How do I show appreciation to my groomers?

[Emoore]

So a couple of months ago a new grooming shop opened up near my house. I probably never would have stopped in, but I had a foster with a bad tick problem and because they were a brand new shop they were able to take her right away.

I have fallen in love with these two young ladies. First of all, they do my foster/rescues for practically nothing. I handed their cards out to my friends and neighbors and they told me that several people came in saying I sent them, so they've been grooming Rocky and Kopper for a little over half of what the groom says it costs on their services board. They do nail trims for free. In addition, I showed up early to pick up Kopper from his very first groom. Nobody was in the front office area and they didn't know I was there. I could hear both of them in the back with him, telling him what a good boy he was and making a big fuss over him. I know what a big pain my puppy can be. If they can speak sweetly to him and call him a good boy after two hours of de-shedding, bathing, nail-trimming, and blow drying they MUST be saints!


I really want this shop to stay open, and I really appreciate them. Aside from referring my friends, how can I show my appreciation and help them do well?

[Lauri & The Gang]

A nice tip is always appreciated.

[Emoore]

Originally Posted by Lauri & The Gang

A nice tip is always appreciated.

Oh believe me, I do that. I usually tip them 25-30% of the list price, not the discount price they actually charged me.

[KZoppa]

well definitely continue referring people to them! thats for sure! Pass out cards with high praise for them like candy to anyone who will listen/askes for a recommendation. Honestly, if they're THAT good and pleasant, that will speak for itself. I know I'd definitely take my two there if its known to be a pleasant experience.

Perhaps as a thank you for their totally awesome attitudes, you could buy them lunch?

[onyx'girl]

I would bump their website on FB, give them exposure. But really if they are that good, they'll be turning away clients or having a long wait list. The good ones weed out the bad. The groomer I take Karlo to, has a 6 week wait for new clients(full grooming) yet take walk in nail trims for only $8. There are groomers everywhere around my town.
I call ahead and schedule for K and give them double what they charge. They come out with his tail wagging and they are red faced and sweating, he hates it so bad/they know what they're doing though and I trust them! That is the whole selling point of a groomer....trust.

[Emoore]

Originally Posted by onyx'girl

I would bump their website on FB, give them exposure. But really if they are that good, they'll be turning away clients or having a long wait list.

I hope so. They're not in the best area and the city is doing a major road construction project right in front of the entrance to their parking lot, so getting in there is a hassle. Every time I go there the city has moved the entrance somewhere else. If people come in they'll come back, but it's hard to get in there the first time.

[The Packman]

Word of mouth is the best advertisement !

As for showing your appreciation...you could just talk to them and see what their into and than buy them a small gift along those lines.

For example...I have a friend who collects salt and pepper shakers ! Something like that !

[dogfaeries]

Ditto on the suggestions you've gotten. I'm a groomer, and while I certainly don't expect a tip, it is always much appreciated!

Recommending them to everyone is the best thing you can do for them. Get the word out on the shop. They need to build up a steady, reliable clientele. I would estimate that about 90 percent of the dogs I groom are on a standing appointment. I turn new customers away all the time, because I simply don't have the room for them. I hope your groomers get to that point!

[AlpineGSD]

The groomers where I live charge around $60, too much for me, so I always give my dog baths at home. I wish we had a groomer like yours here!

[Daisy&Lucky's Mom]

I tip.My groomer dealt w/ Daisy during her GSD Heifer hound period .I swear she mooed,cried and went passively limp.This was from 1to 3 kind of an idiot phase. I pay 40.00 per dog I tip 5 to 10.00 depending on whether i have demonstrated poor planning and they squeezed me in or like now I hurt my back and Lucky is blowing his coat.Lucky is the salon boy actually likes it,Daisy is now considered well behaved but talkative. They go about 3 to 4x a year so its not huge money but bathing at home where there isno real room and last time i dont think i got the soap completely out and took them to the groomers anyway. I tip more at holidays.