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 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.

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Page Thirty-Four

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 30-Aug-99 07:04:06

cats, too

Hi everyone!

PooP b Gone participated in its first festival and the response was great and we had a blast!

I think PooP b Gone may have to start servicing the feline community also. We were approached by tons of people asking if we also cleaned litter boxes for their cats. I was shocked at so many people asking this question.

Anyway, do any of you fellow scoopers offer this service for both dogs and cats? If so, what exactly does the customer get for this service provided . . . Do you just empty the boxes and remove the waste? Do you also supply fresh kitty litter? What would you charge for this service?

Any advice would be welcomed!

Thanks!
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 31-Aug-99 15:35:40

Re: cats, too

Hi Pat,
My husband, Barry, and I have had a weekly cat litter box service. It was a spin-off from our boarding Cattery (cat kennel)...and since we cleaned 50-60 boxes a day there, we got to be experts! "Tail End Litter Box Service" would wash & sterilize the client's box(es) and vacuum or sweep up the immediate area. We double bagged the used litter and took it with us to dispose of with the rest of the boarding facility's waste litter. We supplied fresh litter (in pre-measured amounts for cost control)since we had plenty on hand for the Cattery. I wouldn't recommend that though because it was very heavy and awkward to haul around (we used a very inexpensive, non dusty, clay-type: "All-purpose absorbent"---50 lb. bags and since we bought it by the pallet, they were only $3.50-$4 per bag) After 10 years in the cat boarding business, we sold it in 1996. After moving to Reno, Nevada, we started our dog poop scooping business (see directory!)in May of this year. Just recently we added a litter box service,
...but this time we use THEIR litter (whatever type it may be), double bag it and dispose of it in THEIR garbage cans, as we do with the dog poop bags (with the city and county health department's blessings). We charge the same as we charge for a dog's weekly visit: $8 for l cat (and l box) plus $2 for each additional cat AND $2 for each additional litter box. So, if one client has 2 dogs($8+$2) AND 3 cats with 2 litter boxes($8+$6), I would charge them $24 per week. We have a LOT of expertise with litter boxes and offer our clients advice on simplifying and economizing cost with their litter boxes as well as what to do when the cat stops using it! Remember, cats outnumber dogs as pets in the 90s (most owners have more than one cat)and people HATE to clean that litter box just as much as they hate to clean their dog's yard. Also, as in Matthew's demographics, most cat owner clients are women. Hope all this helps...

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 01-Sep-99 07:52:02

Re: Re: cats, too

Hi Tricia,

I just mailed you a email in reply to your festival response. I didn't realize you also responsed to this message about the cats.

Thanks for responding and letting me in on all that valuable information. I really appreciate it. Sounds like you had quite a business going for you.

It looks to me like PooP b Gone is going into the cat business, also. I'll keep you posted!!

Thanks again
Pat


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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 08-Sep-99 07:30:36

Re: Re: cats, too

Hello!

I am co-owner of an dog waste removal service. I read your post about cat litter removal service with great interest. Two questions for you:

1. Do you still empty the box completely out, sanitize it, and sweep around the area, or do you only scoop the cat waste?

2. How do you get inside the home without having to schedule a specific time for your service/arrival? For example, we have a BIG problem here that people want to know when exactly we will arrive so that they can unlock their gate. We've actually lost clients because we cannot give them an exact time. Do they just give you access to their home? (We don't understand why they'd let a Pet Sitter into their home and not us...)

Thank you very much for your time :)

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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 09-Sep-99 05:50:49

Re: Re: Re: cats, too

Hi Erin,

I am not sure if I can answer those questions yet. I have only been receiving information from other scoopers about this subject. . . I have yet to put it into action.

From what I gathered from others, you empty the pan completely, clean it out thoroughly and clean up the area. For getting into the house, there are different ways from what I understand. Schedule appointments when someone will be there or get a spare key. Also you can provide a pickup/return key policy for a fee.

I put an ad in the paper that starts today. Hopefully I will get some calls and this part of the business will take off. I'll let you know how I'm doing as I go.

Hope this helps you.

Pat

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 10-Sep-99 08:55:01

Re: cats, too What kind of insurance are you gong to need

What type of insurance are you going to need?
Since now you entering the person home and something happens to their belongings.
If you supply litter and something happens to the cat(s).

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 01-Oct-99 02:53:46

Re: Re: cats, too What kind of insurance are you gong to need

Hello,
You don't need any insurance...just don't steal anything or break anything! If you do break something, pay for it. As for insurance for you, most folks have "Homeowners Insurance" so if you break an ankle on their front porch, you are covered. By the way, "bonding" is only if you have employees (so that you are covered if THEY steal or break something, since you as the business owner are ultimately responsible)...it is not for a one-person type business. If the homeowner seems like they need reassuring, give them a list of references (that you have asked permission to use their names)of clients, business associates, etc....just 2 or 3 in each category, but try to have several, if you can, with similar situations to the new client. After years of experience, my advice is: DON'T SUPPLY THE LITTER. Use whatever they supply you. Doing it this way will save you many headaches!!
Tricia

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 31-Aug-99 00:51:41

inspiration

HELP!!! I've hit a bump in the road. My funding ran out for the newspaper ad and I have my flyer at ALL of the vets, pet stores, animal shelters and groomers that I don't feel threatened by. STILL NO CALLS! I also went to the city to get a listing of all the dog owners. They don't have a clue how to go about getting it together for me. Seems I'm the only nut that has requested such a list. I have all those stuffed shirts stumped. I've done the flyer on the door trick to. NOTHING. Are there any more suggestions out there? I would really love to have double the amount of customers. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks :0)

P.S. JEANNE: ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY THINK I'M WEIRD TOO. JUST REMEMBER THEIR CHUCKLES WHEN YOUR WORK DAY IS OVER IN A FEW HOURS AND THEY ARE STILL SLAVING IN AN OFFICE WORKING FOR ANOTHER PERSON'S SUCCESS.

Cindy @ PET-DOO Services.

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 31-Aug-99 16:18:51

Re: inspiration

Hi Cindy,
Did you just post a flyer or did you leave 25-50 so a person can take one? I would suggest going back to EVERY Vet, Pet Store,Shelter, Groomer
...and don't forget Boarding Kennels, and ask if you can leave a stack or post a bunch on the bulletin board. Better yet, leave a stack of business cards at each place next to your flyer. People NEVER have a pen or anything to write on, so they will forget as soon as they finish reading it! Also, don't feel threatened by ANY animal business...all they can do is say "No" and I haven't heard of anyone dying from
from that yet. However, if you feel threatened you may want to examine your attitude...be proud of your business. You are offering a service that people need. Sure they may laugh---because they are embarrassed---(a throwback to Kindergarten giggles at bodily functions!), but YOU can laugh all the way to the bank. There is a LOT of money to be made in businesses helping people do what is distasteful (the repugnance factor) such as morticians, septic tank pumpers, porta-john companies, and what about the person who invented cat litter or the first retail poop scooper!! As for dog owners, find out what department issues DOG LICENSES--usually it is Animal Control, and ask for a copy of their printout. Remember, this business grows with word-of-mouth so be very, very visible (and very very patient). Wear your "company" T-shirt everywhere (people will comment on your shirt---hand them a business card) Drive around and hand out your business cards to Lawn services that you see parked in front of their client's house---they ALWAYS know people who NEED your service, because they HATE mowing over those mutt mines and absolutely refuse to scoop them first. Hope this helps...

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 01-Sep-99 19:19:36

Re: Re: inspiration

That was a VERY good message, Tricia.
One other thing....
I leave cards whenever I shop, bank, etc. I just leave them anywhere. People are curious. They see a card, and think someone lost it. I even send them in with payments, like local Hydro, Gas bills etc. Think how they must be bored opening those envelopes! You could be the topic of conversation in the cafeteria that day!!!
Be patient, it comes. Hey, if I can make it in the "Wholesale Capital of Canada", anyone can. It IS alot of hard work, but it will come.

All the best,
Scoopy Doo

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 03-Sep-99 23:19:28

Thanks!

Thank you Matthew and Cindy! My ads did come out this week in four small town papers. I was disappointed though, my husband and I looked through the paper 4 times before we found the ad. Not good! I had changed my answering machine to state the name of the company and even switched over to a business phone line (so customers could call information if they forgot the phone number). I was all ready for the BIG day. Well, that was two days ago and so far I haven't received one phone call. I was prepared to be working all weekend if necessary. I still have to get my business cards printed up (which I will do on my computer) so I can take them to the area vets offices and groomers. It looks like I will be working this weekend towards my goal just not out in the "field" yet. I am not going to give up hope! If I can only get 61 customers I can quit my job and work myself which is the ulitimate goal. I am thinking about advertising on the local (small town) radio station. That may work better than the newpapers. It will depend on the expense though.

Jeanne

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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 05-Sep-99 14:09:33

Re: Thanks!

I remember when we first started out I was bartending, handing out cards and I use to tell the guys want to get a conversation started with someone, hand them the card.
tell them to keep it and pass it on.
But the little papers that are given away free and they are also mail to homes(Key words:mail to home) run an ad in the classified area
best of luck , you'll get there
you got to crawl before you walk (remember those words)

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 12-Oct-99 18:29:38

Re: Re: Thanks!

Hang in there. I suggest you do a more direct mailing. For example go to your local government and ask for a list of the dog licences, this list will have the names addresses and someimes even the name of the dogs.Some have charged me $10 for 6000 names and some .25 per page. Either way this is real cheap. I had postcards made and mailed 300-500 out at a time just so I wouldn't get too overwhelmed with a good response. Good Luck!!

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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 05-Sep-99 19:32:15

The Oddest Job I America

I got a called today that Extra TV did a spot on the oddest job in America,
Can we all guess what that may of been....
Pooper-Scoopers
They use film clip of my company from a local news station here...
So Pooper-Scoopers we are have a new title....

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 06-Sep-99 14:21:32

apartment communities

I have been doing waste removal for residential properties and have had recent requests by apartment communities for my service. does anyone out there have a set rate they give for apartments? do you charge by the hour or what?

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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 09-Sep-99 11:58:58

Re: apartment communities

I recommend charging a fixed monthly rate for specified areas to be cleaned and frequency of service. Try to estimate how long the job will take you, and quote the price based on that time. For instance, "We'll clean these areas twice a week for $400 per month." -- as opposed to saying "$25/hour."
The property managers want to know exactly how much of an expense they can expect and what they will get for the money. If you charge by hour they might worry about workers going too slow just to make more money, and they might be shocked to hear that pooper-scoopers expect to make $25 an hour or more.
Check the archives of this message board for more discussions on this subject.

Matthew Osborn
matthew@pooper-scooper.com
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 07-Sep-99 01:45:43

Flushing toilet for dog waste

I once saw a the most clever way of disposing dog waste ever. It was a plastic container with a lid that attached to the sewer line of the house via a cleanout fitting on the plumbing system. Connected to the container was a hose fitting with a valve that shot water around the container and flushed it away. Has anyone ever seen this and know how to get one?

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 08-Sep-99 23:57:17

mutt mitts

I'm trying to install a dog waste system like mutt mitts in our neighborhood. I cvan't find a supplier....any ideas???

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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 09-Sep-99 11:41:45

Re: mutt mitts

One source of Mutt-Mitts is Ann Morris -- call (800) 454-3175.
Another product that might interest you for the same purpose is Dogipot. The company has a website at http://www.dogipot.com
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 09-Sep-99 12:53:19

Approaching Pet Care Services

I've had me doors open for about a month now with 6 customers and would like to reach out more to the public (I've already got a couple ads running) by placing me brochures at vets/groomers/pet supply stores, etc. However, I've ran into a bit of a stumblin block...the establishments don't seem very interested in allowin me to put them out. Question: Does anyone out there offer monetary incentives or advise on properly approachin these type of businesses to leave me brochure?

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 10-Sep-99 02:40:43

Re: Approaching Pet Care Services

What are the reasons they are giving for NOT letting you put your brochures out? Are they professional looking? Do you have a nice holder for them? Are you approaching the receptionist showing what you have and laugh about the "play on words" that is so fun with this business? I used to be one of those gals, and you get a lot of sales types you have to fight off, so you get suspicious, HOWEVER, it is great when you can genuinely laugh about something in the animal world. I have only had one Vet office say no to mine, and I have them out in over a hundred spots. Most places, move their own cards aside for me, but I am humble and say...oh no, no, you can't do that, let me just put them next to yours!! Also note, you can usually get your flyers out at establishments owned and run by women. They seem to enjoy connecting with others about animals. However, you can spot an all male Veterinary office the minute you walk in. It is austere and the only thing on the walls are their diplomas! And the only thing on display is expensive pet food. I am not kidding, check it out! By the way don't forget shelters, boarding kennels, feed stores, and trainers. How did you get your first 6 clients?

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 15-Sep-99 10:13:29

Re: Approaching Pet Care Services

I like Tricia's reply! I would add that one other thing that worked well for me was to say something like "I have something some of your customers will be interested in...." when I asked about leaving my cards.

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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 19-Sep-99 23:35:20

Re: Approaching Pet Care Services

I don't know if this will help, but I always ask permission to leave brochures. Another idea would be to print some nice whole or half page flyers, (one or two colors) with a $'s off coupon. Then get some padding compound from your paper supply company and make pads of flyers to put on counter tops. It's cheap, and they won't blow away or scatter on the floor. Good luck!
Tim

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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 16-Sep-99 15:25:37

More info on Starting this buisness

Hi,

I am a dog trainer that has just moved from Detroit to Iowa. Things are alot different here as far as people here seem content to stay with the trainers that they have known for years. So i thought about doing the poop removal buisness so i can build a better repore with the locals. All i really would like to know is how everybody went about getting started. What licences are needed,were is all the waste disposed of etc. If anybody would like to give me a hand it would be greatly appretiated.
Thank you
mary
Waterloo,Ia

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 17-Sep-99 21:10:07

Re: More info on Starting this buisness

Get Matthew's book.
All the answers are there.
Also read all the archives.
Period.
Red, Pet Butler of Dallas

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 18-Sep-99 00:31:14

Matthews book?

There is a website for this buisness,however i have been unable to open it.I am not sure why but have tried several times. I would like to find out more about this book,how do i order it etc.
thanks again
mary

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 18-Sep-99 13:48:27

Re: Matthews book?

Hi Mary, this is Matthew :)

The website at http://www.pooper-scooper.com is working now; apparently the server was down yesterday. You'll find lots of information there. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions, the file about "How I got into this business," the listing of the table of contents and testimonials from delighted readers. And be sure to read through the archives from this message board -- there's a great deal of useful and valuable information there!
I started a dog-waste removal service called Pet Butler in Columbus, Ohio back in 1988. I started with $150 and the time I managed to squeeze between my two other jobs at the time. Over the next ten years the business grew to serve more than 600 customers every week, with 7 employees (including a full-time manager) and a fleet of six trucks. By then the business was producing gross revenues over $20,000.00 per month.
After ten years in the business, I felt a desire to move on to other projects. There was an opportunity to pass the business on to my manager, who now owns it and continues to grow and improve the business.
As people around the country learned about Pet Butler, I started getting a lot of questions about how to start and run this kind of business. In response to those requests, I wrote a manual based on my ten years of actual experience, growth and success. That's the book mentioned here on the bulletin board: "The Professional Pooper-Scooper: How to Start Your Own Low-Cost, High-Profit Dog Waste Removal Service."
It's easy to get the book. The cost is $31.95, and that includes the shipping for orders in the United States. (For shipping outside the USA, shipping is extra.) All you have to do is send a check or money order payable to Matthew Osborn, to:

Matthew Osborn
3731 East Broad Street, #114
Columbus, OH 43213

Satisfaction is guaranteed. If you should be unhappy with the book for any reason, simply return it to me within 30 days of receiving it and I will send you a full refund.

I think you'll also find this message board to be a source of real help. Please feel welcome to participate here, with questions, problems, tips, suggestions, ideas, etc. There's a fine group of people here. :)

Best wishes!

Matthew
matthew@pooper-scooper.com