Author |
Message |
Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 11:24 pm
Okay, I'm finally (after 14 months) waking up to the fact that my hubby ain't-a-gonna save us financially. [After being laid off 14 months ago in the real estate field (land acquisition), and despite trying very hard to land a job (albeit the same narrow field; big mistake) at age 61, there is zippo on the horizon for him.] He is now in panic mode. I'm 60. I've been trying, too -- (in my old field, as well, marketing communications) -- with the same result as Ed. So . . . Today, I made the decision I do not want to work in a grocery store, department store, etc, just to bring money in. I still want to follow my retirement dream, but tweak it a little from my initially-laid plans of running a doggy day care. (Reason: So it doesn't deplete our dwindling funds.) More specifically, today I decided I am going to start a dog walking and dog sitting service. I think I can start it on a shoestring. Here are my plans, for now: 1. Get bonded, so I can reassure customers they can trust me in their home (if hired for dog sitting sessions in their home). 2. Check into recommended insurance coverage thru our insurer. 3. Get my son to develop a website for me. Brainstorm a name. Develop a gimmick to attract visitors. (Maybe offer a free Cezar Millan [Dog Whisperer] DVD to first customer. Over time, and with permission, feature photos of customers' dogs and their (good) comments. (Or better yet, allow customers to post/update their own dog photos--with comments about my service.) 4. Write the website copy; set the rates (by verifying rates of competitors in the area) and provide specifics about the services I offer. 5. Take dog training lessons, so I can offer training as an additional service--in time. (I'd like to gain certification eventually.) 6. Take dog grooming courses, so I can offer that as an additional service--in time. 7. Develop logo (possibly a sketch of Hercky by my daughter or niece) and a tag line. 8. Get business cards printed. Drop off at veterinary offices, dog food shops, etc. Post on bulletin boards in local stores. 9. Develop, print and distribute flyers. Post on bulletin boards in local stores. 10. Join website organizations that list vendors for my service. 11. Develop a mailing list from online visitors to my site. Plan 4 mailings per year, with photos of satisfied customers. 12. In time, line up other dog sitters/walkers who get jobs via my site. (And pay me a fee for listing them.) Now, here are my (initial) questions to anyone who knows anything about starting a business of this type: 1. Do I need to get a business license, if, at first, the only employee is moi? 2. Do I need to incorporate? (As I understand it, incorporation will protect me from being sued.) 3. Anything else I need to know/consider?
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Colordeagua
Member
10-25-2003
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 6:23 am
HP, once you get going and have positive feedback (you will), hopefully a customer will belong to Angie's List and put you on that. 
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 6:57 am
I think you can get a LLC. I've heard the term but don't know much about it. Lol I just know it exists. Good Luck Hp!! Do you have a fenced yard? I'd make sure it's very secure and free of lil areas a small dog can wiggle under.
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Karuuna
Board Administrator
08-31-2000
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 9:03 am
An LLC is a limited liabiltiy company and does offer some personal protection against lawsuits. You do have to set it up correctly if you want that protection, because mistakes in the organization will void any protection it affords you. So... I'd speak to a business law attorney. Mostly I think it's just important that you get reall good insurance, as well as have a contract drawn up that limits your liabilities, that all customers must sign. As for a business license, you'll need to check with your state department of revenue for their requirements. Also, I might consider marketing yourself as a pet sitter rather than dog sitter. More like vacation services? Mail gathering, plant watering, bringing in the newspaper, etc - as well as caring for the pets. Check into your local newspaper classifieds - most have a 'service directory' where you can advertise periodically to boost your client list. And also consider giving discounts for referrals - your clients refer a new client, and then get a temporary discount on their own services. Most of these businesses spread best by word of mouth. Good luck, HP! I know you'll do great!
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 9:14 am
Uh and can you travel down to Baltimore in March? If you can deal with hellspawn you can deal with anything lol.
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Treasure
Member
06-26-2002
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 9:31 am
Oh, how about coming to AZ. When I lived in Mesa, I had to spend big bucks to board my two cats at a vet clinic. Now, I am living in a VERY small community and I have to find someone to come in to feed my cats and clean the litter box when I am out of town. ehehe Anyway, Herck, I agree with Karuuna. You will do better if you are inclusive of cats and birds. Even fish need to be fed when the owner is away. I would start out by offering pet sitting in your own community. Then help the word spread to the rest of the area after you have made yourself known for good service. Do you live in a small community or are you in the suburbs of a larger town or city? That would make a difference in how you begin your operation. As to the dog grooming.....keep that thought for a good way down the line. That is a business that is one unto itself. If you make a go at that one you will most likely get into bigger business issues.
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Escapee
Member
06-15-2004
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:06 am
There is a company in my town called Poo Dooty. They do yard clean up, dog walking, and pet sitting. This is all done out of the person's home, so they have no one at their residence. They go around to houses, let dogs out/in, make sure they are fed and watered and can't get out. They clean up the "dooty" and walk dogs. They have built a really lucrative business out of it. I'd call neighboring towns, even states who offer this type of service, find out what they charge, and the exact services they provide. THEN I'd find out what kind of insurance they carry.
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Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:21 am
ITA with Escapee! I'd call around and find out what the competition is doing... and then tweak it to suit your purposes and make your company more inviting than theirs. I love your ideas... sounds completely thought through and very doable HP! You will be a flaming success - I just know it. And I wish you were nearby to beautify my fuzzybottoms, it's about time they went for their next grooming session.
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Urgrace
Member
08-19-2000
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:33 am
HP just go to the courthouse and get your license. It will probably be a nominal fee. You would have to register with the state offices for tax purposes. Having a CPA or lawyer to guide you is a good idea, and if you have a couple of veterinarians around to talk to, they may have some ideas you haven't thought of to help, too.
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Karuuna
Board Administrator
08-31-2000
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 10:58 am
In my state, you only need a business license if you sell goods (sales tax license), or if you want to protect the name of your business so no one else can use the same name (business name registration). Similarly, you would not be able to have the same name as a similar business. There aren't specific "business licenses", but there are business licenses for specific businesses. For example, if you wanted to have animals at your home, that would require a license. But petsitting and home visits and dogwalking do not require a license. That's why I think it's important to find out what you need in your state. It is a very nominal fee, and it does add credibility. If you decide to incorporate (such as an LLC), a business name, and therefore license, would be mandatory. Another thought - do you like to cook/bake? Homemade doggie biscuits would be a way to boost sales a bit!
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Merrysea
Member
08-13-2004
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 12:37 pm
Herckle, I have a sole proprietorship with no employees. Check with your City Clerk's office to find out about licenses. I'm in California, and each city issues its own business licenses, so I just had to go to the city offices to get my first license, then file by mail each year. If I were to use a fictitious business name, I would have to get it registered with the county (but since I use my own name in the name of my business, that's not necessary). I also had to get a one-time home-based business permit. You don't need to incorporate, but as you said, it will protect your personal assets if you are sued. Carry your business cards with you always and give them to everyone! You never know when someone you know will need your services, or will know someone who needs them.
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 6:57 pm
Such a great response, great advice and kind encouragement! Color, thanks for the hint about Angie's List. I had never heard of it and checked it out. Good to know! Mocha and Kar, I have decided (for now, anyway), that an LLC is, indeed, the type of business license I will seek. [Read up about all the types on my state's (DE) website under its business tab.] It seems to be the least expensive and best in terms of reducing my risk of liability. Merrysea, I see the sole proprietorship is the most common type of small business in DE; but the info about this one (on my state's site) says "the individual is responsible for all business debts"; I would assume that means debts incurred from being sued, too. So that is why I am thinking that one is not my best choice. I will definitely pay to see an accountant/lawyer before I am ready to turn everything on; Ed has numerous contacts in the field. Mocha, no fence, but I never planned on watching dogs here, anyway. You might recall we rent this house. And that poses roadblocks. I'm thinking having pets here would require yet another license or permit and another type of insurance coverage. I'm sure our landlord would not be keen on me bringing pets here, as we had to negotiate for permission to have our Hercky here. Kar, great idea about expanding my sitting services beyond dogs. I WILL make that change. Smart. (I noticed in the ads for pet sitters in my area that many mentioned 'watering the plants, bringing in the mail', etc.) I also love your suggestion to offer discounts for referrals. And I had thought of our classifieds here; then it slipped my mind. So thanks again for getting that one on my list of To-Do's. Ha, ha ha, Mocha about 'hellspawn!' Bet I could. I've always had an affinity for dogs. Rare is it that I can't get along with one -- because I have no fear of them, I think. Treasure, I like the idea of perhaps starting in my own development (or nearby 2 developments). I think you are right about the dog grooming, btw; just wanted to have a financial 'crunch mode' service, you know? Escapee, thanks, Sweetie. Poo Dooty, huh?!! Cute name! There IS a company who does that here. Just the poop-scooping, though. And, uh, they can have that all to themselves. Heh. Escapee and MB, I went to a site called eHow (How to do just about everything) and clicked on how to start a dog walking, pet sitting service. They recommend getting bonded, licensed and insured. For Christmas Eve, I joined a site where I could find nearby pet sitters for Hercky. In their bios, most stated they were bonded, and I was able to call each contact and inquire about their licensing and their rates. (And I know the rates my vet charges to board Hercky, and that helps, too.) So I have all that info, which will be extremely helpful in setting my own rates and being in line with services offered. (Some had their own websites; others did not. I think having one is to my advantage.) One gal I talked to was head and shoulders above the rest; she was very personable and told me she would give me additional names and phone numbers (as she was busy on Christmas Eve when I needed a sitter) that she was sure would be able to accommodate me! I would call her again in a minute. So that is something I should have--a relationship with other sitters/organizations so I can offer that same goodwill building service. Urgrace, that's the ticket--I think it is our courthouse, too. I hadn't thought of asking our vets (the two we have used) for suggestions, as well. Great idea! Kar, I love to bake. What a cool idea! And I am very careful about what I feed Herc, so I would be just as careful in selecting ingredients for any biscuits I might develop and market. Merrysea, thanks for the nudge to get those cards and give them to everyone I meet. You're absolutely right about that. When I needed a pet sitter, I drove a couple of blocks to find the house I'd seen with a sign advertising a pet sitter agency. (It was gone.) So I do know firsthand, those little cards --if distributed well--could definitely build the business! Hey, Merrysea, what is YOUR business? Thank you all! Mwah!

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Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 7:18 pm
HP - this is going to sound off the wall... but go along with me on this... I'm wearing my professional chapeau here: Do you know any celebrities or notable personalities in your town??? If so, and they have pets... I'd give one or two of them the deal of the century in exchange for their endorsement. It's a GREAT way to get on the map via word of mouth AND the media. BTW, I'd be happy to do a little advertorial for you! That's right up my alley. That was one of my first writing gigs many moons ago. I'm thinking of marketing myself again for that. Also I AM a promotional writer, and when I wrote a press release (and flogged it for her) for a gal who wrote a 'how to' computer book for kids, she tripled her sales. etc etc. Anyhoooo, let me know. Any way I can help, I'd be happy to. 
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 7:27 pm
Uh, I can't think of anyone off the top of my head--besides politicos. Good thought, though. Well, MB, I will let you know about the advertorial. Since I did marketing communications for 12 years, I figured I could handle that. BUT, you never know; it may be best handled by 'outside' eyes (and fingers)! Thanks for the very generous and sweet offer, hon! Hey, did anything come in your mail yet????
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Merrysea
Member
08-13-2004
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 7:38 pm
Herckle, I do word processing out of my home. I've had my business for almost 16 years now (in February). I don't make a fortune, but it does pay the bills!
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 7:43 pm
Cool, Merrysea! Virtually no worry about being sued then, huh? Looking for that end myself--to pay the bills. (Ed's in charge of fortune-hunting. Heh.)
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 7:52 pm
Good luck HP!! looks like everyone here gave you some great ideas
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Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 8:07 pm
HP - nothing has arrived yet... trust me I'll tell you the moment it does.
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Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 8:12 pm
I know you have the experience to pull off any advertising, but I figured an 'objective' advertorial with a byline might be helpful. Hey that gives me another idea... you could eventually spin your dog-walking expertise/experiences into a regular column at a local paper. People will then be clamoring for your services rather than you knocking yourself out to find them. ...drumroll please... cuz YOU'D be the celebrity. 
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 8:13 pm
Thanks, Pamy! They sure did! This is pretty exciting!

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Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 8:15 pm
HP, we posted at the same time - not sure you saw my last post... BTW, you've made going to the mailbox my most exciting time of day lately. 
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 8:17 pm
MB, you have me chuckling here! You may be right about a bylined advertorial. Let me get things in place and get a few customers going, okay??? Hey, a column in a paper now?!! Man, your brain never stops, does it?!! Hahahaha! I guess Monday is a safe bet then on the delivery. Golly. (They did tell me 5 working days, but something else mailed on same day and time arrived in CA in 2 days. I guess the border slows things down.)
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Herckleperckle
Member
11-20-2003
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 8:18 pm
Yes, we were posting at the same time--twice now!!! Ha! Glad to make the trek so exciting. Sure hope it lives up to all this mounting expectation!!
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Jeneane
Member
05-18-2005
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 8:29 pm
Don't know about your area but here in No. Cal a great way to advertise is on the back of your car window. We put one for my dh's business and it has more than paid for itself many times. They are fairly inexpensive as well...less than any other advertising we checked into.
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Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Friday, December 28, 2007 - 8:44 pm
I live to serve HP... Just let me know if - and when you are ready! If nothing arrives by Wednesday, I'll phone the post office.
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