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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-Six
Message Date/Time:
Friday, 10-Mar-00 22:17:37
Newspaper calling
I sent news releases to our local papers and the largest of them called me today. They want to do an featured article on Major Doody's DWRS! Monday morning! When they heard that I wear a Marine Corps Drill Instructors outfit while poop-scoopin' they asked if they could bring one of their photographers to a couple of homes and watch how I approach 1st time customers. (I have a professional, yet funny routine that I do at the front door) They had me on speaker phone today and they kept having more people join in the conversation. I had them rolling with laughter.
The Editor of the paper said he is personally coming out to see this. I am so excited!!! My hard work should pay off here.
The Major
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 13-Mar-00 20:50:09
Re: Newspaper calling
My fingers are crossed for you! GOOD LUCK!
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 11-Mar-00 01:49:01
Outdoor "Litter Boxes" for BIG dogs
Okay, now I've seen it all! One of my new clients has an outdoor "Litter Box" for his 2 Lab mix dogs. Ashlee (Doggie Doo Not) and Careen, I know will be interested in this one, because you both wrote about INDOOR "Litter Boxes" for SMALL dogs!
What this guy did was build an area between his house and the fence (about kennel size) and frame it in with treated wood planks. He then filled the whole area with small, 3/8" ("pea") gravel. He said he had laid a layer of D.G. (decomposed granite) type sand down first for better drainage. The gravel is small, but rounded (like river rock) so it is easy on the dog's feet and doesn't stick between their pads. AND WHAT A JOY TO SCOOP!! He has trained the dogs to use this area only. The sides of the "Litter Box" are high enough so that the dogs have to jump in and out, so there is no scattered gravel around.
I am recommending this to ALL my clients and am even preparing to write up something about this as a hand-out (in general, and especially for the booth we are having at the "Home & Garden Show"). Since Spring is coming, people are thinking of getting out in the yard and re-landscaping. Maybe I should just offer to build them in some of these horrible back yards (for a fee, of course)!!
I have a Master Gardener client, who put this small gravel down as walkways in their back yard and couldn't believe that that was where their 2 dogs chose to relieve themselves. I think we are on to something here!!! Anyone else see this happening out "in the field?"
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 13-Mar-00 13:07:17
Re: Outdoor "Litter Boxes" for BIG dogs
I have two clients whose dogs have an area in the yard which is covered with those flat, smooth, small round rocks (like ones on the bottom of a stream) which is where they choose to poop. One of the yards is pretty easy to clean but the other is harder as it always seems to get mushed down and is very hard to get up without taking some rocks with it. You mention how easy it is to clean? What is your secret?
It is an interesting concept however!
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 13-Mar-00 20:48:56
Re: Re: Outdoor "Litter Boxes" for BIG dogs
I would LOVE to know and see how the training for dogs to use this happens. My own dog is just not "with it" to learn to go in a certain spot. But I have noticed with certain breeds that they choose to go in one area of the yard only. Kind of like one side is the "bathroom" and the other side is the "living area". I LOVE to clean those yards!
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 11-Mar-00 10:13:13
Start Up
Just wanted to let those of you that are having trouble getting new clients to not give up. I started with 75 2 weeks ago and just got another 31. I now have 106 clients that I do on a weekly basis. Be persistent, leave your business card everywhere you go, put it in with all of your local bills, spend the extra time talking to your existing clients. Get to know them and they will feel obligated to do you favors like refer new business. Referrals are the name of the game-no advertising costs, etc. Keep with it, it will pay off. I just quit my full time job and my wife just had a new baby( our third) this past Monday. The hard work is definitely worth it.
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 11-Mar-00 11:51:56
Re: Start Up
First, congratulations! I'm curious, though, how do you start with 75 clients? I mean how did they find out about you and did they all sign up for service in the same week?
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 13-Mar-00 20:44:42
Re: Re: Start Up
I'd like to know too. Sure wish I were that lucky!
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 11-Mar-00 18:53:20
75 First time cleans!!!
Seems odd to start off your business with 75 clients and then a week or two later to have over 100. I don't find it that strange that you could have that many seeking service, but how can you handle that many first time cleans in such a short period without falling out from exaustion?
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 12-Mar-00 02:25:04
Hello all pooper scooper dooers!
I live in Allegan Michigan and I just got started in January of this year. I have fliers up at all my stores, gas stations, (the restaurants really weren't too interested in hanging my ad up there, I don't know why???), laundry mats, etc... I even had the Kalamazoo Gazette come out and do an article, which hasn't run yet, and I only have 2 customers. What can I do to boost my Doggie Doo Removal business? You guys out there sure have a lot of great ideas, and any donations for starting up my little business, sure won't be rejected! LOL Please send me a business card and I'll send you one of mine too. What fun!! SASE to Sue Rawson Doggie Doo Removal 2785 113th Ave. Allegan, Mich. 49010 Thank you! You can also see my web page at... http://www.homestead.com/fortheloveofdogs/one.
html
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 02-Apr-00 22:56:32
Re: Hello all pooper scooper dooers!
Hello sue I live in GR Mich and am doing the same thing you are howerver you have 2 more customers than i do :) Please feel free to call me and talk i have lots of Questions for you.
thanks allot and happy scooping
Karl
Dog Dooty Patrol
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 12-Mar-00 21:14:20
Cats
Hi,
I noticed that cleaning litter boxes was part of some businesses and I would like to know more about this. It seems that this could be a natural extension of the pooper business and could even be the main focus. Any comments from people who are dooing this would be appreciated. The archives didn't give email addresses so I couldn't contact the individuals directly.
Thanks,
Jack Cleary (CatManDoo)
Pet Waste Management
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 14-Mar-00 08:56:55
Reporter & Camera
First of all, thanks everyone for the support! Matthew e-mailed me at the right time. I was getting real nervous Monday morning. I had called Matthew over the weekend, unfortunatly he was unavailable at the time. Just as I was ready to go "meet the press", I checked my e-mail one more time, ad there was Matthew's e-mail reassuring me. It calmed me down some. Thanks Matthew! I guess the interview went well, they went to 4 diiferent locations with me.
Took pictures and asked myself and my customers questions about the service. I can hardly wait till Thursday to see the article.
The Major
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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 17-Mar-00 21:55:32
Re: Reporter & Camera
Been in your shoes approx. 1 month ago. Good going. Its really wonderful and exciting. You will work your buns off but it's worth it in the end. I love going to my short weekly clean-ups now. My body is in good condition; no more aching body parts. And I am getting pretty fast at it now. In the beginning it was very overwhelming. Have fun with the free advertising. Congradulations. Gwen
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 14-Mar-00 13:10:42
Clever names and competition
I have been pouring over this awesome site for a few days and ordered Matthew's book on Friday. This sounds like an exciting business opportunity and I'm looking forward to exploring it further! The one thing I'm stumbling on is a clever name for my business. How did you clever people come up with such impressive names for your business? They are SO GREAT!! Also, does anyone have to deal too much with competition or is this still fairly a new concept? What do you do to give yourself the "edge"? I love that the Major wears a MC Drill Instructor outfit!! Very creative.
Thanks everyone!
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 16-Mar-00 14:30:59
Re: Clever names and competition
Hi Angie, Be creative, try to make a name by just using one or two key words. Remember there is no right name or wrong name,just the name that sounds right to you. And remember HAVE FUN!!!!!
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 23-Mar-00 20:55:09
Re: Clever names and competition
Names that is a good one my wife and myself spent weeks coming up with names. We finally wrote down the names and some logos we liked
and through the process of elimanation, up with our name. Good luck!!!!!
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 25-Mar-00 01:56:41
Re: Clever names and competition
Hi Angie,
Well...I used to own a scooper business called Doody Calls! That name got me a LOT of attention, and since I have moved and am now earning $72,000 a year working for a huge Internet company, I hereby bequeath the Name "Doody Calls!" to you...if you have it.
Good luck. I LOVED that business!
David
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 16-Mar-00 18:38:08
Bus Stops: A new avenue for advertising
We have found a wonderful avenue for advertising. They are located on bus stops, these big poster boards have cause of alot of attention in St. Louis.
Check our website out under merchandise to see the poster - Http://www.yuckos.com.
Bi-state decided that they were vulgar. The advertising company that handles the bus stops did not feel that way or other wise they would of not given approval to put them up. Boy did the phone ring, the public love the posters, channel two news here in st. Louis their spoke person John Pertzborn did a story on them, how one community thought they were offending, saying that they did not represent their community and it's not the type of advertising they wanted in their city! I have had so many phone calls asking dont't their dogs poop!
It a wonderful avenue for exporsure for advertising It Works! If you're looking for an advertising agency who found them for me and does tv and radio for Yucko's give me ring and I'll turn you on to my agent. Take care everyone.
Doo you think the Poster's are vugalar? Let me know. Your opinion is important as fellow poop-scoopers, because that what we doo-doo!
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 20-Mar-00 11:03:19
Re: Bus Stops: A new avenue for advertising
I don't think they are offensive. But remember this is our job. Alot of people out there just don't get it.
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 16-Mar-00 20:33:31
Insurance
Does anybody carry any type of special insurance? I want to make sure I am completely covered. However, I just don't see or hear much talk about the subject.
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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 17-Mar-00 09:44:54
Re: Insurance
I carry liability insurance: $2,000,000.00 general aggregate, $1,000,000.00 each occurance, fire damage $50,000.00, personal & adv. injury $1,000,000.00 I am also bonded for $50,000.00
WHY? The age old question "what if?" What if you accidentally leave a gate open and the dog gets out and is hit by a car and is killed? What if one of your employees is a smoker and burns down the back yard or something worse. Better safe than sorry. My insurance cost me $375.00 every 4 months. Not a bad price for peace of mind. My motto: Do everything right, right from the start. I couldn't imagine putting in all this effort, just to have it all come crashing down on me because of something gone escue and could have been prevented with insurance. COVER YOUR BUTT !
The Major
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 20-Mar-00 10:59:15
Re: Re: Insurance
I don't know about everyone else, but I just can't afford $375 every 4 months. I barely make that in a month. But, hopefully someday when I have employees I will make certain that I have this type of insurance. For now, all I have to worry about is me. And I also have my customers sign a service agreement stating that I am in no way responsible to any damage to property or for a lost pet. No one has had a problem with signing this so far...
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 20-Mar-00 13:07:06
Re: Insurance
Hi Joe...
If you are just starting out, and funds are small, you can simply write a simple "release" on your agreement form and then both you and the client sign and date it.
Homeowners with mortgages are almost alway required to have insurance, so if you are injured on their property, you're expenses are covered---including dog bites!
Bonding is only if you have employees---and it means that if they should break something or steal something, you are ultimately responsible as the business owner and that will cover your costs to the client.
NOTE: This country is way to lawsuit happy mostly because there are way to many attorneys looking for income. IF YOU DON'T HAVE INSURANCE, HOW CAN THEY GO AFTER YOU?
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 06-Apr-00 18:33:57
My agent said. . . .
Fugetaboutit!
Auto liabily covers anything done by, with or to the vehicle.
Health insurance covers injury to me.
Dog escaping and biting neighbor kid is grey but ultimate responsibility is by the owner.
A sole proprietor CAN NOT be bonded as bonding only covers theft by an EMPLOYEE.
Damage to property while doing a job is best handled out of pocket as the real risk of loss is far less than $1,500 per year.
The agent said that if a prospect or customer causes the hair on your neck to stand up, its far better to fire them than to risk doing a job for them.
The most important asset you need to protect is your REPUTATION. Shoddy customer service is the biggest risk to your financial well-being.
I won't be buying insurance until I hire an employee.
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 18-Mar-00 16:32:48
Parvo
How can I stop that from spreading? Seems a person would have to wash their shoes after each yard which would seriously slow things down. Do you clean the shovel after each yard?
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 20-Mar-00 12:38:48
Re: Parvo
You obviously have not read Matthew's book. Buy it and study it and you will be successful too. You will save a lot of time writing questions to the message board that have been answered over and over in the archives as well as in the book.
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 18-Mar-00 16:40:50
Where to put the poop? and Laughter...
How common is it among this biz to put the poop in the dog owner's own trash can? That's where it would go if they did it and we are still saving them from having to scoop it. If it is doubled bag that would help the odor.
I've called around to City Hall and the Health/Sanitation Dept. and no one seems to think there are any regulations concerning disposal. At least they say that after they stop laughing.
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 20-Mar-00 10:54:53
Re: Where to put the poop? and Laughter...
Before I started my business, I called EVERYONE that would be involved with this. I called the city, county and state officials. I called a couple trash collectors, they all said the same thing. There are no regulations. All I have to do is double bag it. I received all sorts of snickers and belly laughs when I called everyone too. All except for one of the trash guys. He said he was thinking of doing something like that himself. He's a customer now!
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 20-Mar-00 07:18:45
Education level
How about education levels? I have a four year degree and am thinking about doing this biz. I feel funny with that. Go to college for four years then pick up poop. :-D
----------------------------Message Date/Time:
Monday, 20-Mar-00 12:32:26
Re: Education level
D...
My husband has a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering and a MBA (Masters in Business Administration). He also had a Real Estate Brokers license. He is about to quit his job as a Customer Service Representative to a very large, very expensive residential home development here in Reno (Homes average $200,000 each)to join me in my successful Poop Scooping business. WHY? We make more money, there is NO stress, and we work days with weekends free. We
are our own boss, and we have more fun than is "legal!" The potential to make enough money to invest for future retirement is way beyond a 401K.
You don't mention what subject your degree is in...but try to use it in making your business successful. For example, my husband uses what he learned getting his MBA to create projections (number crunching) on when and how we can retire financially set. I use my Commercial Art degree to create marketing materials that work. I just designed a banner for our booth at the Home and Garden show, for example, that will really get folks attention.
In other words, don't get hung up on image! Just know that you are helping the elderly and disabled (and pregnant) keep their pets, as well as, making the world a safer place to walk!!
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 20-Mar-00 20:03:54
Re: Re: Education level
I don't have a degree, but I have a LOT of time invested in my education.
As for feeling funny, I laugh frequently. I freely admit that nearly everything about this business is pretty silly. I'm paying some pretty serious income tax, though.
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Mar-00 05:22:13
Re: Education level/Good point Tricia
I have a degree in Recreation and Park Administration. So I was thinking once a year I could put on a "Dog Days Fair." Have pet-related business with booths. Dog Contests. Etc. Would get excellent publicity that way and would at least be using my degree.
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 20-Mar-00 13:56:30
Re: Education level
I'm starting a poop scoop business, and I have a PhD. In grad school slang, this means "piled high and deep," so my degree is being put to very good use.
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 23-Mar-00 00:28:28
Re: Re: Education level
Or "post hole digger"! (PhD.)
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 05-Apr-00 13:07:47
Re: Education level
Education is an asset. To be successful in the real world but chose to scoop poop says that this is a viable business.
It certainly takes vision to see that being a PS is a great business to be in.
Believe in yourself. If you don't, none of your prospects will either.
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 19-Apr-00 00:52:23
Re: Education level
I have a four year degree from U of M. I majored in economics and business. Its not always what you do to make the bigger money, but rather what amount you make for what you do.
Demand is increasing and so are business revenues.
PMAN