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DOG OWNERS: Love your dog -- hate poop?
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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-Six

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 10-Oct-99 17:56:50

Any Pooper Scoopers in South Florida?

I will soon be adding dogs #2 and #3 to my household and I'm looking for a pooper scooper service in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area. Anyone scoop here???

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 12-Oct-99 22:56:07

Starting Business

Hi everybody. Recently I have been thinking about starting a dog waste removal business so I did some research and stumbled upon this site. I have enjoyed reading the messages and I hope to get through all of them soon.
I wanted to write this message for a little advice. I'm fifteen years old and have been mowing a few customers for a couple of years and I make about $75 a week. I also have been pooper scooping for one person since December of 1997. I have made the best money off of that one person. Now I want to gain some more customers. I have about $500 that I'm willing to spend to try and get some more customers, but I'm not sure what the most efficient way is. Should I send out flyers and leave them at the door or do I talk to people and then give them the flier. Should I post fliers at "dog" places around the city? Should I place an ad in the local newspaper?
I also have another problem and that is that I'm fifteen. I will turn sixteen in March and my parents will buy me a used truck. I really want to get a jump start on getting a few customers that live within a mile, but I couldn't take the waste away. Should I wait until March to send out fliers, etc. Is there somthing that I can do right now to get a jump start?
I would appreciate any other good advice on starting a dog waste removal business

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 13-Oct-99 19:31:32

Re: Starting Business

Hi David,
How refreshing to hear an eager, enterprising teenager! GOOD FOR YOU!!! I vote for the door hanger/flyer under the doormat route. That way you can get started right now by walking as far as you want to walk (or ride a bicycle) and have time for on weekends and after school (keep in mind the shorter daylight hours now). Be sure to mention your age and ambitions---and then be professional about your flyer. It definitely is the cheapest route. Call the city sanitation dept.(garbarage collector) and ask how homeowners are supposed to dispose of their pet waste. Then you do the same FOR them. In our case, we double bag everything and put it in the client's outdoor garbage can...just as they would do. The yucky part is the picking it up and bagging it anyway! You might also want to check the Environmental Health Dept. in your area for their regulations on pet waste disposal for homeowners.
The problem with posting flyers around and placing ads is that the people who call may be out of your walking (or riding) range and you don't want to have to turn them down if they call. I would save that type of marketing for when you get your truck. Good luck to you and keep the message board posted on how it goes!!!

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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 14-Oct-99 16:46:59

Re: Starting Business

I think Tricia's advice was right on!
I also think you might get some excellent free publicity from your local newspaper if you let them know about your business. It's an interesting story in itself, and the fact that you are young and doing this all on your own, with your plans to expanding when you get your truck and all that -- I think it's a terrific idea for a feature in the paper. The question is whether to send out a news release now, or in March -- March might be better for that, since the paper will attract customers from a much wider area.
If you have a local, neighborhood paper, that would be a good place to put classified ads on a regular basis.
Flyers door-to-door might be good in your situation. I think I'd leave them on the door, but be prepared to talk to people, too, since you'll probably have that opportunity as you pass out the flyers.
Flyers in your neighborhood dog places: groomers, vets, and pet shops; on the bulletin boards,is not a bad idea.
I'd also recommend getting business cards and making sure everyone you know has a few to hand out to people they meet. Be sure to let everyone know what you're offering.

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 13-Oct-99 20:10:51

Time-saving solutions?

Hi Scoopers...

Now that business is "picking up," I have some concerns about saving time in order to be profitable.

I have read Matthew's book, cover to cover, and am still reading through all the archives, but I haven't come across (yet) the situation with clients having a pen (kennel) AND back yard to clean up weekly. (If this has been discussed, which archive page is it in?) Right now, I am charging the same as a yard visit, but it takes me twice as long to walk & scoop the lawn PLUS scoop out the pen, hose it down, and spray with disinfectant (I've stopped squeeging...it takes too long). Just dealing with their hose takes time. What are you guys charging for this type of situation? And are there any tricks to doing it all faster?

Also, I have to smile at the time saved by using a certain type of plastic bag. The thing that wastes MY precious time is GATES hanging by a thread that I have to muscle and re-wire in order to get in and out!! These yard gates are rarely used by the owners so they aren't even aware of the problem and when it is pointed out, repair seems to be a low priority for them. My husband is a handyman and has offered to re-furbish these gates for a small fee...and some client's have gratefully taken him up on his offer. However, there are still many gates that I dread hassling with. Any suggestions or solutions?

Thanks a pile (so to speak) for any help!


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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 14-Oct-99 16:37:54

Re: Time-saving solutions?

I know what you mean about the gates... and I really like the idea of offering to repair the gates for a fee! That's a valuable and needed service for the client, and another profit center for you, in addition to making your cleanups go faster.
In most cases like the kennel and yard situation you describe, I found that it didn't really take me much more time. But I can see that this particular case is more of a problem. I'd always reserve the right to charge extra for special cases or extra-large yards. I would think that charging an extra dollar or three to hose down the kennel would be reasonable, especially with the application of the disinfectant.
The client should understand that extra services cost extra.
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 18-Oct-99 17:49:57

Re: Time-saving solutions?

We were long reluctant to raise our pricing in "special circumstance" yards, but have for a couple of clients. We try not to as a general, as we figure it all averages out being that some yards a are a breeze and take a fraction of the time as other yards. However, there are times it is necessary.

How much longer does the kennel/run cleaning take than an average 'regular' yard?

We too *constantly* have gate woes. Sometimes clients have gates WITHIN gates. One scooper always gets a bruise on her shoulder from pounding her shoulder into the thick wood door, when it gets swollen from humidity!


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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 15-Oct-99 17:10:27

Questions

Hi everybody. I wrote earlier saying I'm fifteen years old and trying to get a business starting. I've been doing some more thinking and have come up with some questions. My first question is what is the address that I can send a check to get Matthew's book? More questions are:
What is the average return on new customers by laying a flyer by the door?
What is the average return on new customers by talking to people by going door to door and leaving a flyer with them?
How do I get an "official" business name? Do I have to patent it? How much will this cost?
How much do business cards cost and what kind of information do I put on them?
Has anybody ever got a list of dog owners in their city and then do a mass mailing of a post card or somthing to each house? What were the results on this tactic?
Thanks for anybody that can help me out and give me a response. I appreciate everybody giving input on this site.

David Watson

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 18-Oct-99 13:22:10

Re: Questions

Hi David,
First, the address to order the book. :) Send to: Matthew Osborn, 3731 East Broad Street, #114, Columbus, OH 43213. The cost is $31.95, and that includes shipping; make check or money-order payable to Matthew Osborn.
I have had good days with flyers where I got 7 customers per 1,000 flyers left at doors. But with other days having a return of nothing, I would estimate the average return to be 1/2 of 1 percent, or 5 customers per thousand flyers.
Getting a business name is easy, though the procedure may vary slightly from state to state. No, you don't patent a name; you get a trademark, or in some states it's a "ficticious name." In general, you can register a company name with your state's Secretary of State office. It should be listed in the "Government" section of your phone book. The cost should be much more than about $25, though that can vary some. That's for a name registered in your own state.
For a national tradmark, protecting your name rights in all 50 states, the cost is higher: you can find that information at www.uspto.gov.
Business card costs vary widely, depending on quality, the printer you choose, how much you have printed on them, and how many you buy at once. You can print cards a few at a time on your printer, for instance. That will be a very low absolute cost, but your cost per card may be higher than getting them printed at a shop. I think you should have no problem finding a shop to print 500 cards for about $25 or so... though you might find prices lower or higher.
I recommend putting your business name, your own name, business phone number, a slogan or the phrase "Satisfaction Guaranteed," and your basic prices. Of course, it's entirely up to you -- the beauty of being of the boss. :)
I have purchased lists of dog-owners; I bought them from my county's auditor, the dog-license bureau. The lists were very inexpensive, and came on computer disk, easy to import to my own database. My results with larger mailings were not as good as more frequent, but smaller and much more closely targeted mailings to specific neighborhoods.
I know of one service that bought the list of dog-license applicants from their county; the list included the dogs' names. They addressed their postcards in the name of the dogs themselves, which really cut through the clutter and got attention. They reported getting 100 customers in their first couple of months of service that way.
Some place won't sell the dog-owner lists, though. You might as well ask your own county's dog-license office -- it won't hurt to ask.
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 17-Oct-99 15:45:50

Chats??

while going through the archives..I've seen mention of chats?? Can anyone tell me where I may find one? Also what night if its on going. Thanks to all....

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 18-Oct-99 20:04:01

What size of town is necessary to support a Pooper Scooper

I currently reside in a large metro area and have been employed for several years as a software developer. I am seriously considering a career change and working for myself. I wish to move to a smaller community in the midwest and start a business. I am wondering if there is a limitation to this business based on population size and what other demographics. Any information or other advice please.

Thanks,

Bruce

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 19-Oct-99 14:15:55

Re: What size of town is necessary to support a Pooper Scooper

The smaller the town, the smaller the opportunity for a client base, but you need to consider the drop in living expenses that will probably result from moving to the midwest.

I new a gentleman who ran an internet web design business and gave himself the equivilant of a $15,000 a year raise by moving out of Los Angeles - although his client base remained the same, and his yearly earnings remained the same.

If you are a software developer you may be able to offer your services locally as a trainer, tutor, etc., as an extra form of income while trying the poop biz.

The worst thing that can happen is you fail - if you don't try, you'[ve already failed.

John Ross

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 19-Oct-99 14:57:59

Starting a pooper scooper program

Can anyone give me some advice or information on how I can start a pooper scooper program in my neighborhood? I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 19-Oct-99 20:51:19

Re: Starting a pooper scooper program

1. Read everything on this site.
2. Buy Matthew's book.


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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 20-Oct-99 01:17:08

Snow and charging your customers

Winter coming and that means snow is on it's way.
If we get snow and let's say we cannot get into some yards for 3 weeks, we do not charge our customers extra for the time we missed. They are charge their regular fee. They feel special, and during this time too is when you are adding to your customer base and this is the time you can charge a first time charge since they have not been able to keep up with it and its not grass cutting season. (During grass cutting season we do not charge that first time pickup charge)
I remember reading some companies were charging maybe 1 1/2 the fee, I was just thinking I know its going to take you longer, but it's not the customer fault, and my customer feel special about not being charge for the time we had to miss because of weather. I just remember some of you were charging extra and thought you might want to rethink it, just a thought, What's Your Thoughts about charging customers for missing 3 weeks because of snow...

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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 11-Nov-99 09:53:47

Re: Snow and charging your customers

Snow sucks. Ask Matt. One year, we lost the last two weeks of December and the first two of January.

Last year, we lost two weeks in January, a few days in February and over a week in March.

Loss of income wasn't the worst. 700 yards that hadn't been cleaned in weeks was the worst.

Still, although I reserve the right to charge more for several weeks of accumulation, I don't for my regular customers. Expensive at the time, but customer loyalty pays off in the long run.

Plan for it, folks. It's gonna happen, but it doesn't have to put you out of business.

Pete (who is hoping for a dry, warm winter)

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 20-Oct-99 15:02:10

Apartment Contracts?

I am working on my first (hopefully not last) proposal for a small apartment complex (147 units). I have perused the archives and get the impression that some of you use commercial contracts, others don't. I have always heard that in business you should have a contract (although I do not have one for my residential customers) but am having difficulties drawing one up. Figuring up the proposed $ figure was a breeze compared to this...I would be willing to pay a small fee for permission to 'use' or 'modify' a copy if someone would be willing to forward one to me. Anyone interested? Please contact me! Thanks!

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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 21-Oct-99 14:01:40

re: Matthews book

i have just received matthews book and have read it over, it is extremely helpful and easy to understand. i am just about to start my scooper business and i realize that this is not the best time to begin but i will have a huge headstart when the busy season hits in spring. i would like to hear any suggestions or helpful hints from anybody on any issue especially all you existing pooperscoopers in Canada, like on things about licensing, and insurance.
Also i know i appreciate everything Matthew has done for me any he seems like he would help anyone that he can, so THANK-YOU MATTHEW.

P.S. when is the first POOPERSCOOPER get together
like in the Carribean so we can share stories and the like face to face, just a thought because everyone knows how cold it gets up here in Canada.

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 27-Oct-99 17:29:19

Re: re: Matthews book

hi!! I am from Ontario and I am "tinkering" with this idea so I asked some of my friends about the business end of it who have small businesses. They told me that if you want to register your name it is about $85.00 and that way no one can use your name.. also they said that if you make under $30,000 a year you do not have to register your business if you don't want to (also depends on the "cash jobs" you do.. however because it is a "service" you would have to pay the PST (PROVINCIAL SALES TAX) which is 7% to each customer who pays you in a cheque form etc.. becasue come tax time you can write off alot of your expenses (if you are running it out of your house you can write off a portion of your hydro, water, gas, plus automobile gas, car payments, insurance,phone etc) to get your profits down so you don't get taxed as much... Your local HRDC will have packages or even seminars for "small business owners" that are run in the evenings.. atleast they do here in Ontario (I work for the Ontario Government) and if not they will have a guideline on how to license your company and all the info for tax time... but like I said you can go to the "human resources development canada" building in your area and see what they say.

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 22-Oct-99 13:18:38

Leaves

I don't recall seeing anything written about yards blanketed with leaves. What is the best way to go over a yard like this?? Covered it takes so much time..pushing leaves about to see. Any tips from you seasoned scoopers??

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 27-Oct-99 13:19:22

Re: Leaves

I am experiencing the same thing with several clients who have leaves in their yards. I try to approach it systematically...I begin on one side of the yard and push the leaves across the path that I have just taken so that I'm clearing my next path as I'm going along (I hope I'm describing this clearly). Obviously, in a situation such as this, it is hard to guarantee your scooping...it's easy to miss a small turd under a leaf. I always double check the yard and so it takes a little longer than a yard without leaves, but I figure that it all balances out when averaged. If it becomes a real problem, you might consider speaking with the owner about a small increase in price for the extra time it takes to search...or offer to rake the yard for an additional fee, then scoop away!!! What do you think?
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 27-Oct-99 15:34:15

Re: Leaves

Ah, leaves... big headache! :)
Yes, leaves definitely slow down the work and make things a little tougher. But the worst part is during the days that the leaves are actually falling, since that's when they cover up the poop. After they've fallen, even though the leaves are still on the ground, at least the dogs will be pooping on top of the leaves, so it's not so bad then. I guess it's just a couple of weeks when the worst of the leaf problems are around.
I like the suggestion to offer to rake the leaves for an extra fee. Many people do want such a service. It's definitely worth thinking about.
In yards you are familiar with, you'll at least have an idea where the dog goes most often, so you'll know where to concentrate your search efforts.
If it's a first-time or one-time job, then it really will just take a longer time than normal to do the job, and a first-time extra charge would be in order.
Mostly though, for regular customers with leaves in the yards, this is just one of those times when it's going to take a little longer to get the job done.

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 29-Oct-99 17:15:30

Re: Leaves

I was just thinking about this question today as I scooped! I dont know what others do about leaves, but here in Connecticut the leaves are falling fast and it is not possible to find all the hidden treasures left by the dogs. I included a note in my last bill that asked customers to be understanding in the fall season and to forgive me for any missed piles. One of my customers said "If I thought you could see through leaves, I would hope you would be using your ESP talents in another line of business". She's right. No complaints so far. People seem real understanding. This is also a good time to approach a local landscaper and offer their card to customers who needs their yards cleaned of leaves (Around here they have to be taken away by landscapers or on the road by a certain date and many people need a referral). In return, the landscaper could do the same for you. If it is someone you know it works out to your advantage because what you do not find, they will clean up when they get the leaves. Good luck!!!
Ashlee (Doggie DOO Not!)
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 11-Nov-99 09:45:17

Re: Leaves

Ten months of the year, I rarely step on a pile. Two months of the year, I step in several a day, under the leaves. Here are my suggestions.

Truely try to do a good job, but don't try to rake the leaves. (unless you have an agreement covering this.)

Always guarantee your work, even because of the leaves. If they raked, reclean. If not, no charge if they call and are not happy.

Have you been getting the lawn service guys to hand out flyers for you? Now is the time to return the favor.
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 24-Oct-99 16:54:27

business service directory

Has anyone put ad in a business & service directory in your local paper . What kind of response did you receive?

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 27-Oct-99 12:06:01

Re: business service directory

I put an ad in the paper for 3 months (July, August, September)...not 1 call... maybe it will work out better for you... GOOD LUCK!

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 27-Oct-99 13:25:52

Re: business service directory

First and foremost, I really recommend purchasing Matthew's book. It answers alot of initial ??'s. I have been in business a few months with about 6 clients. I not only place simple classified ads in the local papers (we serve a limited area), and leave business cards at pet-related shops, but also deliver flyers and mail postcards to prospects. When I don't have an ad running, that is when I concentrate my efforts on the flyer delivery. Thus far, my best responses have been with classified ads, but I feel that it is important to reach propective clients in as many ways as you can think of. I always ask my clients how they have heard about me so I can get a feel for where I get the most 'bang' for my dollar and eliminate where I am not. Hope this helps and good luck!
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 27-Oct-99 15:28:32

Re: business service directory

I tried the business service directory once, and did not have responses. My best classified ad response has come from a line ad in the "Pets" or "Pet Services" columns of the local neighborhood weekly papers.
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 28-Oct-99 08:58:02

Re: business service directory

Add us to the list of the other posters who advertised under Business Services (2 months, every day) and didn't get one call!

This doesn't mean it won't work for you, however. From checking in with this site daily, the one thing I have noticed is that certain types of marketing works better for some scoopers than others.

Direct Mail and newspaper advertising haven't worked for us at all here in Atlanta, but flyers w/ a "try us free for a week" have. We don't get gangbuster results, but do well enough to continue distributing flyers. Also, we have worked over 15 shows & never got so much as one call.

You might have to try different approaches in marketing to find the one best suited for your area & potential clients.

Good luck!