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 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 Fifty-Nine

Message Date/Time:
Monday, 07-Aug-00 15:06:47

Hello :-)

Hello everyone! Just sent for Matt's book. We just started our own pooper business called "Pooches' Pickup Service" and we're using our 2 pugs "Isaac & Alexis" as our company mascots and are going to use their pictures on our trucks and vans. I believe that their pictures will help draw attention and smiles.

Please add our company name to your directory.

I am very excited to say that we are the first canine waste removal service here in south Dade county.....that is of course south of Broward county......got to LOVE it!!!

I am very thankful to see that there is a support group and a message board to bounce off of.

I can't wait to read Matt's book.

We should be offically in business mid August.
Thanks.....

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 12-Aug-00 21:41:37

Re: Hello :-)

Hi guys! I just got matt's book recently, It's really good, you guys should enjoy it, I have read it about 5 times already. It's hard to believe you can make a living cleaning poop. I am still in the early stages but I read the board every day religiously and have reviewed past archives for additional info. I suggest you guys read them also, lots of good advice. I will probably make copies and place them in a notepad and study them.

Good luck, Marc from Cincinnati

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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 06-Aug-00 23:46:02

Autumn leaves

Howdy All,
I am coming up on my first anniversary scooping poop and approaching the first "fall". I have been thinking of an equitable way to handle the leaves that will be in the yards next month. I am thinking about charging about $8 per lawn bag I fill or $8 if I fill up their 64 gallon debris bin.

How have you all dealt with leaves in the past?

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 14-Aug-00 01:35:43

Re: Autumn leaves

I can't remember what we have charge but I let my workers make extra money on the side if they would like to offer raking their leaves, or shovling snow, or even cutting grass as long it doesn't interfer with their job.
We have some clients that are older and live by themselves and with knowing us and helping them out they feel secure and their family do too knowing we are around.

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Message Date/Time:
Sunday, 06-Aug-00 20:59:56

Matt and Red: Thanks for the quick responses!

Matt, Red and all scoopers:

Thanks for the tip about weather!! Matt, I just got your book in the mail and have already read it twice. It's awesome, I love it!!! Thanks for the great info. I do have a couple of questions for you, red or any other experts.
1) You mention disinfectants to prevent parvo, you listed 2 companies to purchase the disinfectant from, but there's no mention of a product name. Can you give me a name of a specifict product to ask for??

2) You mention how you used a waste pickup service. Do you typically have to rent a dumpster or is it possible to pay a dumpster share fee to a company that has a dumpster??

3) Since I am starting small, would I be ok to use the dumpster in my apartment complex??? And would I look unprofessional using the customers garbage can???

Anyone else reading this please give me advice on how you dispose of your waste. Just starting, i cant see spending tons of money for disposal until I get a huge client list. Please help!!!

marc from cincy, ohio

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 09-Aug-00 00:13:28

Re: Matt and Red: Thanks for the quick responses!

Hi Marc,

Your welcome!

I wish I could tell you the name of the disinfectant stuff I use. It's actually a mix of stuff that will probably get too hot one day and blow up when I hit a bump!

I mix a parvo type disinfectant with "Spot-Away" and water to save $$$.

This provides a number of benefits:
1. The liquid aspect helps to dilute the smeared stuff that can't be scooped.
2. The "Spot-Away aspect is supposed to "neutralize" the acid from the urine to help keep the pee from burning and killing the grass.
3. Another benefit of Spot Away is that it has a green dye to it that lightly coats or "paints" the yellow grass to help camoflage the negative effects of urine.
4. The parvocidal disinfectant spray does what it's suppose to.
5. Spraying chemicals on my customers lawn makes them appreciate me more and build value.
6. Using the words "Parvocidal Disinfectant Spray" makes me sound smart.

Secondly, I would NOT pay to dump my "stuff" - especially if you have less than 60 - 100 customers. Just start dumping it in your apt's. dumpster - if they have a proble let them find you - what can they do? - you are their customer and you pay to use that dumpster.

I am very much against leaving the "gold" in your customer's trash unless you are having BIG problems disposing of it. Opening one's trash can to that "baked-in-a-hot-black-trash-can-for-3-days-smell" is not an endearing or loyalty building experience.

Numbers create & cure many problems. Pray for problems - they are usually caused by too much business and too much business means mucho dinero which means you have most all the answers to your problems!

Hope this helps!
Red, Pet Butler of Dallas

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 04-Aug-00 01:35:50

Just starting out

We are just starting out. Was wondering how long it has taken some of you to build up your business? Do you get more of your business from wealthier or middle class neighborhoods? Is it better to go door to door, or alot of advertising?
Thank - you
Arrowhead Pooper Scoopers
Glendale, Arizona
Gina & Kim

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 05-Aug-00 11:32:32

Re: Just starting out

Before I got busy with lotsa clients, I had the time...so printed out ALL the archives, punched holes in the pages and put them in 3-ring binders. Then I read, studied, highlighted, and made notes of everything. Your answers are there and more!!

Tricia

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 15-Aug-00 01:47:31

Re: Just starting out

Years! I worked a part time job for about four years before I relied solely on poop scooping. Most of my customers are middle to upper middle class income. Home average about (CA)$250,000 + DINKs (Dual income no kids) Most people in my area say " go to Beverly Hills you'll make a fortune!" maybe so, but it's very hard to reach that clientelle. Only about 2% of my customers are "that wealthy" (Million $$ houses, etc.) Good luck!
Tim

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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 03-Aug-00 20:07:40

Senior&Guide/Assistance Customers

Can anyone give me information on the percentage
of your customers that are Senior Citizens or people with Guide/Assistance dogs?

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 04-Aug-00 11:33:39

Re: Senior&Guide/Assistance Customers

3% seniors and 0% blind
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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 05-Aug-00 11:27:28

Re: Senior&Guide/Assistance Customers

Neil...

Out of 60 clients I have 4 elderly (over 80), 5 disabled, and 3 pregnant. Senior is anyone over 55 and I are one! At 57, I am NOT giving blanket discounts to my peers---besides these folks regularly golf at $75 per game of 18 holes in an afternoon! They can afford to pay my little fee of $9 per week for one dog + $2.50 for additional dogs---for me the work is just as hard! Not that I don't give discounts, I just don't print that on everything---I would rather make those decisions at the time of sign-up. Obviously, if they need my help and are hard pressed for money, I make adjustments.

No guide dogs as clients, but there again, should one show up, I would check it out at the time. Don't assume the blind are broke. Just because a person has a disability does not mean they are poor!

Tricia

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 05-Aug-00 22:08:11

Re: Senior&Guide/Assistance Customers

75% of my clients are senior citizens...

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 07-Aug-00 09:09:04

Re: Re: Senior&Guide/Assistance Customers

how did that happen? - 75%!!!?

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 08-Aug-00 14:58:59

Re: Senior&Guide/Assistance Customers

About 10% senior and 1% assistance dogs (not all are guide dogs for the blind)

BTW, this discount is NOT because folks can't afford you, but because they may have less ability to do it themselves. It's a way to give something back to the community.


Oh yeah,

It also makes you look good and increases word of mouth advertising.

Pete (Who likes to be a nice guy while earning a buck)

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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 10-Aug-00 12:29:21

Re: Re: Senior&Guide/Assistance Customers

Hi Pete...

Always enjoy your input! I too like to give something back to the community, but I do it by being very visible with activities & benefits for the two local Animal Shelters/Humane Societies and the very large Dog Training Club in our area. This too makes us look good, gives us great word of mouth advertising, but doesn't cheat me of my hard-earned money.

Also, just because folks are physically unable to do the work, doesn't mean they don't want to be treated the same as anyone else. In fact, it is a matter of pride to most because they want to be treated equally. Of course, if they are obviously in need of a discount, they get one, but I DON'T TELL THEM IT IS BECAUSE THEY ARE ELDERLY OR DISABLED, I explain that they are right on my route, or that I love their dog, or that their yard is so tiny. That way they keep their self-respect, get a discount, and I feel I are a "nice guy" too. Besides, is it fair to give discounts to people who can afford to pay and not give them to others that don't fit into the Senior/Disabled category? What about single Mom's!! Boy, they could sure use a break (especially if they have teenagers that refuse to help out!)

Tricia

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 08-Aug-00 16:12:22

Re: Senior&Guide/Assistance Customers

We do about 5% senior and disabled clients and give a 10% discount

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Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 03-Aug-00 09:18:31

Mistake I made

Hi everyone,
I got an e-mail from Major Doody and it seems
I have reported wrong information about him. He
let me know that he indeed does offer protected territories. I am so sorry, I will stop passing on second hand info. He did not however let me know if the price I was told was correct or incorrect. Again I am sorry, I hope Jack will come on the board and explain everything about his ideas himself because others may have the wrong info too. Paula from PLOPPER'S

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 04-Aug-00 00:43:46

Re: Mistake I made

First, thank you Paula. You are a true Professional.

Second, I saw that my wife had written on the board (her first time) and Paula asked if I could explain what we are charging. She said others have e-mailed her about me and they also are getting second hand stories.

Yes, it's true, I am doing licensing Agreements and they cost $10,000.00 for each protected territory. WHY? I would like to add to the message that my wife left on the board (Mrs. Doody) First, National marketing. We are in the process of putting the name Major Doody in everyone’s living rooms. A very aggressive marketing campaign. I actually had to council with my lawyers about this message. Unfortunately, that’s all I can say right now about marketing at this point.

I have received some unpleasant e-mail from my fellow Scoopers. I feel it is important for me to talk about competition.

It's the healthiest thing for this industry. Calm down, calm down fellow Scoopers! Let me explain....

I have received E-mails from all over the country. Customers using Pro Scoopers now. Some are not totally happy. Why? Some companies consistently miss scoop days , others bill incorrectly and then there are some that say they will be there and end up never showing at all.

Competition is good for the customer.
If my company was doing one of those things and a Nationally recognized competitor came to town, you could darn well better believe that I would service my customers better than they had ever dreamed, from that point on. I have always agreed with Matthew, "under promise and over deliver."

Competition is good for the owners.
One lesson I have learned in business is this: Fearing competition is worthless. What a waste of time. Instead, embrace competition (when it arrives) Watch how creative you can become, when someone else comes to town. Your business may even increase, due to creativity. Complacency will always hurt a company in the long run.
Then there is the awareness factor. The more visible this industry becomes, the better for all involved.
I know by Major Doody going National, I will be helping all scoopers out there. OK, yes, you're right, it will benifit Major Doody, but research prooves it will benifit the entire industry.

Alright, I have talked long enough. It's midnight and I have a big day ahead of me.

Scoopers, I truly hope we are all successful for many years to come.

Last thing... If you have questions or just want to talk to me or yell at me, give me a call. Alot of you use to call me.

Major Doody

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 02-Aug-00 07:31:23

New to the biz

Matt:

What's up? This is Marc in Cincinnati and I just recently ordered away for your book this past saturday. I look forward to receiving it. From one Ohioan to another, I hope I can duplicate your success. I am interested in possibly looking into the Northern Kentucky area also. Since the kentucky border is only about 15 min away.
I have looked into other businesses and they just cost so much to start or they all have high overhead. I just hope that the people of cincinnati and N. kentucky are as receptive to pooper scoopin. I do have one concern. Do you still keep busy with this service in the winter?? or do most people cancel service and resume it in the spring???


Thanks, Marc
http://www.petsfromgod.com

Note*** anyone else that is in the business please reply and give me any pointers or tips, thanks!!!!
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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 04-Aug-00 11:30:08

Re: New to the biz

One thing that I have found a little different than what Matthew's book reports is that in Dallas, TX my customers keep me going year round - in fact Fall is an awesome time for new business!
Red

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Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 05-Aug-00 07:09:59

Re: New to the biz

Hi Marc,

I found that here in Columbus the scooping goes on pretty much all year, although there are a few days or sometimes even a week or more of missed work in the winter. The dogs keep on doing their thing, of course, and if you don't keep up with it as much as possible the accumulation of waste can get pretty horrible.
In this part of the country, snow usually melts off in a couple of days, and you can make up for those days in the same week. Sometimes the snow stays on the ground longer, but if there is no new snow to cover it up it's important to get out and scoop up what the dogs are putting on top of the old snow. Then when everything finally does melt off you won't have such an awful accumulation to take care of.


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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 18-Aug-00 22:20:30

Re: New to the biz

YO!Marc! Thank you for sending us Good Wishes, I'm new to the biz as well.....And already I've made a mistake.....it seems that "Pooches' Pickup Service" is not a real good name after all...it doesn't explan what we do....So now I'm rethinking the name, "Thank God" I didn't go public yet. I kinda did all this before I got Matt's book....."AND IT IS THE BOMB!" So NOW I'm in the KNOW.......and a good thing too. Here in South Florida I'm the only one in the area, I live in a small city about 23,000 called Aventura it's a new city and I gota tell ya....IT's NICE!
Nothing but fancy beautiful people WHO DO NOT pickup after their pets!!! They will pay anything to have it done for them. My first contract is going to be with the city.....I joined the City's Chamber of Commerce and they LOVED my Ideal insisted that I talk to the city manager at once! But they told me the rethink the name.....They thought that it sounded like a Fancy Pet pickup limo service for a Grooming co. or something or other, and believe me they would propably pay for that too....Sooooo now I rethinking this name thing.....But still I think I got it going on down here.........I'm so fricken Excited about my future.......THANK YOU MATT!!!! You're the MAN.....Oh,and you too Marc.....why don't you check out your city's Chamber of Commerce, let me know what happens. Well that's it for me.....PEACE OUT!

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 01-Aug-00 21:41:44

uncut lawns

Does anyone have problems with customers not cutting their lawns. How do you provide quality service in a timely manner and make money, when you have to search through uncut grass.

Should I charge more or just deal with it?

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 02-Aug-00 07:43:51

Re: uncut lawns

In the spring, because of the rain and the transition from not cutting due to winter, uncut grass becomes a problem. During the summer,only occasionally will you encounter this as a very real problem. As of this writing, I only have one customer where the grass is an issue. I explained to him that he is making our service both more difficult and ineffective. He understands that my performance will be impaired by the grass and promises he'll keep it cut and never does. lol Rather than charge more money of him, I just do the best I can without taking any more time than I ordinarily would.

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 04-Aug-00 11:26:45

Re: Re: uncut lawns

DITTO!

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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 02-Aug-00 19:44:24

Re: uncut lawns

Kevin,
I have had the same problem with one of my customers. Luckily for me she has a fenced area for her 5 dogs. Her lawn care service either refuses to do, or wants to do just after I have serviced her yard. Which is okay, But they are unreliable and never are they when they say they will be. So I gave my clients the option of me cutting it for them. Of course for an additional fee. I am NOT a lawn care specialist nor do i do trim,bag and so forth. But I have found that I am a better scooper then mower. So usally this gets my point across. I do a good job, none the less but, I think they would rather leave the grass problems to the pros. :) I have found that the first part of spring is the hardest to do because everyone wants their yard serviced, before going to mow it for the first time. Now I offer for an additional fee lawn care service through a friend of mine. She gets additional busniess and I am pleased because now I can do My job alot easier. It works out for everyone and my clients are very pleased and interested that our company took the time to do what was necessary to please them.That's my ultimate goal, Pleasing my clients.:) good luck to you, and fill free to email us anytime. Someone is always here for fellow scoopers! Where are you located at? "IF IT POOPS, WE SCOOP!"
TERRY AKA DR.SCOOP
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Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 30-Aug-00 08:40:32

Re: uncut lawns

Hi

I started in response to lawn companies hating running over poop with equipment....sort of a reverse solution!
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 01-Aug-00 20:31:16

how about some ideas

I am getting started in the buisiness . As like many i am starting out as part timer working my regular pest control job during the days.

I got the basic cleaning equipment. invoices ,cards,D.B.A. .ect.

One thing i did not get (not yet anyways) is Matts book.Which i understand is the Bible of pooper scoopers
i done some basic things for getting the word out. plan on classifieds. also just walked around nieghborhoods. and handed out fliers to people who were out walking their dogs.and of course Message boards.
But there is one thing i didn't do and thats what to do with the poop other than throw it in the customers garbage which just dont seem like a good practice to do. i have contacted the local sewage treatment plant and get no replies
Thanks for helping the new guy.
Brian
Best Friend pet waste removal service

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Message Date/Time:
Friday, 04-Aug-00 11:24:01

Re: how about some ideas

I hate to suggest something that is, well, not "the best thing to do" but there are dumpsters behind every building on the planet - use 'em! I have for over 2 years and have NEVER had the slightest problem.
Red

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 07-Aug-00 08:36:41

Re: how about some ideas

Brian,
we take your point about the "right thing to do". We haven't opened our doors for business yet (still in the planning phase) but one thing that definitely concerns us is the disposal issue.We certainly don't feel happy about just dumping it in the clients rubbish bin or depositing it at the local landfill unless there is absolutely no other way. We are thoroughly investigating ways of getting rid of it in a way that is hopefully environmentally responsible and cost effective all at the same time. "Dream on" we hear you all say out there in poop scoop land but we see it as a potential marketing tool ie. make the customer feel like they are doing something for the world as well as themselves.We are for instance getting quotes from different services that offer composting either with worms or by use of septic/bacterial systems.These same companies take animal waste from zoos, race tracks etc and compost it down to a usable form.Perhaps there are similar services in your part of the world? In the end it may not be practical but its really worth doing the research. Good Luck Lizz & Jeff (Melbourne(no not Sydney!) Australia)

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Message Date/Time:
Monday, 31-Jul-00 12:11:02

Just Getting Started

I got started this month and am happy to say that I have two customers. I have spent less then 140.00 including Matthew's book and I am pleased
with that.
Does anyone have a customer that HAS to be home when you come because the dogs are out all the time and are BIG BIG Mastiffs? Should I charge extra beause I can't just come anytime of day.
She is on vacation now but wants me to start when she gets back.
I had someone call me that lives in my state (MD) and ask a few questions, he said he had talked with major doody and that the fee just for using the name would be between 8,000 and 10,000 THOUSAND DOLLARS! WOW was all I could say to that. (remember this is second hand info) And that he would sell it to as many people in the state that would buy it,that you did not even get a protected territory. I think I'll stick with Matthew's book and my own ideas for advertising. I think the young man that called me is going to buy the book and forget about major doody.

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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 01-Aug-00 20:11:48

Re: Just Getting Started

HI Paula,

We have customer that had 2 Mastifts and they were pussy cats. One passed away last year and one this year. She has 3 dog now and one is a puppy Mastift (if there is such a thing :)). My husband will go over and meet the customer/first time clean up so he can meet the dog(s)too.

Most of dogs are out when my husband goes scooping. So people will leave their dogs in when they know it is the day the pooper scooper comes.

He gives all his dogs a bone when he arrives. It has gotten to the point that the dogs are waiting at the gate,door or window for him and that cookie!

Good luck!

Barbara
Dog-Gone-IT
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Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 01-Aug-00 23:39:23

Re: Just Getting Started

Should I respond? Well, alright. It just seems to me, that some feathers are getting ruffled. First of all, why would anyone buy a franchise? Well, look at it this way. Anyone could start a business making sandwiches, but having the National recognized name "Subway" can bring in customers you might not be able to reach on your own. Ask yourself this question, "How many people around the country have heard about you and your business name?" If you have a licensing agreement with a Nationally recognized Company, your local advertising becomes magnified. There are many people who can scoop poop, that's not in question. It's how to increase your customer base with National recognition. We feel Major Doody is well on its way to becomming a household name. Major Doody is a personality, not just instructions on "how to scoop." People that are interested in the Major Doody name, recognize his marketing potential.
Some people are very good at doing the task of poop scooping and running their business, however, they may not possess the necessary sales ability to reach their full potential. "Voila, The Major"
(By the way, All of Major Doody's territories ARE protected and they are licensing agreements not franchises therefore no royalty percentage to be paid)
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