Pet Sitting and Dog Day Care.

[PremierPetSitters]

Hi everyone.

I am just starting out in Pet Sitting. I have 5 years experience which helped me financially to get through University. I have some regular clients but to make this a worthwhile opportunity full time i need ways to get noticed.

I have had 5,000 A6 flyers printed which i will post myself in my local area. Does anyone have any ideas on how i can make myself well known in my area, also any other good ideas for my business.

Regards

 

[saracen]

if you drive and own a car/van, that could be utilised as a great marketing tool by having it livered with vinyl lettering with your business details.

Also leave a large pile of your flyers within local vet surgeries and garden centre/pet food outlets....

hope this helps

 

[billhilton]

A very simple marketing strategy. Ingredients:

1. Flyers, cards, whatever. Something you can hand out.

2. A dog (borrowed, or from a client if you don't have one).

In your town there's bound to be a popular area for dog walking, and a popular time of day. Get yourself down there avec pooch and get talking to people. Give out your flyers, and word will soon get round.

My local dog sitter does a roaring trade just off the back of people he meets while he's out walking. You could even get yourself a branded fleece or something, but that might be overkill.

You could even offer to work on a pro bono basis.

(Ahahaha - see what I did there? Pro bono? Dogs? Geddit? Oh... never mind.)

 

[two sheds]

Don't forget to put a card/flyer up in all the local vets too

 

[Mrs Malapup]

Hi, I am setting up a pet minding business at the moment....where abouts in the country are you?

 

[missdetermination]

a couple of pet sitters by me advertise on a board by the gate to the local common?

 

[missdetermination]

sorry just had another thought: http://www.askyourneighbour.co.uk/site.php?tid=25752&cid=18, I have a look for things on here occationally for local help. Have loads of towns listed. Good luck with the venture by the way x

 

[Mrs Malapup]

When I was opening my shop I had a load of flyers done.....loaded them into dog back packs and used the dogs to carry them around while we handed them out in town to promote the business. The promotion was very successful and lots of people were interested in our unusual dogs. So using a different and eyecatching method is a good way of advertising. We also got the local paper to do an advertorial based around our mushing activities. The headline was 'Pet Shop Girl Goes to the Dogs'.

 

[zanu]

Hi I have just started dog walking/pet sitting. One of my clients wants to pay me £25 for looking after her dogs from 10am to 10 am the next day. I would be sleeping over.. She says I can walk other peoples dogs during the day as long as I don't leave her puppy for more than two hours. I normally charge £7 an hour but I am not sure what the going rate is for nights. Can anyone advise me? thanks zanu:|

 

[puppysteps]

hi zanu. i run a dog walking and pet sitting business. i generally charge £25 per night for dogs boarding in my home. if i have to stay at someones home my charge is £30 per night. clients usually tell me that this is a very reasonable price in my area. why not check around your local area and see what other pet sitters charge. this will give you an idea of the average price.
hope this helps

 

[MyAccountantOnline]

Hi everyone.

I am just starting out in Pet Sitting. I have 5 years experience which helped me financially to get through University. I have some regular clients but to make this a worthwhile opportunity full time i need ways to get noticed.

I have had 5,000 A6 flyers printed which i will post myself in my local area. Does anyone have any ideas on how i can make myself well known in my area, also any other good ideas for my business.

Regards

I have a client who does this and she truly cant keep up with demand. Her best business came from leaflets at the vets and simply talking to dog owners and telling people about what she does (as you'll know if you have a dog other dog walkers will always talk to you)

Good luck

 

[Pet Nanny]

if you drive and own a car/van, that could be utilised as a great marketing tool by having it livered with vinyl lettering with your business details.

Also leave a large pile of your flyers within local vet surgeries and garden centre/pet food outlets....

hope this helps

Just seen this post so sorry if I am late replying.

I have over 12 years experience in the pet sitting industry and the majority of suggestions given above, would also form my advice. However, PLEASE be mindful of having your vehicle livered, since this can and DOES put potential clients off using your service.

The internet is awash with people expressing their concern, and even those who have been burgled as a result of criminals following certain 'pet sitting' vans.

Our sitters do not travel in marked cars, but we are currently in the process of franchising our business, and are considering DISCREET advertising only.

Best of luck

 

[S-Marketing]

Just seen this post so sorry if I am late replying.

I have over 12 years experience in the pet sitting industry and the majority of suggestions given above, would also form my advice. However, PLEASE be mindful of having your vehicle livered, since this can and DOES put potential clients off using your service.

The internet is awash with people expressing their concern, and even those who have been burgled as a result of criminals following certain 'pet sitting' vans.

Our sitters do not travel in marked cars, but we are currently in the process of franchising our business, and are considering DISCREET advertising only.

Best of luck

Very interested to know how you are thinking of franchising your business. Who in their right mind would buy a pet sitting franchise when absolutely anyone could set up a business and have enough clients to do it full time within a fortnight?

Sorry if its a bit off topic but it amazes me, the types of businesses people think will work as franchises.

 

[papverpoppies]

Very interested to know how you are thinking of franchising your business. Who in their right mind would buy a pet sitting franchise when absolutely anyone could set up a business and have enough clients to do it full time within a fortnight?

Sorry if its a bit off topic but it amazes me, the types of businesses people think will work as franchises.

As my interest is animals, and has been for 20+ years I get lots of emails offering a franchise in the pet sitting/walking services - I find it truly amazing that people sign up to these.

For that money, what would I be getting, other than using their so called corporate logo, and a few other little 'perks'- I would still have to find my own clients.

On the other hand, a good friend started her own pet business some 18 months ago, for the cost of adds, in local papers, shop windows and word of mouth. Today she can comfortably support herself and her two kids.

There are stacks of websites that list people who are looking for this service as well as people offering the service, why pay someone a lot of money?

In the case of the OP, there will be no corporate van, as she writes this is frowned upon for 'security' reasons, so just what will the franchise offer, that someone could not put together themselves?

Poppy xx

 

[S-Marketing]

As my interest is animals, and has been for 20+ years I get lots of emails offering a franchise in the pet sitting/walking services - I find it truly amazing that people sign up to these.

For that money, what would I be getting, other than using their so called corporate logo, and a few other little 'perks'- I would still have to find my own clients.

On the other hand, a good friend started her own pet business some 18 months ago, for the cost of adds, in local papers, shop windows and word of mouth. Today she can comfortably support herself and her two kids.

There are stacks of websites that list people who are looking for this service as well as people offering the service, why pay someone a lot of money?

In the case of the OP, there will be no corporate van, as she writes this is frowned upon for 'security' reasons, so just what will the franchise offer, that someone could not put together themselves?

Poppy xx

Couldn't agree more poppy. I find it amazing that people think they could sell a franchise for stuff like this.

I too have a lot of experience with pets generally and pet related businesses. My better half is a vet and I have a lot of experience working with such businesses. Due to her job, my other half has many friends who are dog groomers, pet sitters, and locum nurses. All of these occupations are very very easy to start and getting a suitable amount of clients takes no time at all.

For anyone who wanted to be a pet sitter or dog walker, I would personally guarantee that I could give them all the advice they needed to find all the clients they would need, to make around £100 a day for as many days a week as they wanted to do it.

I do see value in some franchise models, but to me this just seems like an opportunity to take money from people who dont know how easy it would be to do it on their own. Actually, i'd go one step further and say that they would actually be better off doing it on thier own.

 

[Morgan]

Totally agree with the franchise comments - it never ceases to amaze me that people pay anything up to £18/20k and more for some 'training' and a logo. Having said that, I did dip my toes in franchising my own pet sitting business and just as quickly decided it would never work. I wasn't going to charge the high amounts I've just quoted and at the time it seemed a possible solution to getting coverage of other areas.

I ran the business very sucessfully for nearly 4 years before selling it and have to say that having a logo'd car was the best advertising I could have paid for. It paid for itself 10 times over and never once did anyone express concern regards security. Of course I can't say if people put off by it didn't ring in the first place, but I was so busy if that's the case then it certainly never harmed me. If I had felt it a security risk I wouldn't have had it parked on my own drive.

 

[S-Marketing]

Judging by the responses to this thread, I think I might start a dedicated marketing service for anyone thinking of buying a pet based franchise.

 

[Pet Nanny]

Firstly I would say that the pet sitting franchise is booming in this country and our package is excellent.

Yes you are correct in saying that anyone can start up a pet sitting business, but many fall by the wayside due to inexperience, and bad business practice.

We have over 12 years experience in this industry and a good background in marketing.

We are offering a page on our website which has been optimised for all our search terms, registration, insurance, uniforms, lease hire of a vehicle, forms, logos, leaflets etc. etc.

Why do you all feel that the pet sitting industry is not worthy of franchising. I find this extremely surprising not to mention a bit arrogant!

 

[S-Marketing]

Firstly I would say that the pet sitting franchise is booming in this country and our package is excellent.

Yes you are correct in saying that anyone can start up a pet sitting business, but many fall by the wayside due to inexperience, and bad business practice.

We have over 12 years experience in this industry and a good background in marketing.

We are offering a page on our website which has been optimised for all our search terms, registration, insurance, uniforms, lease hire of a vehicle, forms, logos, leaflets etc. etc.

Why do you all feel that the pet sitting industry is not worthy of franchising. I find this extremely surprising not to mention a bit arrogant!

Hi. just like to say, this isn't directly aimed at you, I just cant see why you or any other franchisor could add any value to a business like this.

A page on your website is of little value, nobody needs a recognised brand to be a pet sitter, so where do you add value. What price do you charge and what do you propose a franchisee can make from it?

 

[papverpoppies]

Judging by the responses to this thread, I think I might start a dedicated marketing service for anyone thinking of buying a pet based franchise.

It would be interesting to hear back from the OP who wrote about franchising her business - as to what she is offering, and why.

Stretchy you could make a fortune - just think how many dog walkers there are out their.

Poppy xx

Edited to say, just seen the reply from the OP - so sorry for jumping the gun.

 

[papverpoppies]

Firstly I would say that the pet sitting franchise is booming in this country and our package is excellent.

Yes you are correct in saying that anyone can start up a pet sitting business, but many fall by the wayside due to inexperience, and bad business practice.

We have over 12 years experience in this industry and a good background in marketing.

We are offering a page on our website which has been optimised for all our search terms, registration, insurance, uniforms, lease hire of a vehicle, forms, logos, leaflets etc. etc.

Why do you all feel that the pet sitting industry is not worthy of franchising. I find this extremely surprising not to mention a bit arrogant!

Why would they need a uniform, lease of a vechicle, is extra expense surely, insurance they can search out for themselves, forms and logos what do they cost, and a link on your web site is not much use.
I take it they still have to find their own clients.

If someone cannot sort that out for themselves, then they should surely not be contemplating working for themselves in the first place, blimey they are in and out of people's homes, they must be of reasonable intelligence surely.

I do not think that the replies referreed to all of the pet trade as being un-franchisable, but I seriously question the pet sitting/walking side of it.

Poppy xx

 

[EliteGLD]

From a webmaster's point of view, I'd get on some 'pet forums' trial them (see if there's much activity, and if the people are friendly, which I'm sure they will be.) and pay for a banner space to your site/ad/contact details/twitter.

Twitter is also a great tool, as you can find the people who own and chat about their pets on search.twitter.com and follow them, (look up some tutorials on google if you need more inf - there a lot of info out there.) there you can get testimonials of recent clients, find and talk to potencial clients etc...

The world is becoming moer and more active on the web so it's vital to have an online presence as well as an offline one.

 

[papverpoppies]

Firstly I would say that the pet sitting franchise is booming in this country and our package is excellent.

Yes you are correct in saying that anyone can start up a pet sitting business, but many fall by the wayside due to inexperience, and bad business practice.

We have over 12 years experience in this industry and a good background in marketing.

We are offering a page on our website which has been optimised for all our search terms, registration, insurance, uniforms, lease hire of a vehicle, forms, logos, leaflets etc. etc.

Why do you all feel that the pet sitting industry is not worthy of franchising. I find this extremely surprising not to mention a bit arrogant!

Interesting you state uniforms as one of the items that will be provided, as on your website it says...
Home security is an essential part of our service, therefore our pet and dog sitters, do NOT travel in marked vehicles, or wear uniforms, so as not to attract criminal interest.

Poppy xx

 

[Morgan]

Why would they need a uniform, lease of a vechicle, is extra expense surely, insurance they can search out for themselves, forms and logos what do they cost, and a link on your web site is not much use.
I take it they still have to find their own clients.

If someone cannot sort that out for themselves, then they should surely not be contemplating working for themselves in the first place, blimey they are in and out of people's homes, they must be of reasonable intelligence surely.

I do not think that the replies referreed to all of the pet trade as being un-franchisable, but I seriously question the pet sitting/walking side of it.

Poppy xx

I think you've summed up my thoughts PP. All it takes is some research and basic common sense and it's an easy business to set up with a very small outlay. I'm not dissing it, as I say I did it myself and enjoyed it very much but I'd never had laid out money to buy a franchise.

 

[S-Marketing]

Interesting you state uniforms as one of the items that will be provided, as on your website it says...
Home security is an essential part of our service, therefore our pet and dog sitters, do NOT travel in marked vehicles, or wear uniforms, so as not to attract criminal interest.

Poppy xx

All the stuff listed, as included in the price, is only there in an attempt to make the price seem more acceptable. The insurance for this kind of venture costs about £15 a month, a uniform £100, and advertising materials, well lets just say I could sort everything that would be needed to get enough clients for about £1000.

Not that I think a uniform is esential. These types of businesses work much better when you market yourself as the friendly village dog sitter, rather than the franchise owner who is less personal and less appealing.

 

[Pet Nanny]

Hi. just like to say, this isn't directly aimed at you, I just cant see why you or any other franchisor could add any value to a business like this.

A page on your website is of little value, nobody needs a recognised brand to be a pet sitter, so where do you add value. What price do you charge and what do you propose a franchisee can make from it?

I am extremely surprised that you feel a page on our website would be of little value, since it is optimised for each of our search terms and is our only form of advertising, apart from recommendation.

The reason that we are franchising is because we do not wish to expand further and are constantly turning work down.

It seems to me that pet sitting, or working in the pet care industry is belittled by some people on the forum which is a real shame. We may not command the earnings of high corporate business, but we provide a valuable service non the less and work darn hard, seven days a week.

I was trying to offer some constructive help to the op and did not expect some of the comments leveled against me.

I have found the forum and its members to be wonderful in the help they have offered me in the past, and seeing a thread on pet sitting, was an opportunity for me to offer help back.

Perhaps you should take a look at some of the other pet sitting companies, who are franchising and doing extremely well I might add.

 

[S-Marketing]

Pet nanny.

As explained, these comments are not directly aimed at you, but a franchise of this kind generally. I would have thought that a thread of this kind would be an opportunity for you to really explain to us the value and benefit you offer. Instead you have decided to skirt round the subject.

It is not that we have little respect for pet based businesses, just ones that have no value. The reason why you and so many decide to think they can franchise such a business, is that they soon realise it is their only option, as its not actually a viable business if you try to scale it.

Any individual wanting to start this kind of business would be better off doing so on their own, rather than buying into a franchise. You didn't answer my financial questions so we can only assume that you offer a very poor package to your franchisees.

Businesses such as these are ideal for people with little or no business experience as they are easy to set up, easy to run and cheap.

I could give someone all the information they would need to start and run a business like this in a day, including some exceptional marketing advice that would ensure they run rings round any franchise owner. The price for my advice for a day is £400 + Vat, And i'd even buy them dinner.

Can you compete with my offer?

As I have already tried to make clear, this is not a personal attack at what you are doing by anyone. You did however decide to come on to a thread about pet sitting and 'mention' that you sell franchises. If your offer is worth having you should be able to offer more value to a client then I can, which I dont believe you can. Actually i'm willing to bet on it.

This is your chance to explain and prove us wrong. I'd love to be wrong, it will stop me being such a grumpy, untrusting git when franchises are mentioned.

 

[papverpoppies]

PetNanny, in replying to the OP, you very sweetly slipped in about franchising your business – which left the door wide open for further questions.

Questions, that anyone thinking of investing in a franchise from you, would surely ask.

I, along with anyone else on the forum might have been interested – and before contacting you direct and expressing an interest decided to post openly and ask some questions.

All, you have done so far is dance around the subject, and plead that yourself along with the pet sitting industry is being maligned, which is certainly not correct on either score.

Those comments would not inspire me with any confidence in regards to your business.

If you feel that your business stacks up to being franchised – then explain why.
‘That we are having to turn business away’ is surely not a good enough reason to think that the business is franchisable.


My local shop ran out of milk yesterday – and had to say ‘sorry’ to some of its customers - but they are not going into keeping their own cows so that it never happens again.

What would potential investors be getting for their money - apart from!


Insurance
Uniform (which you do not recommend anyway)
Vehicle Lease (unmarked car – as you do not recommend business logo) which is great for you, as you get your money from the franchise side of it, but not so good for the investor.
Link on website and logo.

If you believe that franchising is a viable and worthwhile investment in your business then surely you should be able to tell us why.


Poppy xx

 

[sellickbhoy]

I'm enjoying the FRANCHISE debate on this thread.

As a dog owner and someone who uses a pet sitting service occasionally, I can see the potential in it - I can also see how cheap and easy it would be to set up and you'd be MENTAL to pay a franchise fee if you had half a brain.

I think the downside of most of these franchises is the cost of the franchise for what you get in return - very little.

However, if someone has set up a dog walking/sitting service and is doing well, they could franchise it out at a reasonable fee and in turn they and the franchisees could benefit from it.

I don't think you'd charge a 10/15/20k franchise fee.

you could charge a few hundred pounds and let the "franchisee" do the rest themselves.

they can set up their own web page (copying your website and changing the website name to have the name of the town/area covered added on the end)

getting their own phone number/email addy - gmail is great for this, so you could all have the same email address format i.e. [email protected], [email protected] etc

they could use the same flyer deisgn/poster design you used, but change the contact details to suit

pretty much all the software you'd need - is free from google - a diary is all i can think of!!!

then just point them in the direction of a local accountant who can guide them through company formation, tax, accounts, banking etc etc.

it would mean the franchisor doesn't make money or residual income - maybe you could charge a small annual fee - but the brand builds - so that if someone moved from, say manchester to swindon, they could contact the local contact of the franchise and get a similar service.

I'm sure you could then organise branded merchandise - ie, sell worming tablets and frontline, leads, collars, boalls, chuckits, toys, dog food etc

not a true franchise model, but as these businesses are localised, you could build up a nationwide network of independent dogsitters using your name/brand - which will gradually make the name better known

just a thought

in fact, this is still one of my "ones for the future" so no one do this!

 

[sellickbhoy]

The reason that we are franchising is because we do not wish to expand further and are constantly turning work down.

you don't want to expand but want to franchise the business?

surely that is expansion and will have more demands on you than simply taking on a few extra customers?

Have you thought about sub contracting the work out to other businesses in the area?

or just recruit somone else on a part time basis - to help out with extra demand, or a full time basis to run the business and you jsut help out when it gets busy?

If you think you won't be expanding by franchising, i'd hate to be the franchisee turning to you for support after you'd cashed my cheque

 

[papverpoppies]

you don't want to expand but want to franchise the business?

surely that is expansion and will have more demands on you than simply taking on a few extra customers?

Have you thought about sub contracting the work out to other businesses in the area?

or just recruit somone else on a part time basis - to help out with extra demand, or a full time basis to run the business and you jsut help out when it gets busy?

If you think you won't be expanding by franchising, i'd hate to be the franchisee turning to you for support after you'd cashed my cheque

Good points, as surely franchising any business, is far more involved than the pet sitting/walking aspects, and requires a different level of expertise.
Again, just because you are turning people away, what makes you think you are qualified enough to offer this.

Stretchy made the point that he could offer good sound business advice to anyone that wanted to set up in this business for £400.

So, instead of selling people a piece of 'what could be nothing' why do you not follow that example, and use your experience into informing people on how and what they require if they want to run a pet business.

When I was investigating running a cattery, it was searching out all of the 'legal must does etc etc' that was difficult, the running of it, was not a problem.

So, if you equate that to petsitting I am sure there are lots of people who just want that type of info, which you could charge for.

Poppy xx

 

[Morgan]

I'm enjoying the FRANCHISE debate on this thread.

As a dog owner and someone who uses a pet sitting service occasionally, I can see the potential in it - I can also see how cheap and easy it would be to set up and you'd be MENTAL to pay a franchise fee if you had half a brain.

I think the downside of most of these franchises is the cost of the franchise for what you get in return - very little.

However, if someone has set up a dog walking/sitting service and is doing well, they could franchise it out at a reasonable fee and in turn they and the franchisees could benefit from it.

I don't think you'd charge a 10/15/20k franchise fee.

you could charge a few hundred pounds and let the "franchisee" do the rest themselves.

they can set up their own web page (copying your website and changing the website name to have the name of the town/area covered added on the end)

getting their own phone number/email addy - gmail is great for this, so you could all have the same email address format i.e. [email protected], [email protected] etc

they could use the same flyer deisgn/poster design you used, but change the contact details to suit

pretty much all the software you'd need - is free from google - a diary is all i can think of!!!

then just point them in the direction of a local accountant who can guide them through company formation, tax, accounts, banking etc etc.

it would mean the franchisor doesn't make money or residual income - maybe you could charge a small annual fee - but the brand builds - so that if someone moved from, say manchester to swindon, they could contact the local contact of the franchise and get a similar service.

I'm sure you could then organise branded merchandise - ie, sell worming tablets and frontline, leads, collars, boalls, chuckits, toys, dog food etc

not a true franchise model, but as these businesses are localised, you could build up a nationwide network of independent dogsitters using your name/brand - which will gradually make the name better known

just a thought

in fact, this is still one of my "ones for the future" so no one do this!

A company already does this, sorry to burst your bubble lol. GB pet sitters. They have no fees to start up, presumably they take a percent of income. Either way you're still better off on your own as I see it.

From a pet business owner point of view, only charging a few hundred pounds for someone to take on your logo and good name doesn't sound worth the risk. It's very much a business built on trust and one wrong move from a wayward 'franchisee' could ruin your reputatation by association.

 

[sellickbhoy]

A company already does this, sorry to burst your bubble lol. GB pet sitters. They have no fees to start up, presumably they take a percent of income. Either way you're still better off on your own as I see it.

From a pet business owner point of view, only charging a few hundred pounds for someone to take on your logo and good name doesn't sound worth the risk. It's very much a business built on trust and one wrong move from a wayward 'franchisee' could ruin your reputatation by association.

good point, it cuts both ways!!

though I wouldn't simply charge a few hundred quid and give them the right to use my logo etc.

you'd need to select who you did/didn't give a franchise too - so, they'd have to prove they had the finance, capabilities, facilities to do the job properly.

Almost like a job interview!

you could do the 1 day, £400 pack type thing to help make sure they have covered everything they need to - business bank, accountant, legal structure, software, vehicles, premises, insurances, legal requirements, vet contacts, printing contacts, phone, pc, pc knowledge and software set up, a day or 2 onsite training with you, plus, does the person seem like they have the energy, drive to do it?

you wouldn't hand them out to anyone!

also, you couldn't make it a huge ongoing charge, otherwise they'd leave once established

but could be handy if you had 2 in neighbouring towns to help cover with holidays, excess demand etc etc.

so there are also some benefits.

But, it is one of those businesses that the value add of the franchise is small - and that should be reflected in the fees charged.

 

[tomderrig]

Hi,

In my professional opinion i think you should adopt a USP that makes you stand out from the crowd. what that is or could be i'll leave upto you as you would know better what dogs and dog owners want. For example make it like an exclusive dog club but with free membership and lots of dog goodies

Once you got something worth talking about you will get a name for yourself among the dog people and then PR that puppy

Good luck!
Tom

p.s. anymore questions please visit my blog

 

[Pet Nanny]

PetNanny, in replying to the OP, you very sweetly slipped in about franchising your business – which left the door wide open for further questions.

Questions, that anyone thinking of investing in a franchise from you, would surely ask.

I, along with anyone else on the forum might have been interested – and before contacting you direct and expressing an interest decided to post openly and ask some questions.

All, you have done so far is dance around the subject, and plead that yourself along with the pet sitting industry is being maligned, which is certainly not correct on either score.

Those comments would not inspire me with any confidence in regards to your business.

If you feel that your business stacks up to being franchised – then explain why.
‘That we are having to turn business away’ is surely not a good enough reason to think that the business is franchisable.


My local shop ran out of milk yesterday – and had to say ‘sorry’ to some of its customers - but they are not going into keeping their own cows so that it never happens again.

What would potential investors be getting for their money - apart from!


Insurance
Uniform (which you do not recommend anyway)
Vehicle Lease (unmarked car – as you do not recommend business logo) which is great for you, as you get your money from the franchise side of it, but not so good for the investor.
Link on website and logo.

If you believe that franchising is a viable and worthwhile investment in your business then surely you should be able to tell us why.


Poppy xx

As I explained previously, I was trying to offer the op the benefit of my experience and did not expect the level of hostility with regard to the franchising of pet sitting!

Petpals, are the leaders in pet sitting franchises and now many other companies are following suit. Perhaps you would like to take a look at their franchises which have been running successfully for many years.

Since we cannot meet the demand and do not wish to expand any further, we felt that the sensible option was to franchise. Our package will therefore run along the same lines as other pet sitting franchises by offering, flyers, stationary, comprising letterheads, compliment slips and business cards. Branded sweatshirts and T. shirts. All business documents including client consultation forms and contracts. Vehicle sign writing (albeit discreet). A manual which will include all the relevant information required to run a successful pet care business. Launch support, work experience and training. Not to mention an online presence which is largely attributed to a certain member of this forum (you know who you are)

We are also offering a pet care course which will be exclusive to Nina's Nannies for pets, but this is due to commence in February next year and details have yet to be finalised.

We are extremely proud of our service and reputation and are now offering people the opportunity to be part of our success.

 

[S-Marketing]

Pet nanny,

How much will your franchises cost?

 

[papverpoppies]

Pet nanny,

How much will your franchises cost?

Petpals want £2500 plus VAT to just reserve an area!

Stretchy I have googled pet sitting franchise, and there must be more people out there, with more money than sense, because everyone is trying to sell the idea!


Poppy xx

 

[Pet Nanny]

Pet nanny,

How much will your franchises cost?

The general cost of a 'new' pet sitting franchise is in the region of £12,000, however, we are looking to start at £8,000 with on going support.

I would stress that our franchise package is still being put together so this is an estimation.

I would also stress, that by franchising our pet care service, we want to uphold the success and reputation of our company, so any applicant will undergo the same vetting procedure as our sitters.

Our media contacts will also prove extremely helpful, as will our marketing expertise.

If the op would like to pm me I would be happy to offer any help that I can.

 

[papverpoppies]

The general cost of a 'new' pet sitting franchise is in the region of £12,000, however, we are looking to start at £8,000 with on going support.

I would stress that our franchise package is still being put together so this is an estimation.

I would also stress, that by franchising our pet care service, we want to uphold the success and reputation of our company, so any applicant will undergo the same vetting procedure as our sitters.

Our media contacts will also prove extremely helpful, as will our marketing expertise.

If the op would like to pm me I would be happy to offer any help that I can.

Blood and sand I find it incredible that anyone (but I am sure they will) would pay that for a petsitting franchise..

There really should be some form of law to stop people peddling this type of rip off or so called promised business oppertunity.


Poppy xx

 

[S-Marketing]

Petpals want £2500 plus VAT to just reserve an area!

Stretchy I have googled pet sitting franchise, and there must be more people out there, with more money than sense, because everyone is trying to sell the idea!


Poppy xx

I know Poppy, I've been doing a bit of research myself today as it happens. Also looked at your profile pic's earlier, lovely house and dogs, shame about the cats (sorry, not a cat person)

Seems to me that there are two types of people doing it at the moment. You have the pet enthusiasts who know the market but haven't got a clue about the business, and the businesses who have got that side half right but haven't got a clue about the market.

Seems like a niche that is pretty overcrowded, but only with rubbish and people for whom the decision to become a franchisor or franchisee is made out of ignorance or desperation.

There is without a doubt room for it to be done properly.
Enter STRETCHY AND HIS AMAZING PET SITTING BUSINESS IDEA.

Seriously, as far as a days research can tell me, there's an exceptionally good way to operate a business like this nationally, in which the owner makes good money and all the independent pet sitters also make good money. As yet nobody is even coming close to getting it right.

Not going to reveal any more about the idea as I may just run with the idea, and give this countries pet sitters a bit of a wake up call.