Before starting a dog walking business, you need to familiarize yourself with the different dog breeds, and their care and maintenance needs. All of this requires meticulous planning and attention to detail, or your business may do poorly and fail. Formulate a solid plan and be methodical as you construct your business.
The first thing you have to do is identify your market. Figure out where your potential customers are located by conducting a bit of research. Some of your potential customers will be people who work long hours each day, while others may be elderly or handicapped. There will be others who will only require your services during holidays, or while they are on vacation. Do not forget to check out the competition. You can do all of this by going online and conducting a quick search.
Another important step in planning your dog walking business is to create an estimate of your start up costs. Fortunately, the majority of your start up costs will be related to pamphlets and other advertising, dog supplies, and business cards. As you plan your budget, remember to allow for any unexpected expenses that might come up. Also, be sure to obtain a business license and insurance before you start accepting customers.
The most crucial thing in getting your business going is advertising. Distribute your business cards to vets, stores that specialize in pet supplies, and your friends. Telling your friends and associates might just be one of the most efficient ways of building up your client base. Make sure to incorporate special promotions such as discounts for handicapped individuals or the elderly. After you have established your business, you might decide that you want to diversify by offering other services to your customers.
Another great way to gain exposure is by getting listed with one of the pet publications, or perhaps an online directory. Whenever people are looking for dog walkers or pet sitters, they refer to these. There are also various pet care organizations that you can contact about advertising. Becoming a member of one of these is a great idea so that you can get acquainted with the most recent developments in pet care, and to circulate with other pet sitters.
For each client that you acquire, you should create a contract that spells out the specifics of your job. This information should include the name of the dog you will be walking, how much money you are charging the client, the dates and time periods that you are scheduling for the dog, and the other services that you may be providing. It is important that you remember to have leashes, a first aid kit, and poop bags on hand.
Always keep your eyes and ears open to discover new ways and means to enhance your business. Continue diversifying and adding to your client base. This way your dog walking business will turn out to be a roaring success. - 15790
The first thing you have to do is identify your market. Figure out where your potential customers are located by conducting a bit of research. Some of your potential customers will be people who work long hours each day, while others may be elderly or handicapped. There will be others who will only require your services during holidays, or while they are on vacation. Do not forget to check out the competition. You can do all of this by going online and conducting a quick search.
Another important step in planning your dog walking business is to create an estimate of your start up costs. Fortunately, the majority of your start up costs will be related to pamphlets and other advertising, dog supplies, and business cards. As you plan your budget, remember to allow for any unexpected expenses that might come up. Also, be sure to obtain a business license and insurance before you start accepting customers.
The most crucial thing in getting your business going is advertising. Distribute your business cards to vets, stores that specialize in pet supplies, and your friends. Telling your friends and associates might just be one of the most efficient ways of building up your client base. Make sure to incorporate special promotions such as discounts for handicapped individuals or the elderly. After you have established your business, you might decide that you want to diversify by offering other services to your customers.
Another great way to gain exposure is by getting listed with one of the pet publications, or perhaps an online directory. Whenever people are looking for dog walkers or pet sitters, they refer to these. There are also various pet care organizations that you can contact about advertising. Becoming a member of one of these is a great idea so that you can get acquainted with the most recent developments in pet care, and to circulate with other pet sitters.
For each client that you acquire, you should create a contract that spells out the specifics of your job. This information should include the name of the dog you will be walking, how much money you are charging the client, the dates and time periods that you are scheduling for the dog, and the other services that you may be providing. It is important that you remember to have leashes, a first aid kit, and poop bags on hand.
Always keep your eyes and ears open to discover new ways and means to enhance your business. Continue diversifying and adding to your client base. This way your dog walking business will turn out to be a roaring success. - 15790