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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-Nine
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
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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!
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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!
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 04-Apr-00 20:45:30
100+ customers
How many cutomers do these services get? I'm trying to get an average so I know what to expect. My goal would be 100. Does anyone one here have that or more?
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 09-Apr-00 12:22:17
Re: 100+ customers
Never one to be overly modest, I am pleased to announce that PET BUTLER now serves over 800 customers.
PET BUTLER
Est. 1988
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 10-Apr-00 05:44:25
Re: 100+ customers
Extremely humble here @ PoopScoop King too - add us to the 100+ club!
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 12-Apr-00 14:35:56
Re: 100+ customers
Haven't hit the 100 mark yet. 80(
BUT! I am shooting for that in the near future! Keep on scoopin!
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 17-Apr-00 19:01:02
Re: Re: 100+ customers
Just hit 300 on January 10th.
Keep on scoopin'.
Tim
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 19-Apr-00 00:36:26
Re: 100+ customers
We have been there and done that a while back. Just keep advertising and a good attitude, it will all come. We service almost 1000 and have many repeat clean up calls.
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 05-Apr-00 04:41:10
IAAMS in Grocery Stores
I know the pet super stores are not too thrilled about Proctor and Gamble's recent business decision. P&G who recently purchased the IAAMS Dog Food Co. has decided to sell their product in grocery stores here in Michigan. This will have a major impact on the pet food industry. Here in Michigan, we have Pet Supplys Plus who must be extremely concerned about this turn of events.
I keep an eye on the pet food industry as I contend that there is synergy between scoop companies and the dog food industry. I contend that scoopers are the logical choice to deliver their customers their dog food and to profit from doing so.
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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 07-Apr-00 02:55:02
Re: IAAMS in Grocery Stores
Hi Poop Scoop King (Gene?)...
Here are some companies that produce good products with natural ingredients that are ONLY available by home delivery:
"The Pet Pantry" Corp. Office
2221 Meridian Blvd., Unit B
Minden, NV 89423
(775) 783-9722
This company has distributors in 18 or 20
States now (maybe yours?)
"Whiskers & Paws Catering"
This is a franchise, but you could call
(775)841-5800 and ask Nancy Giles for the
Corporate phone number. I think they are
out of Canada.
I personally don't have the time or energy to run two businesses. The routes aren't necessarily going to coincide for these two. I am more interested in making one business a super success---and then if I get bored with too many trips to the bank(!), would look into investing in a related business. Right now, I am more interested in expanding into the Apartment market. We have been contacted by several managers and are considering the commercial accounts as a full-time business.
Tricia, FMRS
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 05-Apr-00 06:21:43
Help locate shovel
I just signed up my first client yesterday and as soon as this crappy weather takes a break, I'll clean up her yard. I have almost everything I need, except one important item. I can't find the True Temper Brand "Real Tools for Kids" shovel that Matthew refers to in his manual. Can anyone please tell me where I might find this shovel? I'm in Ohio, if that helps to give an idea of what stores might be around me. Thanks, very much, in advance. And, happy scooping to all!! ;-)
Tina Fleming, RVT
Precious Pets Sitting Service & Waste Removal
Ohio
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 06-Apr-00 12:46:18
Re: Help locate shovel
Tina: I was not able to find it last year when I started, but someone had recomended a shovel available at Bed Bath and Beyond (it was a kids shovel with a long handle) and it works great! I bought five at the time (under $5 each) and have not had to go back, so I am not sure if they have them this year. Good luck!!!
AShlee
Doggie Doo Not!
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 11-Apr-00 12:38:24
Re: Help locate shovel
Tina,
Hi...in my net surfing I came across this www.housemart.com They carry the true temper kid shovel as well as a lobby pan( tho its not the rubbermaid one) You have to search the site. Any problems you can email me.
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 11-Apr-00 13:19:29
Re: Help locate shovel
Wal-Mart has the kind of shovel your talking about and pretty cheap.
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 05-Apr-00 12:48:25
CONTRACT SIGNED!!
I JUST SIGNED MY FIRST CONTRACT WITH MY LOCAL CITY PARKS AND MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT. WE AGREED TO A 3 MONTH TERM COVERING 2 PILOT AREAS IN THE CITY. I DO NOT HAVE ANY RESIDENTIAL CLIENTS AT THIS TIME, BUT I THINK THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO START THE BUSINESS AND OF COURSE ATTRACT NEW CLIENTS COMMERCIALLY OR RESIDENTIALLY. THANKS MATTHEW FOR YOUR ADVICE!
THE CANINE CROWN WASTE MANAGEMENT CO.
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 06-Apr-00 16:28:39
Re: CONTRACT SIGNED!!
Rob, Could you relate to the pricing structure you used for the parks . I am thinking of trying that also .
Scooper's Canine Clean-up
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 11-Apr-00 01:52:28
pricing structure parks
I had some difficulty at first since this is new for me. First of all I tried to get some benchmarks from other companies who had contracts. That didn't work cuz there aren't many, if any, companies who have contracts with their local city. Find out aproximately how many dogs use that particular park. Find out how bad the problem, canine waste not being p/u, is in that park. Use your residential rates as a guide or a starting point. It's tough cuz you don't want to over price for fear of not getting the contract, but you don't want to go under for fear of working for nothing either. Besides if you over price your quote you can always re-negotiate with the party. Make it a win-win situation. Cheers
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 06-Apr-00 19:17:10
Re: CONTRACT SIGNED!!
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! I hope to land a few commercial accounts also. I'm just starting up too. (posted first time today about Topeka, Kansas). How did you go about approaching the client? I would like to trade tips and techniques!
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 06-Apr-00 19:05:38
Free Introduction
A question was posted here for me a month ago regarding my offer of a free weekly cleaning with 2 paid cleanings for new clients.
My customers are, of course, pleased when I tell them of the offer and it might have hooked a few of them. No one has done a hit and run and got something for nothing. (The only clients I have lost didn't have two nickels to rub together)
I bill after the service so that the risk is on me and not on them. It has worked well.
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 06-Apr-00 19:10:12
Getting ready to launch in Topeka, Kansas!
Hi all! We're about to launch a scooper business here in Topeka,Kansas, pop. 126,000. I haven't looked at any demographics, but it is a large and growing city.
Has anyone had success in sending an introductory letter with a pamphlet and business card to veternarian's offices. There are at least thirty in Topeka and I have everything ready to go. We are also one page away from having our web-site finished! (I'll post the URL as soon as it is finished.)
We are planning to make this web-site a major part of our advertising campaign by having it on our work vehicle, in newspaper and yellow pages advertisements,and on our literature and business cards. I believe that once we grab someone's attention on the road, that they will look at our web-site, if for no other reason, just mere curiosity. But that's good because they're likely to tell someone else about it or even send our site to their friends on the net.
I don't know if anyone is scooping professionally in Topeka, I do know however, that there is a category in our yellow pages titled "Pet Waste Removal"- and there are no listings, nor is there under "Pet Services". We're pretty excited about that!
It's funny that I came across this site. I remember a few years ago seeing a spot on the evening news in Kansas City about a scooper business and I was curious then. Somehow I forgot about it until about three weeks ago when I happened across this site unintentionally. (yes, I've been lurking!) It was really good timing. I was about to venture off into a much less likely to succeed business with a much greater start-up cost.
By the way, has anyone informed their local news station personally, by either press release or introductory letter and literature? Or would it just be better to get out there and be seen- let the news find you?
Thanks for this board Matthew, and thanks everyone else for your participation which makes this board worth having!
Comments welcome.
Rob Smith
Doggone-Duty!
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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 07-Apr-00 02:33:10
Re: Getting ready to launch in Topeka, Kansas!
Hey Rob...
Welcome to the wonderful world of Poop! It's fun, and it's profitable. Now about your comments---I wouldn't waste my time with a letter, pamphlet, & business card to the Vets. Having worked for several Vets, in my animal career, they aren't interested in promoting your business and they will look at it as another sales hit (they get tons!) The better approach is the front desk people!! Go to your local copy shop (Kinko's?!?) and have them copy up enough 2-sided, card-stock-type brochures for 50 per Vet office (don't forget Pet Stores, Shelters & Groomers too) Use humor, a logo that is bold, cute, and catches the eye and bright color. Remember, it is mostly women who will reach for your brochure. Call "Siegel Display Products" (800) 626-0322 and get their catalog. Then order the "all purpose" blank, white, cardboard, "E-Z Fold" counter top holders. I paste my business card on the blank front or you can create something to glue onto the front that is eye-catching and lets people know that they can take your brochure. Now, you have time, so make a list of all the places that NEED your display, and route a map (because you will be going back quarterly to re-fill the holders) Go into the receptionist and ask if you can put your display out with the other things on the waiting room table (magazines & I.D. tags are common). Explain what you do and that you would like to put your brochures out---most will say sure (and "what a good idea"). Some will say they need to check with the Vet or the Office Manager first. Ask those to please call you if they cannot be put out so that you can come back and get them (they cost money and can be used elsewhere). Pick up a business card of every business that you go into and keep a file. I put a large NO on the ones that don't take my brochures (so that I remember next time I distribute). Some have bulletin boards, so bring along some pushpins & put up 10 or so. Also have some clear plastic business card holders handy (with your label on the back---other businesses have been known to "borrow" yours and toss your cards if it is unidentified)
in case the office would prefer something smaller. (You can get inexpensive ones at Office Max or Office Depot) Your business cards and brochures should have the same information on them (be sure to mention your price!)
Another note on the front desk folks. Never, never interrupt them when they are busy with clients. But when they are free, be sure to be friendly and cheerful (and excited about your business) Be memorable. Wear a suit & tie (that ought to be a surprise!) or your business T-shirt with your logo. When you come back to check on your brochures a few months later, they will remember you and ask how you are doing. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, say you are doing GREAT and thank them for their support. Be appreciative of their part in your success. I have even gone so far as to bring them a flower (most are women) to thank them for their help. These are harried, underpaid employees who will always remember you when the subject of dog services comes up. I get most of my clients this way and the gal in Sacramento (who has been doing this for over 10 years) has gotten most of hers this way (and she averages 125-136 clients weekly)
A web-site is a bit of an unknown---this is such a new concept to so many people, most won't be looking for it. But be sure to be in the Yellow Pages. Because when they lose your brochure (!), they will look there for you.
Again, I offer my FREE info: "Cheap Marketing Tricks: A-Z" for Pooper Scoopers. Just send me a stamped, self-addressed envelope (my address is under Nevada in the "International Directory of Dog Waste Services) and all I ask is that you enclose your business card and brochure for my collection.
Lotsa luck and happy scooping...
Tricia, FMRS
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 08-Apr-00 23:24:32
shovel vs. rake
Hey everybody!
I just wanted to share my input. I was using the ole shovel and bucket thing. I was going through my favorite store (HOME DEPOT) the other day and found a childs' rake. Then I went to my other fave store (WAL-MART) and got the long handled dust pan. MAN O MAN.... this saves me about 10 minutes per yard! The rake is the best thing going. I am never, ever going back to a shovel. Just thought you may want to know.... By the way - I finally hit 20 customers. Happy as a clam. Thanks to all of you that have put up with all my whines! Have a "crappy" week! (Some pooper pun there....)
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 10-Apr-00 05:41:16
Re: shovel vs. rake
Cindy - Congrats on 20 customers!!! Your persistence is enviable to all of us. Keep up the great work.
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 11-Apr-00 15:11:38
Re: shovel vs. rake
Way to go on the 20 customers :) shovel vs. rake? All we've used is a rake, They don't leave "SKIDMARKS" :)
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 12-Apr-00 14:32:15
Re: Re: shovel vs. rake
Hi Roxanne & Dennis!
I found I left more "skidmarks" with the shovel than the rake. With the rake I can scoop underneath the poop and kind of lift it into my dustpan. SO MUCH EASIER than "chasing" the poop with a shovel.
Thanks for replying!
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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 14-Apr-00 12:25:31
Re: Re: Re: shovel vs. rake
Help! Am I missing out on this rake thing. What kind of rake?? What size?? WHere do I buy it? Do you have a product number?? This sounds like a dream come true!
Way to got on the 20 customers-that is a true milestone!!!
AShlee
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 19-Apr-00 11:10:36
Re: Re: Re: Re: shovel vs. rake
Hi Ashlee!
I bought a long handled rake that is approx: 10 inches wide. It works great! I got mine at Wal-Mart for $8. I saw Home Depot had some and also K-Mart for about the same price. Good luck shopping!
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 22-Apr-00 18:37:45
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: shovel vs. rake
We're ordering Matthew's book, so the answer may be there too, but...do you mean a "leaf" or "garden" rake?
Rick & Jane
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 24-Apr-00 20:37:24
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: shovel vs. rake
It's a leaf rake...
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 18-Apr-00 15:49:12
Re: shovel vs. rake
I saw a pooper scooper the other day at Petsmart that a 10-year old kid from Colorado had invented for a school project. It had a tube at the end of a long handle. On one end of the tube it looked like a rake and the other end of the tube was open. You attach a bag to that end and wrap the handles around a couple pegs near the front of the tube. It looks pretty cool! I can't remember how much it was. Has anyone else seen this?
Angie
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 19-Apr-00 11:08:45
Re: Re: shovel vs. rake
Hi Angie!
I have seen it. Bought it. Doesn't work well for someone in a hurry. The bag kept falling off and it was hard to get all of it scooped into the tube thing. The one I have has a lever on the handle you squeeze to make the "rake" move. I had more trouble getting it to work than it was worth. Target usually has them this time of year for about $20. Good luck if you purchase one!
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 09-Apr-00 11:09:25
picking a company name
GREETINGS EVERYONE! I HAVE BEEN THINKING OF STARTING A POOPER SCOOPER BUSINESS ON AND OFF FOR YEARS AND NOW I AM FINALLY GETTING SERIOUS! I AM SEARCHING FOR A UNIQUE NAME FOR MY COMPANY THAT HASN'T BEEN USED YET. SOME OF THE NAMES OF OTHER COMPANIES ARE GREAT! ANY HELP WITH THIS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED! THANKS AND CONTINUED SUCCESS TO YOU ALL!
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 10-Apr-00 11:05:18
Re: picking a company name
How about- "Duty" Calls
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 09-Apr-00 14:17:10
Questions
I have had one customer for 2 1/2 years. I have just turned sixteen years old and now I have a truck. I can travel much further around the city and I would like to expand my pooper-scooping business. I don't have a lot of money to spare for advertisement (around $300). What would be the best way to approach advertisement? I also am wondering what kind of bags you use to put the dog waste in. right now, with my one customer, I put it in a brown grocery sack that she provides.
Has anybody ever placed ads in a churche's newsletter. My one customer told me to do that in her church's newsletter. She says it costs very minimal amount of money. I hope I get some customers from this.
I also want to go post some stuff in pet stores, vetrinarian's offices and groomers. What is the most successful way to do this: Do I just post a flyer? Do I post a flyer with tear-offs of my name and number at the bottom? do I have a little stand that holds business cards?
My last question is about picking up dog waste for big areas. Our city has a dog run. I would estimate it to be around twenty acres, maybe more or less. How do you price stuff like this. Is there a good amount per square foot or yard?
Any response would be very much appreciated.
David
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 29-Apr-00 15:58:42
Re: Questions
I'd suggest you start advertising where you'll get more responses closer to where you are. if you over adveritse you may find that you have more demand than you have time.. This seems like a good thing, but people who want a service don't like being told you don't have time for them.
You should also start lining up "employees" to help out when things start to get busy.
As for the waste, find out what your city recommends. Some cities classify pet waste as toxic and have special disposal requirements, orthers, you can just wrap it in a black garbage bag and throw it out with the rest.
good luck!
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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 10-Apr-00 21:44:12
Wat I did wrong?
I placed some fliers.The first costumer called,she had 5 dogs,we made a special price of $7.50 one dog +$2.50 for each additional dog,she wanted the service twice a week.She thought it was too much $35.00 per week.She replied that she would do it herself.I live in NJ.
Thank You
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 11-Apr-00 05:51:25
Re: Wat I did wrong?
You are going to run into potential customers that feel they know more about pricing your service than you do. In this particular case, at PoopScoop King, we would have tried to secure such a lucritive customer. I think we could have made it nicely profitable at $12.50 a visit for twice weekly. Assuming the yard was a fairly easy one to service eg, grass nicely cut, average to small yard, etc.
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 12-Apr-00 17:38:35
Re: Wat I did wrong?
I myself charge only $18.70 a week for 5 dogs. My customer thinks thats a bargain. Try and reestablish contact and lower the price. Let us know what she has to say. Remember be bold. Good luck.
Frank
K-9 Connections
P.S. What do you charge for one dog?
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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 13-Apr-00 13:37:54
Re: Wat I did wrong?
I always say, "let's try it ONCE a week for a few weeks and see how it goes...then I can always come twice if that doesn't work out." That way the price is at the low end (in my case it would be $9 + $2.50 ea. or $19 per week) Nine out of ten are fine with that and it works better for my routes which are spread out. Try calling her back and suggesting that. If she is still not willing, she really never wanted TO PAY for the service anyway.
Tough luck to get a "party pooper" on your first call. Never mind, now you have learned how to handle the next one. And remember how many dog owners there are in New Jersey! She simply is in the minority!! You will have lots and lots of really nice...and GRATEFUL folks to work for. Mark your calendar or day planner with a "happy face" when the first person says "is that all" when you tell them your fee!!! It WILL happen...
Tricia
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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 14-Apr-00 12:21:49
Re: Re: Wat I did wrong?
It happens once in a while, but sometimes it goes the other way too. I have one customer who never even asked the price, just offered to pay $30/wk. It takes about 20 minutes and she is right along my route. These customers are rare, but they make up for others. When I first started I had a similar call and I did the same thing (also 5 dogs). I was upset to not get it but called her back a month later after I realized she would be sooooo convenient with my route that I had to get it. I lowered the price (less travel time when on route and less gas!) and she went for it... Keep smiling..the first one ist he hardest! Best of luck! Let us all know how it goes.
Ashlee
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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 14-Apr-00 20:15:19
Re: Wat I did wrong?
I'd have given her a range, starting at about $12 per visit ($24/week for twice-weekly srvice)up to $16 or $17 per visit ($34/week). I'd ask them if they were comfortable with that and I'd explain why it could be on the high end. Then I'd tell them that I'll clean it once (fix and agree on that price),then call and tell them what the regular rate would be from then on.
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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 16-Apr-00 22:15:15
Re: Wat I did wrong?
I say let her do it herself , because it really is not worth it for you :)
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