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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.

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 21-Jul-98 01:00:14

Finding new clients ... Hi all,
I was reading some of the posts regarding people having difficulty gaining clients. I'd like to put my two cents worth in here, and it comes from many years trying various methods of drumming up business for other ventures I have been involved with.
It seems to me that if I knew, or even had a good idea, which homes in any given neighborhood contained a family dog, the best plan of attack would be going up to knock on the door so I could speak with the people directly. Once I had them in front of me I could recite a quick line or two of introduction, hand them a flyer and business card, then make a friendly exit. With this approach I would be in direct contact with potential clients and that would give them a chance to see what a nice, friendly, and presentable fellow I am. On to the next house. And the next and so on.
The problem here lies in knowing (or making a good guess) which homes have a dog. I think that if I could get the dog to bark a bit, or otherwise make some noise to announce his presence, the rest would be rather easy.
A dog whistle costs a couple of bucks and once you learn to use it I would imagine one could get dogs within ear shot to react without annoying the people or drawing unwanted attention to them. Just a liesurely stroll down one side of a block and up the other should net pretty good results.
This approach is the most logical I can come up with. Pinpoint the homes that own dogs, then make a brief, informative presentation to the owners that won't leave them wishing they could get you to leave. I think a total of 20 seconds is plenty of time to say something like, "Hi! My name is David and I own Doody Calls, a brand new business in town dedicated to keeping your lawn free of dog waste for a very afforable fee. I don't want to take up any of your valuable time, so I'll just leave these with you if that's okay. Here is an information sheet for you (flyer), and my business card. If you have any questions or concerns after reading the info sheet, please don't hesitate to call me. Thank you for your time!" (smile and leave the premises)
Now, this sort of quick, informative but decidedly *not* intrusive presentation brings the new business directly to their attention and places your selling tools (flyer and business card) right into their hand, which is precisely where you want it. Think of it as a 30 second commercial break, just like on TV. I believe that if this is done properly, quickly, and leaves the person smiling and waving bye bye to you as you walk away, the chances for a successful sale connected to that single flyer/card combination are greatly increased. Look good, smell good, and present yourself in a professional and friendly manner, and you'll leave the bulk of your contacts feeling very good about your un-announced visit.
By they way, there may be a number of better methods for getting a favorable reaction from back yard dogs so you'll know where they live. The dog whistle was just one idea I had for that purpose.
Never underestimate the power of personal contact with people. When I owned an exotic bird import/export business in California, I would hand cards to everyone in my immediate vicinity no matter *where* I was. In line at the market, at the gas station, anywhere at all. True, a certain number of those people tossed my card in the nearest trash can, but a greater number slipped the card into a pocket. Many even thanked me. I was a smiling, friendly gentleman about the whole thing. Two or three seconds to announce who I was and what business I was in, a couple seconds to deliver a catchy little line, ("a Cockatoo will become the best friend you ever had and will outlive any other pet you can imagine!"), then a smile and a "Thanks!" as I walked away. Worked like a champ. I got more business from cards I had handed out than all other methods of advertising combined. Of course, a good-looking card can make all the difference in the world too. Cheap cards that look like they were thrown together without much thought or planning will not impress. Classy, informative, uncluttered card designs work the best.
Well, guess I've rambled on enough for the moment. Any comments on this message are certainly welcomed. I'll be using this approach when I launch our Doody Calls! scooping business next month!

David

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 21-Jul-98 10:41:25

Re: Finding new clients ... So David, do I understand that you tried this sells pitch mention going door to door with the 20 second speech, OR were you just considering it? If you did use it, what were the results - any takers?

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 21-Jul-98 14:39:17

Re: Finding new clients ... Nope...haven't actually tried it yet, but I think the idea is sound. As I said, anytime you can make personal contact with potential customers you have a much better chance of successful sales. We'll just have to see how well it works.

David

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 21-Jul-98 15:25:21

Re: Finding new clients ... Great idea! Realtors have used that method successfully for a long time. Not to mention the Fuller Brush and Encyclopidia salespeople. The returns on door to door sales in other industries are pretty copnsistent. There's no reason to think poop-scooping would be any different.

It is a time-consuming method, but the pay-off is there, too. You may spend three hours on the street, but you may also get two customers. If you've got the time, this method gives you a lot of control, since any time you need a couple more customers in a particular area you can just hit the road for a few hours.

I don't know if i'd limit myself to just houses with dogs, since they may know someone with dogs, even if they don't have them. If you're committed to only talking to dog houses, then you might try contacting your county's Animal Control people. I did and got a list of 4,500 dog owners in just a narrow range of zip codes. Cost: $25. (They also put them on labels for me, though I had to provide the labels.--I like the idea of mailing to 4,500 people at once. Kinkos is helping me make up 5000 post cards for $50.)

My first mailing will go out on August 7. I'll let you know what kind of return I get from this "lazy" method.

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 04:26:56

matthew's book and how to charge ... i am chopping at the bit waiting for matthew's book so many of you spoke highly of it how are you all charging? anyone doing package deals are you offering any other servives such as delivering min of 20lbs food? top of the line brands i haven't gone to sams about the shirts yet but that is a good idea i think a plain uniform type looks more prof. than just t-shirts magnectic signs for car good also but try to put one on the back it's easier to read and stays in front of eyes longer wouldlove to hear from you...have a wonderful day!!!

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 08:43:44

Re: matthew's book and how to charge ... Good Morning - I have not seen Matthews book, although I have heard wonderful comments on it.
Yes, we deliver pet food, but we also deliver an array of products such as vitamins, deoderizers, disinfectants, supplements,toys, etc. We ONLY deliver and deal with products that are non-toxic & earth freindly. We are adament about not using any product that would hurt the environment, pet,or family.
We do not use magnetic signs as they tend to get blown off. All are trucks are lettered and logo'd
from a sign maker. It is not exspensive and you can always have a little done at a time.

Uniforms are important. Thay should keep the CWT cool in summer and warm in winter. They should also indentify to the client at first glance who is in their yard. We use khaki pants, T-shirts, Vests, boots, Jackets, and gloves. We supply the first set and the CWT must purchase for a small fee any additional uniform piece.

Many Thanks,
Diane Rossi
petneeds@petneeds

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 20:15:15

Re: Re: matthew's book and how to charge ... i got matthew's book today WOW what a wealth of info----ideas+don'ts + does you people this book is really worth the money and will answer almost all or most of our quest... invest the money and deduct it it's easy to read fun to read and quick [ it's loaded]

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 12:45:44

Re: matthew's book and how to charge ... I like the sign on the back of the vehicle idea.

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 20:17:33

Re: Re: matthew's book and how to charge ... when i get the back of mine done i'l scan you a picture it will be neat

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 07-Aug-98 01:22:48

Re: matthew's book and how to charge ... Use common sense,a lot of my jobs lead to landscaping or resoding, because your job is to keep yards free of any and all voids, your plate should be full!! So should thier's. A vet will recommend food and the owner will get the recommened diet @ a pet store or grocer etc..
Don't be a know it all, or greedy,or else, because you'll have too much to do with that pet(pet's), and that's not your job! If you you want to to sell food, sell food! If you you want to train, sell food, clean up waste, walk em' groom em' I'll do anything for you please!, just keep me busy! It looks desperate, and you'll have no identity.Be a pet waste removal specialist!,And offer good advice! You'll be the wiser, and get referals from it! Clean up the poop!

Be Excellent

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 07-Aug-98 22:27:37

Re: matthew's book and how to charge ... The majority of people that will call you will say, i've never heard of such a thing, and they'll hear about you through the pet shops and groomers and vets, that you flyer!Don't go door to door!, it's waste of time. Heres a trick, when you flyer a place always state that this is a new service that they can offer they're customers,and always be courtious! Then ask them for thier business card so you can keep it on hand for referals to thier business when a customer asks, do you know a good groomer, vet, walker, etc....
You scratch my back, i'll srcatch yours!

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 08:18:10

Magnetic signs ... Anyone know where I can buy some nice magnetic signs for a cheap price? I can find some for about $100 a pair, but Erin from Dirty Work suggested Sam's and said they go for $50. The Sam's by me does not sell signs. Does anyone have a phone number for a company they have dealt with that might sell them for around $50 or so? Thanks!

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 19:09:18

Re: Magnetic signs ... Hi there -

Here is all the infor I have on the magnetic signs at Sam's Club:

Phone: 800-304-2266
Fax: 800-878-6247
Email: reliant@gte.net

3-5 business days for delivery.

Hope that helps!
Erin

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 19:32:41

Re: Magnetic signs ... Try www.magneticsigns.com. They pairs of signs for as little as $37.00. I hope you will find this info helpful.

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 19:32:41

Re: Magnetic signs ... Try www.magneticsigns.com. They pairs of signs for as little as $37.00. I hope you will find this info helpful.

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 19:52:22

Re: Magnetic signs ... i used r f dunlop in clearwater fl 1 800 859-7446 fax 813 799-1874 i had them do two signs fo me and they are great!!you can either submit what you want or they will be happy to assist you in deciding what would benifit you they have tons og logos or you can do your own have fun and good luck mine were 12" by 22" white with black letters and a pink paw in middle $40 = $2.80 tax 2 days wait i told them i wasn't in hurry

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 23-Jul-98 07:55:26

Re: Magnetic signs ... Thanks for everyones respond. It truly was a big help!!

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 09:08:01

Anyone have any Statistics ... Does anyone use statistics on their flyers?
I am looking for saying like, cleaning up the poop can help increase your dogs health. Or other things to get the message out that this a need not a privledge.
Any Ideas?

Thanks!

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 19:59:59

Re: Anyone have any Statistics ... yhe humane society or animal control could give info such as you requestd plus at your local library the research assistant could help you with the stats although i don't see how stats would be benificial to you we all know feces in the backyard is not healthy and you want to HELP people get rid of it not scare them...about it....good luck....

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 23-Jul-98 08:36:04

Re: Anyone have any Statistics ... There are health advantages, not only for the dog but also for the faimily. at my website I discuss
health, waste & children. If you speak with your veterinarian they can explain to you also the dangers of dog feces and children.

As for the dog. there are a lot of dogs that eat there own waste. But they also bring it in on there feet right into the house.

Visit petneeds.net and read "waste & health"
also watch for products as we will start putting Earth Friendly, non-toxic pet products up. Every thing from deoderizes, vitamins, skin oils, etc.

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 24-Jul-98 18:03:24

Re: Anyone have any Statistics ... Many locations have "pooper-scooper laws." (Check out the section of this website called "Cities with Pooper-Scooper laws" If you live in one of those areas you could cite that law in your flyer.
You can also mention things like "... it has to be done..." I once used the phrase "... flies land in it and then move on," with the implicit implication that the place those flies move on to is your table or something equally unpleasant.
Dog waste can be a very significant contributor to ground water pollution, as well. I'll post an article or two right after this.

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 24-Jul-98 18:06:15

Many Dog Owners Have No Idea They Are Spreading Disease ... Many Dog Owners Have No Idea They Are Spreading Disease
ALHAMBRA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 1998--
Dog Owners! Pick Up After Your Dogs! During "Be Kind to Animals
Week" and the Lingering El Nino Rains, the County of Los Angeles
Reminds All Pet Owners To Dispose of Dog Waste Properly.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works joins the American
Humane Association in celebrating "Be Kind to Animals Week," May 3-9.
Light El Nino sprinkles kicked off the week, and the County reminds all
pet owners that leaving animal waste on the ground spreads disease,
contributes to storm-drain pollution and makes neighborhoods unsightly.
A 1997 segmentation research study conducted for the County of Los
Angeles Department of Public Works found that more 125,000 dog owners
walked their dogs each month and repeatedly left the waste laying on the
ground.
How many people realize that taking Fido on a walk can be harmful to our
neighborhoods, our health and the ocean? Dog waste washes from the yard,
into the streets and gutters, and down the storm drains, flowing
untreated straight to the ocean.
Animal waste, particularly from dogs and horses, is just one contributor
to stormwater pollution, and contains disease-causing bacteria and toxic
chemical nutrients that can increase the risk of viral infections, flu
and skin rashes for ocean swimmers near storm- drain outfalls.
Litter, debris, motor oil, fertilizers and pesticides are other
pollutants that contaminate stormwater. In fact, 10 million gallons of
water containing these contaminants flow into storm drains in our
neighborhoods every day, more on rainy days.
Storm drains were not designed to transport these materials. Storm
drains are intended to take rainwater straight to the ocean to avoid
area flooding. When these contaminants make their way into a storm
drain, they not only pollute area waterways and close beaches, they clog
drains and cause local flooding.
The County of Los Angeles is spearheading a public-education campaign to
give its residents simple, everyday actions that add up to big changes
in the quality of their neighborhoods and life at the beach.
Owners, not pets, are responsible for solving the problem by taking
these easy steps:
-- Carry bags when walking your dog and clean up after your dog
every single time. Carry extra bags and make them available to
other pet owners who are without.
-- Take advantage of the complimentary bags offered in dispensers at
local parks. Use them to dispose of your pet's waste.
-- Ensure you always have extra bags in your car so you are prepared
when you travel with your dog.
-- Teach children how to properly clean up after a pet. Encourage
them to throw the used bags in the nearest trash receptacle if
they are away from home on a walk.
-- Put a friendly message on the bulletin board at the local dog
park to remind pet owners to clean up after their dogs.
-- Tell friends and neighbors about the ill effects of animal waste
on the environment. Encourage them to clean up after pets and
teach their children as well.
Call 888/CLEANLA in Los Angeles County to report illegal dumping, spills
into the storm-drain system, clogged catch basins or for more
information on how to prevent stormwater pollution.-0-
EDITOR'S NOTE: The research study noted in the third paragraph is the
"Los Angeles County Stormwater Segmentation Study -- Residents
Population" conducted in May 1997 by Pelegrin Research Group on behalf
of the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works.
The statement in the fifth paragraph related to the risk of viral
infections, flu and skin rashes is referenced to "Actions for Bay
Restoration," a 1996 report by the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project.
--30--tjm/la jel/la
CONTACT:
County of Los Angeles
Stephen Groner, 626/458-5947
or
Rogers & Associates
Jan Fambro, 310/552-6922, ext. 121

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 24-Jul-98 18:11:35

World's First "Animal Petition" to Fight Against Stormwater Pollution ... [Matthew's Note: Maybe you could adapt a similar idea to generate some interest and publicity for your own business...]

( BW)(LA-DEPT-PUBLIC-WORKS) REMINDER/Pets to Take Pollution Prevention
Pledge on Behalf of Owners
       --(BUSINESS WIRE)--
    World's First "Animal Petition" to Fight Against Stormwater
    Pollution In Los Angeles County
DATE: Saturday, June 6, 1998 TIME: 11 a.m. -3 p.m.
LOCATION: PETCO Store, Community Room, 17917 Ventura Blvd., Encino, Ca.
WHAT: CraZyDog's Pollution Prevention Pledge presented by the County of
Los Angeles Department of Public Works and sponsored by PetCo and
CraZyDog.
    Local animals will make history -- while they help the environment
at the same time -- by putting their paw or claw prints on the world's
first-ever petition signed by animals. To "sign," animals can have their
paw or claw print put on paper with water soluble ink or "sign," with a
rubber stamp and have their owners initial the signature.
    Animals pledge to..."look after my owner and make sure he/she cleans
up after me when we take a walk, or when I'm hanging out around the
yard. The environment is important to me, and I'll make sure my owner
and I do the best we can to protect it."
WHY: --Stormwater pollution is everyone's concern...even the family
pet's.
    --More than 125,000 dog owners walk their dog's each month and
repeatedly leave disease-causing animal waste laying on the ground. Not
only does this waste make our neighborhoods smelly and dirty, it washes
from our yards and streets, into the gutters and down the storm drains,
contaminating the ocean and beach.
    --Besides dog waste...litter, yard waste, fertilizers, pesticides,
vehicle fluids like motor oil, antifreeze and radiator fluid (just to
name a few) also cause storm drain pollution.
VISUALS: Pets taking the Pollution Prevention Pledge...pets interacting
with obedience trainers...Earl Holliman, formerly of long-time running
television series Police Woman and his dog Farley...pet food
tasting...pet photos with CraZyDog.


--30--ls/bos

CONTACT: Rogers & Assoc.
Jan Fambro
or
Deirdre M. Allingham
(310) 552-6922

Message Date/Time:
Wednesday, 22-Jul-98 13:05:06

Getting New Business ... I've noticed a trend in the "getting customers" area--they aren't calling if all you're doing is passive advertising. Starting any business is hard work--it takes a lot of charisma. You have to TALK to people. I've got a couple of friends who talk my service up to their friends--that personal referral from someone they know is what's getting us the best response so far.

As for the rest of it--the press releases, ads in the newspapers, flyers on door steps--those still need to happen. Advertisers always say that the message has to be seen 6 or 8 or 10 or whatever number of times for it to register. I haven't had one call off of any of my press releases--but I have had friends and acquaintances say they saw them in the papers. To me, that means the press releases are working. They're getting my name out, so when the time comes for Joe Blow or Mary Smith to suddenly see my ad (even though I've already delivered 5 previous flyers to their door), my business will have greater credibility.

We have to educate our market about our existence and generate interest in us before they'll call. If we're lucky--and we can do a lot to create our own luck--we'll get the 6 o'clock news to run a story about us. But don't count on it. Count on yourself. As someone said in a recent posting, set a goal for yourself of getting one or two new clients a week. Then work on that goal, rather than on a goal of 50 or 100 customers right away.

Cheers!

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 23-Jul-98 07:53:38

Re: Getting New Business ... Well said, Linda. Set a goal and work toward it. It really does work. "You get out of this what you put in to it!!!! You need to work HARD and be PERSISTENT.

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 23-Jul-98 01:41:02

Mathew's Book ... Just recieved Mathew's book today (boy...that was FAST!) and cannot put it down. I expected a good read, judging from the comments and suggestions he has posted her to this group. But I was surprised and delighted to find an exceptionally detailed, colorfully written, point-by-point, A-Z "everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask" manual that leaves nothing to guess at. I mean, if this guy took the time to explain the proper way to open a plastic bag, you can just imagine the detail he went into with such important topics as gaining customers and keeping them!
Bravo, Mathew! I could not be happier or more confident that this business will succeed now that i have your book to tell me exactly how to make it happen!

David

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 23-Jul-98 10:35:33

Re: Mathew's Book ... glad you got his book it's fantabulous!!!! i wish i waited for it because of all the great info and important advice good luck david bye

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 24-Jul-98 19:26:22

Re: Mathew's Book ... told you so it's great isn't it??? enjoy and don't give up pick up!!

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 23-Jul-98 17:01:08

Hi all: who you gonna call?.."THE POOP PATROL" ... Hi fellow poop scoopers, sending you lots of stinky trails $$$$$$ your way and bestest wishes!!!!.

"THE POOP PATROL" is in Northern Virginia,hopefully we'll do fine as soon as customers get used to the concept. don't despair you all.just think we're on the cutting edge of the service industry ha ha! Bea/.

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 24-Jul-98 21:18:41

Re: Hi all: who you gonna call?.."THE POOP PATROL" ... So, Where abouts are you in Va? Check out the directory of scoopers when you get a chance. Also check your e-mail address. Is this correct?

Frank Wiley
Poopy Scoopy Canine Waste Removal Service
Serving the entire Hampton Roads area

Message Date/Time:
Saturday, 25-Jul-98 21:22:57

Re: Hi all: who you gonna call?.."THE POOP PATROL" ... Hello Poop Patrol,
Where in Va are you? Iam in Winchester. I have a Pet Care Service. I don't do alot of scooping except for the elderly and handicapped. But 3 years ago in Ca. I was very busy. You are right, once the concept catchs on. You will be very busy Good Luck,
Deborah Southpaw Pet Care Services.

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 28-Jul-98 11:27:25

Re: Hi all: who you gonna call?.."THE POOP PATROL" ... We ARE the wave of the future. Hang in there. Business WILL pick-up!! Advertise, Advertise, Advertise.

Message Date/Time:
Thursday, 30-Jul-98 23:24:58

Re: Hi all: who you gonna call?.."THE POOP PATROL" ... I sure would like to know where you are located? Please advise. Thanks.

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 24-Jul-98 15:34:52

Any information is appreciated ... I am posting this on behalf of my father who has recently expressed an interest in this business. Does anyone have any tips/suggestions/ideas/information that would help him? What should be the first step, second step, etc...? Any ideas for advertising? What are the best products for the waste removal? Do you have to apply for a business license? I have a lot of questions, so anything you have to say would be extremely helpful. Thanks.

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 24-Jul-98 17:43:44

Re: Any information is appreciated ... Well, Laura, you've certainly come to the right place! Be sure to read all the way through this message board, including all the replies. There is a wealth of information right here. The people who participate here are really terrific!
And explore the entire website; there are quite a few facts and tips throughout the site, and some of your questions are directly addressed in the Frequenty Asked Questions area.
Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that the very first step is to obtain your copy of "The Professional Pooper-Scooper." It's a complete and detailed startup guide based on my own actual experience in starting and growing a successful dog waste removal service.
I started from a small apartment, with almost no money -- and ended up with several hundred weekly accounts, employees, a fleet of trucks and a full-time manager to run the business for me. Eventually I sold the business for nearly a quarter-million dollars. Not a bad return on that original investment!
"The Professional Pooper-Scooper: How to start your own low-cost, high-profit dog waste removal service" is not available in stores. You can order it directly from the author (that's me!) for $31.95, postage paid in the US. To order the manual, or to receive free information in the mail, write to
Matthew Osborn, P.O. Box 132308, Columbus OH 43213.

Best of luck to you and your father! We all look forward to hearing about his progress, so be sure to keep us posted.

Message Date/Time:
Friday, 24-Jul-98 19:23:04

Re: Any information is appreciated ... all i can say is spend the $ wait and order matthew's manual it's all you need and then some but please do come back on and keep in touch with us you'll pick up good info, get moral support and meet really neat folks it takes a special person to and pick up poop!!!!!

Message Date/Time:
Tuesday, 28-Jul-98 11:19:36

Re: Any information is appreciated ... Buy Matthew's book - It's worth the investment!!