What Makes a Grooming Business Run Smoothly?

July 1, 2025 11:02 am

5 Small Habits That Make a Big Difference

Running a grooming salon can feel like you’re trying to do a million things while holding an extremely energetic spaniel, with a constant ringing phone…. Ugh. Some days it’s magic. Other days, you’re chasing missed appointments and replying to messages at 10pm with wet hair and dinner still in the microwave. 

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. You don’t need a total overhaul to find your flow again. Sometimes, it’s the smallest habits that have the biggest impact.

So, kettle on. Feet up. Here are five easy changes that can help you feel more in control and fall in love with grooming again. 

1. Protect Your Time Like a Pro

It is lovely when clients adore you, but they do not need to message you at midnight. Set clear business hours and stick to them. You are running a business, not an emergency service. An auto-reply or online booking system can take care of things when you are off the clock

This works because boundaries bring balance. You will feel better, and your replies will be clearer too.

With Tuft, messages and bookings stay tidy and time-friendly, so you are not glued to your phone when you should be relaxing.

2. Let Tech Handle the Nudging

How many times have you sent a quick message saying, “Just checking you are still coming tomorrow”. Chasing clients to confirm appointments takes up valuable time and headspace. Worse, no-shows leave gaps in your calendar and lost income. 

Automated reminders take care of that for you. They save you time, reduce no-shows, and remove the awkwardness of sending those chasing texts. A friendly nudge keeps everyone on time and you off your phone.

With Tuft, reminders are automatic. They go out like clockwork, so you can stay focused on the dog in front of you, not your inbox.

3. Lock in Your Regulars with Recurring Bookings

We all have those favourite clients. Same pup, same trim, every six weeks. Regulars like routine, and so do you. The more regular clients you have, the steadier your calendar and your income will be. But when you rely on clients to remember to rebook, life often gets in the way. Before you know it, you have an unexpected gap in your week.

Recurring bookings take the guesswork out. Set it once, and Tuft will keep those regular appointments rolling. Your best clients stay on track, and your calendar stays full. Clients love knowing they have a guaranteed spot with you, and it saves everyone the back and forth

Tuft makes recurring appointments a breeze. Less admin, more rhythm.

4. Being Able to Keep Notes That Actually Help

“Was it Luna or Bailey who hates the dryer?”

The little details make all the difference. Remembering each pet’s quirks, from favourite treats to sensitivities or medical needs, helps every visit run smoother. It shows care and attention that clients will remember and pets will feel.

Grooming notes turn a good groom into a great groom. They build trust, keep pets calm, and make clients feel valued

With Tuft, it is simple to log everything from “hates clippers” to “loves belly rubs” right in each pet profile. Next time they visit, you will know exactly what they need. 

5. Make Payments Painless

Chasing payments is nobody’s favourite part of running a grooming business. It can feel awkward, take up valuable time, and interrupt your flow after a busy day of grooms.

That is why having a simple, professional payment system makes all the difference. With Tuft and SumUp, clients can pay in advance or on the day, by card or contactless, with no awkward conversations and no chasing.

Everything is handled in one place. Payments, deposits and receipts are tracked and managed automatically. Your clients enjoy the flexibility to pay how they choose. You get paid quickly, with no unpaid invoices lingering in the background A healthier cash flow. A smoother day. And more time to focus on what you do best.

And Finally…

These are not revolutionary tips. But they do make a real difference. They save your time, your energy, and your patience. And they give you more space for the parts of grooming you love. The wagging tails. The before and afters. The proud little struts out the door

Here is to fewer late-night messages, fewer no-shows, and more time doing what you are brilliant at

You already have what it takes to run a fantastic salon. Sometimes you just need a little help smoothing it all out