29/10/2026
Ok, I'm calling this one out.
Had a call from a new resident to book in. Handstrip breed. So I quoted for handstrip and clip choices. Choice. Choice in price and service.
The more affordable price only $15 difference to the clients choice on groomer, the other price I gave an absolute bargain as I'm very giving on my handstripping which is frankly insane, but that's me...right?
Now I know right now money is important, we all do. It is for every business too. Small biz is still doing it tough and that's not likely to change for quite a while. This is world wide....just in case your head is up your .... I don't want to deal with it place. Understandable too, the stress is real.
I groom to make grooms last and save clients money. I won't stitch you in on a set repeat cycle. That's quite normal for groomers and hairdressing etc and nothing wrong with it but I choose not to. Why? It saves the client money and I can find another way. It seems to me the best way in this financial time. It's a clear decision I made in 2020-21. That decision has been proven a good move as client after client present apologising for matting etc.
It's cool. I've got you.
Ethics rules me not money. You are not a number to me. Your dog is not either and the most important while in my hands on the table. Know that.
It's been this way since 2012 and always will be.
I just have little tolerance for funny bunnies....human ones. Dogs, no problem. I've got that too.
It's not the fact that this person chose a "cheaper" service. There is always someone cheaper, right?
It's that they booked as they were price shopping.
This person will likely cancel the next groomer too as $5 cheaper option is found.
Need I say it? The fiscal trail.
That is a rotten thing to do, especially in the current financial climate. That can equate to loss for a business if that spot is not filled after cancelling.
This person is not training services into lowering rates by they way. They are building their reputation as a bad client.
I am not reacting to cancellations as any biz normally would. Times are stressful, not just money tight. Though it hurts cash flow I can see there are valid reasons in the whole. I have also let clients down in the last year or so due to health/stress reasons. My humble apologies. I have been struggling. I think understanding is the new vibe. It's difficult both ways.
I've only had a few price shoppers in the last year, not something I have incurred for years. Truth is I don't want to work for price shoppers. Why? If you are like this person you are going to be a nightmare client. It's a big red flag. It's not really about money being tight. It's sign you are a diva.
It's normal of course to ask about pricing. I'm talking about the clients that hunt the cheapest and are rude in the process. There is a big difference.
I am not expensive. I work well below my worth and I am happy with where I am as it is fair, very fair.
Oh and besides this, that person wanted an immediate booking! Another red flag.
I'm grateful this person did cancel as it has saved me drama down the track. I'm not crying over the persons amazing $ offer I can go without. I could have told this person there is a "cheaper" service than the one they liked too by the way...lol....sarci Yolanda tame it down! Eek.
If you are having financial problems you can talk to me. People have been. Descent people are not afraid to do so without the manipulation on service. I do not lower price on request. I know Hamilton too well to put myself in that position. I know you know that I know you know. There are solutions though and I don't mind loosing business for a better solution for someone struggling. I've been doing that since the start of Covid. I've always been giving. I always will be....where I feel it's worthy. I feed back into community. Always have.
A message to the person who did this. You silly buggar. You booked with the one who was going to not only give your beautiful breed the best groom you've ever had but for a bargain price but thank you so much for hoofing off...
Be kind people. I live tight, I'm not going to whine on about costs of running a biz etc. You've got to be a limited individual if you can't understand that these days....oops sarci Yolanda, settle down.
I'm still renovating. Painful. I can tell you if you are not, it's really hard now with the increase of materials etc. Prices are up but there are some tradies that are rorting because of the lack of tradies and that is blindingly clear. I don't haggle tradies down. I ask for a quote and I can either afford it or not. If I come across a tradie that is more expensive but clearly bloody good I spend. They are worth it. If they are clearly rorting/ scamming I wide berth. Simple.
Grooming dogs is a trade. Food for thought.
Somebody said to me recently grooming is a luxury. In some ways it is but it is also necessary. It depends on health needs versus the glam groom. When you see dogs in horrendous condition you do not think it's a luxury. It's health and life necessity. Know the difference.
Dog Grooming is a very misunderstood trade. It is not a hobby, though their are groomers who side kick it treat their service as such; not many. Think carpenter vs men's shed. Right?
Know the difference. Respect a good tradie.
This example of funny bunny client also reflects on those choosing to go onto the community page bagging out local hospitality businesses. Geeze people! The hospitality sector has been doing it tough since the beginning of Covid. Stop that!
A reminder too violence, abuse, manipulation, time pushing, yelling and screaming at me will not get you anywhere. I have sharp equipment. Snip snip.
I'm an empath personality. I can feel you out quicker than Jack Rabbit. You can always sit and have a chat if your feeling down and stressed out. Many of my clients have done that for me too. That's the essence of community and right now we need that more than ever.
Oh and next time you're in a hospitality biz say thankyou for them hanging in for YOU. Don't be embarrassed about your small purchase either. Lots of little purchases are cash flow. A little purchase can make the difference as not cancelling does too.
I cancelled on my hairdresser this week. Fark! I'm paying even though I know they will say no worries. It was a valid health reasons but I'm embarrassed. I owe some clients too. Far out, right? Keep the flow flowing.
Be kind. Be cool.
See you in the salon.
