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If you own acreage, you should consider starting a tree farm. The American Christmas Tree Association reports the average price for a tree was $74 in 2017. The average number on a farm was 200 trees equaling $14,800. Looking for a Christmas tree farm for sale is one option.
Here’s how to start a tree farm that grows other kinds too.
It makes sense that the first thing you will need to be a tree farmer is some land. If you already own some acreage, you’ll need to designate a part of your farm for trees. Fallow land that’s not being used for anything else or other crops is best.
If you’re starting from scratch, buying a wooded piece of property can get you started. That way you can sell the lumber that’s already there. Make sure there is only a slight slope to any land you want to buy. That way water will pool slightly and not just run downhill.
Land that’s already been used for a crop is a good buy.
Patience is important. Most types of trees that are worth money take eight years before they are big enough to harvest.
One feasible and lucrative route for people interested in starting a tree farm, particularly in an urban setting, is to launch a nursery. A tree nursery essentially involves the cultivation of young trees until they reach a certain age or size where they are suitable for selling or transplantation. This venture typically requires only a few years to produce a significant number of young trees for sale. The idea is to provide customers with a diverse selection of saplings, catering to their specific landscaping or horticulture needs.
Below is a detailed expansion of the necessary steps to establish a successful tree nursery:
Starting a nursery offers multiple benefits. In addition to the profit from selling trees, it also contributes to urban green space and provides environmental benefits like carbon sequestration and air purification. Whether it’s a small backyard operation or a larger commercial venture, a tree nursery can be a rewarding and beneficial enterprise.
Starting a tree farm begins with some careful decisions. Some people start looking for a Christmas tree farm for sale. But there are other types of trees that you can make money on. Fruit and lumber trees are popular choices, but they don’t grow everywhere.
It all depends on the area of the country where you live. That goes for people who are looking to start an urban tree farm like a nursery too.
If you are wondering how to start a tree farm, you can choose to grow trees for lumber. These need to grow fast and the best choices are hardwood trees like birch and cherry. Wondering how to start a Christmas tree farm?
These can be ready to go in as little as a decade.
Picking the right market is an important part of deciding what to grow.
You might be looking for a Christmas tree farm for sale or starting an apple tree farm. It doesn’t matter since you need to know how to look after your trees.
Applying mulch, watering and fertilizing are critical so they grow. Stake them for the first year so they don’t blow over. And don’t forget to prune them to improve the space between branches.
If there’s a farmer’s market close, an apple tree farm makes perfect sense. This is a good idea if you decided on trees that grow fruits and nuts too. Talk with local builders if you’re growing trees for lumber.
Greenhouses and nurseries are the people to connect with if you’re going to grow landscaping trees.
When embarking on the journey to become a tree farmer, one fundamental aspect that can’t be overlooked is the acquisition of the right equipment. Just as a painter needs brushes and a carpenter needs a hammer, a tree farmer too needs specific tools to make the farming process efficient and successful. These essential tools can either be bought or rented, depending on your budget and long-term plans. However, irrespective of your chosen mode of acquisition, you’ll need to shop around to get the best deals and high-quality tools.
Outlined below is an expanded list of the primary tools and equipment you’ll need to successfully run your tree farm:
Having the right equipment at your disposal will simplify your tree farming tasks and make your efforts more productive. Remember, this list can vary based on the specific needs of your farm, your budget, and the scale of your operation. In essence, efficient tools are the bedrock of a successful tree farm.
A good tractor will help you to till and plow the soil. Remember you need to leave 6 feet on all sides between trees so they grow properly. If you’re just starting out and you want to rent, make sure to get a few quotes. These can go by the number of hours you’ll need the machine.
Here’s a good blog that tells you what to look for if you’re planning on buying a used tractor.
You will need one of these to make the holes to plant the trees. Make sure that you find an auger designed for this purpose. It should be marked as a tree auger. It needs to do specific things like leaving enough room for backfilling after you planted the tree.
There are other items you’ll need too like a chainsaw and a trailer. The chainsaw is for pruning and cutting the trees down. The trailer is for hauling your trees and other tools around.
There are several certifications to go for and groups you can join.
The American Tree Farm System has a five step process for certification. The Government offers some incentives for tree farmers that want to grow things like fruit here.
| Checklist for Starting a Tree Farm | Description |
|---|---|
| Buy or Set Aside Land | You’ll need some land to start a tree farm. If you already own some acreage, designate a part for trees. If starting from scratch, consider buying a wooded property. Ensure the land has only a slight slope so water will pool slightly and not just run downhill. |
| Patience | Remember that most types of trees that are worth money take approximately eight years before they are big enough to harvest. |
| Start a Nursery | This is a great option, particularly for urban settings. Cultivate young trees until they are suitable for selling or transplantation. Essential steps include space assessment, market research, acquisition of tree seeds or seedlings, nursery setup, tree care, and marketing/selling. |
| Decide on the Tree Types | Depending on the area you live in, you can choose from Christmas trees, fruit trees, lumber trees, and others. Pick the right market to decide what to grow. |
| Tree Care | Learning how to look after your trees is essential, including applying mulch, watering, fertilizing, staking them for the first year, and pruning to improve the space between branches. |
| Choose the Market | This could be a local farmer’s market, local builders, or greenhouses and nurseries, depending on the types of trees you’re growing. |
| Acquire the Right Equipment | Essential tools include shovels, spades, pruning tools, garden rakes, hoes, watering tools, wheelbarrows or garden carts, power equipment, protective gear, seedling trays, containers, soil testing kits, and fertilizer spreaders. |
| Find a Good Tractor | A good tractor will help you till and plow the soil. If you’re starting out, you may want to consider renting one. |
| Invest in a Tree Auger | This is necessary for making the holes to plant the trees. Make sure to find one marked as a tree auger. Other items you’ll need include a chainsaw for pruning and cutting trees down, and a trailer for hauling your trees and other tools. |
| Research Certifications | Look into joining organizations like the American Tree Farm System, which has a five-step process for certification. The government also offers incentives for tree farmers that want to grow things like fruit. |
In the competitive world of agriculture and forestry, effective marketing strategies are essential for the success of a tree farm. Whether you’re selling Christmas trees, ornamental varieties, or timber, the right approach to marketing can significantly boost your visibility and sales. Here are six key marketing strategies, each with a specific focus to help your tree farm thrive:
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When styling elements on your webpage, there are times when you have to pull out magic tricks to get your desired look. Letter spacing in CSS may just be the card up your sleeve. It’s the fine-tuning dial that fixes tight, awkward text, so your content can breathe and flow.
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In today’s business world, companies face fierce competition in their respective markets. To stand out among competitors, businesses need to have a clear understanding of their goals and objectives. One way to achieve this is through the development of a mission statement. By exploring mission statement examples from some of the leading brands in the world, you will learn what to do and what not to do to create an impactful mission statement for your own business.
Similarly, you will also find out what a mission statement is, why it is essential for businesses, and how to create an effective mission statement. We’ll also define the differences between mission statements and vision statements.
There’s even a template to follow at the end that’ll help you write your company mission statement in no time at all. By crafting a compelling mission statement, you can articulate your business’s purpose, values, and direction, setting the foundation for your company’s success and differentiation in the competitive market.
A mission statement defines the purpose, values, and objectives of a company with a concise and clear statement. It communicates the company’s core identity and serves as a guide for decision-making and goal-setting.
A mission statement that is well-crafted should reflect the company’s vision, goals, and values, and inspire employees, customers, and stakeholders to align with the company’s purpose. A mission statement can also help establish its brand identity by differentiating the company from its competitors.
A mission statement is essential for businesses for several reasons:
Just like a mission statement, a business needs to establish a process for putting down plans on paper to make sure they are carried out. Creating a one-page marketing plan and even conducting a SWOT analysis are all part of this process. If you establish these disciplines early, you will continue to improve your business and better chance of ensuring the success of your business.
After reading, be sure to check out OnStrategy | Virtual Strategist’s whiteboard session on how to create a mission statement. It will give you another fresh take on the topic, along with some tricks and tips:
Before you get started writing your company’s mission statement, check out these mission statement examples from some of the world’s most well-known companies.
“To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”
Google’s mission statement is clear and concise, reflecting the company’s focus on organizing and making information accessible. It communicates the company’s purpose and values in a memorable way.
“To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.”
Tesla’s mission statement reflects the company’s focus on sustainability and its commitment to driving change in the energy sector. It inspires stakeholders to work towards a shared goal of creating a more sustainable future.
“To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.”
Starbucks’ mission statement emphasizes its focus on creating a positive impact in the communities it serves. It reflects the company’s commitment to its customers and their well-being.
“Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”
Patagonia’s mission statement reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and its role as a leader in the outdoor industry. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a clear and concise way.
“To be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online.”
Amazon’s mission statement emphasizes its focus on the customer and reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and technology. It communicates the company’s purpose in a memorable way.
“To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.”
Nike’s mission statement is inclusive and reflects the company’s focus on innovation and pushing boundaries. It inspires stakeholders to pursue their goals and aspirations.
“To entertain, inform and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.”
The Walt Disney Company’s mission statement reflects its commitment to storytelling and entertainment. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable way.
“To empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.”
Microsoft’s mission statement emphasizes its focus on innovation and technology, while also reflecting its commitment to helping people and organizations achieve their goals.
“To refresh the world in mind, body and spirit. To inspire moments of optimism and happiness through our brands and actions.”
Coca-Cola’s mission statement emphasizes its focus on refreshing and inspiring people. It reflects the company’s commitment to bringing people together and creating positive experiences.
“To become the world’s leading provider of premium products and premium services for individual mobility.”
BMW’s mission statement emphasizes its focus on innovation and premium products. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a clear and concise way.
“To make, distribute and sell the finest quality all-natural ice cream and euphoric concoctions with a continued commitment to incorporating wholesome, natural ingredients and promoting business practices that respect the Earth and the Environment.”
Ben & Jerry’s mission statement reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability and natural ingredients. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable way.
“To create a better everyday life for many people.”
IKEA’s mission statement reflects its commitment to improving people’s lives through affordable and innovative home products. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a clear and memorable way.
“To drive human progress through freedom of movement.”
Ford’s mission statement reflects its commitment to innovation and technology, while also emphasizing its focus on helping people. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a clear and concise way.
“To invent the next industrial era, to build, move, power and cure the world.”
General Electric’s mission statement reflects its commitment to innovation and technology, while also emphasizing its focus on improving people’s lives. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable and inspiring way.
“To connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful.”
LinkedIn’s mission statement reflects its focus on connecting people and empowering professionals. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a clear and concise way.
“To be the best in the world at what we do.”
Procter & Gamble’s mission statement reflects its commitment to excellence and innovation in the consumer goods industry. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable way.
“To build the Web’s most convenient, secure, cost-effective payment solution.”
PayPal’s mission statement reflects its focus on innovation and technology, while also emphasizing its commitment to security and convenience. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a clear and concise way.
“To connect People to what’s important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel.”
Southwest Airlines’ mission statement reflects its commitment to providing affordable and friendly air travel. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable and inspiring way.
“To ignite opportunity by setting the world in motion.”
Uber’s mission statement reflects its focus on innovation and technology, while also emphasizing its commitment to providing opportunities for people. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a clear and concise way.
“To be a company that inspires and fulfills your curiosity.” Sony’s mission statement reflects its commitment to innovation and creativity. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable and inspiring way.
“To bring beauty to all people of the world.” L’Oréal’s mission statement reflects its commitment to providing beauty products that are inclusive and accessible to all. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a clear and concise way.
“To connect the world through the most innovative, reliable, and secure payment network – enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive.”
Visa’s mission statement reflects its focus on innovation and technology, while also emphasizing its commitment to security and reliability. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable and inspiring way.
“To operate outstanding express transportation and information services through a global network that delivers reliable, value-added solutions for our customers, while providing challenging and rewarding careers for our people.”
FedEx’s mission statement reflects its commitment to providing reliable and valuable transportation and information services. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a clear and concise way.
“To create innovative products and services that enrich people’s lives.”
Apple’s mission statement reflects its focus on innovation and technology, while also emphasizing its commitment to improving people’s lives. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable and inspiring way.
“We work hard every day to make American Express the world’s most respected service brand.”
American Express’s mission statement reflects its commitment to excellence in service and brand reputation. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a clear and concise way.
“To improve every life through innovative solutions.” 3M’s mission statement reflects its focus on innovation and technology, while also emphasizing its commitment to improving people’s lives. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in a memorable and inspiring way.
“To provide superior quality healthcare services that: PATIENTS recommend to family and friends, PHYSICIANS prefer for their patients, PURCHASERS select for their clients, EMPLOYEES are proud of, and INVESTORS seek for long-term returns.”
Universal Health Services, Inc.’s mission statement reflects its commitment to providing quality healthcare services that meet the needs of patients, physicians, purchasers, employees, and investors. It communicates the company’s values and purpose in
While the mission statement examples in the list can be inspiring, you need to look at your small business and what it is looking to achieve and deliver. These are huge companies so take that into consideration as you craft your mission and vision statements.
Creating a mission statement requires careful consideration and thought. Here are some steps to help you create an effective mission statement:
Determine Your Company’s Purpose
The first step in crafting a great mission statement is to determine your company’s purpose. This purpose describes what your company does, why it exists, and the impact it seeks to have on the world. The mission statement should be aligned with your company’s vision statement and guide your overall strategy.
Identify Your Target Audience
A company mission statement should be crafted with your target audience in mind. Consider who your company serves and what problem you’re solving for them. Your mission statement should be clear and concise, using language that resonates with your target audience.
Define Your Company’s Core Values
Core values are the principles that guide your company’s behavior and decision-making. A great mission statement reflects your company’s core values, articulating the beliefs that drive your company’s culture and identity.
Summarize Your Mission Statement
A good mission statement should be concise and memorable. It should summarize your company’s purpose, target audience, and core values in a clear and compelling way. A great mission statement inspires and motivates stakeholders to align with your company’s purpose and goals.
When creating your company’s mission statement, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can undermine its effectiveness. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Being too Broad or Generic
One common mistake when writing a company’s mission statement is being too broad or generic. A mission statement that is too general or lacks specificity may fail to communicate the unique value proposition of the company, and may not inspire or motivate stakeholders.
Focusing too Much on Profits
Another mistake is focusing too much on profits. While profits are important, a mission statement that emphasizes them too much may come across as self-serving and fail to inspire a sense of purpose or shared values among stakeholders.
Being too Long or Complex
A mission statement that is too long or complex is also a common mistake to avoid. A mission statement that is difficult to understand or remember may fail to resonate with stakeholders and may not effectively guide decision-making or inspire action. A concise and memorable mission statement is key.
Having a mission statement could make it easier to improve your business. A good mission statement can inspire you and your employees and get everyone working toward a similar goal.
Check out the reasons why mission statements are an essential exercise for developing a great business idea.
Developing a mission statement can be challenging, particularly for small businesses or startups. Here are some challenges to consider:
Mission and vision statements are essential components of any company’s identity and strategic direction. While both are designed to guide decision-making and communicate the company’s values and goals, there are distinct differences between the two. Here are some key differences between mission statements and vision statements:
While vision and mission statements are both important tools for defining a company’s identity and strategic direction, they serve different purposes and are focused on different audiences.
Mission statements define the company’s purpose and values in the short to medium term, while a vision statement defines its aspirations and goals in the long term. Understanding the differences between the two is essential for creating effective vision and mission statements that inspire and motivate stakeholders to work towards a shared goal.
Creating a mission statement can be a challenging task for small business owners. To help simplify the process, here’s a template that you can follow:
Define Your Company’s Purpose
The first step in creating a mission statement is to define your company’s purpose. This includes what your company does, why it exists, and the impact it seeks to have on the world. A clear understanding of your purpose is essential for crafting an effective mission statement.
Identify Your Target Audience
A mission statement should be crafted with your target audience in mind. Consider who your company serves and what problem you’re solving for them. Your mission statement should be clear and concise, using language that resonates with your target audience.
Consider Your Values
Core values are the principles that guide your company’s behavior and decision-making. Consider your company’s values when crafting your mission statement. What beliefs drive your company’s culture and identity? A great mission statement reflects your company’s core values.
Draft a Statement
Using the information gathered in the previous steps, draft a mission statement. It should be clear, concise, and memorable. It should summarize your company’s purpose, target audience, and core values in a way that inspires and motivates stakeholders to align with your company’s purpose and goals.
Revise and Refine
After drafting your mission statement, review it carefully and seek feedback from stakeholders. Revise and refine as necessary, ensuring that it accurately reflects your company’s purpose, target audience, and values. A well-crafted mission statement is an essential tool for communicating your company’s identity and inspiring stakeholders to work towards a shared goal.
Here’s an example of a mission statement template in action:
Purpose: [The purpose of your organization/business/brand, what you aim to achieve]
Target Audience: [The audience that your organization/business/brand serves or caters to]
Values: [The core values and principles that guide your organization/business/brand]
Statement: [A concise, memorable statement that captures the essence of your organization/business/brand’s mission and purpose]
Below is a comparison table outlining the essential steps to create a mission statement for your business.
| No. | Steps | Key Points | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Define Your Company’s Purpose | – Identify what your company does and why it exists | – Clearly articulate the impact your company aims to have on the world |
| 2 | Identify Your Target Audience | – Consider who your company serves | – Understand the problem your company is solving for your target audience |
| 3 | Consider Your Values | – Determine your company’s core values | – Reflect on the principles that guide your company’s behavior and decision-making |
| 4 | Draft a Statement | – Craft a clear, concise, and memorable statement | – Summarize your company’s purpose, target audience, and core values in an inspiring and motivating way |
| 5 | Revise and Refine | – Seek feedback from stakeholders | – Carefully review and revise the mission statement to ensure it accurately reflects your company’s purpose, target audience, and values |
Purpose
Our company provides high-quality, affordable web design services to small businesses.
Target audience
Our target customers are small business owners who need an effective online presence to compete in today’s digital marketplace.
Values
We value creativity, professionalism, and exceptional customer service.
Statement
Our mission is to help small businesses succeed by providing them with the web design services they need to effectively market themselves online. We are committed to delivering high-quality work, exceptional customer service, and affordable pricing.
The final version of a mission statement
Our mission is to empower small businesses to succeed in the digital age by providing them with high-quality, affordable web design services. We believe that every small business deserves an effective online presence and we are committed to delivering exceptional work, outstanding customer service, and unbeatable value.
For a mission statement to be truly effective, it needs to transcend being just a set of words on paper and become a guiding force in the day-to-day operations of your business. Here’s how you can embed your mission statement into your business’s operational fabric:
A compelling mission statement is a defining piece of a business plan, articulating the company’s purpose, values, and goals. It sets the direction for the organization, guides decision-making processes, and communicates its purpose to stakeholders.
Creating an effective mission statement requires careful consideration and thought, but the benefits of having a mission statement are significant. In a nutshell, it is a vital step toward defining its identity, purpose, and long-term vision.
Additionally, a well-crafted mission statement not only guides decision-making and sets the course for your company’s growth but also communicates your values to stakeholders and differentiates your brand in a competitive market.
By investing time and thought into creating a mission statement that resonates with your team and customers alike, you lay a strong foundation for success and create a roadmap to achieve your business goals.
Remember that a mission statement is a dynamic expression of your company’s ethos, and revisiting and refining it over time can ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in guiding your business toward a bright and prosperous future.
Image: Envato Elements, Depositphotos
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When it comes to finding website inspiration for your consulting business, the options can seem overwhelming. To make things easier, we’ve put together a shortlist of our favorite consulting websites and how they use design to deliver their message.
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If you’re a dog lover with the right combination of experience and business savvy, there are many pet business ideas. And this includes successfully running a pet grooming business.
In fact, starting a pet grooming business is a good choice for new business owners. You can start small with your new grooming business, gaining experience before expanding.
It’s no secret that during the pandemic, lots of people became pet parents by purchasing or adopting dogs. As a result, businesses related to pets and pet care – including pet grooming – are booming with more robust growth than is being experienced by other business owners.
It’s okay to have financial goals. Pet owners don’t have the time, ability or facility to do this task themselves – so your pet grooming service is filling a need. Overhead for pet grooming businesses is generally low, with the potential for a good percentage of profit. You can also look into pet franchises so you can get a proven business model.
But if you’re going to make a living in your own business as a dog groomer, you should fit these main categories: you are an animal lover and you are a people person.
The dog grooming business market is estimated at about $8 billion in the US. Across the country, there are about 130,000 grooming businesses with 230,000 employees.
High pet ownership is fueling great growth of about 8% annually. The 8% annual growth is projected to continue through 2026.
Pet services such as grooming aren’t once and done. Grooming animals is a repeat business, with monthly needs for bathing, nail care, ear cleaning, and more.
Most dog groomers start small, with similar costs for equipment such as shavers and shears, dryers, crates, tubs, cleaning supplies and grooming tables. Estimates for that equipment range from $10,000 to $18,000. There are recurring overhead costs for shampoos, conditioners, utilities and insurances.
You’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or training program. A training program cost can range from $500 to $3,000.
From there, it depends on how and where you deliver your dog grooming business.
Starting your own dog grooming business has operating options:
As a business owner, can you run the grooming business in your own home? That’s the least expensive way to get grooming space. Before you decide on that business structure, you’ll have to check into local zoning laws. As a home based business, you may have 3-5 customers driving in (drop off) and out (pick up) two times – which may not be a fit for your neighborhood.
The brick and mortar route is the most expensive choice. You can expect to pay from $10 to $25 per square foot and you’ll need a minimum of 500 square feet. If your rent alone is $2,500 a month, you’ll have to groom a lot of dogs before you start earning profit. If you rent a large space, you could pay as much as $10,000 a month.
You can opt to take your dog grooming business on the road. It’s a great choice for growing the business, as you use a mobile business to bring the grooming services to pet owners.
Choosing this route gives you the ability to affiliate your mobile dog grooming service with another business, such as a pet store, boarding facility or pet-friending hotel.
Mobile groomers as constantly promoting their business, with their name and contact information emblazoned on the vehicle.
| Operating Concept | Description | Cost | Space Required | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Dog Grooming | Run the grooming business from your own home. Check local zoning laws before deciding on this option. Typically requires 3-5 customers driving in and out for drop-off and pick-up, which may not be suitable for all neighborhoods. | Least expensive | Space in your home | Lower overhead costs, convenience of working from home |
| Physical Dog Grooming Store | Establish a brick-and-mortar store. Expensive option, with rent costing from $10 to $25 per square foot, requiring a minimum of 500 square feet. Significant grooming volume needed before achieving profitability. | Most expensive | Minimum 500 sq ft | Professional storefront presence, potential for higher foot traffic and visibility |
| Mobile Dog Grooming | Take your grooming services on the road. Affiliate with other businesses like pet stores or boarding facilities. Constant promotion with vehicle branding. | Moderate cost | Mobile setup | Flexibility to serve various locations, potential partnership opportunities with other pet-related businesses, branding through vehicle advertising |
Before you become part of the thriving pet industry and offer grooming services, go through this checklist of what you need to do before starting a pet grooming business.
As any business owner knows, you need to know your job. You’ll be competing with other groomers to get a piece of the target market.
Here’s how to get started:
You can earn while you learn to be a dog groomer by apprenticing at a major chain such as Petco or PetSmart. To apprentice with those companies, you’ll sign a non-compete agreement and must stay with the company for two years. You’ll undergo a 20-week training program of 800 hours, focusing on various grooming techniques and animal care basics.
There are also online schools with costs ranging from $400 to several thousand dollars. You could choose that option and practice on pets owned by family members. There are also in-person schools with similar costs. However, you may have to consider accommodation if relocating for studies.
The National Dog Groomers Association of America offers in-person workshops and testing. Again, you may have to travel to complete the workshops and testing.
Getting professional training is the best choice for pet groomers. Potential customers are going to seek proof that you have the necessary skills before they drop off their dogs with you. Accreditation from a school is a way to attract customers and very important in business considerations.
Choosing in-home, mobile grooming or physical storefront is one step of choosing your business niche.
Another is deciding what type of grooming is your focus. Are you going to do bathing and cleaning, nails? Are you going to specialize in dog show quality presentations? Are you going to specialize in breed specific haircuts? Or a certain size of dog, such as toys and terriers?
Consider offering unique services like fur dyeing or creative styling to stand out. Stay informed about the latest trends in pet grooming to keep your services current and appealing.
Cleaning services for pets can include teeth and ears, are you going to include those services with you business? What about nail clipping?
The pet industry is not unique in the business world – you’ll need a business plan with the typical components:
Make plans for exactly what steps you’ll take to grow the business and increase your client base. Include a marketing strategy that utilizes social media and local community engagement. Plan for periodic assessments of your business performance to adapt and improve.
Make honest projections of costs and expected profit. You may spend up to 2 hours to properly groom one dog. Given your hours of operation – and travel time if you’re doing mobile grooming – how many dogs can you expect to groom each day?
Brainstorm with friends and family. You’ll want a name that is catchy and easy to remember, such as these actual dog grooming business names: Scalawags and Fur-pection.
Also, think about incorporating words that reflect your specialty or the nature of your services. Ensure the name resonates well with your target clientele and stands out in the market. It’s also important to check for trademark availability to avoid legal issues.
Nearly all pets groomers that start a business choose the LLC – limited liability company. When you’re operating a sole proprietorship, your personal assets will be protected by formation of the LLC.
What if you bring another person into the sole proprietorship, changing it to a partnership? That’s not a good choice, since each of you can be liable for the actions of the other.
Taking steps to form and register as an LLC is an important step in your business plan. According to statistics from the National Dog Groomers Association of America, the LLC is the top business entity choice for businesses grooming dogs.
Your existing zoning regulations may dictate your choice of location. If you’re not permitted, or don’t have the space to do a home based business, your choices for a dog grooming business are mobile or storefront.
A mobile grooming truck is going to be large. Make sure you’ll be comfortable driving a large vehicle. Depending on the size of the vehicle, you may need to upgrade your driving license. You’ll need commercial insurance for the vehicle.
If you’re shopping for a storefront, seek a location that will allow for safe delivery and pickup of dogs. For example, although a busy strip mall may give you greater visibility, customers may not enjoy walking or carrying their pets a significant distance to and from their vehicles.
In general, businesses groomer pets are not subject to special licensing. That said, it’s crucial to obtain a general business license to operate legally. Proof of professional training and certification can help you establish and grow your business.
Check state and local laws for business permits that are needed. Your local Chamber of Commerce will be a good source for that information.
Additionally, inquire about any health and safety regulations specific to pet care businesses. Ensure compliance with zoning laws if you’re operating from a residential area.
Keep a separate business credit card that is connected to the account. This separation aids in efficiently tracking expenses and managing your business’s finances. A dedicated business account also bolsters your enterprise’s professionalism.
Opt for a bank that provides services and benefits suited to small businesses, including low fees and online banking options.
Reviewing your account statements periodically is essential for monitoring your business’s cash flow and maintaining its financial health.
In addition to a website, FB page and business cards, you can take other opportunities to reach new customers with special marketing efforts.
One of the best ways to market your business is to volunteer services with a local animal shelter or rescue. You’ll be promoting yourself to prospective customers as a dog lover, and also have impressive “before” and “after” pictures of makeovers.
Basics you’ll need:
Start-up costs include basic equipment essentials such as:
As needed, and remember you’ll need Workers Compensation insurance if you do. Many groomers, once established, begin to specialize in specific types of cuts and services.
They employ a trained person who can handle the customer prep work, such as the shampooing. That way the specializing groomer can have more time to provide those services, as someone else handles the prep work.
As part of your marketing plan, launch the business with grand openings. Offer special promotions or discounts to attract initial customers. Collaborate with local pet businesses and shelters for cross-promotion during the opening event.
Leverage social media and community events to generate excitement about your opening.
Invite local media for coverage to gain broader attention and establish a strong market presence right from the start.
Build your customer base by providing a skilled service while keeping on a schedule. Respond rapidly to any complaints.
Happy customers are the key to your long-term success. You’ll be the talk of the dog park.
Absolutely. Average annual earnings for business owners are typically from 5 to 7 percent.
Dog groomers can expect their annual earnings to grow by 20 percent.
If you’ve chosen the “earn while you learn” apprenticeship path, you’ll earn wages of about $24,000 to $28,000 a year.
A pet groomer running his or her own successful business can expect to make $60,000 a year and more.
The average wash and dry, simple trim service on average costs from $60 to $90. Remember you’ll need one to two hours for each dog.
How much you earn depends on the types of services you specifically offer.
How much you earn also depends on your overhead costs. Obviously, these costs are lowest with a home-based business. Mobile groomers have the costs of the vehicle and vehicle maintenance. Storefront businesses have rent, insurance and utilities.
A dog grooming business may not be permitted in a residential zoning district. If your town or city has a planning and/or zoning board, contact that board to find out what the local regulations are.
Even if a business is not “permitted by right” you may be able to get a variance or special exception. That would require a favorable vote by the governing entity, such as planning and/or zoning board. Such boards are required to notify the owners of neighboring properties of your intentions, and invite them to attend the meeting on the matter.
Image: Depositphotos
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