I've had an idea

ruthyb · Jan 29, 2011

Hi everyone, hope you are well,
I have been having a bit of a think about money lately, my mum and I have an ebay and etsy shop but to be honest we're not doing that great and we need something else, so many people sell what we do and there's just too much competition nowadays.
I was just googling and I came across a cat grooming course, they aren't cheap and it would take a me a while to save up unless I could get any kind of funding (I will look into that) but when I had Harvey with him being white when he did go outdoors he would get filthy and he was when we got him, he wasn't the kind of cat you could have groomed yourself but someone with the no how would have had no problem. Its just and idea but I looked everywhere for a cat groomer in my area for Harvey and there aren't any, just dog ones. I wonder if it would take off? I could do it from home.
What do you think? A good idea? or just a mad idea

?
x

strange_wings · Jan 29, 2011

Cat grooming, no. You would be severely limiting yourself. Find a local school (here its tech/vocational schools that do it) and go for pet grooming. A large part of the clientele at a groomer bring in dogs - mostly thats because they need more grooming care than a cat that can keep themselves clean.

Also look up local groomers in your area. Talk to them about it and consider that you'll likely need to work for someone else for a bit as starting up you own business requires money, space, permit/licenses, etc. Plus having experience already would look good when/if you went in for a business loan (to rent/buy a shop and equipment). Doing it at home dependsâ€¦ check with the city and what regulations they have. You'd likely need extra insurance for it.

If you choose to become a pet groomer, can propely keep records and finances straight, and get plenty of business it would be a true career and not just a little extra money.

My town has just under 9k people, and the two groomers in town do well.

gardenandcats · Jan 29, 2011

I can't find a cat groomer anyplace. I think it would be great...Do you live in a large populated area? If your in a ruraL area it probably wouldn't be such a good idea. Why not do a pet grooming course dogs and cats? That would be best..

ruthyb · Jan 29, 2011

The course I have found is a pet grooming course so teaches you about cats and dogs which is good, its Â£429 but I am going to ring up my jobcentre on monday and see if they can help me at all. Its alot to look into but I think it would maybe be a good venture.x

ruthyb · Jan 29, 2011

Originally Posted by gardenandcats

I can't find a cat groomer anyplace. I think it would be great...Do you live in a large populated area? If your in a ruraL area it probably wouldn't be such a good idea. Why not do a pet grooming course dogs and cats? That would be best..

Yes there are alot of people that live here and also alot of cats, we have one dog groomers up the road and she is always busy, so maybe learning about both cats and dogs would be better.x

strange_wings · Jan 29, 2011

Go in and talk to that groomer Monday. How many does she have working with her? If she's that busy she may need an extra hand - though understand if she doesn't have employees that would require her to get more/different insurance (here an employer needs to get workman's comp which costs a few thousand a year) just to have them.

If the school teaching it is a legit school you should be able to get some sort of financial aid. Other odd small school have it where you can get aid through them.

my4llma · Jan 29, 2011

It might work where you are, because you have no cat groomers near you. Petco 5 minutes away from my home, and Pet Smart 10 minutes away from my home, both groom cats (just not on the weekends). The groomer we use is 15 minutes away, they mostly groom dogs but will do cats as well, and their very cheap. My father used to work with the man who owns the place, when they were teenagers. There are a ton of other groomers located near me that do mostly dogs, but will also take cats if you ask them even though they don't advertise it. I'd make sure those groomers around you don't do cats as well, that way you'll know your competition.

ruthyb · Jan 29, 2011

I spoke to my mum earlier and I got the feeling she thought I was slightly mad

but she said she would support me in any way she can and help me. I know it would work, there isn't enough around here, I have been looking on the internet. When I am qualified and thats a big when as if I cannot get funding it will take me approx a year to save up will I be able to do it from home? I understand there would be insurances involved but would I need to change my house and get all the proper tables? I read a ladys website not near me who does cat grooming and she said she has no tables, she does all the cats on her lap to make them feel comfortable and more at home and she looks very welll established, I couldnt change my home that much, home first, amke money and a shop later, ok I AM dreaming now

x

gailc · Jan 29, 2011

I read in the Wall Street Journal earlier this month about the Dog Waste disposal franchise business is expanding to offering cat litter box cleaning services. Now that's an idea! I don't know of anyone is willing to pay for the service by you though.

cococat · Jan 29, 2011

RuthyB, good luck on whatever you decide.

Originally Posted by GailC

I read in the Wall Street Journal earlier this month about the Dog Waste disposal franchise business is expanding to offering cat litter box cleaning services. Now that's an idea! I don't know of anyone is willing to pay for the service by you though.

I have multiple dogs and we pick up the yard daily. No big deal.
If I had the money I would pay someone to clean the litterbox though! Seriously, that thing grosses me out and is my most hated chore. My wonderful DH does it a lot, so it isn't all on me but still, I don't like it. Love the cat, not that box.

natalie_ca · Jan 29, 2011

Originally Posted by Ruthyb

The course I have found is a pet grooming course so teaches you about cats and dogs which is good, its Â£429 but I am going to ring up my jobcentre on monday and see if they can help me at all. Its alot to look into but I think it would maybe be a good venture.x

Is that Pounds or Euros?

It doesn't seem that high for a course that can set you up in a position to make income.

How long is the course?

zohdee · Jan 29, 2011

I would not go for cat grooming...they pretty much do that themselves with a BIT of help from the owners.

If you want to groom, I would talk to a local groomer and see if you can do an apprenticeship. Don't spend money on a class. There are many unscrupulous agencies taking advantage of people now-a-days.

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by Natalie_ca

Is that Pounds or Euros?

It doesn't seem that high for a course that can set you up in a position to make income.

How long is the course?

429 pounds, its 200 hundred hours that you can complete at your own pace and obviously the exams. I just haven't got Â£429

What would I need at home? obviously you need insurance and the equipment but I need to look into the costs and be realistic.dh said I couldn't do it at home because of out cats but obviously I would seperate them and my mum said I couldn't do it when the kids are here, well no I would work around school. x

s.c.k.r · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by strange_wings

Cat grooming, no. You would be severely limiting yourself. Find a local school (here its tech/vocational schools that do it) and go for pet grooming. A large part of the clientele at a groomer bring in dogs - mostly thats because they need more grooming care than a cat that can keep themselves clean.

Also look up local groomers in your area. Talk to them about it and consider that you'll likely need to work for someone else for a bit as starting up you own business requires money, space, permit/licenses, etc. Plus having experience already would look good when/if you went in for a business loan (to rent/buy a shop and equipment). Doing it at home dependsâ€¦ check with the city and what regulations they have. You'd likely need extra insurance for it.

If you choose to become a pet groomer, can propely keep records and finances straight, and get plenty of business it would be a true career and not just a little extra money.

My town has just under 9k people, and the two groomers in town do well.

I will guarantee you that a shelter or rescue organization would LOVE to have an independant groomer come in and help clean up some of our little guys! Good luck with that idea!!

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

I couldn't really go and work with a groomer as I am limited with time as Molly is at nursery and the older two are at school so my day is really broken up, that's why I like the online corse that I have found, it is a recognised qualification I have looked into that and I could do it at my own leisure. I don't drive either so that's a problem. I am going to phone the job centre tomorrow and just ask about help with costs.x

strange_wings · Jan 30, 2011

Oh, this is supposed to be completely online? Thats a scam, sorry.
Pet grooming is one of those things that you have to learn hands on. You don't learn how to handle animals properly, fur types, and specific cuts without working with real dogs. If you're not careful you can cause serious injuries.

An actual school teaching it would only do a couple hours a day, a few days a week if you can manage that. But it's a real class that you must keep up with and groom some dogs during.

Pet grooming will be a 9 to 5 type job, you would have to hold regular business hours and if you had enough clients, you would have some busy days. Its not an easy job that you can do just when you feel like it.

If you want something more flexible, look into dog walking and pet sitting, though the latter takes some dedication, too, and it's better if you have some knowledge beyond just dog and cat care.

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by strange_wings

Oh, this is supposed to be completely online? Thats a scam, sorry.
Pet grooming is one of those things that you have to learn hands on. You don't learn how to handle animals properly, fur types, and specific cuts without working with real dogs. If you're not careful you can cause serious injuries.

An actual school teaching it would only do a couple hours a day, a few days a week if you can manage that. But it's a real class that you must keep up with and groom some dogs during.

Pet grooming will be a 9 to 5 type job, you would have to hold regular business hours and if you had enough clients, you would have some busy days. Its not an easy job that you can do just when you feel like it.

If you want something more flexible, look into dog walking and pet sitting, though the latter takes some dedication, too, and it's better if you have some knowledge beyond just dog and cat care.

I have checked that the course is recognised to my local jobcentre and it is and the certificate is recognised, you have a tutor who phones you up and emails you and you get sent all the course materials, you do have to have hands on experience to do the course, either with your own cats/dogs or someone elses and you have to prove this and there are 3 exams. x

tillymoo · Jan 30, 2011

When i got made redundant i looked into dog grooming the local college was doing a course but it was fully booked for upto 18months! A college course is the only way to go not an online course you need hands on experience, it maybe an idea to put your name down now.
Many many local groomers here offer 30day intensive courses i did look into that and they are in the region of Â£1200 and you basically work in their shop. The college option was much cheaper and they put you into work placements and they also had their own grooming school in the campus but alas the waiting list. The job centre 'may' help towards the cost of the local groomers course its at the persons discretion i enquired and they were only prepared to give me Â£200 towards the cost.
I ended up starting my own dog walking business because in all honesty i have NO artistic flair haha and i'd probably give a dog a mohican or similar.
I pay Â£15 a month for public liability insurance which would be all you would need too as my insurance is tailored specifically for animal workers such as us, such as if they have any accidents in your care, if it runs out the door into the road etc etc

Due to the petrol increase over here AGAIN its proving so expensive for my business right now and my car is going in for work done to in on Tuesday and i'm seriously considering buying a little 50cc Scooter to use from now until autumn i have a full driving licence so i can drive one regardless. I was wondering seeing as you don't drive would you consider that? the Compulsive bike training course is in the region of Â£80 for the one day and you could pick up a 2nd hand scooter for less than Â£400. The job centre WOULD help you with the cost of your provisional licence and the cost of the CBT course.

You could then become a mobile groomer my dad has one for his yorkshire terrier rat thing she carries everything in a rucksack and uses his dining table!!

this was what i originally wanted to do be mobile not confined to a shop.

My accounts are very easy i keep under the tax/vat banding per year for a sole trader, i mainly get paid in cash

i have a business account everything gets paid in and paid out from there and then i take my salary its easy. You should have a local chamber of commerce that would give you access to an accountant for upto 12months free to put you on the road so to speak.

Good luck i hope i've been of some help.

oh the online courses are pretty much a waste of money i know alot of dog walkers that take basic animal first aid online for instance i looked into it to see if it would aid my business and to be honest i wouldn't waste my money it was very poor. I've shown dogs for many years and i like to think i've got a good common sense about me and can do basic first aid without the need of a piece of paper which isn't worth the money.

ruthyb · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by tillymoo

When i got made redundant i looked into dog grooming the local college was doing a course but it was fully booked for upto 18months! A college course is the only way to go not an online course you need hands on experience, it maybe an idea to put your name down now.
Many many local groomers here offer 30day intensive courses i did look into that and they are in the region of Â£1200 and you basically work in their shop. The college option was much cheaper and they put you into work placements and they also had their own grooming school in the campus but alas the waiting list. The job centre 'may' help towards the cost of the local groomers course its at the persons discretion i enquired and they were only prepared to give me Â£200 towards the cost.
I ended up starting my own dog walking business because in all honesty i have NO artistic flair haha and i'd probably give a dog a mohican or similar.
I pay Â£15 a month for public liability insurance which would be all you would need too as my insurance is tailored specifically for animal workers such as us, such as if they have any accidents in your care, if it runs out the door into the road etc etc

Due to the petrol increase over here AGAIN its proving so expensive for my business right now and my car is going in for work done to in on Tuesday and i'm seriously considering buying a little 50cc Scooter to use from now until autumn i have a full driving licence so i can drive one regardless. I was wondering seeing as you don't drive would you consider that? the Compulsive bike training course is in the region of Â£80 for the one day and you could pick up a 2nd hand scooter for less than Â£400. The job centre WOULD help you with the cost of your provisional licence and the cost of the CBT course.

You could then become a mobile groomer my dad has one for his yorkshire terrier rat thing she carries everything in a rucksack and uses his dining table!!

this was what i originally wanted to do be mobile not confined to a shop.

My accounts are very easy i keep under the tax/vat banding per year for a sole trader, i mainly get paid in cash

i have a business account everything gets paid in and paid out from there and then i take my salary its easy. You should have a local chamber of commerce that would give you access to an accountant for upto 12months free to put you on the road so to speak.

Good luck i hope i've been of some help.

oh the online courses are pretty much a waste of money i know alot of dog walkers that take basic animal first aid online for instance i looked into it to see if it would aid my business and to be honest i wouldn't waste my money it was very poor. I've shown dogs for many years and i like to think i've got a good common sense about me and can do basic first aid without the need of a piece of paper which isn't worth the money.

Ooooh, thankyou very much, your advice is really helpful. I already have a provisional licence and my mum is a qualified accountant. I will still ring up the job centre tomorrow and see if they can advise me at all. Thankyou again for your input, its really helpful.And yeah petrol prices are awful, my hubby drives and it costs us abot Â£50 a week in fuel and thats diesel, I would love to learn to drive but we could never afford two cars so yeah a scooter is a brill idea.xx

strange_wings · Jan 30, 2011

Originally Posted by Ruthyb

I have checked that the course is recognised to my local jobcentre and it is and the certificate is recognised, you have a tutor who phones you up and emails you and you get sent all the course materials, you do have to have hands on experience to do the course, either with your own cats/dogs or someone elses and you have to prove this and there are 3 exams. x

That sounds extremely lacking. And no offense, but I wouldn't someone near my pets with clippers or scissors that is just learning and has no professional overlooking and there to help.
I don't think you would get the best training from this, either. You'd get short changed without someone right there at hand to help you.

tillymoo has some wonderful advice, and I suggest that maybe you two should further PM back and forth if you want to go her route. The tax and financial advice is very important.

Good luck getting the scooter tillymoo, post a picture of it if get one you're proud of.

I've had an idea

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member