A hard decision [Archive] - UK Business Forums

PaddyPawsPetServices

18th March 2009, 13:55

Paddy Paws is really really struggling, mainly due to redundancies in the area, and people cutting back ( when push comes to shove, roof over your head or the dogs' well being )

It hasnt made enough for me to draw even a small wage from it, so the Oh and I are really struggling financially. I have been applying for part time / work from home jobs and ways I can divereseify the business but havent been many takers.

Ive done a lot of Flyer dropping in the immediate area offering the normal services, plus gardening etc, but no takers ( think everyone is doing the same thing )

Im trying to work out what to do for the best. Dont like it one little bit. Feel like a complete failure

nickie1105

18th March 2009, 14:09

First of all, don't feel like like you've failed, even the biggest businesses are struggling! I run a small cleaning company and it seems like every week I'm losing a customer. This is nothing we've done wrong as a company, it's simply people tightening their belts or preparing for redundancies and anything that can be cut back on is being cut back on!

I also work part time and run a design and print brokering business which has actually seen an increase in sales since the recession hit. I've decided to wrap up the cleaning business completely to allow me to concentrate on the design and print whilst still working part time to pay the mortgage. It's not easy, especially in the current economic climate but there are ways around it and the current situation won't last forever. There are very few businesses which are recession proof...prioritise and make some tough decisions, sometimes it's best to just admit defeat rather than try to keep things going and get into debt in the process! Your current situation doesn't mean you're a failure, it just means that now isn't the time!

cmcp

18th March 2009, 14:14

Everyone's struggling at the moment.

What you have to do is adapt to the current climate.

I offered mid range ecommerce services to my clients in the region of £3k - £5k. I still intend to do so, but I'm introducing budget ranges as I'm getting more and more enquiries about basic service.

Best of luck - chin up!

Page

18th March 2009, 14:41

Distinguish between you being a failure and the business failing.

Looking at the business it does not sound as if enough money is going to be coming in soon. What is going to change in the next month - 6 months - a year. What will your financial position be in 1 - 6 - 12 months time.

You probably need to think about this.

Consider closing the business if you cannot see how things are going to change. Hard to do after all the work done so far but sometimes these things just have to be done. A recession is ... well a recession. Luck may not have been on your side.

reggiemental

18th March 2009, 14:44

I agree with Nickie's post, don't go beating yourself up about this. With 3m unemployed it's going to be tough for everyone so don't go blaming yourself.

I wonder if it might be worth offering a wider service, to take in dog food, treats etc. I spend a lot of money on my 2 dogs, what with the constant supply of pigs ears, various training treats and the excellent Dawg's hand-made biscuits. The biscuits I order online (http://dog-treat.co.uk/), but all the other stuff I make a special trip to my local pet store to buy. Now if there was a Kleeneze-type service where a small catalogue was put through the door once a month, where I could get all the above in one easy session, then I'd certainly use it.

Whichever route you take, I hope it works out for you.

cmcp

18th March 2009, 14:46

Do you offer grooming?

My girlfriend takes her pup to the parlour every couple of weeks and they skin her (the girlfriends wallet) £10 - £15 a time. the wee runt (the pup) comes back smelling of roses each time, it's well worth it.

Zeno

18th March 2009, 15:00

nickie1105

18th March 2009, 15:00

Another alternative might be to turn your skills to something else which people actually want like selling money saving devices...people are going crazy for this kind of thing right now. Just as an example, sales in bio-diesel kits have rocketed!

Bri

18th March 2009, 15:08

It does happen to a lot of people, happened to us in Oct last year. You have to take the emotional aspect away from what you've built up and be purely businesslike. Trim down, close or put on backburner till things become prosperous.....sounds good, however on business news this morning they reckon Britain will be the last country to recover from this recession, sorry not what you want to hear right now but I'm afraid you have to look out for number one and thats you. As the others have said look out for some other job thats going or diversify. We're diversifying, its a slow process but we think we can do it.;)

cmcp

18th March 2009, 15:08

Ask them how much more for her too then.
I like them dirty.

PaddyPawsPetServices

18th March 2009, 15:19

Thanks guys...

The advice and support are much appreciated. It just relaly sucks, spent 6 mos working on getting the business ready, and a whole year running it, and now its sinking fast.

I think im going to just take a step back, take 6 months or so, find a job and see what happens.
Il carry on doing what bits I can, where I can ( I have a few elderly clients who use me at weekends, and carry on giving behaviour advice where needed )

what do I do then, do I just pull the web down and remove all ads where I can?

midgetman

18th March 2009, 15:34

really sorry to hear that you are thinking of giving it up, it must be hard for you.

Reggimental? has, I think come up with a good service to offer. Just think of all those people having to lug heavy tins and dirty great bags of dog food etc home every week, or having to make a specail trip to pets mart!!. Now wouldnt it be easier for them to just place an order and you deliver? I see from your site you also offer to do other bits for the vlients maybe you can expand on this as well?

I truly wish you luck in what ever you decide to do though

PaddyPawsPetServices

18th March 2009, 15:44

midgetman

18th March 2009, 15:49

Bri

18th March 2009, 16:07

Why keep stock? when you get the order either zoom to the cash and carry? or form a partnership with a local pet food shop and get a discount for volumes?. Lots of ideas in my head and i am sure lots of help on here if you decide to go for it.

Some suppliers, not cash & carry I add, but main suppliers dont like you using them as your storage facility,so that you can order 2 or three bags of this and that. Something just to bear in mind.

MH1

18th March 2009, 17:18

If you offer a full money back guarantee for any unused unopened food in cases of the pet dying you shouldn't have a problem getting paid weekly or monthly in advance, so it is a simple self financing service.

Getting the clients is the harder part, but their are actual franchises out there doing just this alone.

Beadons

18th March 2009, 18:01

Clare

I've just looked at your website and notice you look after small animals as well as dogs. Too late as Mr Fox got them, but up until last year we always struggled with going away as could never get anyone to look after our 2 rabbits and chickens. The dog and cat weren't a problem as they went off to the cattery/kennels.

What about something like puppy socialisation classes? I know when our dog was a pup there was only one class locally and it was always heaving (and good fun too).

Mister B

18th March 2009, 18:10

Chin up Paddy you've still got the world as your lobster, just need to work out how to access it.

I think that to date, there have been some cracking ideas that you can try out, Thinking about why people would use your services, (frail or too busy individuals,) makes me also think that what others have suggested makes a perfect fit. Almost the full pet service whereby you don;t just exercise with them, you deliver their meals as well. As others have said, buy from the cash and carry and mark the food up so that it's on a par with the local shop.

Am I correct in assuming that all local methods of marketing have been exhausted, fliers in vets etc?

Mister B

As an addition, there was a post made in the private section a while ago about somebody who was pulling his hair out because the business was failing. Six months and following lots of advice and encouragement from UKBF members, his business has turned round and is now on the up. Think positive!

Fuzzy

18th March 2009, 19:27

Some excellent advice on this thread - I can't add to it, just wish you lots of luck in whatever you decide.:D

florenceij

18th March 2009, 19:38

I guess that would be an idea, and I guess its something that I could consider in the future. Only thing is, it would involve having stock here ( no funds for that ) but I guess i could do it part time....hmmm

I have considered adding a small shop to the site, using drop shipping. Maybe ebay too...just dont know how reliable an income that would generate

I think the shop is an excellent idea. It might be good to do a research on that to give you an idea of current demand and also find out what brand and productsto go for. Dropshipping will save you a lot. I am sure lots of folk will still feed their pets and would need essential pet accessories. Try and locate a good deal list products on ebay with links to your site and please don't quit on the pet services run it part time, if you have to, trust me loyal customers and new ones will come back. The recession isnt permanent you have to adapt by adding new services to your existing one.

If you need help with the website when your ready send me a pm

scribe

18th March 2009, 20:41

There are one or two service you may be able to provide .
1 .Pet taxi service .
2. Pet chaperon to the vets/dog grooming parlour etc .
On a sombre note pet burial service ,or i may be barking up the wrong tree.
Good luck.

Just had a thought what about branding your own pet accessories,Collars ,leashes ,jackets.

maxine

18th March 2009, 21:12

Sorry to read your post but if you do think this is on a downward spiral then it would be more of a failure to continue rather than change and do something else in my opinion :)

It might take a little while to find another job and in the meantime you could still research some of these ideas and see if any of them would work financially for you. I think the food delivery is a great idea and anything focused around money saving.

It might be worth doing some current market research just to test what people would be looking for at the moment and what they would be prepared to spend money on before spending any more money on something that you might give up.

You also seem you have a lot of knowledge and skill and this must be worth something too perhaps in an advisory capacity that you could sell either at events or maybe through articles ?

Sorry, I am not really a pet person so can't relate specifically but do think it must come back to market research and finding groups of people that will buy certain products or services

Good luck in whatever you decide to do :)

PaddyPawsPetServices

19th March 2009, 07:22

Well I called about a few part time jobs last night ( Brewers Fayre etc ) hopefully something will come up with that. Im really hoping that I wont have to go back to work full time, mainly because I have 3 dogs, and I really dont want to leave them alone for long periods. They've gotten used to me being around, coming and going through the day and having play mates to stay.

We've done Flyers over the whole village ( all by ourselves, approx 5,000 homes! ) all vets / pet shops in the area, not to mention newsagents and the free online ads. All sadly to no avail.

I really like the "kleeneze" style catalogue, and doing local deliveries. I will deffo give the drop shipping a go...pondering that, I could use the drop ship items in the brochure/onlin.

im sure something like that would do really well ( I feed RAW, but when we fed commercial lugging bags of food, or packets of food, and they break half way home was close to hellish! )
If people had the option of ordering via the brochure or online, and either collect or I deliver to them...advertise as I have been doing up till now, and on ebay...hmmmmm

deffo food for thought. I found 2 drop shippers for pet supplies. One is £15 for three months the other £40 for as long as...have requested sample price lists from both, and details of brands they stock.

Thank you so much to all of you. This time yesterday I was thinking that it was all bleak, and we was ruined, but feeling much more positive now

Thank you xxxx

MH1

19th March 2009, 07:29

This time yesterday I was thinking that it was all bleak, and we was ruined, but feeling much more positive now

I'm sure most self employed people feel this way every now and then, all I would point out is half the nation in jobs is probably not earning enough to live on half the time and fearing the prospect of being made redundant, so the grass is not necessarily greener elsewhere.

You could consider starting kleeneze etc alongside your existing business if you have the time, once you learn the houses which buy off you on most visits you save a lot of time and earnings per hour can be much better than a job for a lot of people, even if the end rewards are low unless you build a team.

Ashley_Price

19th March 2009, 07:45

I really like the "kleeneze" style catalogue, and doing local deliveries.Sorry to hear you've been going through a bad time of it lately.

One note of caution about Kleeneze and similar - don't expect this to be a quick way of earning money. These are still like any other business, you are going to have to work hard, take time to build up a clientèle, have the money to tide you over in the mean time (I think you also have to buy the stationery, catalogues, etc. - but I may be wrong).

In the last 12 years living with Jackie (before I was living in a flat and so we didn't get the Kleeneze catalogues) we've seen several Kleeneze distributors come and go. Well, when I say "seen", we've come home to find a catalogue on our mat. Not wanting anything from it, we've left it out for the distributor to pick up, had one, maybe two more from the same person then they disappear.

About nine months to a year later we come home to find a catalogue on our mat from a new distributor. Not wanting anything from it, we leave it out for the distributor to pick up, had one, maybe two more from the same person then they disappear.

About nine months or a year later we come home to find a catalogue on our mat from a new distributor...

You get my drift - if you are looking to get some money quickly, Kleeneze and other "business opportunities" are not the best way. You'd be better off getting a job stacking shelves at the supermarket.

Just as a disclaimer - I am not saying Kleeneze isn't a reputable way to make money, it is. What I am saying it's no good if you need money quickly. You have to lay out money at first and it's some time before you start making any.

PaddyPawsPetServices

19th March 2009, 07:51

Ashley, think you have mis understood what I was getting at. Not Kleeneze, but a similar pet version that I would distribute myself. kind of the same model that they use tho

Ashley_Price

19th March 2009, 07:53

Ashley, think you have mis understood what I was getting at. Not Kleeneze, but a similar pet version that I would distribute myself. kind of the same model that they use tho

Ahh yes, I see, sorry. I saw a couple of mentions of Kleeneze and thought I'd give a "heads-up".

PaddyPawsPetServices

19th March 2009, 07:56

LOL...I have done Kleeneze ( for about 2 years ) and Avon. Both are very hard to earn anything on, unless you live in a really good area

Ashley_Price

19th March 2009, 07:57

Sorry to read your post but if you do think this is on a downward spiral then it would be more of a failure to continue rather than change and do something else in my opinionThis is an opinion I don't agree with.

I've read a lot of success stories by some of the biggest names in the business world and it's amazing how they had a really hard time (for instance, did you know that James Dyson was £2 million in personal debt at one point while designing the bagless vacuum cleaner? Yet he struggled on...) but their motivation, tenacity and plain hard-headedness got them through and look where they are today.

What you have to decide is whether you really do have the confidence that Paddy Paws is going to be a success in the long run and that you have the motivation to make it so.

I really believe that any business will work and be successful - with one caveat: as long as it is legal and within the usual rules of physics, etc. (No one is ever going to be able to make man fly unaided for instance.)

PaddyPawsPetServices

19th March 2009, 08:13

I have been thinking for a while that maybe we need to diversify, and I have always belived that the business would do well. I do really want it to carry on and be the success that I know that it can be. Whether that means I have to pull it all down, rethink the business services, add the suggested services, the pet store ( on and offline ) drop shipping etc and relaunch at a later date or try and do it all now is something OH / Mentor and myself need to discuss.

Julian

19th March 2009, 08:20

I'm sorry to hear about the problems with your business and the effect that it's been having on you. I'll offer a few observations:

1) You don't sound like a failure to me and, even if the business doesn't come back from the brink, I still don't think that makes you a failure. The real failures are the people who never have the courage to try. You set up the business, the web site, all the branding and administration that goes around it, and who knows what else; that seems like a pretty big achievement to me and something to be proud of.

2) Whatever you decide doesn't need to be irreversible. You can always "hibernate" the business for a while, rather than dismantling it entirely, in the hope that you can pick things up again when better times return.

3) Regarding taking the web site down if you do wrap-up or suspend your activities. I'm not an expert on this but you might want to go to the SEO sub-forum here and explain your situation there. The issue nagging at me is that presumably your website has gathered some history and credibility with Google and other search engines during the time it has been live and I believe that Google et al. place higher value on stuff that's been around a while so taking everything down, even temporarily, might undo some of the ranking you've earned with Google. It might be sensible to at least keep something live, even if you change the copy to make it clear the status of your business and possibly move to a dirt-cheap hosting company to cut costs while inactive. I would hope that some of the experts on the SEO forum might be able to offer you some specific advice here.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

- Julian

Will-man Rodders

19th March 2009, 08:21

spent 6 mos working on getting the business ready, and a whole year running it, and now its sinking fast.

Is this business seasonal? It might be difficult to determine with one years trading but could you run the risk of throwing in the towel when, in fact, the position is likely to improve in the short term? Is January and February a quiet time anyway?

Have you offered introducer incentives to your existing service users; i.e. 'introduce a pooch and you get a discount on your own animal'

Have you spoken to your local pet shops; will they advertise your complimentary services? It's in their interests to have a solution to offer potential pet owners with worries about who will look after their animal while they are away. Offer to pay an introducer fee/commission share to the pet shop owner; incetivise them.

PaddyPawsPetServices

19th March 2009, 08:26

Thanks guys

Its not really seasonal ( day care and walking are the core of the business ) so they really are all year round things ( except with Xmas and easter etc )

I did attempt to get some help via the local pet shop. I asked if I could put fliers in, and for every client that I gained I would pay them a % of their first successful booking.
I also offered to write their care sheets for them for their pet animals ( rabbits, cavies, birds etc ) as the member of staff admitted that they were inaccurate. I offered that for free, providing that I could have my website on it, and an offer of discount for holiday checks. That was refused too!

PaddyPawsPetServices

19th March 2009, 08:29

1) You don't sound like a failure to me and, even if the business doesn't come back from the brink, I still don't think that makes you a failure. The real failures are the people who never have the courage to try. You set up the business, the web site, all the branding and administration that goes around it, and who knows what else; that seems like a pretty big achievement to me and something to be proud of.

Thank you for that :redface:

2) Whatever you decide doesn't need to be irreversible. You can always "hibernate" the business for a while, rather than dismantling it entirely, in the hope that you can pick things up again when better times return

I think that might be the way forward and the more sensible approach, this would leave the door open if that makes sense!.

3) Regarding taking the web site down if you do wrap-up or suspend your activities. I'm not an expert on this but you might want to go to the SEO sub-forum here and explain your situation there. The issue nagging at me is that presumably your website has gathered some history and credibility with Google and other search engines during the time it has been live and I believe that Google et al. place higher value on stuff that's been around a while so taking everything down, even temporarily, might undo some of the ranking you've earned with Google. It might be sensible to at least keep something live, even if you change the copy to make it clear the status of your business and possibly move to a dirt-cheap hosting company to cut costs while inactive. I would hope that some of the experts on the SEO forum might be able to offer you some specific advice here.

The site is a Mr Site, and is up for renewal in a few months. I guess I could keep it going as an online shop, drop shipping and do it part time

Will-man Rodders

19th March 2009, 08:44

I did attempt to get some help via the local pet shop. .... ... That was refused too!

How about the other pet shops in your catchment area? And I wonder how the one you did try is finding trade now? It might be worth reapproaching; certainly you don't appear to have anything to loose.

Next thought ... we are coming round to the start of the new year for many societies and clubs; they often handover over in April to new chairpersons etc. Have you considered giving talks about pet care or whatever your knowledge is to them; this increases your profile and exposure. You must have some funny tales to tell.

PaddyPawsPetServices

19th March 2009, 08:48

I will deffo go round and have a chat to some of the others and see what they say

thank you

Ashley_Price

19th March 2009, 09:02

Have you considered giving talks about pet care or whatever your knowledge is to them; this increases your profile and exposure. You must have some funny tales to tell.Actually, that's a great idea. It's a shame you live in Kent because I'm the Speakers Secretary for my Rotary Club (Lewes, East Sussex) and am always looking for "different" speakers.

One thing to point out, a lot of these Clubs (Rotary, Lions, Round Table) do frown on people aggressively pushing their business, or the speaker using their talk as an advert.

However, I recently had an osteopath do a talk at our Club and she kept the presentation in general terms, after the meeting several Rotarians asked her for her card (this is fine).

PaddyPawsPetServices

19th March 2009, 09:06

that would be a good idea..just found this too http://www.mobilepetfoods.co.uk/..very similar to what I had in mind

My Little Customs

19th March 2009, 09:52

Following on from what others have already suggested, there are definitely lots more pet services that could easily combine with what you currently offer!

The Dog Grooming service would be invaluable - I currently take our smelly spaniel to a local groomers which costs me £28 for a wash, drop him off, pick him up an hour and a half later. If I could combine that with him getting a walk / pet sitting etc I would not need to go elsewhere.

I too noticed your small animal service, I am struggling at the moment to find someone who can sort our animals for whilst we are away in May, the dog and cats can go to the kennels / cattery yes but what about our 3 guinea pigs, 3 chickens, tank of fish & my daughters stick insects? (well, ok the fish & stick insects are not a problem!)

Once I have paid for the kennel then add to that the cost of 2 cats in a cattery, that alone is going to mount up - that still leaves the problem of the other animals. I would much rather pay one person to come to our house and sit / day care. (Fancy relocating to North Devon? :D )

The Pet Meals on Wheels idea is also brilliant, especially for your older clients. Even if it were a case of popping to your local pet shop with a shopping list.

Have you also considered working with any local charities in your area? You could perhaps offer some of your services as a prize or giveaway? Going back to my groomer, she works with the Dogs Trust and gives away a pampering session as a prize in the annual raffle. Organise a fundraising Sponsored Dog Walk?

You could perhaps organize Puppy Play Dates for socialiastion? I think I saw that already mentioned in this thread.

How about a fun Doggie Day as a community event? Doggie Picnic? Or a Dog Show?

OK, enough rambling - can you tell I love my pets??!!!! :rolleyes:

Ashley_Price

19th March 2009, 10:08

As a different point of view, having a niche market isn't bad, if you target it correctly.

Have a look at Kitten to Cat (http://www.kittentocat.com/) - they are a cat only vets in London. I read about them recently in a Sunday Telegraph article. It stated that vets usually get 40% of their business from cats, so why has this firm cut out 60% of their potential market? Yet, their business is booming.

AdamJ

19th March 2009, 11:06

Do you offer grooming?

:D Not the best of phrasing:D

silvermusic

19th March 2009, 12:19

I don't really have a lot to add to all the good advice that's already been given, except to say one thing. Been there done that and at the begining of the year I was ready to jack it all in too.

Take a break from your business for a few days, put whatever you can on hold, take time to relax and come back to it after a few days. Then make use of all these ideas and more which i'm sure you'll come up with when you're refreshed and can think clearly. I did just that and I'm so glad I did. I came up with a plan that is now working, slowly but surely and I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel. One of my brainwaves was a truly slap forehead moment when I said to myself why the hell didn't i think of this before.

Working for yourself it's all too easy to burn out, take a break for your own health and sanity!

Ngaire

20th March 2009, 11:48

Hi
I am too am struggling, though have been keeping focused on what work I am doing and diversifying within the other areas.

Though I would love to see more positive news shine... we wake up to bad news on the tv, turn on the radio and hit again with doom and gloom, sit and read the news on the net and again hit, receive free newspaper home and read more doom and gloom, sit down and watch the news - whereupon there is more depressing news... How much can we take before we do end up acting out the role that everything is bad.... we are only welcoming more bad news in..

In saying that, it is hard to keep upbeat as well, because you do not wish to seem too jolly or that everything is fine. If we all focused on sharing good news events, working closely together (ie not just on physcial forums - because that is what our generation will be known for (if not already) - cannot communicate in physical form or undertake business with local people etc... Then this will help move us out of the doom and gloom and help rebuild our businesses.

Additionally, if we can all be on mass in a forum, why don't we take it further and put it physcially on the doorstep of Mr Brown and vote with our public group and feet? At least the French get things actioned by people uniting and getting out and doing something!

rant over...... we are great talkers in the UK, though not actioners or quick enough actioners!

ps I am looking for a company to trial the services I provide in advising them on how to source and undertake sustainable procurement within their company (without costing an arm or a leg or both!) Anyone interested? Do send an email.

Bruce_Andrews

20th March 2009, 13:36

You mentioned flyers to the local area (including vets), and your local pet shop.

I think it'll be worth a bit more of a personal approach, and at a wider audience.
Try and get in front of the vet - take your own pet care leaflets and offer to have them overprinted with his logo for a small fee (then do a deal with your local print/copy shop)
You might get some part time work at the vets?
Does the vet want to offer dog (other pet?) training classes to his clients.
With summer coming, could be just the thing for the evening.

Hit the local garden centres - do they want to add a service to their pet care section.

What about holiday sites on Sheppey (and the rest of the coast) - look for the ones that are pet friendly, and go talk to them.
Day time pet care when the tourists go off to the funfair?

What about good quality non pet friendly hotels - they could outsource pet care as a service? Link up with a kennels?

Keep the web site going.
Look for any local dog / pet club that doesn't have a site, and offer them a page for news and events for a small fee (one or two and the domain and hosting will at least be self financing).

Look for anywhere else with people at leisure.
All businesses are (should be!) looking for something to differentiate themselves from the competition.
Can you turn what you do into a solution?

Sorry - got on a bit of a roll :D

wevet

20th March 2009, 13:52

What your website is an advert for a totally lifestyle business whereachof the terms are really very discretionary spending.

Come round to my house on a weekend you are welcome to launder the dog trim it and give him a good beauty and de-flea treatment.

You are concentrating with your website not only on the tiny percentage of people who have plenty of discretionary spending but even tinier who have an empty house all day and whose dog, unlike mine is happy to take himself upstairs, settle on my bed and wake up 6 hours later when one of the family comes home.

Go for the real value added areas.

For instance a pensioner might be more than happy to stroll around with dog but lugging it into the bath, trimming nails, cleaning eyes and ears might be too much.

Business is not what you plan to do or want to do but rather what the clients demand - the two can often be many miles apart!

(Dam I wish I was a dog life is so simple!)

beadell

20th March 2009, 15:46

Hi Claire....

We run a pet shop in Midhurst and also offer pet supplies (http://petshop2u.co.uk/) on the net and trust me it is not just you struggling. Although the website is doing well the shop is getting quieter week by week.

I will just add a few things to the good advice you have already been given.

Pet food delivery - its a good idea so offer this to all your existing customers. You wont make a massive amount of money as food has the lowest markup of all pet supplies but it is a value added service.

One good thing to offer is weighed out wild bird seeds, food 1kg, 2kg...what ever....the old ladies spend a fortune on this so offer it and the markup is very good. ;)

We are always getting people in the shop asking for your sort of service so definitely go back to yours and try again....build up a relationship with a couple, send a few clients their way and they will do the same....get to know them though. Dont just ask them to stick your card up, pop in every now and then if only to say hello.....then you will stick in their memory - I am sure you are not the only ones they see...so make sure you are the one they remember.

Not sure where you are in Kent but if you want to get some pet food supplies give these people a ring (http://www.batleys.co.uk/depot_locator.php)....they offer cash and carry at Gillingham but also deliver, cash and carry is typically around 3-4% cheaper than the delivered service. Cash and Carry has no minimum spend whereas delivered service does.

Finally....Check out Forum 4 Petshops...A online forum for pet businesses (http://forum.4petshops.com/), I own it and it is aimed just at people like us, people in the pet trade. You may find others in your area that can help but if not at least you are talking to people that know their stuff.

If you need any other help give me a shout

Cheers

Adrian

Skidoodle

21st March 2009, 10:42

Hi there.
I was in exactly the same position as you a couple of years ago. I decided that I knew my business would eventually work, and the reason it wasn't working for me then, was that it was costing me alot of money to build my client base. The options were that I either fold, or carry on, but I couldn't carry on the way it was. So , I didn't want to fold it as I believed that it could work, and a few years down the line it would start picking up again. I decided to carry on, but went back to work part time to fund my finances and didn't take anything from the business until I could give up work again and start on the business full time again. I monitored it very carefully each month and did my business plans etc. I was working non stop with a part time job and in my spare time trying to keep the business afloat, but it paid off and im so glad I carried on.
I promised myselft that only after I had exhausted all avenues was I prepared to knock it on the head, becuase had I not, I would of regretted it. And my stubborness and willful attitude to not lose my business won through. Where there's a will there's a way!

glamgoodies

21st March 2009, 18:44

I sympathise with you, it's tough when you've put so much into a business isn't it?
This may be teaching you to suck eggs but have you advertised in vets surgeries or pet shops and the like?

Page

22nd March 2009, 06:31

Plenty of good advice and ideas and varied.

Some struggle on and succeed.
Some struggle on and fail.

Only you can make the decision on what you are going to do and it is a question of weighing up the risks and your personal situation etc.

What you should not do though is just hope that things will get better.
Have a plan and document that plan since the process of doing so will force you to think about it in a totally different way and make your more liable to end up with a plan that will work and not drift around.

BeautyScientist

22nd March 2009, 07:38

I have no idea what the best thing for you to do for the future is. I have a feeling though that whatever happens, in a few years time you will look back on what you have done and be glad that you did. To have created a business from scratch, even one that didn't make it in the end, is more than most people manage. And I bet you have picked up a whole range of skills that you can use to make whatever you do next more successful. In the end the only failure is to not have tried in the first place.

sirearl

22nd March 2009, 08:13

Hi Paddy paws,if you think being on page 1 of google for your services in Kent would help.Please PM me you keywords I.E what you want to rank for.
And I will see what I can do.

Earl

PaddyPawsPetServices

23rd March 2009, 12:19

Ive had a brain wave!

Im going to go and do some face to face flyer dropping tomoz, to try and pick a few clients up...But had an even better idea.

If I speak to all the Pet Shops in the area ( the small local ones ) and put together some sort of deal where for every customer that spends £30 (random figure) I give the customer a discount of a service of their choice. I dont know how exactly to word it, to the pet shop owners...but am thinking it may be worth a go. Maybe try 1/2 shops, and see what sort of response I get.

Im kinda seeing it as a good thing for the Pet Stores ( who from my sources are having a rough time of it, what with supermarkets, P@h, Pets Corners everywhere, not to mention cheap online pet shops etc ) and I get a few clients coming my way

MikeD08

23rd March 2009, 13:53

FireFleur

23rd March 2009, 14:07

I have had a quick look at your site, just cursory mind, and what strikes me is I am not really sure what you are offering.

Is it a dog walking service? Kennels? Looking after Pets when the owner is unavailable?

I think it could be all of them and then some, but nothing jumps out, and then there is the shop.

It is a toughee because the site and the offering could be improved a lot, but even with the improvements would that really make a difference if there is no market for it.

People get a pet because I assume they want to walk it and look after it, so you have to fill in the times they cannot do that and be right at the forefront of their minds when those times occur.

Your right the recession will effect this, not so much because people don't want to pamper their pets, more that they will have more time to do so themselves.

What about a dog training school? Advertising for Pet Shops and Vets in the local area? A hub for pet owners in your area? I think your business idea covers a lot, but it misses the point that most will get pets for the responsibility not despite it, and if you aim on that side of the coin it may improve things.

But take this all with a pinch of salt, I think in busy and good times your business model is right, people do get too busy and pets need looking after.

beadell

23rd March 2009, 14:20

Ive had a brain wave!

Im going to go and do some face to face flyer dropping tomoz, to try and pick a few clients up...But had an even better idea.

If I speak to all the Pet Shops in the area ( the small local ones ) and put together some sort of deal where for every customer that spends £30 (random figure) I give the customer a discount of a service of their choice. I dont know how exactly to word it, to the pet shop owners...but am thinking it may be worth a go. Maybe try 1/2 shops, and see what sort of response I get.

Hmm...thats only going to work for the very few customers that come into a pet shop and then also want your service. And it still doesnt give the pet shop owner any incentive to actually give your card out or recommend you. They still have their sale no matter what.

Like I said in my previous post....get to know a few, become friendly with em and then they will recommend you....for FREE (if you're good of course)

It works in our shop :rolleyes:

PaddyPawsPetServices

23rd March 2009, 16:02

I have had a quick look at your site, just cursory mind, and what strikes me is I am not really sure what you are offering.

Is it a dog walking service? Kennels? Looking after Pets when the owner is unavailable?

Paddy Paws Pet Services offers Dog Walking, Dog Day Care, Cat and Small Animal Feeding, and much more ( See the services and pricing page ) We offer our services to Sittingbourne, Newington, Teynham, Rainham, Bobbing, Upchurch, and surrounding areas Monday to Sunday 7.30am to 9.30pm come rain or shine. Be sure to visit the Special Offers Page and to claim your free voucher

is on the front page....im not too sure about what else I can put to that?

Shp is at experimental stage, was just fiddling with it earlier when you were on the site

Bruce_Andrews

23rd March 2009, 18:37

Ive had a brain wave!

and also a renewed enthusiasm?
But don't just try one or two - you need to knock yourself out, then do one more - it's all a bit of a numbers game.

Then get back on here and let us know how it went :)

PaddyPawsPetServices

24th March 2009, 12:44

Ive got so many ideas running through my brain right now its mad!

Market Stall in Sittingbourne / Faversham. Sell good quality pet foods / supplies ( found a few suppliers and I can easily undercut P@H! )
Link myself with as many other pet related businesses in the area, I have plenty of Home Boarding enquiries, but nowhere to send them, so others must have the same issues. May email and see where I get
Drop Shipping via Ebay - pet supplies
organise a Dog Show ( in aid of a couple of local charities )
Donate Prizes to the school Fetes
Check all the local Vets/Pet Shops, re ads and Pet Care Leaflets
Stick a couple of hutches in the garden and offer small animal boarding for a small fee
Organise Sponsored dog walks for charities

Help...my brain is going to explode

silvermusic

24th March 2009, 13:03

Good to see you really trying and putting you're thinking cap on. Right now it sounds very much like the brain storming session I went through a few months back. Don't rule out anything, no matter how bizzare it may seem, write it down as you never know. that daft idea might not be so daft as it first sounds as it is or modified in some way.

Drop Shipping via Ebay - pet supplies

This is the only one i'd be a little careful with, it's easy to rack up fees with eBay/PayPal and find you're making very little once every one else has had their share. I'm not saying it can't work, just do the sums very carefully and keep a close eye on it.

Best of luck and don't let the bar stewards grind you down. :)

PaddyPawsPetServices

24th March 2009, 13:09

Thank you SM. Ive got a meeting with my mentor on Friday, so hopefully get some more pointers from him. I have just sent off for a couple of part time jobs in the area ( mainly Bar / Office / Sales and Call centres ) so hopefully something will come off, and relieve the financial pressure.

Im revamping our flyers atm, adding more about what we do and why people need us ( ;) ) had a jiggle with the website, and included more services.

This business WILL NOT fail!

Bruce_Andrews

24th March 2009, 13:10

Prioritise!

What would cost the least to do and potentially bring in profitable revenue?

The Dog Show/Sponsored Walks/Donated Prizes are all good PR, but you need a business to benefit from that PR -and some cash in the bank.

How much return would you get with a couple of hutches?
Would that leave you with any spare time?
Insurance and neighbours?
Business rates / change of use?

Market Stall sounds good.
Cost to take on a stall?
Minimum term?
Stock (sale or return is a good idea)
Advertising - before you go there and on the stall?
Is this weekly - if it's more than that, which are the best days.
Get along to the next ones bright and early and find the market inspector.
I've no idea, but it might be very simple to do.

For me, e-bay has been done before - what makes you different?
How long would it take to get established?
But you will find plenty of advice on here.

Linking with all possible local businesses sounds good.
The more you link with, the more chance of something happening.

Can you find a local business mentor - even for a one off session?
Sometimes, the better solicitors or accountants do something.
Try a couple of networking groups - you'll almost certainly find someone that will give you an hour.

sorry - off on one again :D

Bruce_Andrews

24th March 2009, 13:14

OK - so you've already got a mentor - doh! :redface:

Miss Yang

24th March 2009, 13:18

Oh ,i am new to this forum ,and very glad to see everyone

PaddyPawsPetServices

24th March 2009, 13:21

Prioritise! tis hard...im too excited...I was even scribbling on a note pad on the train this AM hehehehe

What would cost the least to do and potentially bring in profitable revenue? business link ups would cost almost nowt. Allowing other local businesses without a website to have a page on mine would bring in a small amount of income

The Dog Show/Sponsored Walks/Donated Prizes are all good PR, but you need a business to benefit from that PR -and some cash in the bank. Good point

How much return would you get with a couple of hutches? hutches can be bought fairly cheaply ( £60 ish ) I have one spare atm. from looking at others offering this service £3-£7 per night
Would that leave you with any spare time? Would bring in an income to enable me to concentrate and finance other areas of business
Insurance and neighbours? Already have insurance ( PBI ) and no need for a licence
Business rates / change of use? would need to look into this

Market Stall sounds good. make some cash and push the business
Cost to take on a stall? about £20 per pitch
Minimum term? can do casual
Stock (sale or return is a good idea) Batleys very close by
Advertising - before you go there and on the stall? through website, flyers, newspapers, free ads. Thriving market already exists
Is this weekly - if it's more than that, which are the best days. Sittingbourne Friday
Get along to the next ones bright and early and find the market inspector. Will do that this week
I've no idea, but it might be very simple to do. yes, and things like bags of wild bird seed ( weighed out ) would be a good seller

For me, e-bay has been done before - what makes you different? Good point..there are a fair few pet places on ebay
How long would it take to get established? fair while I would think...plus cost of drop ship
But you will find plenty of advice on here. Thank you!

Linking with all possible local businesses sounds good.
The more you link with, the more chance of something happening.
There are a fair few Kentish businesses on here, and im on the Kent Business forum, so will have an ask...wonder if I could advertise on here...how much to charge for a webpage?

Can you find a local business mentor - even for a one off session? I have a Princes Trust Mentor
Sometimes, the better solicitors or accountants do something.
Try a couple of networking groups - you'll almost certainly find someone that will give you an hour.

sorry - off on one again :D

Thank you very much...certainly a lot of food for thought ( and my brain is going to explode! )

PaddyPawsPetServices

24th March 2009, 13:21

OK - so you've already got a mentor - doh! :redface:

hehehe, only for one more year tho :eek:

silvermusic

24th March 2009, 13:25

Bruce, good advice. Along similar lines don't be affaid to try anything, you'll soon see what brings in the most money for the smallest effort. As one example, on one of my sites I included an ebay affiliate banner link as an experiment, didn't expect it to do much, but it's now pulling in £50 a month for no effort, OK not a lot, but it takes zero effort on my part. Money for old rope as my better half calls it. :)

PaddyPawsPetServices

24th March 2009, 13:31

Im certainly game to give anything a go...just emailed the people who operate the market, and a few suppliers for price lists etc

CatchFriday

24th March 2009, 14:18

Hi,

interesting information offered by several here about extending your business.

I was at a Franchising exhibition at Olympia on Saturday and came across Pals4Pets (http://www.pals4pets.co.uk) who were offering dog boarding in private homes, overnight house sitting 4 pets etc - the franchise fee started at £3500 - £11,500.

Obviously there is money to be made in offering pet services, and I am a dog owner of one terrier.

I suggest that it's popular to advertise dog boarding at home - I've no idea of the price, but you could enquire how much they would charge for a nights stay.

You could sign up local people, and make a profit on offering the accommodation, which sounds much better than kennels, doesn't it.

As others have said here - having a shopping cart on your web site makes sense, and if you ever need any advice on that, or a telemarketing campaign give us a call.

You know my dog loves Eukanuba and I had to visit a large pet store to buy it.

My sister buys pet food online, and I also did recently.

PaddyPawsPetServices

24th March 2009, 14:23

I did offer home boarding last year, sadly you need a licence to do that ( about £300 ish ) I applied and got turned down because of my PITA neighbours ( the sort who beep cars late at night, parties, rows at 2am...catch my drift )

CatchFriday

24th March 2009, 14:44

Claire,
I wasn't suggesting that you did it yourself, I was thinking that you could enlist people to do it for you, and become a go-between to make it happen.
There must be away to avoid the licensing fee like perhaps make an association, and get round it that way, or a club?

reggiemental

24th March 2009, 15:23

Great to see your enthusiasm is back PP!

Hi Paddy paws,if you think being on page 1 of google for your services in Kent would help.Please PM me you keywords I.E what you want to rank for.
And I will see what I can do.

I think in all the excitement, you may have missed this generous offer from SirEarl.

PaddyPawsPetServices

24th March 2009, 16:04

no I did indeed PM him !:p

Mister B

25th March 2009, 09:06

Pleased to see that life is on the up for you:)
Just goes to show that a lot can happen in a week;)

Mister B

PaddyPawsPetServices

30th March 2009, 08:04

well, just to update this thread

I had an interview on Sat for a full time job, which I should hear about today ( fingers crossed )

So what OH and I have decided to do, is for me to work Full Time, carry on with the walking clients that will fit around work. Then in my spare time I can use the extra cash to rebuild Paddy Paws. As i wont be drawing a wage from the business, I can put any income into rebuilding, re marketing and re branding.

I did enquire about a market stall, however there are no pitches, I have been put onto a waiting list...so what we are going to do is, find out about having a regular "pets supplies" stall at the local car boots. I can get items very cheap ( wholesale ) and things like Wild bird seed, dog treats I can buy in bulk, bag up and sell. In time link that to the web page ( so people can buy when needed ) and increase to the local pet food delivery.

Im feeling very positive about the future for Paddy Paws, and although this means that I have to go back to work and go back to the drawing board, I actually think its a good thing.

Just really keeping my fingers crossed!

xx

Hattey

30th March 2009, 09:40

Hi Paddy Paws

I really hope everything works out for you and I have my fingers crossed for your job offer.

I have two dogs, a cat and 2 ferrets and would definately use a service like yours in my area so I wish you well with Paddy Paws being re-born!

All the best

Hattie

Gavin-Design-Right

30th March 2009, 09:42

I am sorry I can not help you. I wish you the very very best of luck! you deserve it.

Bruce_Andrews

30th March 2009, 16:37

Hey PP

You are not going back to the drawing board.
You've already achieved more than many, so it's all forward, just in a different direction, and with the benefit of experience.
And my comment on one of my longer missives still holds true:
Prioritise.
Do little and often on the master plan, and it'll start to happen for you.

enjoy
Bruce

Morgan

1st April 2009, 17:58

Hi Paddy Paws, sorry to hear you are struggling. I am in the same business as you and just thought I'd add my two penneth worth! I don't think anyone has mentioned this but have you thought about doing talks on pets for kids in schools or kids birthday parties - sort of like the American 'show and tell' if you like. All you need are a few unusal pets like reptiles, snakes, that sort of thing as well as some small furries and charge a couple of hundred pounds for a couple of hours talk on the pets. Just an idea.

PaddyPawsPetServices

1st April 2009, 18:01

thats a really good idea Morgan

Thanks for that!

I have officially sold my soul, accepted a job at Tesco last night...im seeing it as a good thing tho...I will have more cash to reinvest and rejuvenate PPPS...lots of fab ideas here that I will go through with my Business Mentor ( who is on hols atm! )

gindygindy

19th May 2009, 08:36

Am I too late?? Not been on here in ages.

I run a business just like yours and wanted to help you in any way I can. Our business is fine & historically at this time of year it does go a bit quiet after Christmas for a few weeks as people get over the expense of christmas. Predominantly our business derives from word of mouth rather than leafletting, adverts etc. I can give you some tips. Sadly linking up with kennels/catteires doesnt work because you are their direct competition. If youre doing a cat visit for a customer that cat isnt in their cattery is it.

We do dog walking, petsitting, dog boarding, dog grooming (soon) Pet visits, pet food delivery, mobile microchipping, pretty much the whole package.

Once the holiday seasons starts then it picks up - end march beg april. Even now people are still feeling the need to go on some sort of holiday & whereas they might, in the past, have gone to the Maldives say, theyre going somewhere cheaper but they still need care for their pets as theyre not at home. ;)

We're expanding into a shop (take over keys 1st june 09) Downstairs will be a dog grooming salon & upstairs my office & storage. We've linked up with a local dog & cat groomer & she'll be renting a chair in the salon, thats creating extra income. We sell dog food, toys etc. & deliver free to clients within a limited radius.

Sorry I could go on. If you'd like a bit of help, chat or support then just send me a pm & we can chat.

Angela