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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.
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Page Forty-Five
Message Date/Time:
Friday, 03-Mar-00 12:50:14
Link to Press Release Help:
In case you need some help in preparing or refining your press releases, perhaps this link might help (you have to scroll down a little bit past the advertisements):
http://www.jaydenews.com/archives/022500.html
Erin
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 05-Mar-00 00:15:23
Re: Link to Press Release Help:
Hi Erin...
Thanks, SO MUCH, for the timely tip about Press Releases. I was just sitting down to write one to coincide (hopefully) with our appearance at the Home & Garden Show---and I was stalling (it does feel like school homework)---so I thought I would check out the Message Board first! And there was your tip. I checked it out immediately and am going to use some of the REALLY good ideas. I am inspired again!
Tricia
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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 03-Mar-00 15:14:37
Fascinated by the idea
I have been checking this sight and the messages and am now totally interested in starting something up for myself. I am going to order Matthew's book and do some research. Does anyone know of companies in NJ. Ocean or Monmouth couny areas. I saw one for Ocean County on the directory but when I tried to search for them, found nothing. Perhaps they are no longer in business? Anyway, I can't wait to get my book and get started. Any words of advice or suggestions appreciated on where to start. Thanks everyone and good luck!!
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 05-Mar-00 18:58:52
Re: Fascinated by the idea
I am now working in Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth and Hunterdon Counties. Where are you located? I have found some sucess in this, although it is my first year. I have found that You need to be aggressive, vigilent, determined and willing to do whatever it takes to be sucessful at this. I must talk to 50 peple a day about it. I knock on doors, send out flyers, talk to ALL pet groomers, vets, kennels, barber shops, beauty salons. In other words, anyone who will listen! I have ads in 8 different papers, have sent out news releases, talked with the Counties Park Commisions, etc. Go for it... But go for it full steam ahead. The Major
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 23-Mar-00 00:26:11
Re: Fascinated by the idea
Hi Stacy,
It looks like we are going to be competitors! I am just starting up in Ocean County. I will begin advertising soon, I have been filling out forms and waiting for forms for the past month or so. So look for me "Pet Maid"! Where are you located? I am in Toms River. I can't wait to get started.
Kelly
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 04-Mar-00 01:41:28
POOPER SCOOPER
HI
I AM NEW TO THE POOPER SCOOPER BUSINESS, BUT SO FAR I HAVE GOT 7 CUSTOMERS. I HAVE PUT ADS IN THE PAPER PASSED OUT FLYERS TO DIFFERENT BUSINESSES, AND I JUST CALLED OUR LOCAL RADIO STATION, AND AM GOING TO MEET WITH THEM TO AIR MY BUSINESS ON AIR. I SURE HOPE I GET A BETTER RESPONSE THIS WAY THAN I DID FROM THE NEWSPAPER AND MY FLYERS. I HAVE TALKED WITH TWO OTHER GIRLS ON THE WEB WHO ARE ALSO TRYING THE BUSINESS. IT IS FUN TO TALK TO OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO MAKE A LIVING DOING THE SAME THING. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY FEED BACK YOU MIGHT HAVE TO HELP ME IN ANYWAY GET MORE CUSTOMERS.
THANK YOU REGINA...
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 04-Mar-00 18:31:30
Re: POOPER SCOOPER
Hi Regina...
You are doing very well! You don't say when you started, but 7 clients is a great beginning!
Send me a stamped-self-addressed envelope (with a business card or brochure for my collection!)and I will send you a free copy of "CHEAP MARKETING TRICKS: A-Z". There are lots of fun ideas (that work) for low or no cost!
TAIL END PooPER SCooPERS
P.O. Box 51554
Sparks, NV 89435-1554
Tricia
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 05-Mar-00 15:40:34
What am I doing wrong?
I have put out flyers at about 45-50 places, I have ran an add in the large local paper ( in 3 catorgies) I put adds in 4 diffrent little papers and I have still only got one customer. Does any one have any better ideas?
My husband says I need to be patient, people will probably kick the idea around for a couple of weeks and then call.
I guess i am feeling kinda down about the reponse I have gotten.
Field Pooper-Scoopers
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 06-Mar-00 04:55:29
Re: What am I doing wrong?
Your husband is right. :)
Especially with something so new to think about, people will take a little while to get used to the idea, think about how they could benefit from the service. Your best marketing results will come from consistent and repeated use of various marketing methods over time.
See Major Doody's reply to the message "Fascinated by the Idea" on this same message board. Also check out the archives for similar concerns from others new to the business over the past couple of years -- and the helpful replies to those concerns from people who have faced the problem and overcome it.
Patience is very important, as well as consistency. Hang in there, keep at it -- and of course, serve that existing customer well!
Best wishes,
Matthew
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 07-Mar-00 00:54:34
Re: What am I doing wrong?
HI,
I RESPONDED TO YOUR LETTER EARLIER, BUT I DON'T THINK THAT YOU GOT IT. YOUR HUSBAND IS RIGHT, WE HAVE GOT TO BE PATIENT. I HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AND HAVE GOT SEVEN CUSTOMERS. I AM DISCOURGED, BUT WILL KEEP TRYING AND WON'T GIVE UP. PLEASE E-MAIL ME AND I WILL JUST GIVE YOU SOME OF THE IDEAS AND THINGS THAT I HAVE DONE.
FELLOW POOPER SCOOPER REGINA...
------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 05-Mar-00 21:20:45
What else but Pooper Scoopin?
Hi,
Just ordered your book Matthew and was wondering when I might be receiving it. I am kind of anxious to get started with my business.
I know sometimes it takes 4-6 wks for things to come the mail,but I didn't see any time frame on the order form. So I was just curious as to when to expect it.
Thanks,
Beth
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 06-Mar-00 04:40:37
Re: What else but Pooper Scoopin?
I ship the book by Priority Mail, usually the day after the order arrives. For orders sent inside the United States, you should have the book in your hands about 3 days after that. (Orders sent outside the USA may take a week.)
Thanks!
Matthew
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 07-Mar-00 21:35:36
Dog Shows
Hi. I'm looking for input on how to figure out what to charge at dog shows. Obviously the duration of the show, the area to be scooped...then I'm lost. Thanks, Diane
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 20-Mar-00 11:17:17
Re: Dog Shows
How much to charge? LOTS!! Have you ever been to one? Your primary concern is to the rings first. Many show dogs are kenneled rather than house kept, and are not too fussy about where they dump. Also, many of them have travelled, are on different water, are stressed, and make very messy messes.
Walking areas are often limited if it is an indoor show, and if outdoors, many do not honor the "potty area" designation, choosing to potty away from everyone else to avoid disease or distate. Shows often have gated indoor areas spread with sawdust and chips, but they can be a mess too. You are likely to be expected to dump at least some trash receptacles that fill with poop. You will be busy all day. Many of them get whole scout troops to do it.
Your major factor is number of dogs entered times days of the show. Think of 800 dogs emptying themselves two or three time a day then do the math. And that is a small to medium size show.
And if you'd really like to "clean up," check to see which hotels are listed as accepting dogs (this is always required by the AKC) then approach them to do a daily cleanup (if you have the manpower), or at least a visit the day after. Every square inch of grass will be a mess.
Just our observations. We show dogs. Many dog show people are only fussy about their dogs. You should not try this alone if it is your first time.
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 08-Mar-00 01:17:14
HELP
HI,
I NEED SOME ADVICE ON A FEW THINGS PLEASE. I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT OTHERS USE TO CLEAN OFF THERE SHOVEL AFTER THEY ARE DONE WITH A YARD. I WAS TOLD FROM A VET TO USE LYSOL AND CLOROX IN A SPRAY BOTTLE. ANY ADVICE? I AM ALSO HAVING A HARD TIME KNOWING HOW TO COLLECT MONEY FROM MY CUSTOMERS. A COUPLE OF THEM LIKE TO PAY FOR THE WHOLE MONTH AT THE FIRST. LAST WEEK TWO OF MY CUSTOMERS WAS SUPPOSE TO SEND ME THE CHECK IN THE MAIL AND I HAVEN'T RECEIVED EITHER ONE YET. I HAVE TO DO BOTH OF THERE YARDS THURSDAY. WHAT SHOULD I DO CALL THEM AND REMIND THEM, I'M UNSURE OF WHAT TO DO. ONE MORE THING, WHEN I GO TO DO A YARD AND THE PEOPLE ARN'T HOME HOW DO I COLLECT FROM THEM WHEN THEY PAY ME EACH WEEK? I HATE TO HAVE THEM SIT AT HOME WAITING FOR ME, SO WHAT SHOULD I HAVE THEM DO? ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
THANK YOU
REGINA...
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 08-Mar-00 09:35:22
Re: HELP
Hi Regina: I ran into the same problem with collecting from customers last year. I had a few who got their first bill and did not pay right away. I got very worried! I kept going to the lawns and did not call them to remind them. Eventually the checks came. After collecting from the same people for almost a year now, I realized that everyone has different bill payment schedules. Some pay immediately, others pay at the end of the month, some send me a set amount (that lasts for 3 months or so) and expect me to not bill them until more money is needed, three of my customers do online banking and it takes weeks before I get my checks. It is a hard pattern to get used to. It sounds like you have different customers on different payment plans. I would try to get them all on the same page. I bill everyone on the last day of the month. Having everyone on the same plan will greatly simplify your record keeping! Good luck with your business!
Best wishes,
Ashlee
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 08-Mar-00 14:40:10
Re: HELP
Get Matthew's book. If you have it, re-read it. It answers these questions.
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 08-Mar-00 19:48:12
Re: HELP
Hi Regina!
I had a client that would always "forget" to pay me. I would call in advance, the same morning that I was scheduled to clean, to remind her of the amount she owed me. She would conveniently be gone when I arrived. So, one day, I showed up unexpectedly and told her (very pleasantly) I would not continue to clean her yard until her bill was up to date. That did it. She never, ever forgot again.
For the clients that pay me each week, I have them leave a check in an envelope in a dry, safe place waiting for me to pick up after I am done cleaning. This way, I don't have to disturb them when they are home, and they don't have to wait around all day for me to show up. This seems to work very well for me.
As far as cleaning, I spray on a mixture of clorox (IT KILLS EVERYTHING!) and lemon scented Pine Sol disinfectant. This seems to get "stuff" off more effectively. I talked to my vet, and the Humane Society director to see what they used to clean the cages, and both recommended this. Not to mention, that it's probably the cheapest way to go, and it doesn't smell too bad either.
Hope this answers your questions!
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 09-Mar-00 01:29:07
Re: HELP
Hi Regina,
You really should use some sort of billing system and bill your customers once a month. It seems like most scoopers charge X amount for each visit. I prefer the same amount each month, therefore I bill the customer the same amount each month. Either way, it has to be done consistantly. Leaving a pre-addressed envelope for them could be helpful too.
Judging by how other scoopers have reacted, I might be the only one who uses a contract. (Southern California is the law suit center of the world!) It's not a service contract for a lenth of time, but rather a contract that outlines my policies and procedures. One of my policies are all accounts are to be paid by the 25th of each month (I bill one month in advance) or there is a late fee addded. (I really don't charge the late fees too often, it's more for the people who are always late.) Next in line is after two months, their service is stopped and after a 10 day notice, they are sent to collections. Usually a friendly reminder is all that's needed, in the form of a phone call. I hate to say, but after a few years experience you'll be able to tell which customers are flakes and are more likely to have trouble paying on time.
As for the disinfectant, I use Ken-Care disinfectant available from KV Pet supplies (800 423-8211) It kills all the dog related viruses etc. I mix that with Kennel Odor Eliminator available from the same place. Half the vets Iv'e talked to say bleach doesn't kill everything, and half say it does. So who knows?
Hope this is helpful.
Tim
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 09-Mar-00 21:41:24
Re: HELP
Regina, I have my customers either tape the check to the inside of their screen door or a designated spot they feel comfortable with and tell them that they dont need to be house stuck. This seems to work for me so far.
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 08-Mar-00 23:07:07
First Commercial Account
Well I just got my first commercial account today
A Petsmart Store that just opened up in our area. They allow dogs in there place, and of course I noticed all the poop in the grass areas.
It took me only 15 minutes to close the deal. Twice a week / $60.00 I love this job!
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 14-Mar-00 16:49:13
Re: First Commercial Account
Many congratulations on your first commercial job!!
It seems to get easier to acquire more after the hurdle of the 1st commercial job is overcome.
Did you call or walk into Petsmart when you introduced your service?
Congrats again!
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 09-Mar-00 11:37:39
Pricing
I have just started my Pooper Scooper biz and am wondering what others are charging? And I would be open to any suggestions on getting new customers? I have spent a lot of time and money and only have 2 customers.
Thanks
Lance
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 09-Mar-00 18:45:55
Thank You
Thank you Tricia TAIL END PooPER SCooPER for your advice and pointing us in the right diretion on writing a proposal to our city gov. Unfortunately we will be too late for this year's city budget. Everyone we talked to seemed very interested but we are in a economic low period right now, they have city workers laid off etc. We are all ready getting ready for next years budget. Thanks again.
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 09-Mar-00 21:24:20
Newspaper Article
Well its happened. The article in the newspaper worked like a champ. I'm up 30 customers in less than a weeks time!!!!! More great news to come later. To everyone who is still waiting... I'm in my second year. Be patient it will happen, for the longest time I only had 5 paying customers. I no longer have time to pass out flyers it will all be word of mouth and flyers already posted at different places around town. Good luck everyone.
Frank
K-9 Connections service marked
My Business Is Pickin' Up !!!
( After Your Dog ) service marked
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 09-Mar-00 21:57:26
I can see some daylight!!!
Hello to all you scoopers. I finally can see daylight and some breathing space. First things first thanks to all those who e-mailed offering support. Sorry, Matthew for the two messed up messages but thanks so much for your support. I love this work. I have began weekly clean after the big clean and it is so nice. I can see the profit in this job/career. The weather has been in the 70's and i looovvveee the outdoors. Gave a quote to the condo no answer from them yet. Have two landscape co. willing to give my cards tactfully to their clients who have dogs and need the yard clean. Now comes the administrative stuff to learn. My body finally stopped hurting. I am learning a technique. Gwen
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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 10-Mar-00 06:10:28
Joining the ranks
Hi, everyone! I've been reading all your messages and old ones, and I ordered Matthews book this week. Really exciting!! I can't wait to get officially started. I don't even have the book in hand and I still have alot of questions, but I went ahead and put my name in the Yellow Pages yesterday. My rep told me I'd be the only one and the deadline is now. The phone book won't be distributed until approx. June, so I have enough time to prepare. Couldn't have worked out better. See, I already have a pet sitting business, so I'll be notifying my clients real soon about my new venture and I'm sure alot of them will sign on - or am I wishfully thinking? Any input, advice, shared experiences from the pet sitters who added this service would be greatly appreciated. I wish you all a good day and happy scooping!
Tina
Precious Pets Sitting Service
P.S. Matthew, I'm approx. 20 miles south of Cleveland - will I see your manual soon?
[Moderator's Note: Hi, Tina. :) Yep... You should have your manual within the next three to four days. Thanks! -- Matthew]
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 27-Mar-00 18:33:53
Re: do you want a customer
Tina,
Hi i got a phone call from someone who is interested in starting service for dog waste removal. She lives in Macedonia and it is too far of a drive for me to pick up. I was wondering if I can give her your phone number
i dont know if you're up and running yet and i called a phone number for your business that i got from the yellow pages but in was not a working number. please email me back with your phone number