Researching Local Market Rates

Pricing is not guessing — it is research.

Mystery shop your competition: Call 10 groomers. Ask for pricing on a poodle groom, a golden bath, and a small dog groom. This gives you the local range.

Where to position yourself:

• Starting out: At or slightly below market average. You need clients and reviews.
• After 6 months: Mid-market. You have reviews and returning clients.
• After 1 year: If booked 2+ weeks out, you are too cheap. Raise prices.

Never compete on price. The cheapest groomer attracts the worst clients — most complaints, least tips, worst reviews. Price reflects value.