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 Fifty-Five
Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 11-Jun-00 04:16:30
can anyone tell me where to buy a
If anyone can tell me where to buy the dog waste clean up cans with handle where you can place a trash can liner inside. All of the pooper scoopers I have seen in the retail outlets are lame.
Thanks a bunch,
Rob
------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 11-Jun-00 16:37:53
smelly stuff
hi there, was hoping someone might have an idea for backyard clean ups. my problem is that while i only have one dog, waste collection day is only once a week. after poop has been sitting for a day or two in the heat, we have a stinky mess. currently i collect her poop in plastic bags, double and sometimes even tripple bag them. i have tried closed bins, but the smell is quite overwhelming once contained. our neighbours are quite close and the odor is very offensive. any help would be greatly appreciated. sincerely, bird Toronto, CANADA
----------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Monday, 12-Jun-00 11:48:28
Re: smelly stuff
I found it very effective to double-bag the waste, as you describe, and to sprinkle some quick lime over the bags. The lime cuts down the smell very much. You might also try using some bags that are more odor-proof -- maybe thicker bags. Some bags are much thicker than others and there will be less "leak-through." Keep the bags in your container dry, too. There are even scented bags you can try. And you might try putting some charcoal in the container, as well.
---------------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 15-Jun-00 14:39:38
Re: smelly stuff
Hi...
It sounds like this is YOUR dog? If so, you have the advantage of controlling the food. What goes in must come out! Usually, the more expensive brands of food are better for your dog AND the poop is easier to clean-up, less often, with less smell. I have found the foods with the red dye are the worst! Read the label (it is amazing what they put in food! Try getting samples or small bags of dry food to experiment. But remember to change the food gradually (mix the old with the new each time) or your dog will get the runs (ugh!).
As for my clients, if the poop is runny, unusual color, too much for the size of dog, or smelly...I talk to the owner about it and make some suggestions (sometimes, I have brochures, or, if it is really bad, I encourage them to speak with their Vet). It will help the dog, educate the owner, and make my job easier! After all, we are experts in the "field!"
Tricia
----------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 11-Jun-00 19:58:24
Starting $$$
How much money have each of you needed to really start the business? I am very interested in starting my own business, the only problem is i'm a student with very little resources.
-------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Monday, 12-Jun-00 11:43:47
Re: Starting $$$
I hope lots of other people will reply to this question, too -- it's a good one!
In my case, I spent $150 when I started, and bootstrapped the buisiness from there. The business supported itself after the first three weeks. Looking back, I realize that I mis-spent half of that $150 on things I really didn't need at the time.
I started with very little. If you can start with more, it could mean getting to bigger cash flows faster in that you could have a nicer vehicle, a little advertising, etc. Some people have started with $10,000 or more, but I know both from personal experience and from talking to others that it's possible to start smaller with much, much, much less money.
Matthew
---------------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Friday, 16-Jun-00 00:36:34
Re: Re: Starting $$$
Matthew's right (when is he not!?) the more cash the better but you gotta be smart with it's allocation too As my old Marketing 101 professor preached every class: "The fish monger who don't yell don't sell no fish!"(I love that!). Get your message to as many people as much, as soon, and as clear as you possibly can. I wasted over $1,600 in two local papers and still don't have a clue why I never got a customer from the 3 months worth of quarter page ads but I didn't. Flyers, signs, referral programs, magnets, events, publicity stunts, press releases, radio, phone book, targeted media, fax blasts, online, etc.....
Use your head - some of my most successful marketing attempts were also the cheapest and visa versa (don't ask me what they were because I already talked about 'em in the archives - hunt 'em down and learn a lot while you're at it!)
$10,000 would be nice but I'd say $1,000 would be a more realistic (almost) necessity.
Go for it!
Red
----------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 14-Jun-00 01:12:46
Re: Starting $$$
I needed a whole bunch o money, but in fact, I started with $65.00 and an old chevy luv truck.
Tim
-------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 11-Jun-00 20:24:45
where is everyone
Matthew, what ever happened to Red the pet butler, or major doody, or Gwen, or the woman who went from living in a car to making over 100,000 a year scooping poop? Do you have any idea how their businesses did, or if they ever post anymore? By the way, did you get my check for the book? Can't wait to read it!
Katie
-------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Monday, 12-Jun-00 11:38:07
Re: where is everyone
Hi Katie,
If your name is Kathleen, then I got your order on Friday and your book will be on its way today. Thanks! :)
I hope Red, Gwen, Major Doody and Diane in Chicago ( I THINK that's who you mean ) will ready your post and reply for themselves. I think Red posted a note here on the board in the past week or two -- he's still at it. Gwen is doing well in Northern Ohio; she has a good number of customers and I talked to her recently about bidding on some commercial work. The last time we heard from the Major he was doing well, getting excellent publicity and building his client list. I haven't heard from Diane in Chicago for quite some time; last I knew she was the biggest service in Chicago, had been written about in the Wall Street Journal two or three times, and was getting scheduled for an appearance on Oprah.
Matthew
-------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Monday, 12-Jun-00 23:42:58
Re: where is everyone
Howdy Katie. Boy did you make me feel SPECIAL. I am still up and going good. I am busy. Recently had 30 press releases sent out by a Small Business organization. So far 2 have shown up in newspapers, and two commercials on the radio. This all just happened this week so I dont know any results yet. Part of me wants the phone to ring off the hook but part of me doesn't. Been there done that with the Feb. Front page story. I learned how to watch what i pray for. I love this work. I have more time with my son, the work is all outdoors and I even enjoy scooping in the rain. I have the best radio station to listen to daily, the birds and the woodpeckers in the trees. Did actually have a profit in may. Scooping for the Goose poop people very challenging. Commercial accts havent contacted me back regarding my proposals. Thanks for asking about me specifically.. Gwen
-----------------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Friday, 16-Jun-00 01:14:51
Re: where is everyone
Hi Katie,
I'm still going strong in Dallas!
I'm getting married in 21 days and am running 3 business so I don't always have the luxury of staying on top of this awesome message board. No, I take it back - it really should be more than a "luxury" - staying abreast of our industry as well as encouraging and learning from each other are not luxuries; so I'm sorry I haven't been around as much as I'd like - I'll do better!
Here's a thought:
You ever notice that after you do a big marketing push - up pops another wanna-be competitor? That's no big deal I guess but the part that really gets to me is when their Web site and / or brochure copies mine vebatum!!! Get a life posers! - I'll be here to catch your customers when you bail.
In for the long haul.
Red
--------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Monday, 19-Jun-00 21:33:28
Re: where is everyone
I'm still here. We have been so busy, I haven't had much time to chat on line with anyone. I just bought another pick-up truck. Will have it lettered some time next month. We now service over 200 clients and still going. Wed. the 21st of June I will be on Howard Stern.
The Major
-----------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 14-Jun-00 22:12:37
Matthew's book
Matthew, I got your book in the mail today, and read it cover to cover! It's a great guide to have, very informative. I plan on spending the next six months doing some research in my area while I finish up with college. I will be ready to start next February, which sounds like it's the perfect time. I talked with Gene, the poopscoopking and he asked me how many people were in my area. Thanks to his help, I figured out there are about 400,000 people within 30 minutes of my house, so hopefully a significant enough number will want someone to pick up after their dogs!
Katie
-------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 15-Jun-00 09:23:09
Re: Matthew's book
I think with 400,000 residents of above average income within 30 minutes of Katie, she certainly has the critical mass to build a nice business. What do you think Matthew?
--------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Friday, 16-Jun-00 07:19:22
Re: Re: Matthew's book
I agree, Gene! :)
--------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 15-Jun-00 12:37:03
poop p/u just like garbage p/u
What about having a service that is exactly the same as the curbside garbage pickup only for canine waste?! The city could provide a bin/bucket to the residents that they would only use for their dog waste. The resident would put the bin/container out with their weekly garbage pickup only the city garbage crew don't haul it away..but instead I haul it away. In my city it is a bylaw not to place canine waste with your household garbage so this is a selling point. Some of you may say.."what you are proposing is what I do already and that is my "disposal only service" that I provide to my customers.." The difference here is that in the situation I described you would negotiate a contract with the city to provide the hauling away service. If you could get the city to enforce the bylaw and to force the residents to use this method....unlimited potential residents with dogs that you could reach. It would be a tough sell with the city..maybe, but the pros far outweigh the cons. With todays focus on recycling everything(blue bins) this is very forward thinking in the year 2000. Question is who subsidizes the capital cost of the bins? Who subsidizes the cost of the fee that I would charge for the hauling away service? I'm sure the tax payer would scream that they pay high taxes already so if the city tried hitting them with another fee that would be a tough sell too. I know some of you may say what will you do with the waste..in my city I am permitted to place it at the landfill, but I know other cities don't allow it. I would encourage any feedback from you...thanks
--------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 15-Jun-00 18:02:09
Re: poop p/u just like garbage p/u
What you are proposing is a totally different beast of a business. First things first: After you spend thousands of dollars lobbying your county and they sign off, you will then be competing against any number of firms that have the infrastructure to make collections all over the city from the start.
Second: the regulations regarding waste hauling will kick in and you won't be able to stay below the 'radar' anymore.
Third: You MUST be to EVERY house EVERY week.
Better to stop at "no waste in trash" than to have the county force people (or tax them) into using you.
Knock 'em out.
-----------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 15-Jun-00 14:57:39
waste disposal
Hi, I'm looking to purchase one of those containers you can dig into the ground in your backyard to dispose of doggie poop. It breaks down the poop with chemical additives so you never have to throw away. Does anyone know where I can get one? I checked most of the online pet stores and they don't seem to carry them. thanks.
--------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Friday, 16-Jun-00 14:46:27
Re: waste disposal
Hi Maddy...
They are called "Doggie Dooley"s and they are supposed to work with enzymes, not chemicals. They don't work. I have 5 clients who have them and hired me...because they don't work. It's amazing what people will do in order to "deal with" poop!!
Tricia
---------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Monday, 19-Jun-00 23:22:04
New patent pending pooper scooper
For the traveling pet owner,I have recently invented a new product that I currently have a patent pending on. It is a scooper that is light weight,20 inches long and very clean and easy to use.It uses a plastic bag like the ones you get in your local supermarket produce department.You push the thumb release button and the end automatically opens up so you can insert the bag and fold over the end so nothing touches the scooper.Push the end closed until your ready to use it.Then push the thumb release button and the scooper end opens up automatically and as you push the foam handle down towards the ground it bags the poop and locks it into the bag inside the scooper untill ready to dispose of. Once you have reached a waste can you can then push the thumb release button again and the bag and waste inside the bag will automatically drop into the can without any waste touching the scooper.You dont have to touch it,smell it,or walk with a bag of poop in your hand.The scooper only takes one hand to operate and works fantasicly with one push of the button and one quick downward push.Excellent for the dog leash in one hand and the scooper in the other.I have seen almost all scoopers on the market that are clumsy and messy and I invented this one for easy no mess,no cleanup.I think this will be the new scooper for the dog walking friend.I am currently getting ready to put this on my web site so watch for it www.djoy.twoffice.com please visit and I look forward to hearing from any new customers.
-------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Friday, 16-Jun-00 17:21:42
Re: waste disposal
You can find these disposal systems in the Doctors Foster and Smith catalog (drsfostersmith.com). Their 800 number is 1-800-826-7206. They are listed on page 61 in their most recent catalog and sell from $25.99 and up. They are listed as In-Ground Digester Systems.
I wish you luck!
----------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 15-Jun-00 20:19:11
pet insurance
I know that this is not your subject but I have searched high and low for an agency to report fraudulant insurance practices by a Pet Insurance Co. Can anyone direct me to a site or agency I could file a report to. thanks. JJ
--------------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Friday, 16-Jun-00 23:03:02
New Business!!
Matthew please add us to the directory.
Barefoot Backyards
P.O. Box 474
Hoschton, GA 30548
barefootbackyards@yahoo.com
We're now in business in the Atlanta, GA area. After about 2 weeks, we have one customer! The advertising has turned out to be VERY expensive. Also, I'm still working out the kinks in my process. Someone said on the message board once that they use the plastic grocery bags to line their lobby pan with. I've been using them because they are plentiful and I'm glad to find a use for them. However, I can't keep the bag covering the bottom lip of the pan. If I use clips on the sides, they get messy. Has anyone found a trick that works well with these smaller bags??
One more thing. Billing. I read that someone asks their customers to prepay. Matthew, I believe, said he never had much problem with collecting AFTER scooping. I feel that I should bill according to the days I have visited the yard that month, not the days I PLAN to visit the yard, but I also don't want to work for free. What method do most of you use??
-------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 24-Jun-00 13:17:16
Re: New Business!!
Lori,
See Page 40 of the Archives (Jan. 15th) regarding billing IN ADVANCE. People are okay with it because almost everything that isn't metered (such as electricity or telephone)is set up that way. It is YOUR business and your clients will be waiting for you to tell them how you want to be paid. (Look at your own bills....rent, car payment, cable TV, etc.)
Tricia
----------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 18-Jun-00 13:14:51
Door Hangers for Receipts
Has anyone tried leaving your bill as a door hanger?
This is the method that I use. Seem to be effective. I hae a few customer I do bill monthy, like commerical customers, or if someone else is footing the bill.
--------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 18-Jun-00 17:52:21
how much to pay employees
Hi guys, well I was curious as to how much you all pay employees (those of you that either have employees or have considered how much you'll pay them once you do). I know Matthew paid per hour, but do any of you pay per job? Thanks everyone,
Katie
----------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Monday, 19-Jun-00 21:37:55
Major Doody to be on Howard Stern radio show
Hi everyone!
I have been very busy as of late. Business is growing daily.
If anyone is interested I will be on Howard Stern's radio show this Wednesday. I pick up for his engineer's wife's sister. This will be some great publicity for us. Let me know what you think.
"The Major"
----------------------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 20-Jun-00 21:15:16
Re: Major Doody to be on Howard Stern radio show
Major, that is awesome!!! Get this business some good exposure. What time will you be on? I'll be sure to tune in! By the way, glad to hear your business is going so well. Mind if I ask how long it took you to get to over 200 clients, and what the population is in the area that you service? Thanks,
Katie
----------------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 20-Jun-00 23:05:16
Re: Major Doody to be on Howard Stern radio show
I want to wish you the best of Luck and hope you have fun.
Forgive me if i'm wrong but isn't Howard Stern the radio personality who can get quite crass (SP?)and obnoxious? If i'm right have fun ,tread carefully.
Good Luck Really. Gwen
----------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 21-Jun-00 02:04:39
Re: Major Doody to be on Howard Stern radio show
forgive me..but is this his TV show? I dont watch him but thought id catch you.!!:-) Can you just email w/ the info..time etc. great to hear too....
---------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 21-Jun-00 17:03:28
Had a GREAT time on Howard Stern
This was just the greatest day of my life!!!!
Howard Stern interviewd me today. I got 264,378 hits on my website in the first hour, after I was on. I am tring to respond to over 800 poeple needing service in the multi-state area. (NY NJ CONN MASS PA and RI) Oh my lord! What a can of worms I have opened up!!!
I also metioned about franchising Major Doody, which got 263 reponses from around the country.
I didn't know that The Howard Stern Show has over 19 million listeners daily.
Pooper scoopers, we are getting noticed!!!!!!!!
19 million poeple now know that we are out there.
I recieved hundreds of requests by e-mail and phone from poeple all over the country that want this service.
Lets keep it going gang!
"The Major"
---------------------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 21-Jun-00 20:18:32
Re: Had a GREAT time on Howard Stern
Major Doody, that is incredible!!! I hope you got lots of responses from people in Mass, cause that is where I'll be starting up. Alright!!! Now lets just hope that nobody from my area heard the show and gets the bright idea to start up before I can!
Katie
---------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 21-Jun-00 21:55:17
Re: Had a GREAT time on Howard Stern
Congratulations!!!!!! I had 12 people tell me they heard the show today and thought it was great. That has to be the most awewsome feeling in the world. If you have any requests for service is the St. Charles-St. Louis area that need service you can send them my way. We are doing Great after starting the first of the year and have alot of room to grow.
Best of Luck with that Big-ole-can-o-worms!!
Any worms that fall out in the way of St. Louis Missouri......Send our way!!
Janet
--------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 22-Jun-00 09:03:47
Re: Had a GREAT time on Howard Stern
Fantastic job Major. You are a credit to our industry. Keep up the great work and thanks for all the encouragement.
-----------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 22-Jun-00 11:44:13
Re: Had a GREAT time on Howard Stern
WAY TO GO, MAJOR!!!!
Sorry I missed the interview, but I bet you were great! What a great thing you did by helping out the pooper-scooper business.
Congratulations and best of luck to you with all your new business. It won't be long now till you retire!!!
Pat
-------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 22-Jun-00 18:35:21
Re: Had a GREAT time on Howard Stern
I heard the show! I was excited for YOU and everyone in the business. Congrats! That is prime publicity! I wish you continued success. If you have any extra luck, send it my way. I am just getting started and need all I can get. :)
ronnette21@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 24-Jun-00 07:48:11
Re: Had a GREAT time on Howard Stern
Sorry I missed the show but is sounds like it went great! We are in NH and cover the north east part of MA and southern NH. If any one is looking for the service in those areas we would be happy to help out.
Keep up the great work!
Barbara
-------------------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 24-Jun-00 13:30:51
Re: Had a GREAT time on Howard Stern
Hi Major Doody...
You must have been on an Eastern America show. Haven't heard anything about it, "out West." However, the ripple effect should have some(?) impact on the Reno, Nevada area. Will let you know.
What I am curious about is how you are going to respond to all those people. How will you have time to do that and run a business too.
Have you hired help as yet? Has your wife (who was so freaked out when you started this business...not that long ago) joined you in some aspect? Keep us posted (you do have a responsibility to your fans!!) I love to read your messages...they are always full of energy and fun!
Tricia
-----------------------------------
Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 29-Jun-00 13:13:04
Re: Had a GREAT time on Howard Stern
Hi, Major Doody
I was scooping the dog ploppers out of my back yard this spring and as i went to dump the second
5 gal bucket I started thinking would people pay for this sh... job. I told my husband that I was going to start a scopping service and he laughed.
That is until he heard you on Howard's show. Ha now he thinks it will be a good idea and he will help scoop ( somthing he doesn't do much at home )for pay. We already have a hauling business and I am always amazed at what people pay me to throw away so why should this be any different. I have a few things to work out still. How did you trade mark your name? I want to trade mark mine, PLOPPER'S, we pick up... what fido dropped.
I have an e-mail, the flyers are almost ready, cards on the way, bank account getting opened Sat. I don't have the newspapper ad ready yet. This is so funny and great I did'nt know about this site until Mon june 26 I found it buy searching under doggy doo. Keep up the good work!