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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 Ninety-One

Shari from DOGGIE MAID
Ideas for lower cost advertisemnts
Tue Jan 8 00:16:09 2002


OK, I am new to this, BUT I have spent some time just putting myself in other peoples places, and since I started putting some of my simple ideas in motion on 12/14/01, I have gained 6 clients. A good start for winter in Iowa. Do all you who are starting out have vets in your area? There are close to 60 in my area. I made up a great flyer, with a pocket for 15 or so business cards and have spent a little bit of time visiting vets, asking if I can post flyers or a business card holder. I have hit about 10 so far. My first 4 clients came from vet sources. You all know how terribly boring it is to sit and wait for your appointment--nothing to do. Well, get your name in those vet offices! Give those people something to look at. My other clients have come from a small mailing of 100 postcards to dog license holders...remember what Matthew O said about getting those lists? My little postcards just arrived in the mailboxes Sat.,and I am happy. I targeted couple households with large dog--perferably 2--in a very nice suburb. I only spent $21 on postage and not much on cards I made up myself. My static cling sign was $36. I guess my gas and supplies for my initial advertising pitch is under $100. Don't spend too much too soon on such a big audience. Go where you know the dogs are. Good luck to all. Shari
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Erin, Dirty Work
Re: Ideas for lower cost advertisemnts
Tue Jan 8 13:14:36 2002


Good for you, Shari! 6 clients is a great start.

I wonder if Scoopers in large metropolitan areas have luck with vets? Here in Atlanta, they aren't too responsive. I talked with my vet and she said they get hit up every day from local soliciters so they just have to say no to everyone.

I am hoping they will make an exception for me with the amount of money I drop there each month on my critter's vet bills! :)
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Shari--Doggie Maid
Vets
Wed Jan 9 21:27:13 2002


Are you the same as the 2 women I saw featured in a short article in Entrepreneur? It was that article that got me rethinking, once again, about going into this business. That was great!!

About the vets here...they are VERY reponsive! I'm not sure, though, if they would like me leaving a box for a drawing or not--like someone on the board suggested. Have not felt the need to ask them for their client list. I think that would be too much to ask and I would feel that their clients might not appreiciate them giving the info out. Of course Atlanta is much bigger than Des Moines, although we are pushing about 250,000 here. I know a couple people in Atlanta...and one has 2 dogs!!! Should I send her your info? :) I rode across the USA last year with her and 6 other women-- on my bicycle-- to increase awareness for breast cancer. Lost my mother to the disease in 1988. Our ride was called America's Breast Cancer Ride. I think our website is still up...I will look it up and post the link so all you scoopin' buddies can get a look at our bunch! What a challenge! After that, about anything in my life seems easy!!

Keep trying to connect with your vets--have you tried them all? Take care, Shari, the Doggie Maid

PS--I'm sure you are quite aware that if you go to dirtywork.com instead of .net that a quite "interesting" site appears!! OH MY!
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PoopScoopKing.com
Hi erin
Wed Jan 9 05:56:34 2002


I definitely would no go to a vet for my critters if they would not let post a brochure stand. I know a lot, most , vets won't let you post a stand, but a few will and that's where I'd take my pets.
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Erin, Dirty Work
Re: Hi erin
Wed Jan 9 06:55:52 2002


Unfortunately, my vet is the only real specialist in town for the problem/illness my Lab has. I want her to get the best care, even if they have a "no ads" policy. But I agree, if it were general vet care, I'd find someone else.
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dogpile patrol
will vets give or sell you names?
Tue Jan 8 07:44:53 2002


will vets give or sell you names? if no perhaps a little form to drop in a box an fill out to win a chance to receive a free poop scooping,and gift for your pooch,with in an area thats noted , and keep others not picked for further references, and leave that at a vet or a pet or a groomer ect. like when you fill out the things for a free car to win at the mall or a cruises.
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Anonymous
win chance 2 receive free poop scooping/gift..like it !!!
Tue Jan 8 07:47:02 2002
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PoopScoopKing
That's good stuff
Tue Jan 8 05:58:54 2002


You may be new but that's good marketing - very good!
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Shari from Doggie Maid
Thanks to the KING!
Tue Jan 8 07:31:15 2002


Your words are very much appreciated! You wear your crown well! Take care, Shari
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PoopScoopKing.com
Doggy Day Care
Tue Jan 8 08:08:25 2002


I have a doggy day care as a client. We pick up a bag of waste from there every two weeks. It seems they have a pretty strong business. I think they charge $20 to $30 per day and have 10 to 25 dogs in per day. Seems you can gross 6 to 8 k per month. Expenses would be any employees you might need and the rent. Does anyone have any insight on this type of business?
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Mutts Matters
i use a doggie day care
Fri Jan 11 18:09:42 2002


I take my dog to a doggie day care 1-2 times a week. Yes I had to provide proof of vaccinations (including kennel cough). Also, an emergency number in case I can not be reached, and had to sign a waiver (For if another dog bites mine, etc..). Also, I have talked to the owners and zoning is difficult. You will probably have to be in a commercialized zone. This one is located near factories. NOT NEAR HOUSES!!!
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Erin, Dirty Work
Re: Doggy Day Care
Tue Jan 8 10:07:44 2002


One of the most asked questions from clients is do we know of a doggie day care.

I love the idea, but I can't imagine the liability. Do you make everyone provide proof of vacinations? What if one dog brings in fleas? Bites another dog? Just because a dog has always been friendly before doesn't mean he won't feel threatened or issue a warning snap to an errant pooch.

Zoning would be an interesting issue. Are they in a commercial space or is it out of someone's home?
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PoopScoopKing
good questions
Tue Jan 8 10:48:58 2002


Commerical buildings are necessary. As are proof of vacinations and a zero tolerance for antisocial dogs. Doggy day care costs a bundle so I wouldn't think you'd be catering to clientelle that would tolerate fleas. Actually, you'd simply be putting liability insurance to beter use, you might actually need it. Whereas with scooping, you seldom if ever do. You would want some isolation space not so much for mean dogs, but for dogs that just prefer peace.
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liz
Poop in trash cans
Tue Jan 8 15:13:31 2002


I dont know how you guys are getting by with putting poop in trash cans or dumpsters, according to Health Inspector it is illegal! Kennels have to have a special system to dump thier waste into(which is about 4000) and keep it clean. And the EPA- they tell you to call the Health Department. And if you put the poop in trash cans and dumpsters that go to landfills you are contaminating the water. The guy told me if you wanted to open a commercial business you have to abide by the rules. And I don't want to pay EPA fines!

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Pete
Which one?
Wed Jan 9 17:24:52 2002


"according to Health Inspector it is illegal!"
Which health inspector is that?

"Kennels"
Which legal definition is that? An enclosed dog run is a kennel and I'm SURE that it is legal to own one without a 4000 (I assume that's dollar) system. I suspect that you meant commercial kennels meeting the legal definition in your area, but you weren't very specific.

"And the EPA-"
Which one? The US EPA? A State EPA? which state? The rules are NOT the same, you know (or perhaps you didn't.)

" they tell you to call the Health Department."
Which one? State? County? City?

" And if you put the poop in trash cans and dumpsters that go to landfills you are contaminating the water. "
This statement is simply false. Many people believe that a landfill is just a big hole in the ground, but it hasn't been that way for decades. Landfills are built to reduce the effect of runoff AND dog poop is by no means the most dangerous item put there. Common household refuse frequently contains chemicals that are undesirable in the water system. There are illegal dumps that don't meet local, state and federal standards, but I am not aware of ANY professional poop scooper who discards his waste in an illegal and unlicensed dump, are you?

"The guy"
Which one?

" told me if you wanted to open a commercial business you have to abide by the rules. "
Good advice. Which commercial business? Which rules?

"And I don't want to pay EPA fines! "
Me either. That's why I comply with the laws in my community and deal with a service provider who does the same. I'm EXTREMELY offended that you would make false accusations about me and my business concerning the way we handle waste. 'Course, you weren't very specific, maybe you meant somebody else.
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Red
Dang! Who woke Gramps up? Preach it! eom
Wed Jan 9 22:34:35 2002

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Gramps
Gramps gets grumpy when he can't scoop poop! eom
Thu Jan 10 07:33:15 2002

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HA HA HA HA
HAD A GREAT LAUGH AT THAT ONE!
Thu Jan 10 21:50:50 2002

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PoopScoopKing.com
Pete Rules! EOM
Thu Jan 10 04:16:26 2002

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CA Mike
Re: Poop in trash cans
Wed Jan 9 00:25:27 2002


Liz - In my area, it is considered standard household waste if it is placed in the dog owner's trashcan. That is the preferred method to dispose of it according to our county regs.

However, if I begin to haul it away, then it becomes hazardous waste and I need to get licensed, etc. The whole business dynamic changes. So....

Guess where I put it as I am leaving my customers' yards?

Mike
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Erin, Dirty Work
Re: Poop in trash cans
Tue Jan 8 16:24:30 2002


I am sure it depends on local law. That's why when people write me wanting info on starting a scooping biz, I direct them here, to buy Matthew's book, and to research and confirm local laws and codes.

We do all we can to be enviornmentally friendly. But the reality is, that same dog waste would be out in the world no matter what. If the client threw it away or we throw it away, it ends up doing the exact same thing :)
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Scoopy
Re: Poop in trash cans
Tue Jan 8 20:56:36 2002


I totally agree. Where I am at you can put it in the trash cans because my business in not servicing 100 dog a day.
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Alameda scoopers
poop in trash cans
Tue Jan 8 21:10:26 2002


I agree that this is a local issue. I called _everyone_ in my area, and got no very useful responses, except that you're supposed to dispose of poop in an "appropriate" way.

Also, my understanding of modern landfills is that something in a plastic bag (two, in my case)isn't going to decompose because it's practically hermetically sealed. Remember those studies where ten year old readable newspapers are dug up?

Stefani
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Anonymous
Have Her comsider the facts!!!!
Wed Jan 9 08:28:32 2002


If you would stop to consider the facts. We are doing the Enviroment a favor by containing it to certain areas. What would happen if we weren't around? Look at what happens when it rains heavily. It breaks down, seeping into the ground. Or the fact that it not only ruins the landscape. Before we were around. Where did it go. Now that we are trying to do our part with the enviroment by cleaning up the waste. You have those that are NOW concern about where it is GOING? I find that odd. Even with these doggie disposal units that I use at home. It still goes into the ground.Which is eventually going into our underground water system. Not to mention the fact that you have to use chemicals to break it down to a liquid.Now doesn't make alot of sense.
I have even seen my fellow neighbors dumping their dog's waste into the "woods" instead of using a professional service, to remove it. I personally belief is as long as your following your county's/state guide lines.How could you go wrong with the EPA. After all don't you think they thought about this before they made it a law! DOO DOO HAPPENS! HMMMMMMMMMMMM?
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Tom
Looking at the business???
Tue Jan 8 15:42:12 2002


I am actually looking at the tool end of the business rather than the business end of the business. I thought I would ask some of the pros here to take a look at my new tool and give me their thoughts. In my area there are 9 scoopers. I made calls to 7 of them. 1 does commercial only but said he will be happy to look at the tool, 2 said no new residentials on their messages, 2 said too busy to talk (1 of these was rude, the other said she had just run an ad and was overwhelmed by the response), and 1 is coming by to tryout the tool. Now I'm wondering if I'm in the wrong end of the business and should start scooping residences. Thoughts anyone?

Thanks,
Tom
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Pete
Wrong approach, Tom
Wed Jan 9 16:56:13 2002


If you are selling, take it to them. Make it as easy as possible to see and buy. Have something REALLY worthwhile, not just something you like because it was your idea. Do you have any idea what your customers want? Or are you just selling what you have to sell?

I'm sick of people trying to sell me crap I don't want, can't use and wouldn't buy at half the price over the phone.

On the other hand, I AM looking for steel tined shrubbery rakes. I'd like 2 or three dozen shipped ASAP. Don't try to sell me the ones made for scooping poop, they're not very good for the job. Don't try to sell me a shovel. Don't try to sell me a plate on a stick. Don't try to sell me a rake with a steel handle or plastic tines. I want wood handles and steel tines. Those I can use. Most of the crap sold for scooping poop is like fishing lures - designed to catch fishermen, not fish. If you want my attention, show me something really worthwhile. I'm always impressed with a good new idea, too bad there are so damn few around.

(At this point, Pete steps off his soap box, whacks Red with his cane (on the principle that he probably had it coming) and wonders if this guy was a picture and/or a website.)
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Tom
Re: Wrong approach, Tom
Fri Jan 11 11:28:41 2002


Thanks for stepping off the soapbox Pete. I understand what you are saying, however, I'm not trying to sell anyone anything. I'm still in the research mode. You're right, I have an idea that I think is great because it actually works, stays clean (no need to disinfect), is light weight and durable. My thought in calling the pros here in Colorado was to get a professional's evaluation. I let Harvey from Turd Busters take one to use for a month for free. He had some good observations that I'm going to try to incorporate. And like Pete, he was skeptical to start with. My reason for the original posting was my amazement that the pros here seem to have more business than they can handle. I had thought that with 9 pros this market was saturated but that doesn't appear to be the case and it made me think that maybe I should start scooping residences.
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Red
The day I have more biz than I can handle... NEVER! - ?..eom
Fri Jan 11 19:25:53 2002
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minesweepers
SELLING CRAP
Wed Jan 9 21:53:30 2002


SOUNDS LIKE AN ICE CREAM CONE MELTED A LITTLE TOO FAST WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER.HOWEVER I DO AGREE COMPLETELY(EXCEPT THE CANE THING)
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Red
I'm innocent Gramps! DITTO (except...) Thanks MS, :) eom
Wed Jan 9 22:31:20 2002
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Tom
Looking at the business???
Wed Jan 9 16:52:10 2002


Wow! Thanks for all the interest. I am hoping to have a good picture available in the next day or so and will let you know where to view it. I met with Harvey from Turd Busters (commercial only) today to demo the tool. He liked it and wanted to try it for a week or two to see how his crew like it. He has been in the business for 15 years and uses the lobby tray, paddle, and large garbage bags. I attached one of his large bags to the tool and he thought it worked great.

Tom
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PoopScoopKing.com
Re: Looking at the business???
Wed Jan 9 05:48:08 2002


What state are we talking about Tom? Must be California.
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CA Mike
Tom - show us your tool. eom
Wed Jan 9 00:27:23 2002
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MINESWEEPERS
YOUY MIGHT WANT TO REPHRASE THAT EOM
Wed Jan 9 21:54:40 2002

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Tom
Re: YOUY MIGHT WANT TO REPHRASE THAT EOM
Fri Jan 11 11:32:09 2002


I had the same thought, MS. I am still going to post pics and will be happy to talk with anyone who has any ideas about my tool for scoopers.:)
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Red
Re: Looking at the business???
Tue Jan 8 21:22:52 2002


Why would anyone say no? I think we're all just waiting to see it - ?

-Red
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Anonymous
Re: Looking at the business???
Tue Jan 8 20:03:15 2002


Sounds like your area needs more Pro. Scoopers if that is the reception you are getting! Also, are you trying to market your tool to the pros? For the amount of waste we retrieve from each yard, most tools designed for scooping just won't make the grade. A shovel or rake and a large utility dustpan are the norm for scoopers. so if your invention could hold a large amount of poo. you might have something. Otherwise, I would say, find some dog owners that are willing to try it out in their own yard. What ever you decide, Good Luck!
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Erin, Dirty Work
Re: Looking at the business???
Tue Jan 8 15:49:23 2002


Tom,

Do you have a link to a picture of your new tool? I am sure myself and the wonderful people that frequent this board could offer pointers and help explain its good and bad points. Maybe you have a diamond in the rough with your invention!
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