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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.

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Page Forty-Four

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 25-Feb-00 00:19:42

pricing

Sorry if this gets sent twice. Also it may have been asked before. How do you go about charging folks for a "spring clean-up"? What do you take into account to arrive at a price? I'm afraid a price maybe too high..or maybe not enough. Any thoughs..Thanks all

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 25-Feb-00 13:55:55

Re: pricing

For a huge clean-up I charge $50.00/hour with a minimum of 1/2 hour ($25.00) I find that a bunch of people don't clean at all during the winter so most of the yards here take about 45 mins to clean. So I charge them .75 x 50.00 = $37.50

Good luck!

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 26-Feb-00 06:59:02

Re: pricing

Jack from Major Doody's Dog Waste Removal Service posted a new message with some excellent examples of charges for first-time cleanups. I think typical charges range from about $35 to $50 for a yard with one or two dogs where there's been no cleanup for more than three months, and proportionally more for yards with more dogs.
In general, what you're taking into account in setting the price is the time it takes to do the job. Many first-time jobs take about an hour to do -- sometimes less, and sometimes more. Probably more if you're first starting out and haven't yet perfected your scooping and cleaning techniques.
First-time or one-time jobs can be very hard work, so don't sell yourself short by asking too low a price. It may sound like a lot, but once you get out there and find yourself facing what looks like an impossible yard, you'll be glad you didn't charge too little. :)
I found that very often a first-time job looks much worse than it actually is. When you first get to the yard and start, you may think it's going to take all day, but when you get straight to work on it they usually are just about an hour or so.
These kinds of jobs can look horrible when you start, but when you're done it's really a great feeling to look at the nice, clean yard and see what a good job you've done.
It's also good to remember that after that nasty first time, when you go back on a regular schedule to keep it clean, it's only going to take a few minutes from week to week. :)


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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 27-Feb-00 13:14:35

Re: pricing

One time cleans and first time cleans, after the winter thaw, and proper pricing are certainly formost on my mind these days. Matthew was right- on in all he said in his post. Maybe one out of ten first time or one time yards are fairly light work, and for those you might consider $35.00 However, for the other 80% of yards that are considerable work, charge at least $50.00, and more if it is especially bad. Many clients him and haw when you quote $50 or $60 for these jobs, but as scoopers we know how much work is involved. Remember,if they elect not to spend the money and to clean it themselves, they'll quickly realize their error in judgement. They'll probably need to spend $50.00 at the chiropractor, and next time they'll call the professional scooper!
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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 25-Feb-00 21:18:06

we want to Do do it

Hello all We ran accross this site by accident
( no Pun intended) and we are very excited and want to get started NOW weve had a thaw here and Im starting tommarrow w my own yard and making my flyer Do you all have any helpfull hints to make this work there are no Services like this were i live that i know of
Thanks allot guys
Karl and Michelle
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 26-Feb-00 06:48:02

Re: we want to Do do it

You'll find a treasure trove of helpful hints, ideas, suggestions, problems you may not have considered, and so on here on this message board. Read all the posts and don't neglect to study the archives from past messages, which are stored at The Professional Pooper-Scoopers Website.

Best Wishes!

Matthew
Author, "The Professional Pooper-Scooper"
matthew@pooper-scooper.com

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 25-Feb-00 23:30:17

First time customers - spring clean-ups

I put ads in 4 different local papers and holy moly! They just keep calling. I was asked how much a first time cleaning would be. After asking the customer how big there yard was and how many dogs they had, I am now charging for 1 dog, up to 1 acre $45.00 and have received $75.00 for a yard 1.5 acres and 3 dogs. Then it would be $10.00 a week per dog. I ran simple ads that I found in Matthews book. Thanks so much Matthew! My ads hit Thursday morning, and tomorrow I am cleaning 27 yards! This is to good to be true.

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 26-Feb-00 06:43:46

Re: First time customers - spring clean-ups

You're certainly welcome, Jack. :) That's a terrific response. Congratulations!
I like the prices you mentioned for 1st time service, and obviously it's acceptable for your customers, so -- good job!
It looks like the spring thaw and its attendant rush of new customers is upon us. A word of caution here amid all the great news, though -- pace yourself with the first-time jobs.
The first time can take much longer than regular weekly clean-ups. With first time jobs ranging from 30 minutes to an hour or more, it might be a good idea not to schedule more than 5 or 6 first-time jobs on the same day. You might be able to do more than that, but you don't want to overload yourself with more than you can do in one day. It's hard work, and it's nice not to have to call the customers to re-schedule.
But having said that, here's another hearty "Faaaaaantastic!" for you. Keep up the terrific work. :)

Matthew

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 26-Feb-00 00:58:38

indoor doggy potty system

Does anyone know of an indoor dog potty system for people with apartments and small dogs? There was one called Puppy Go Potty on Pets.com that's like a litter box but it is on back order for months. Can't find one anywhere else.

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 26-Feb-00 20:23:55

Re: indoor doggy potty system

I found it funny as this week i was on a web site that showed..."how to teach your dog to use a litter pan". I then see 2 write ups on it on pooper-scooper message board. If i can recall where I was..I'll post it.

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 26-Feb-00 20:35:12

Re: indoor doggy potty system

Ok..Im back..i found it...the article. May help you too. http://www.msnews.org/maggie.htm well it can't hurt. :-).

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 26-Feb-00 13:35:02

LOCAL SERVICE

AM LOOKING FOR LOCAL SERVICE FOR 1 COCKER SPANIAL PORT HURON MI AREA{60 MI NE OF DETROIT}
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 27-Feb-00 13:17:36

Re: LOCAL SERVICE

Hi,
PoopScoop King services as far North as Marysville. Please call or write it this helps.
poopscoopking@aol.com

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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 27-Feb-00 06:38:36

Any scoopers in Long Island, NY?

I've been asked to help find any scoopers in the Nassau, Long Island, New York area. If anyone knows of any, please let me know.

Thanks!

Matthew
matthew@pooper-scooper.com

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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 27-Feb-00 20:48:31

Aching arms! Aching back!

Well I cleaned only 9 yards this weekend, because there must have been at least 60lbs. of doggie land-mines in each yard! They took me an average of 1 1/2 hours each. I am now in the process of cleaning 45 rabbit cages ( thats how I ended my day today. 17 finished). I am using a power sprayer. I also have a contract to clean them every two weeks. OK I'm tired, but loving it! Question: How do you keep your back form aching so much? My right wrist is killing me right now, what am I doing wrong?----The Major

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 29-Feb-00 01:45:36

Re: Aching arms! Aching back!

Hi Jack,

I think eveyone starts out a little sore from using muscles we hadn't picked on before! Here are some hints!! As your grandmother would say "stand up straight!" and it works. Instead of bending over at the waist, just bend your head at the neck to look down (I tend to get intense in my search, but it doesn't help to bend over closer!) I also used a warehouse-type back brace for a few weeks...and that helped. Be sure to pace yourself and build up your scoopin' speed evenly. Besides, you have to get your "sights" set on finding the sometimes, artfully hidden poop. Now, I can spot poop at 50 paces in the dark!!!

"Aspercreme" rubbed on the sore spots helps. Ibuprofen can help you through too, if you're not allergic to it as I am (my eyes swell up like a toadfrog's!)

I also, somehow, managed to get "tennis elbow" the first few months. I found that I was holding the lobby pan wrong for me. I was holding it as shown in Matthew's book, but, after observing my stance for weeks, I discovered that position didn't work best for me(I had to wear an elbow support) Now, after 9 months, I am fine and "fit" for scoopin' with the pros.

I might have looked a little "trussed up" but as a 56-year-old grandma scooper, I was determined to keep up with you young whipper-snappers! And now I bet I can race you all to the bank!!

Hang in there,

Tricia


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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 08-Mar-00 12:08:53

Re: Aching arms! Aching back!

This is a major concern. If you are doing enough work, get help. 45 Min with two people and then a short break while you drive to the next will help.

For your back, find a way to bend over less.

For your wrist, use your whole arm. Also, buy a wrist brace with a metal insert that holds the wrist in the proper position. I can't work in them, but I wear them while I sleep. It really works. This is my 8th year of the Big Spring Rush. Trust me, if you don't take care of your wrists, you're out of business, and maybe worse.
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 28-Feb-00 09:13:06

Where's The Customers

Well fellow pooper scoopers I'm just looking for a little encouragement. I kicked off my business last Monday (February 21) by mailing 400 postcards to dog owners, I placed flyers at pet stores, on Friday I took brochures to vets and doggie day care centers and even a gourmet dog biscuit bakery and faxed press releases to six media sources here in town and to date I've got 1 (one) whopping customer. Now my classified ads will start running this Wednesday and I've got a call into a reporter that the gourmet dog biscuit owner recomended that I call. I'm not sure how much more advertising I can do at this point. I know it's only been a week but I'm anxious to get going. Do any of you have any suggestions? Am I expecting too much too soon? Any suggestions or words of encouragement would help. Thanks and good luck to all you scoopers with your spring rush!

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 28-Feb-00 19:02:56

Re: Where's The Customers

Relax, I've been in business for two years and only have a half a dozen customers. Give it some time and it'll happen.

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 28-Feb-00 21:27:18

Re: Where's The Customers

Sounds like you've done quite a bit. I think you need some patience at this point. Matthew says that people need to see your ad for a little while before they do anything. Is it still too cold for people to be getting outside and wanting to enjoy their yard? I bet pretty soon things will pick up. Don't get discouraged...you've done too much work and it's way too soon to get discouraged. We've e mailed before and you told me "the customers are out there, they just don't know they need you yet." That's right, so hang in there. :-) Diane, Pooper Scoopers

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 29-Feb-00 02:21:58

Re: Where's The Customers

Hey hi...

Future clients seem to have to put the brochure or ad on their fridge for a few weeks before they will admit that they really do need help (go figure!) Then the calls will start coming---trust me. I had just one client for weeks. I thought I would NEVER get to 10. Then in 6 months, I was signing 'em up at 1+ per week and making about $1000 per month. Now, after 9 months, I am signing up 2-3 solid, on-going clients per week.

It helps me to think of my business as a jet. When mine was at your stage, I felt it had left the hangar (where it was just an idea), and was now at the end of the runway, revving up for take-off. The revving part is all the marketing you are doing to get it going. As you start picking up clients, you move down the runway (keep that marketing going!) I feel that my "jet" has taken off now at 50 clients and almost $2500 per month. HOWEVER, I gotta keep the engines revved (with marketing) while I am gaining altitude. When I reach my goal of 100 2-dog clients, I can get my "co-pilot" (or husband) to help take over the controls (or routes, because he will quit his "real" job), while I focus on the communications to the tower (or keeping it all moving forward). When we reach an "altitude" of 200 clients, we can level off and maintain speed by taking good care of the "passsengers" (or long-time clients) and by keeping an eye on the fuel gage (by tracking the marketing that works).

Matthew created the runway for us...all we have to do is believe that this heavier-than-air jet can and will take off!!!

Have a good flight...

Tricia

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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 12-Mar-00 02:31:04

Re: Re: Where's The Customers

I know how you feel. After almost 3 months, I have 2 customers. I really thought that it would pick up a little faster than what it is. But I guess I should enjoy the slow times now, because when it picks up, there will be no stopping us!!!

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 28-Feb-00 14:49:15

super dooper pooper scooper

hello all. i have yet to find a pooper scooper big enough for my great dane and st bernard. maybe its the food they eat?? know of any really big pooper scoopers out there that may be usefull to me????

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 29-Feb-00 17:55:52

Re: super dooper pooper scooper

HA!

About the only thing I can think of is the "good ole fashioned" way - shovel.... Good luck on your quest!

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 29-Feb-00 18:21:51

i think i can help

Jared-

Pets.com sells large pooper scoopers for a very inexpensive price. I suggest you check it out. Later

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 01-Mar-00 06:18:53

Re: super dooper pooper scooper

Personally, I prefer to use something not generally marketed as a pooper-scooper at all. :) I like the Rubbermaid brand "Lobby Dust Pan," a long-handled dustpan used in many restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments.



....(graphic omitted)...... The trash bag lines the pan, so you can use a small shovel or rake to scoop the dog's mess directly into the bag in the dustpan.

When you're done, just pull the bag out of the pan, tie it shut and throw it away.

You may find this kind of dustpan for sale at a large hardware or building supply outlet; if not, you could certainly find them at a janitor-supply store, listed in your local yellow pages under "janitorial equipment and supplies."

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 01-Mar-00 12:11:52

Getting Ready to Scoop

Hi Pooper Scoopers! I am fascinated by your business and am thinking of joining you.

I've got Matthew Osborne's book and find it a fabulous source of information - thank you Matthew!

Having never undertaken anything like this before (I am a bureaucrat!), and being married to an engineer who has been trained to always "design for disaster", I really want to do as much advance research as possible so I know exactly what I am likely to encounter before I do anything drastic!

I am working on a business plan, which is coming along nicely, due to the fact that there is so much information on your bulletin board and in Matthew's book. However, the questions which are still causing me grief are as follows:

1. To remove or not to remove the waste - where on earth do I start researching local health regulations? What about dog waste disposal systems (e.g. The Doggie Dooley)? Has anyone tried them?

2. What about bonding and insurance? Are you all bonded and insured? Where do I start getting information on what is required?

3. What's a typical day like in the life of a professional pooper scooper?

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 01-Mar-00 20:06:48

Free Advertising!!!!!!

New Jersey and New York Pooper Scoopers! On WABC radio they were talking about us! They gave out our International Directory site. How do I know this? I just got another job because of it!!!!!!!!!! Thank you WABC AM radio....
The Major

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 01-Mar-00 22:42:50

reading throuhg the archives

this question is for Mark, who has Scooop Doggie Dog. on feb.08 you responded to a question about advertising. you said you put your add in a local news paper for five days a week. and you you had gotten four new sign ups in a few short day's. but your add reads, for a free introductory offer. how many people are calling on you for the free intro.offer for the spring clean up of thier yards. and are they returining customers after the free introductory offer????

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 03-Mar-00 07:18:09

Business Card Exchange

We would like to know if any one has tried asking people in the house cleaning / lawn maint section of papers to exhange business cards.
you hand out theirs also and they do the same for you)
It is just a thought.
For all of you that have purchased name list- what do you feel a fair price to offer would be and have you found this to be effective.

Thanks
Field Pooper-Scoopers

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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 05-Mar-00 19:07:36

Re: Business Card Exchange

I purchased 2000 names and addresses and phone numbers for $600.00

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 06-Mar-00 19:50:10

Re: purchase names

Hi!

I asked my City Government to provide me a list of all registered dog owners. They gave me names and addresses for $30. I send about 30 postcards every other month and get about 2-3 calls from them.

It's worth a shot for you!

Good luck!

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 03-Mar-00 09:48:46

Billing

i am just getting my buisness off the ground. and I am wondering, for the big "spring clean ups", are you asking for the money right after the job is done.or, are you billing the customer. and which is best.
the spring clean up's are usually the longest and biggest job's. if they aren't going to be a repeat customer, and just want the winter dooo clean up, is it best to get the money after the job is done? do you let them know that you expect payment up front while you are talking to them on the phone for the scheduled time. how is the best way to handle it.
thank you,
Personal Pet Butler

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 06-Mar-00 05:00:55

Re: Billing

Whichever way you decide to collect the money, the best way to handle the whole process is to be very clear right from the start, about how much it will cost and when the payment will be due. Misunderstandings cost everyone concerned in more ways than one.
Normally I would recommend sending a bill after the work is done. That way people don't have to worry about changing their schedules to be there when you clean the yard; it's very convenient for the customer.
But I also understand that, especially when first starting out, cash flow can be a problem. There's certainly nothing wrong with asking for the money at the time of the service. As long as people know how much to expect to pay and understand that you'll be collecting on the spot, that's fine.