As the COVID pandemic continues to hit the worldwide economy hard, many industries are experiencing unprecedented business challenges and disruptions. Every day is a struggle, especially for small businesses whose only choice is to close down and attempt to resume operations temporarily.
Running a dog care business, returning to step one, and restarting the company during the ‘new normal’ is far different from the pre-pandemic era. The strategies are not as foolproof as they used to be, and they are even seemingly impractical to apply, as everything needs forethought.
Hence, we have created a list of valuable practices as you revamp and get your pet Grooming business running again in the future.
1. Keep Clients Informed
Many have changed since the onset of this health crisis. Due to the safety protocols, pet grooming salons and boarding kennels need to adjust every aspect of their workflows to comply with such regulations. As a Pet Grooming Business offering varied services, you must ensure your clients are well informed about your implemented changes. Inform them about your operation hours, drop-off and pick-up locations, touchless payment options, cleaning and disinfection measures, and any new procedures you and your clients must follow.
Besides your clients’ and employees’ well-being, you might also need to keep your good reputation and keep your clients’ trust, proving that you know what you are doing. One possible way to achieve that is by communicating with your customers through emails and texts, apart from your website. Sharing updates on your official page or sending them directly to their emails and inboxes shows a precise and personal touch that will make them feel valued and a significant part of the community.
If you already use grooming business software, you can send mass emails or text messages, so you don’t have to look for each contact individually and spend less time on the phone or a computer. Since the COVID-19 state constantly changes, the pet groomer must adapt to the continuing changes and restrictions.
2. Give Special Deals and Discounts
People working from home could spend more time with their furry babies. They have all the time to give what their pet needs, like walking, cuddling, training, daycare, or grooming. However, there are cases that only professional pet groomers can accommodate and handle. However, due to the lockdowns and restrictions among many business establishments, pet owners may think twice about going to a pet grooming salon. As the government lifted restrictions and people gradually returned to work, pet owners opted to take their canine friends to doggy daycare for the day or get spruced up, especially if their Fido needed professional attention.
Offering discounts is one of the best ways to lure them and increase your business awareness. But keep in mind not overdoing it, as it may lead to overcrowding if people cram into your facility, which officials restrained during the pandemic era. Also, you may miss out on well-deserved revenue.
When creating discount rates or special deals, it is best to use a reliable system specialized in grooming services. You can easily make several kinds of discounts and deals. You can also track whether you are still gaining profits despite the promotions you offer to your clients. The ultimate purpose of giving a discount is not to drive traffic and demand but to benefit your loyal clients who may be struggling to recover financially due to the crisis.
3. Venture in Referral Programs
The pandemic caused so much uncertainty. But when it is over, people will re-socialize more than during the pre-pandemic—catching up, making in-person sales, or getting together. Hence, word of mouth could be an effective marketing tool for your pet grooming business, even for the long term.
One of the best ways to take this opportunity is to start a referral program. You may offer unique benefits to your employees or clients who will share or refer your services to friends and family. You can easily input who refers to whom and track the referral fee using good software. Depending on your choice, they can use the accumulated referral points to reduce your clients’ bills or take them as cash reimbursements. Either way, it can help your business grow and increase your customer base.
4. Prioritize Your Most Important Assets
COVID-19 is a deadly disease, so it is reasonable for any person to feel frightened to work and venture outside. When you reopen your pet grooming salon, you must ensure that your customers feel safe and that you care for their well-being. You can do this by providing personal protective equipment and implementing face coverings for vendors and clients to protect them from contamination. Also, appreciating your workers for their dedication and hard work helps them get motivated, increase morale, and prevent burnout.
Giving your workers days off is also good when they don’t feel well enough. You can easily adjust their schedule with dog grooming salon software when necessary. This approach may convey that you value them as part of the team and know you have their backs. Your gratitude and appreciation will go a long way and benefit you and your team members.
Pet Grooming Business Software – Gets Your Dog Daycare Facilities Up and Running
Overcoming this rollercoaster journey, running a business is like riding a rollercoaster, which can be bumpy. It takes time, proper planning, careful monitoring, compliance with the requirements, etc.
With the assistance of reliable K9sky, you don’t have to deal with the challenges of doing your business the old way. With its innovative features and automated functions, the software can help you get your leg back on track faster. K9sky will help your business get up and running once more.
