3 Pet Grooming Tips: Improving the Language Barrier
March 27, 2023 5:58 pm
It can be super frustrating when pet owners don’t get why groomers recommend certain services, am I right? Groomers want to give the best possible care to their furry clients, but sometimes it’s tough to get the message across. So, we’ve put together some common reasons why pet owners might not understand us and some tips to help them out.
1 – Normal to you, science fiction to me.
Firstly, let’s talk about using technical language. We all know that pet grooming involves some pretty fancy terms that most pet owners have never heard of. For example, a “deshedding treatment” might sound like something out of a science fiction movie to them. It’s totally okay to use these terms amongst groomers or groomer-lingo-savvy people, but when we’re talking to pet owners, we need to put it in simpler terms. Instead of saying “deshedding treatment”, try saying something like “a special service that helps to remove excess fur from your pet’s coat”. Easy-peasy. Language barrier broken.
For me personally, (Sasha Tuft Marketing Manager UK) I have always grown up with dogs, we have had them in the family ever since I was young, from terriers to hounds, I am pretty sure I could cross off a few columns on dog breed bingo. But understanding the groomer-savvy-lingo is not my strong point. And it feels a little embarrassing, after having dogs in the family for over 30 years, I should have known more about coat types and breed requirements, but I didn’t. Embarrassing to the point where if a groomer asked me “do you know what deshedding is?” I would probably have said “yes” out of not wanting to look silly. And I can’t be the only person who has ever felt this way. All industries have their own terms for processes and services, and in the dog grooming industry, we have them too.
2 -Mistaking caring for selling.
Another thing that can confuse pet owners, and bring up the language barrier is when groomers recommend additional services. Because pet owners might think you’re trying to upsell to them. But we all know that groomers are not just trying to make a quick buck – Pet groomers are passionate about pet welfare and safety. Groomers care about their furry clients so much that it can literally bring them to tears. Yeah, pets make us that emotional! So, when recommending a flea treatment or something similar, it’s important to explain why it’s necessary for the pet’s health. If we don’t, the pet owner might just think we’re trying to make a quick penny.
Sometimes pet owners don’t understand the recommendations simply because they don’t have enough information. This is where groomers can step in and provide some education. You could get some handouts or brochures that explain the benefits of different grooming services and why they’re important for pet health. Picking up a brochure while a pet owner waits for you, isn’t you being pushy. It’s a sign they are interested and they’re looking for more information if they are too embarrassed to ask you about it. If you have the time, you could offer workshops or webinars to teach pet owners how to care for their pets between grooming sessions. By providing these resources and education, we’re empowering pet owners to take better care of their furry friends.
Tuft Ambassador and experienced Pet Groomer Julian Sandy from Woofterz Dog Grooming, offers each of his clients the opportunity to stay with him while he grooms their pets. Offering them the chance to ask questions, gain valuable insights, and learn some fantastic home grooming tips.
3 – Going the extra mile.
Do you have clients that are always in a rush? They might have questions or worries that they haven’t expressed yet. You can build stronger relationships with clients and help them better understand their pet’s needs with a follow-up. When you follow up with them after a grooming session to see how their pet is doing and if they have any questions or concerns. It shows that we care about their pet’s well-being and are invested in their care. Plus, you can remind them to brush their dogs (for the 10th time). This keeps the conversation going and helps break down the language barrier between sessions with some gentle reminders.
So there you have it, folks! These are some tips to help pet owners better understand your recommendations. By avoiding technical language, explaining the benefits of each service, providing resources and education, listening to their concerns, and following up, we can ensure that our furry clients receive the best possible care. Let’s keep those tails wagging!
Are you thinking of trying a pet booking software?
Imagine a world where your calendar gets filled while you’re dreaming of tennis balls and treats. Over 43% of our furry friends’ humans booked when salons were having a nap in 2023. With Tuft, every day is a walk in the park! If you’d like to learn more, book a demo with Tuft here or start your free trial today.