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DOG OWNERS: Love your dog -- hate poop?
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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 Seventy-Five
Fred Stevens
Disrespect!!
Tue Nov 20 17:04:48 2001
I have been in the biz for over a year now & still find the disrespect our profession recieves very disheartening. I have been thinking of adding some lawn maintenace jobs to my list of services & was doing a bit if "lurking" at Lawnsite.com, (a message board for lawncare "professionals") I happened upon a thread in their "Off Topic Forum" where once again our profession is being mocked. If they only knew how much $$$ we actually made & how little the start up costs were perhaps people would not look down on us so much.
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Powerreel
Re: Disrespect!!
Fri Nov 23 21:35:25 2001
SNIFF SNIFF!!!!
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Pete
Don't tell 'em
Wed Nov 21 07:53:38 2001
Keep that money to yourself. You might point out that every pile we scoop is one they won't step in.
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PoopScoopKing
Re: Disrespect!!
Wed Nov 21 05:33:05 2001
I don't have time to go to their board and read their garbage. It is ironic, however, that I was just thinking yesterday, before this post, that the ultimate loser is someone that has nothing better to do than make fun of us. I mean, GET A LIFE! There is a real immaturity factor that subjects such as dog waste brings out in some. Although I'm not thrilled having to carry around this stigma, it doesn't bother me too much because I know hundreds of very well to do clients that really appreciate and need this service.
PSK
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PETPICKUP
DISRESPECT
Tue Nov 20 23:23:47 2001
THOSE PEOPLE, IN THEIR PROFESSION, HAVE ALOT OF OVERHEAD. I HAVE ALREADY CRUNCHED THE NUMBERS AND TIME SCENARIO WITH THEM DOING OUR LINE OF WORK, AND I HAVE FOUND THAT LAWN SPEWS, I MEAN CREWS WILL ACTUALLY LOSE ON REVENUE IF THEY TRY TO COMPOUND THEIR SERVICE WITH OUR SERVICE. MY TEAM AND I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE DISHEARTENING EXPERIENCES OVER ALMOST 10 SEASONS NOW. WE LAUGH BACK AT THEM NOW THAT LAUGH AT US, ESPECIALLY ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK. I ACTUALLY TELL THE LAUGHERS "IF YOU WANT A REAL JOB THAT PAYS REAL MONEY, THEN GIVE US A CALL", AND I AM BEING DEAD SERIOUS ABOUT IT TO THEM. I HAVE FOUND ADMIRATION AFTER ALMOST TEN SEASONS AND A LOT OF THUMBS UP FROM PEOPLE IN TRAFFIC AS WELL AS THE "JOKERS". MOST OF THE TIME WHEN I ASK THE "JOKERS" HOW MUCH DO YOU MAKE PER HOUR, MOST OF THEM CHOKE UP BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY DON'T MAKE S#!T. I EVEN HAD SOME GUY FROM FORD TALKING NEGATIVELY TOWARDS ME AT HOLIDAY/FAMILY GATHERING. ONCE I TOLD HIM HOW MUCH I AVERAGE PER HOUR HE WOULDN'T TALK TO ME FOR THE REST OF THE OCCASION, AND I WASN'T EVEN BEING MEAN ABOUT IT, I THINK I PUNKED/POOPED HIM OUT IN FRONT OF EVERYONE. BE PROUD OF WHAT YOU'RE DOING. YOU ARE A MODERN DAY/ NEW WORLD PIONEER. IN TIME YOU WILL SEE YOUR EFFORTS MOMENTOUS REWARDS. WE HAVE NOT REALLY EVEN ADVERTISED IN ALMOST THREE SEASONS. WE ARE GETTING NEW CUSTOMERS ALL THE TIME AND ALMOST NO CANCELLATIONS, KNOCK ON WOOD, EVERY WEEK. SOONER OR LATER YOU WILL SEE A RELATIONSHIP DEVELOP BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS, AND ALSO WITH YOUR BUSINESS AND YOU. ALL I CAN SAY IS HANG TIGHT AND BE READY. ITS ALMOST TIME.
BY THE WAY I AM OVER ALL MY HEALTH PROBLEMS/HOSPITAL VISITS', SO I AM BACK NOW TO POST MORE ON THIS BOARD. I HAD MY BROTHER-IN-LAW WATCHING THE BOARD FOR ME, BUT I FOUND OUT HE WAS ACTING LIKE AN IDIOT, HOWEVER I TOLD HIM AFTER AWHILE TO STAY AWAY FROM THE BOARD. IF ANYONE FELT OFFENDED FROM OUR WAY, THEN PLEASE DISREGARD IT. HOPE I GAVE SOME ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU.
SINCERELY,
KEVIN--PET PICKUP
OWNER/FOUNDER
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NIMBY
I had to look
Tue Nov 20 18:39:10 2001
I had to go look at the site... I found that one post actually wanted to look someone up to scoop his routes before he got there. this is how my business has been recieved here in Seattle area. I subcontract for 3 lawncare pros, and they seem to REALLY appreciate the service! I went a bit farther than the one thread though, and they for the most part seem to be jerks! Not just about scoopers, but in general! I am glad to see that our board is a bit more friendly. By the way, when we have this Professional Organization complete, maybe we should advertise on their board! Hee Hee Hee.. we could laugh all the way to the bank!!!
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Anonymous
Re: Disrespect!!
Tue Nov 20 17:37:24 2001
It's not the $$$ it's the way they view us as professional people. I took a look at that thread & am very disheartened by what I read.
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minesweepers
let them knock it more for us eom
Tue Nov 20 17:27:14 2001
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yucko debbie
its more: wish i thought of that
Tue Nov 20 19:20:05 2001
seems like everyone says: wish i thought og starting a business like that or i had the idea a long time ago but never did anything about it.
we have respect... big time believe it or not..
wonder if we can make it in ripleys believe it or not...
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Leslie
s--t is part of the job
Tue Nov 20 22:51:03 2001
There will always be people who will make comments about us. I'm sure it happens to the guys who pumps septic tanks, the person who empties bed pans for a living, etc... Messy jobs have to get done.
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minesweepers
ripleys
Tue Nov 20 21:58:07 2001
sure ,i don't believe i pick up poop for money,so why not
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Andy Knowlan
Re: ripleys
Tue Nov 20 23:41:25 2001
I just checked it out. Someone should log on to that board & post a reply. We have to defend the honour of our profession. Are we mice or men?
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Red
Re: ripleys
Wed Nov 21 02:11:10 2001
A "Man" doesn't care what losers think about him so let's ignore the poor bastards and move on to product endevours.
-Red
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minesweepers
well said eom
Wed Nov 21 11:39:56 2001
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Jeff
Pet Butler
Tue Nov 20 23:02:23 2001
What ever happened to the Pet Butler in Quincy IL? Did he fold up shop? He use to post alot.
Jeff
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Jerry
Quincy
Fri Nov 23 00:39:26 2001
I'm not sure what happened, if he's still in the biz or what. He's located about 30-40 miles west of where I am but it may be that he is facing the same problem I am > no one knows about the service. Even through (somewhat) extensive advertising it's hard to get prospects. I started in July of this year and have a total of 7 (yippee!) ongoing customers. 4 which will end this month and 3 to continue through the winter months. The only advertising avenue I haven't tried (save billboards and milk cartons, hehe) is going door to door. Another thought is visiting the parks with my JRT, Matty and handing out cards.
I know Quincy is a GREAT deal smaller than Rockford (where I service; 2nd largest city in IL). In fact, from what I'm aware of, the 2 other bizzes in the directory at pooperscooper.com don't exist anymore. (Hark! Am I a monopoly in my city? hehe)
Keeping my head up for spring because this city is just way too big to not have our great service to offer.
Cheers
Jerry
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PoopScoopKing
what county is Rockford in?
Fri Nov 23 05:09:08 2001
What county are you in?
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Jerry
Re: what county is Rockford in?
Fri Nov 23 21:25:54 2001
I'm in Winnebago county. And now that I think it about it, (hehe) I see that there is a small town that is about 30 -40 miles west of Rockford named Quincy. I believe the Quincy city you were referring to is near Springfiled, IL, right? That one is not by me, my mistake.
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PETPICKUP
BEN STEIN'S MONEY
Tue Nov 20 23:40:11 2001
WHO WAS THE SCOOPER ON BEN STEIN'S MONEY WITHIN THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS?
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Pat - Tidy Pets Unlimited
Thanksgiving
Wed Nov 21 06:06:49 2001
Hi All,
Just wanted to wish everyone a great Thanksgiving and to count our blessings for what we all have.
Pat
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Casey
Lawnsite.com advertising?
Wed Nov 21 15:28:14 2001
Hi guys, I'm a member at Lawnsite.com & have been following & contributing to the post referred to. It was meant simply to blow off some steam. There is respect for any legitimate business turning profit. Overhead, & customer volume are issues we deal with as well. One of the posters suggested actually working in conjunction with some landscape professionals. I am sure there are many serious minded landscape co's who would appreciate working in conjunction with a business providing your services. This could be a new & profitable way to reach more customers with no advertising costs. If this idea interests you, perhaps it has allready been discussed, I would suggest to start posting or even perhaps advertising your network of service providers on Lawnsite.com. While you may encounter some of the banter in the offending post, you may also find a new avenue to expand your allready profitable enterprise. We may be a bunch of jerks but some of us can see past things to further our business.
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NIMBY
Re: Lawnsite.com advertising?
Wed Nov 21 22:16:07 2001
I just went back and looked again.. an holy poop... the guy wanting a guy to run recon ahead of him is in my area! I emailed him... we'll see what happens.
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Anonymous
Re: Lawnsite.com advertising?
Wed Nov 21 21:25:59 2001
Casey, I would totally love to market our idea to lawncare pros. I am remaining annon. because I see that the other scoopers are ticked. What i would like to know from you...and maybe you could post on your board and then get back to us is, WHY wouldn't your associates want this kind of service? You know, one guy said his tires pick it up pretty good... another said he just tears it up with his mower, then leaves it on the grass...EVEN though as he/she states, it is not good for the grass, I surely wouldn't call that good customer service. Also, maybe you would like to enlighten these guys regarding the feces carried deseases that dog waste carries...samonella, parvo, worms,e-coli, bronchitis...and I could go on... they are bringiing these things out of one yard and into another... I am sure that ALL lawncare services could enlist our services and have a more valuable service for their clients. If for no other reason than, it is better for the grass.
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Casey
Re: Lawnsite.com advertising?
Wed Nov 21 22:53:48 2001
I don't blame them for being ticked & once again I apologise for my ignorance as I see my previous apology has been deleted. There are serious minded Lawn Care Co's on LS & Lawn&Landscape that would appreciate working with professional scooper service, either as a customer referral system, or as part of a sub-contracting deal. Unfortunately you may have to deal with the kind of ignorance I displayed if you wish to enter this market. It may or may not be worth it. Just a suggestion from someone who has learned a lesson. Lawnsite, Lawn&Landscape magazine & Turf magazine may be a good place to start.
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Anonymous
Re: Lawnsite.com advertising?
Thu Nov 22 19:11:56 2001
There is an interesting poll in the Commercial forum at Lawnste. Ignore the idiots in Off Topic. Perhaps the owner of Lawnsite should be contacted to keep that poll at the top to see if there really is potential?? I'd go magazine.
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Lawnsite person
LS
Fri Nov 23 14:08:49 2001
Pease DON'T come over to Lawnsite to advertize like was suggested, it will be remover as fast as possible. Some one did and it was removed in less than 2 minutes. If you want to advertize then you must pay a fee for the advertizing, that is what makes Lawnsite run.
Yes we are pro as you all are but the person that started those Threads on LS didn't realize that most did not care about pooper scoopers and were just blowing off steam and to get some laughs.
We did come up with some good names for you guys in the off topic.
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Lawnsite person
LS
Fri Nov 23 14:07:49 2001
Pease DON'T come over to Lawnsite to advertize like was suggested, it will be remover as fast as possible. Some one did and it was removed in less than 2 minutes. If you want to advertize then you must pay a fee for the advertizing, that is what makes Lawnsite run.
Yes we are pro as you all are but the person that started those Threads on LS didn't realize that most did not care about pooper scoopers and were just blowing off steam and to get some laughs.
We did come up with some good names for you guys in the off topic.
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Powerreel
LS
Fri Nov 23 14:41:17 2001
I hope you scoopers know that they are all making fun of you! Don't play anymore!
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Anonymous
Re: LS
Fri Nov 23 16:05:57 2001
Not necessarily true. There is an idea in working together for both our benefits.
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Anonymous
Re: LS
Fri Nov 23 16:08:40 2001
Knowing which Scooper service was in your are via LS might be helpful.
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the bomb squad
To all the landscapers looking for a laugh:
Fri Nov 23 19:48:10 2001
I just had to say that your posts on lawnsite.com gave me a good belly laugh! I wouldn't be in the scoopin business if I didn't have a twisted sense of humor....
What are the perks of pickin up $#!+?
I don't wear hearing protection.
My clients are really happy to see me and give me kisses and tail wags.
My ads make people laugh and smile. I spread happiness.
I don't swear when I accidentally step in some leaves or lawn clippings.
AND, we scoopers can provide you with business too...we see alot of yards that need weeding, mowing, leaf raking, etc.
There are alot of things I wouldn't do for money. You should be grateful that I am willing to do this so you don't have to!!!
Melinda,
Turdologist
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Pete
And poop doesn't make me sneeze EOM
Wed Nov 28 08:31:11 2001
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LS member who wishes to remain anon.
Re: To all the landscapers looking for a laugh:
Fri Nov 23 23:30:08 2001
sorry for the dumbazz's.
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LS member
Re: To all the landscapers looking for a laugh:
Fri Nov 23 23:28:09 2001
Agreed!
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Anonymous
Dogpilepatrol/Red
Fri Nov 23 13:29:08 2001
What sort of response rate did you get from fliers/door hangers? How many new customers per 1000 distributed?
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Red
Who are you? eom
Sat Nov 24 00:58:55 2001
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Catherine
oops
Sat Nov 24 10:10:16 2001
Sorry there ... I was rushing along when I typed that .. Catherine asking.
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Red
Flyers and other failures...
Sun Nov 25 11:01:48 2001
Oh, Hi Catherine,
Well, it must be harder to get clientele in Dallas TX than in other more "northern" cities. because I hear many scooper's results on the board and am amazed. I said about 15 months ago on the board that I have found I must get my message clearly in front of 2,000 qualified dog owners seven times in order to get ONE new client. So when folks say they passed out 500 flyers once and got 4 or 5 customers I am in shock (and quite jealous!).
Most of the door hangers I have had put out were in a group of 10 other hangers. They were not in an envelope that gets thrown away without being opened. They were VERY professionally done - full color, perferated tear between each, double sided, card stock, glossy - and yet I got less than one new client per 10,000. At 3.2 cents each, that's $320 per client (a long way from my goal of $50!)
Other times when I have had just my little black and white 3rd of a page flyer taped to doors I have gotten a little better response - 1 per 3,000 (at over 10 cents per flyer it cost me about the same as above - too expensive!). And I'm confindent it wasn't the message on the flyer as I believe it was perfect - including many funny slogans, a free offer, large eye catching gif, attractive fonts and colors, easy to remember phone number etc.
I just don't have one AWESOME marketing solution - I do it ALL! - Hoping that one day I will discover the goose that laid the golden turd, uh, I mean egg. Marketing is expensive but fun so keep experimenting and learning. Through 50 marketing failures I have built a pretty good size scoop biz.
Best wishes,
-Red
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Anonymous
flyers.. if your asking me.. good
Fri Nov 23 14:05:38 2001
i only did 500 or so at a time, would take me a couple weeks to just do that many. i got lots of calls, some very interested, though it was the summer months and many perspective clients were going off for the summer, i did get a few, first one timers. about 4 out of every hundrerd about 12 i guess. now all i have to do is to lock some of them in as regular cleints!!!! in the winter it stops raining in the afternoon , to wash poop into the grass. maybe theirs hope yet. I want to be a big dog too!!! was that what you wanted to know. they were hung in different parts of and out side of my county. what i need is a 1-800
wee have too many area codes out her, cant call one side to the other side of the county with out it being long distance
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dogpile patrol
woops forgot my name...
Fri Nov 23 14:06:15 2001
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