were taking in revenues more than $20,000 per month.
The book is called "The Professional Pooper-Scooper: How to start your own low-cost, high-profit dog waste removal service." It costs $31.95, which includes shipping in the USA. To order, send check or money order payable to Matthew Osborn, to:

Matthew Osborn
P.O. Box 132308
Columbus, OH 43213

Satisfaction is guaranteed.

And of course, after reviewing the whole message board, archives, and web site, when you have additional, or more specific, questions, be sure to post them here and we'll see if we can't help out. :)

Matthew
matthew@pooper-scooper.com

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 26-Apr-99 11:50:13

Dog Shows and sign ups ...Hey everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did a dog show on the 18th of April and decided to run a little contest. I made up a sign saying something like sign up to win one month free of service, only one to be given away. Printed up some entry forms. Each form asked if they had ever heard of a Canine Waste Removal Service. Then went on to ask if they would be interested in this type of service. Last question, Can I call on you with questions or comments section at the bottom. The response I got was either: You have got to be kidding to just a flat out no not interested. In between those 25 people who put there names in were positive. One person put her name in because she didn't think she would win not knowing we would call everyone. Plus she had no yard. My wife called ( and made me sound more professional than I ever could) everyone that signed up to find out who would still be interested in a free pickup for the month of May not knowing that they are not the only "winner". I had 25 people fill out forms with 17 people confirming would like us to come on out. Some people have only one dog, but most have two others have 3 and one person actually has 4 dogs. So for the month of May I will hit there house once a week to pickup and once the month is over they will have to start picking it up themselves again after not having to do it for a full month. Two people say already they may keep the service but we shall see what happens when I stop at the end of the month. Its a nice way to get the business out there because some people as I found out did not know such a service existed. If you find that this is a extremly nice neighborhood then pass out flyers there when give the chance. Also will give exposure if you have signs on your vehicle.

Also I will be listed in the Yellow Pages for the up coming year. Unfortunitly I will not have my own heading. I will be listed in the groomers section. At least its the biggest pet section in the book and fotunatly I'm the only scooper around. I did get lucky enough to get a fairly good size ad for $46.00 a month. After the year it goes up to $58.00 but hopefully I can afford something better by then. The ad is 3/4 inch in size with a bold line arond it. For those people who are interested if you don't have a business line which costs a fortune if it comes into your home( I use my Cell Phone as my business phone )you won't be listed in the business white pages or with 411 information. At least not on the East Coast. My salesman put in for the proper heading but said with me being the only one here, which is good, the chances are slim to none on getting it. He also did say that with me having my own heading will send up a red flag to other people that says hey, if he can do that, so can I!!! We'll just have to wait and see what happens. Anyone with any feedback will be certainly appreciated. Happy Scoopin' !!!

Frank

K-9 Connections

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 27-Apr-99 23:28:51

Re: Dog Shows and sign ups ...Great job! even if you turn only a few of the 25 into customers it will be well worth your time. Please keep us posted as to how many customers stayed on.

It looks like I'll be having a fish bowl at dog shows!

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 27-Apr-99 01:35:32

The Big Event! ...I have volunteered our services to the Dallas SPCA this Saturday and am very excited about the opportunity. There will be approximately 2,000 dogs and their owners gathering to be in the 11th annual Love Run/Wiggle Waggle Walk-a-thon. We are a corporate sponsor among the likes of Coca Cola, The Dallas Morning News(majorly big paper), Motel 6, Kroger, Budweiser, Health and Fitness Sports Mag., La Madeline, PETsMART, PETCO and the local ABC affiliate. Nice company to be amongst! Our name and logo are on everything associated with the event from t-shirts and pamphlets to signs and invitations. We also get a booth and are having them put our own Pet Butler brochure in the goody bags that every participant gets! WOW! All I did was call and offer our services complimentary for the day.
I like the sign up idea presented earlier and will have more brochures as well as cards on hand. Any other ideas for the event would be greatly appreciated.
*Also, the awesome shovel I wrote about last month is definitely the greatest improvement I could have asked for - it is so much better than the True Temper that I had been using happily. Hold me accountable, I will get ya'll the address or phone # to Bed Bath and Beyound for those who are interested. I had my assistant go buy 5 more just in case they disappear.
I'm quitting my job very soon so keep me in your prayers. It's not easy to give up $90,000/yr for crap.
Scoop up or Shut Up!
RED

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 27-Apr-99 13:32:12

Re: The Big Event! ...CONGRATS on that!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've got something similar coming up in October(long ways away) that will give me the same opportunity except I have to pay to be a sponser. I don't know if I would give up a $90,000 year job to scoop though. Good luck, hope all goes well.

Frank

K-9 Connections

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 27-Apr-99 19:13:28

Re: The Big Event! ...There's gold in that there crap! Hope you get lots of business. We're doing the same thing in two weeks!

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 27-Apr-99 23:23:08

Re: The Big Event! ...Good Luck Red !

It is nice to read about others doing well. I am willing to bet that you get more crap at your 90k /yr job than scooping!

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 28-Apr-99 05:44:40

Re: The Big Event! ...Way to go, Red!!! Happy to hear business is going well for you.

Can I have your $90K job if you quit?? Just kidding . . . I'd rather be scoopin poop any day, too!

How did you find out about these kind of events? Is this something that is advertised or did you know somebody that turned you on to it at the SPCA?

Best of Luck!

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 28-Apr-99 19:36:13

Re: Re: The Big Event! ...Thanks a million(after taxes!) for the encouragement.
I just ran across a list of Spca events and called. To make sure I am aware of them in the future, I "donated" 25.00 to the SPCA and will get their newsletter.
I said I'd get it for you:
Bed Bath and Beyound
5100 Beltline Rd. Suite 1000
Dallas, TX 75240
972) 991-8674
For $3.99 you can get the best/lightest scooper I've ever seen. Tell them the shovels are visible from the front door hanging on the wall about five or six foot high. It has a wooden handle and comes in bright green, blue, yellow or red. I have broken one hammering on some petrified poop but they are definitely worth it!
My reciept says the stock # is 64476300079.
Any other suggestions about how to make the most of this Saturday?

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 28-Apr-99 21:09:06

Re: The Big Event! ...Good Luck Red!

We donated our services to the Humane Society of New England. Our event is 5/22. They are expecting over 6,000 people/dogs. There is going to be a news anchorman from a local station. Hoping to hook up with him. We also sponsored them $100.00 and for that they are making our business card 400X's the size and posting them all along the route of the walk-a-thon.

Even if we do not get any customers out of this it is great exposure!!

Barbara