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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 Eighty-Nine

Pat - Tidy Pets Unlimited
Pet Sitting Job Dilemma - Jackie, Becky, or whoever can help
Sat Jan 5 08:42:31 2002


A customer contacted me about a potential pet sitting job. I set up an interview with the customer. She told me that she would be interviewing a few pet sitters for the position. To make a long story short, I did not get the job. I was devasted, because every job I have been contacted for I have gotten.

I have been debating whether I should contact her and ask what went wrong without sounding like I'm whining. I definitely don't want to project that image. I want to know because I would be a type of learning experience/training tool for the business. I surely do not want to make the same mistake twice and lose any other potential customers.

Do you think it is wrong to contact her or should I suck it up and go on? Any advise would be helpful.

Thanks!
Pat
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Becky's Pet Sitting
Not getting the job
Sun Jan 6 21:12:09 2002


Don't be so hard on your self. This one sounds like she is a price checker ( they are harder to please and well drop you for another if they find someone that cost less.) It really does not happen that often and as your business grows you will screen the new callers and pick who you will do work for. If I find some one I don't care for I recommend them to some one else. You need a client base that treats you right.
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Pat - Tidy Pets Unlimited
RE: Not getting job
Mon Jan 7 14:40:59 2002


Hey Becky and Gene,
You guys are right. I've dealth with those kind of clients before on the poop-scooping end of it. Not worth it:) Anyway I drafted up an evaluation form and sent it on to her. Hopefully she will fill it out (honestly) and return it. It's really bugging me . . . it's one of those things I just gotta know.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Pat

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PoopScoopKing.com
I'm with Becky
Mon Jan 7 07:51:37 2002


I agree that a customer is not a customer is a customer. Because we cater to the public, we get all kinds. I've given away more customers than some companies have at the moment. If you are a customer and you want to try and tell me how I should run my business and how much I should charge, and perhaps even be rude in the process, PoopScoop King likely will not be removing your waste! Many times I think to myself (when I don't accept the account or someone quits over something illogical), " I hope you and your poop are very happy together. Often times clients quit based on the accusation that I missed a pile or two. Whether that's actually true or not, it doesn't make my service worthless. Usually, I accept that kind of complaint as code for, I can't afford this service. Thing is, most customers that sign up and quit, won't admit that.
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minesweepers
sign up and quit
Tue Jan 8 22:26:06 2002


i think that most "temporary customers "are trying to keep up with the jones.then can't afford it and end up cancelling.i noticed some scoopers offer discounted rates for paying in advance 1 ,6,12 months.might not be a bad idea
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Pooch Pal
not getting a job
Sat Jan 5 18:28:04 2002


Pat,

If she interviewed three people, it could be as simple
as chemistry, and probably had nothing to do with your
qualifications. If you have no problem scoring jobs, I wouldn't take it personally. You may be able to get some
input from her but no need to go into it feeling that you weren't good enough. Someone else may just have fit her needs or her personality better and it's about who she is, not who you are.

Judy
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Pat - Tidy Pets Unlimied
RE: Not getting
Sat Jan 5 18:49:40 2002


Hi Judy,

Thanks for the words of encouragement . . . that makes me feel better. I think I'm going to contact her like Red and Debbie suggested and ask her to fill out an evaluation of the interview process. I'm very curious to see what she says.
Pat
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Red
Re: Pet Sitting Job Dilemma - Jackie, Becky, or whoever can
Sat Jan 5 11:15:15 2002


Give her a call. Be nice, friendly, short, professional and confident. There should be nothing uncomfortable or akward about it.

-Red
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Pat - Tidy Pets Unlimited
RE: Dilemma
Sat Jan 5 18:10:18 2002


Thanks Red! I'll give it a try. Wish me luck:)
Pat
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yucko Debbie
why not...
Sat Jan 5 09:55:02 2002


why not send her sometime in the mail with a self-address enevelope asking her what she was looking for in a service some kind of questionaire
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Pat - Tidy Pets Unlimited
RE: Why not
Sat Jan 5 18:17:14 2002


Hey Deb,

I thought about that too. Pet Sitter International (PSI) says you should provide your client with a form that evaluates the pet sitter, but that's only AFTER the job is performed. Maybe I can come up with something pertaining to an evaluation of the pet sitter during the interview process. Thanks for the input!

By the way, I want to buy a Yuckos t-shirt:) Let me know how much, please!

Pat

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Yucko Debbie
end of year
Sat Jan 5 09:57:41 2002


Well the end of year has happen.
Is every one happy with the growth the made in 2001

I was, went over 2000 end of year with the growth I had hope for

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Red
Re: end of year
Sat Jan 5 11:12:57 2002


Hi Debbie and congrats!

Is that 2,000 clients?! Wow - you are the MAN, I mean WOMAN!

I am inspired,
Red
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PoopScoopKing.com
Re: end of year
Sat Jan 5 16:47:17 2002


I'm not sure what Debbie meant with the 2000 thing. I wasn't satisfied at all with 2001. We slowed a lot post 9/11. I don't think this is a recession proof business. Also, in regard to referrals; Yes, we do get quite a few referrals, but I think we'd get almost as many if we offered no incentive at all.
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Pat - Tidy Pets Unlimited
RE: Gene
Sat Jan 5 18:21:55 2002


Hey Gene,

Is your webpage working out for you? Have you had a lot of hits? Snows coming - Ohio getting hit tonight.

Pat
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PoopScoopKing.com
Web Site
Sun Jan 6 05:09:34 2002


Hi Pat,

Yes, PoopScoopKing.com is coming along quite well, thank you for asking. I see that we are getting some snow today. We've had a great winter so far. Pat, I wanted to mention something on that customer you you lost the other day. We all lose out on customers from time to time. I would not sweat it. Although it may be infomational to find out why they opted for a different sitter, bear in mind that you're not going to win them all.

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Pat - Tidy Pets Unlimited
RE: Website
Sun Jan 6 09:07:22 2002


Gene,
Thanks and you're right about that. The thing that really killed me about losing the job was that is would of been a daily 5 days a week, 2 visits a day for the next 3 months and maybe more. I could of made BIG, BIG bucks on that job!!
Hey I just woke up and the snow is here - suppose to get 4-6" today - look out - it may be coming your way:)
Pat
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PoopScoopKing.com
snow
Mon Jan 7 07:44:06 2002


Hi Pat,

We got about an inch of snow yesterday and I'll have to check the forcast to see if more is coming. So far, this has been an awesome winter. Very little snow and temps above freezing. Yahoo! Wonder how Erin is faring down in Atlanta. I guess she got a lot of snow. What a role reversal.
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JJ
pooper scooping
Sat Jan 5 18:47:32 2002


just getting into the business and not sure what pooper scoopers to buy. it seems that everyone likes the rake. Do you just get them from a regular pet store?
Is it essential to have business license? thanks for any help.JJ
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NIMBY
Re: pooper scooping
Sat Jan 5 21:19:04 2002


Hi there... welcome to the business.... first things first...BUY THE BOOK... there is a link right here on this website.. it will explain tools, licenses and almost everything you will need to know... secondly, I don't think that any pro. scooper uses any tool from a pet store. Home Depot gets alot of business. But get the book then ask questions here... most of all...Good Luck!
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JJ
the book
Sun Jan 6 12:45:09 2002


How much is this book of poopy scooping and where can l get it from. would prefer to pay by check. And thanks for the response
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Red
Re: the book
Sun Jan 6 17:23:06 2002


Look on the home page of this Web site.
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yucko Debbie
Stop by my website later
Sat Jan 5 19:17:02 2002


hopefully tonight or tomorrow my webmaster will have a place you can leave post messages.

so stop on by
thanks
Debbie

Http://www.yuckos.com
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Yucko Debbie
message board up and working
Sun Jan 6 16:29:40 2002


message board up and working stop in and visit often.
Thanks
Debbie
www.yuckos.com go to message board
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Jill
thinking of starting a poo service
Sun Jan 6 01:19:08 2002


I'm thinking of starting a new poo service in Western Pa. Butler, Armstrong and Clarion Counties. But I am worried about the cost to get it going, and how to get it out there. So, my question is, is it a rapid growth opportunity, or something that takes months to see good growth. What is the best way to get it out there? I thought of flyers and an announcement in the Paper? Any ideas of what is best? Thanks for any input.
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the bomb squad
thank Dog I didn't read this board before I started!
Mon Jan 7 20:56:59 2002


It's true! If I'd read this board before I opened shop, I probably never would've tried! I did all my research & number crunching on my own and after hatching my egg, said what the hey?! And one year later...I'm still glad I did it!

It is fun. (In it's own kind of way) It is challenging. It is NOT a decent living even after one year of success! I've been maintaining 20+ clients for the first year but the names of my clients have changed once or twice over! I can count 5 that are heading towards one full year of service. I do pet sitting too & I like scooping better even if the $ is less per hour.

The start up cost is extremely minimal...could be less than $100 if you're smart and industrious and know someone who works for the newspaper or tv news! Tell everyone you know what you're doing and say it with a smile! =)

~Melinda
The Bomb Squad
PS: Charge more that you think is reasonable...you'll regret it later if you don't. It'll also help you avoid those who sign up for one or two months and then decide they can't afford it. (or am I wrong about this?)
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Red
Re: thinking of starting a poo service
Sun Jan 6 17:30:07 2002


Buy & read the book, read the archives, and plan for a long slow growth. You mentioned months as "long" - think more in terms of multiple quarters / years for a decent income.

Best wishes,
Red
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JIll
Re: thinking of starting a poo service
Sun Jan 6 18:32:27 2002


Years - for a DECENT income?? My God, doesn't sound too worth while, a little discouraged here. Oh my.
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Red
Re: thinking of starting a poo service
Sun Jan 6 20:09:42 2002


Yea, I'm sure I'll get planty of flack for saying that - most will likely disagree but I tell people all the time that this is not a get rich quick (or even slow) business. I recommend pet sitting more than anything. Grooming can be good but requires a bigger investment as does lawn care (which has tons of potential - FAST!)

I do it because of the marketing challenge it offered(s) plus I wanted to do something no one (at least in my area) had ever done. I want to be unique.

I recommend going after an industry that everyone knows about - like the ones above. Don't get me wrong - I love love LOVE this business and am quite an addicted-workaholic concerning it but it really takes a (shall we say) "special", dedicated and very patient person to succeed at it.

Best of luck in whatever you chose!
-Red
OK, let me have it (but please throw the tomatos softly!)
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MINESWEEPERS
RE:TOMATOES
Sun Jan 6 21:53:34 2002


As someone who has has plenty of "tomatoes" throw my direction all i will say is "YOU AIN'T KIDDIN".this biz at least for me is usually one step foward, two steps back.ocassionally i get a good run foward which usually makes me nervous about whats next.DO NOT EXPECT TO SUSTAIN YOURSELF ON THIS BIZ FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS MAYBE MORE.it's fairly easy side work so as a second job it's not to bad.
if you want get rich quick scam this is not it
good luck and i hope you at least give it a chance it's actually kind of fun
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Jill
No- I'm not looking for get rich quick scheme
Sun Jan 6 22:09:00 2002


I want to start something that is real, something I can work with. I would like to get into something that I can do for years. I want to build it, I want to keep it going. I'm just worried about spending money and getting nothing in return. For example: spending tons of money on advertising, but getting no response because of poor advertising and it not being effective. I think there is a good market for it in my area. I live next to several developments where, shall I say, the very rich live, and have pets, but leave the poop laying around. I'm worried about getting too much of a response that I can't handle right off but yet can't afford to pay workers. That's always been a fault of mine - too much too fast. Or not getting enough response that it wouldn't be worth while ( like I'd be losing money getting there and making nothing in return, at first yes, but years? ). I don't expect to have a hundred people suddenly calling, I'm just hopeful that it will grow to the point where I can hire one or two people.
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CA Mike
Re: No- I'm not looking for get rich quick scheme
Mon Jan 7 00:29:24 2002


Jill -

I agree completely with Red and Stefani. Don't worry about getting too much business too fast - you won't. I have owned six other businesses in the past, and this is definitely the slowest start I have seen.

I have been in this business for 10 months now and have not made any money yet. I started with $5,000 to begin an advertising campaign - print ads, mailers, brochures, etc. after I blew through that, I added another $5,000 to keep it going.

Allthough I just got my 42nd customer, I am still about $8,000 in the red because I continue to advertise in different mediums. So, for the first 10 months I spent everything I have earned and haven't taken anything out of the business.

And employees? Don't even think about having them for at least 1 1/2 years. Unless you can afford to pay them out of your pocket while the business s-l-o-w-l-y builds.

Go back through the archives on this site to see how others have fared. You will begin to see a pattern that no one has been able to change. It just takes time.

My question to you is: can you do it? Do you have the drive, patience and temerity to take the rejection and isolation that you will surely face in order to achieve your goal? If so, this can be fun. If not, I would suggest something else.

If you decide to stick it out, there are some good people on this board who have great ideas and will probably be willing to help you. Good luck.
Mike
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Stefani - Alameda Scoopers
Diamonds in that there poop (was Tomatoes)
Sun Jan 6 23:32:38 2002


Jill says:

"No- I'm not looking for get rich quick scheme

I want to start something that is real, something I can work with. I would like to get into something that I can do for years. I want to build it, I want to keep it going. I'm just worried about spending money and getting nothing in return."

My experience con curs with the slow-growth people. On the other hand, I feel pretty good about what I've done. Like Red, I looooove this work. Maybe I'm just one of the sick and twisteds on this list, but I really get a kick out of the actual doing.

I began last August. I was pregnant at the time, and had a baby in November, my third child. I borrowed $1000 from family funds to start. Out of this, I bought the book, printed some flyers, made car signs, paid for licenses and such, and bought equipment.

By October, I had three clients.

I still have three clients. But it's not bad; two of them are "super-clients" with more than one dog or more than once a week service. I've been totally in the black for a few months now, and have paid off my loan.

In small business terms, this is good. In "can I live on this" terms, it's not. My goal is to have a steady 20 hour a week occupation, so I'm not heading for Red's level. If you get too many responses, it seems like it would actually increase your cachet to say, "I'm sorry, I just can't fit you in." People want what is perceived to be rare (think diamonds).

Now that the baby is old enough to do some more things, I'm starting phase II of marketing. I've tried a few things, and have some more ideas, starting tomorrow.

Good luck!
Stefani

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