Site Map | Search This Site | Contact Site Owner



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.

Archive Page 1 | Page 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100 | 101 | 102 | 103 | 104 | 105 | 106

Page Forty-Seven

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 21-Mar-00 15:22:04

Flyers

Hello everybody..

I'm anxious to get started with my new poop scooper business. First thing I'm going to do is to distribute flyers door to door.. want to know if its legal for me to put in flyer in people's mailbox. I know this might be a silly question but my instincts tell me to check and to play it safe than sorry.

Joyce

------------------------------------


Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 21-Mar-00 18:04:28

Re: Flyers

It's not legal to put anything in the mailbox; that's strictly for the U.S. Mail.
You'll have to find other spots to put your flyers. Some such places are: inside the screen door, hanging from the doorknob, tucked under a "Welcome" sign or other such decoration, on a table or chair on the porch, etc.
----------------------------------


Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Mar-00 07:26:13

Re: Flyers

You must be VERY careful with flyers. As Matthew said, it is against federal law to use mailboxes for anything but US Mail.

Also, you must check local ordinances. For example, in the metro-Atlanta area, there are areas where any type of "soliciting" is illegal with a per-item penalty fee. Doesn't matter what the flyers/menus/coupons are for.

There are neighborhoods where flyers are considered legally to be like littering. People's opinion is that they have menus and carpet cleaning flyers and pizza coupons blowing all around & got tired of it. Others who travel say it's a safety hazaard as it quickly shows who's at home and who isn't (by all the papers stuck here and there around their house).

Be very smart and do your research. This is definitely one of the areas where the cliche is true: an ounce of prevention sure beats the potentially very expensive pound of cure.

--------------------------------


Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 21-Mar-00 22:21:00

Poop Law that Stinks!!

Hi,
I am writing you to let you know that this seemed like a really good idea for my area.I had heard that there waas someone who used to offer this service sometime ago, but was no longer around. Well I just went about getting set up,until I hit a really rough spot!!!!I have discovered that the laws in my area for waste removal are just ridiculous!!!!My city banned dog poop from being disposed of in local land fills!!!!! can you believe it? The city expects people to dispose of dog poop in thier toilets.God help those with Danes or St.'s!!!! So I was wondering if anyone has run into this stupid,but real,law and if so what should i do besides go into the plumbing buisness??
------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Mar-00 07:20:34

Re: Poop Law that Stinks!!

When I first started, I encountered the same sort of problem. It wasn't actually a law, but the local landfill had a rule that prohibited animal waste from being disposed of at the landfill.
I talked to the landfill managers about the problem. They told me that if I could get the state (in this case, Ohio) Environmental Protection Agency to approve of my bringing dog waste to the landfill, then they would consider it.
So then I spoke to people at the Ohio EPA. They sent me a form called a "Special Waste Profile" to fill out to request their permission to take the dog poop to the landfill. It was a somewhat long and technical form, but I filled out all the parts that were easy, did a little study and worked out most of the rest of the answers, and then for the parts I really didn't know how to complete, I called the EPA again and got their help to answer those parts.
Then I sent the form to the OEPA, and waited. The OEPA approved my request, giving their OK to the idea of my going to the landfill. I took that letter and the approved Special Waste Profile back to the landfill managers, and after a little time they approved of a trial period with small amounts (one cubic yard per week) of waste.
You can pick up a lot of yards before accumulating one cubic yard. :)
Once I was in the landfill, there was no problem with the dog waste. When I got close to having more than one cubic yard per week, I requested permission to take 3 cubic yards. Again, no problem. Over the years everything turned out fine.
Eventually I switched from going to the landfill myself to hiring a private waste hauler. That company had its own landfill, so I no longer had to deal with the county landfill.
I've heard of people who make a deal with a farmer or someone in the area, and find a place to bury the dog waste with permission.
So there are ways to work through or around problems like this. :) Sometimes it takes perseverance and patience, sometimes it takes creativity. After all, solving problems is what this business is all about.

Anybody else have stories about overcoming this kind of problem? We would all love to hear about it!

Matthew

---------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 24-Mar-00 17:37:42

Re: Re: Poop Law that Stinks!!

Matthew wrote:

I've heard of people who make a deal with a farmer or someone in the area, and find a place to bury the dog waste with permission


This may be a pretty shaky legal situation. In this hypothetical situation, you and the farmer may have established an illegal landfill. The farmer does not have the legal right to bury whtever he wants on his property.

If the dump is found to be illegal, both the owner of the dump and the dumper are liable for the costs of cleaning up AND are liable for fines. You took this action specifically to avoid the safe and legal way to dispose way to dispose of the waste purely to avoid the cost. Criminal and civil prosecution may result.

I STRONGLY suggest the "jump through the legal hoops" method that Matthew used effectively. If that really doesn't work, contact a septic tank pumping company about disposing of your waste along with theirs.

Please let us know how this goes. As an industry, we cannot afford to have this type of legislation become common. Reasonable solutions exist. Waste disposed of in an EPA approved landfill is better than waste left on the lawn to wash off into the local water table. Take the high ground. You help to protect the community by assuring that dog waste is disposed of in a responsible manner.

BTW, many large industrial abd residential waste removal companies have their own landfills. You contract with them, they deal with the paperwork. Believe me, dog poop is NOT the most hazardous thing that goes in the trash.

-------------------------------


Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 25-Mar-00 07:34:49

Re: Re: Re: Poop Law that Stinks!!

Oooh, I wish I'd said that! Pete is absolutely right. -- Thanks, Pete!

----------------------------------------


Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 05-Apr-00 12:53:03

I wish my county had this law!

I have been toying with the idea of building a commercial size toilet and actually promoting a law banning poop from the landfill. Instead of bags to collect poop, a tank would be needed. Start the day with some water and enzymes, collect the poop and let it start breaking down and use your own or a motorhome dump station to send it through the sewer. 100% more environmentally friendly. A high concentration of solids in the sewer is actually more efficient for the water treatment plant.

PLUS, EVERYONE will want your services as they won't want to bring the poop into their house to flush it.

I wish I had your lemons!
----------------------------------------


Message Date/Time:
Friday, 07-Apr-00 22:40:44

Re: Poop Law that Stinks!!

I have had similar problems here in New Jersey. My landfill requires a Dept. of Environmental Protection License to dump dog waste (waste type 25). I called the DEP and they said I would need to pay $134.00 to submit the application, that they required my fingerprints (?!) and I had to be investigated by the New Jersey State Police. (All this to dump dog poop!). But the real kicker was that the DEP said it would take 6 months to a year to get the approval for the license! Well how can I start my business with a time frame like that? I finally called a waste hauler and asked them if it would be a problem for me to get residential service (at my home) and for them to take the dog waste. They said no problem as they also routinely pick up for Vets offices and kennels. Problem solved for now. I suppose if I get a ton of customers (here's hoping!) I will have to think of something else. I know that Matthew suggests renting a dumpster, but where would i put it? I don't think my neighbors would like a big dumpster full of dog waste sitting near my home (neither would I).

Hope this helps.

Kelly

----------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Mar-00 12:08:52

Need a A Scooper

HELP! I need to find a dependable service that services the South side of Chicago. I am getting many calls for the area and we do not service that area at the time. I have been referring one business but the business never calls or does not show up. Some of these customers I had serviced when they lived in my service area and I hate to refer some one that does not show up.
Please Call me at 773-286-4727 or 773-481-9034
Many Thanks - Diane
--------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 02-Apr-00 22:34:39

Re: Need a A Scooper

we might be able to help u
let us know what towns these people
are in. we are very reliable and dependable
waiting to here from you

POOP B' GONE

------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 24-Mar-00 11:08:05

city/commercial contracts

does anybody have a contract with their local city parks and recreation department?? if so, how is the contract set up...daily,weekly, bi-weekly pickup service?? Do you remove the waste from the area or do you just do pick-ups and dispose in a garbage can at the park?? Any other tips on dealing with this situation?? I may be receiving my contract within the next month. In terms of pricing structure do people have a higher margin in this situation compared to a residential job?? Need answers soon..thxs

---------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 26-Mar-00 18:47:32

Apartment Complexes

Hello fellow scoopers I was just wondering if any of you had any thoughts on pricing apartment complexes. I know Matthew states in his book they are hard to price but worth the cash flow they provide if you can get a couple of accounts. My problem is that I can't seem to get apartment managers let me give them a quote and I feel like if they saw the price up front they would have more interest in the service. What I'm thining about is a price sheet set up similar to that of my residential customers but price it per building in the complex (including rec rooms and pool areas etc.) and just offer twice a week service with an initial start up service charge for the first visit. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Also, has anyone targeted agencies servicing the visually impaired and other such agencies that provide services for individuals who use assistance (guide) dogs? If so, what kind of response did you recieve from those agencies? Thanks, and I hope everyone is enjoying a great spring rush.

--------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 13-Apr-00 13:10:59

Re: Apartment Complexes

I typically have a set rate of .75 Cents per unit per month. So if they have 500 units their bid would be $375 per month. If they allow dogs over 25 pounds, the bid goes up .15 Cents per unit per month. If they have extremely large grassy areas the price raises another .15 cents per unit per month. As commercial accounts are difficult to get they are profitable. Target large complexes such as Aimco or Archstone. The draw back with commercial is you are required to have one million dollar per incident liability insurance, which runs about $500 per year. I use Colorado Indemnity. Good Luck

---------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 28-Mar-00 18:21:58

Need a Pooper Scooper in CA

Hello, I am looking for someone to come out to my home to pick up after my dog. My dog is a Rottweiller nambed Buddy. I live in Oakland, California. Please call me!! 510-859-3171 or email me!! Thanks

----------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 28-Mar-00 21:47:46

What do you do...

This is an open question to everyone.....

If your the only person doing all the work, what do you do to keep yourself entertained or being bored during the day?, or what keeps you from wanting to give up and move on to something more secure?

Frank
K-9 Connections

------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 29-Mar-00 17:03:39

Re: What do you do...

I spend some of each day feeling happy I'm not in a factory or stuck in a little cubicle. I spend a little time thinking how glad I am that I'm not working at the whim of some bozo who could care less about me or even about doing the job right.

I spend quite a bit of time thinking of how I can do a better job for my customers, increase effeciency and therefore profit. I do not spend a lot of time worrying about my spelling.

I talk to the dogs. I talk to the people. I talk to myself.

I see strange, wonderful and beautiful things that I could never see from inside a highrise office building. I think about them and the people who made them and the people who bought them.

If I clean four stops an hour, the view changes every 15 minutes. Particularly this time of year, things are a LOT different from week to week.

Years ago, I cleaned up after a rottie and her new pups. Those pups grew so fast each week that at first I thought the dogs had been switched.

If you need someone else to point out the fun stuff, you'll get bored. If you can see it for yourself, ya got it made. There is ALWAYS something for you to think about and figure out.

To quote Matthew Osborn (usually when we were running like crazy just to keep up.)

"I think we've about got that boredom problem licked!"

------------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 30-Mar-00 13:10:09

Re: What do you do...

Personally, I don't have time to get bored. I'm too busy being busy!

------------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 30-Mar-00 13:36:06

Re: What do you do...

Frank...

What is more secure than dogs that eat regularly...What goes in must come out!

Sound like you have imagination constipation. Loosen up while you are out there. Put a pen & pad of paper in your pocket...then each day pick a different topic and jot down notes either in the field or as you get back to your vehicle. For example, one day could be "Marketing" (or what are the cheapest things I could do to get the word out there...or what are the most attention-getting thing I can do to get new clients). Another day could be "Policies" (or what am I willing and NOT willing to do for folks in this business). Another day could be what kind of games can I play with myself to make this more fun...such as "Break the Bank" (or how many 2-dog clients will it take to allow me to start an investment program that will allow me to retire on the interest)? Or "Treasure Hunt" ...how fast can I find all the poop and get back to the vehicle in the shortest time---which could be combined with "Creative Routing" road/map skills (try a new route today).

You sound like you have the beginnings of burn-out. In self-employed people, this is usually caused by working too many hours with not enough free time or not charging enough so that you don't have the excitement of receiving those payment checks (then you start resenting your clients). When you have your own business you can work smart not hard. Raise your prices and re-arrange your schedule. You'll be surprised at your increased success...and I have never seen a successful, bored entrepreneur!

P.S. Print out Pete's message to you and re-read it daily!!

P.P.S. Send me a stamped self-addressed envelope and I will send you some FREE info on "Cheap Marketing Tricks: A-Z" which is guaranteed to bring in more clients, which brings in more money, which makes you feel secure, and will make it all more fun. All I ask is that you enclose your business card and brochure for my collection. My address is in the "International Directory of Dog Waste Removal Services" under Nevada.

----------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 28-Mar-00 23:02:34

check out the story on us

Last Wednesday the Riverfront Times (http://www.riverfronttimes.com)located in St. Louis,Mo did a story on our signs (posters at the bus stops-http://www.yuckos.com You can see one at our web site)This Wedneday the 3/29 channel 2 here in St.Louis (Fox Network) will be doing a story on the 8 o'clock news this is a follow up story from a couple weeks ago. Last time it went national and was on CNN too. That was fun and great to get your name out there. It is interesting the calls I get from all over from people thinking about opening a pooper scooper service.
-----------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 06-Apr-00 10:44:22

Re: check out the story on us

Were you the outfit that also donated a prize of a month's pickup to the NPR talk/game show "Whatddayaknow?" when it came to St. Louis? I burst out laughing when I heard that prize among the giveaways. Talk about high profile!

-------------------------------------------


Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 29-Mar-00 12:37:32

Advertising

I just ran acrossed a new business/Marketing tool that I thought some of you may be interested in. I am always looking for good marketing tools and ways to make extra money. A friend of mine called me and told me how I could get a web site, with on line education on how to build it, as well as make some great extra mney to help finance my business. I agreed to take a look at it, liked it, bought a web page, joined their business and have made profit in under 2 weeks. If you are interested in getting a web page for your business at a fraction of the cost of having someone design it for you, check out www.skynary.com/shone. It will help promote your business and if you are interested in getting involved as a part time business, you can help finance your business without going to the banks to do it. If you have any other questions on it, please feel free to email me and I will get ahold of you and explain how to get your own web site to promote your business. Thanks to Matthew for letting me post a non-scooping related issue. I think it will help you all alot. Good luck.

Shawn Heggen

----------------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 29-Mar-00 17:09:45

Taxes and the IRS

If you started your business last year, time is running out. Remember, it's cheaper to pay 'em than to get caught not paying. (penalties may be 50%, that's fifty percent, no misprint)

Check out www.irs.gov

If you are just starting out,

http://www.irs.gov/bus_info/sm_bus/smbus-cd.html

for a free CD of useful stuff. After all, it's your tax dollars.

-------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 29-Mar-00 17:55:35

stupid question

I just registered my name, made flyers, business cards and quit my day job. I'm ready to start and I'm sure I'll be asking many questions here. Here's the first one: Does anyone book customers at specific times or do you just say I'll be there Thursday? I'm sure some people want specific times but once the business grows, people will have to be moved around for convenience, right?

-------------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 30-Mar-00 13:52:15

Re: stupid question

Hi Stacy...

It's YOUR business and you have to run it the best way to work for you, so that you can help everyone else. You have to set up routes that will be effecient. So you explain nicely to those that request a certain day/time, that you will do your best to meet their wishes, but that your business is growing so fast, you can't guarantee a day or a time. You will be there during the daylight hours, of course, and if the dog needs to be kept indoors while you are there, you will notify them of any changes in schedule.

Most folks are so glad to have it all done for them, they don't care when. Sometimes, I am told of Lawn Service schedules or lawn watering systems that are on timers. I make a note of that on their info sheet and try to work around it. But one thing that never changes about this business is that it always changes!! With new people signing on and others moving away, but schedule keeps changing and so do the routes.

-----------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 30-Mar-00 16:33:20

Take it or leave it???

Does anyone leave the poop in the customers garbage can? I was considering maybe charging slightly less to leave it. I can't afford a truck yet and I really don't want huge collections of poop in the trunk of my 1999 mazda. Any input would be appreciated.

-------------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 01-Apr-00 23:44:47

Re: Take it or leave it???

I leave almost all of my customer's their dog's "Treasures". There are a few that prefer me to take it with me.

-----------------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 31-Mar-00 12:25:42

Prepayments

Hi!I read the section in Matt's book about invoicing but my husband seems to think it would make more sense if customers paid for a month in advance. This would alleviate working for nothing if someone didn't pay up. Does anyone practice this and how does it work for you?

Hope everyone is keeping busy!

Angie

-------------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 01-Apr-00 03:28:52

Re: Prepayments

Hi Angie...

I bill my clients in advance. I have 60 clients and more signing up even as we write---no one has a problem with this. For more on this, read my response to "Steve" in the ARCHIVES, Page 40.
Scroll down to my response message dated: Saturday, 15-Jan-00. As you can see, I have always asked to be paid in advance in all the businesses I have run and it works just fine. It is all in the attitude. (Just try to get cable...or sign up for a college class without paying in advance!)

TAIL END PooPER SCooPERS is spending the weekend at the Reno "Spring Home & Garden" Show. We, of course, had to rent a 10x10 booth space to be in the show---THEY had no trouble at all asking US for payment in advance!!

Tricia

-----------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 01-Apr-00 23:43:38

Re: Re: Prepayments

Hi Tricia!

Do you charge by the week? Or just a monthly fee? It would be hard for me to pre bill because I charge by the week. Some months I go 4 times, some months 5 times. And I occassionally miss because of snow. (COLORADO) just curious. . .

---------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 06-Apr-00 02:56:02

Re: Re: Re: Prepayments

Cindy...

I charge by the week, but I BILL by the month. For example, I charge $9 per week for one dog, but I take that $9 times 52 weeks, divide by 12 months and that equals $39 which I round off to $40 per month. (additional dogs are $2.50 each and that all works out to: 2 dogs = $50 per month, 3 dogs = $60 per month, etc.) People like to pay the same amount every month---no surprises. So they always pay the same amount whether it is 4 or 5 weeks in the month.

And if I miss because of snow (we get it too), I still charge the same because I have "double doody" the next week. Folks understand!

Hope that answers your question. I haven't been to the message board lately due to our Home Show weekend, the time change (daylight savings), and the temperatures just went up 10o plus. I am running and dragging at the same time! (while wearing shorts...)

Tricia

----------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 22-Apr-00 13:29:07

Re: Re: Re: Re: Prepayments

I really like your "method" of determining how much to charge. Are you billing in advance, or at the end of the month?
We just ordered Matthews book, so this may be addressed in the book, but...What about charging per the hour? With a half hour minimum. And ofcourse figuring in additional dogs, too.
We have learned alot from this message board...looking forward to getting the book and getting started.
Thanks everybody, for all the advice/suggestion.

Rick & Jane
-------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 23-Apr-00 22:49:57

Re: Prepayments

I require prepayments - customers can either pay for four weeks or eight weeks. If they pay for eight weeks in advance, they get a 10% discount. So far, no one has complained about paying upfront, but I do notice that many people start by paying for four weeks, then when they renew, they pay for eight.


-------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 01-Apr-00 11:09:29

Hello from Scotland!

Hello,

Wow, this is a great board! Very informative! We have a real need for this kind of service in Glen Lachart-- is anyone on this board from Scotland? We're in the Highlands.. a very small town (67 citizens) but lots of dogs! We have a golf course in town, and there are several resident stray dogs around there-- none of us have the heart to kick them out, but they sure make a mess. Anyway, anyone who's interested in finding out more about our town (it's more interesting than you might think! We're even making a movie!), or looking at a map to see how close you might be, please stop by our website: http://www.glenlachart.co.uk.

Thanks!

Ingrid MacPherson

----------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 02-Apr-00 22:45:18

help I have no business yet

Help we started our busines and put flyers up in our trailer park NOT ONE PERSON HAS CALLED US YET what should i do Im trying to keep this local for now we live in a big city and i dont want to run 30 miles for one customer.

Thanks alot you all have been great
karl and michelle

--------------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 06-Apr-00 12:53:01

Re: help I have no business yet

Hi Karl and Michelle: I know the feeling. It took me a while to get going too but dont hesitate to venture out into the city. Once you get one customer, others follow. Eventually, you get some on the way to other ones, and even close clusters of them. It will be worth driving the distance for several customers! I am working full time in the days now so I dont have time to travel too far, but I take any customer who I can get to. I had one call from well off my route (20 minutes out of the way) I got the job (3 times a week at $17/visist=$51/wk) and it only takes me about 11 minutes to scoop it-not bad. Turns out I got another cusotmer right up the road only a couple of weeks later! Now the drive is really worthwhile! I wish you the best of luck. GO get 'em!
Ashlee
Doggie Doo Not!

--------------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 06-Apr-00 19:28:38

Re: help I have no business yet

Hi Karl and Michelle! I'm new to this also, so I can't tell you as much as I would like to. I do have one thought about your start-up though. Until just recently, we lived in a trailer park and I know that a lot of people who lived there, including myself, could not afford to indulge in such a luxury as paying someone to scoop the yard. Don't get me wrong, it was a nice park and there were some people with money but just the same it's just not an ideal target audience. I would suggest looking to where the money is. Don't worry so much about image right now, just be professional and you'll find favor with the more affluent clients who can really build your business! Good luck!
----------------------------------

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 03-Apr-00 00:23:13

Software

I have just ordered Matthew's book and am overanxious for it to come in. In trying to answere questions for myself it occurred to me that I haven't read any info on software. Do most of you use manual accounting or is there a popular software for billing and maybe even route mapping. Any help would be greatly appreciated.