Grooming through the ages the second instalment on keeping healthy practices in the salon

Grooming Through the Ages

Sally Hart of Tailwaggers looks at how groomers can prepare themselves for the ageing process:

As, we covered the ageing of our dog clients and how best we can cater for their varying needs, last month, I thought we should have a look at ourselves this month. Don’t worry, I am not suggesting the mirror straight away, after all, Christmas was not that long ago.

Part 2 Groomers

I can just about cast my memory back to when I was a freshly trained dog groomer - 19 and so much more supple. So many things have changed since then, including my ease of movement. So many improvements, and this is even more noticeable for me as I started out my grooming career in South Africa.

Now don’t feel too sorry for me

We had electric, even back then, and I had the most up to date clippers and blaster.

For those of you who were grooming 20 odd years ago, you will likely remember (and used) the Oster Golden A5.

Brilliant clippers, in fact they don’t make them like that anymore. Mine are still going! My trusty back ups.

For newer groomers who may not know, these clippers were fantastic and never stopped, as long as you changed the brushes! But heavy, oh so heavy compared to today’s clippers. Nowhere near as fast, and boy did they get hot. Singed fingers were an almost daily consequence.

What hasn’t changed, is that this is still a physical job, some clients still don’t book their dogs as regularly as they should and, if we are going to have a long career, we are going to age!

It is up to us to ensure we look after ourselves and take the correct precautions and care.

It is imperative to take care of our bodies and there is now much more emphasis on our tools and equipment being less wearing on our bodies.

In The Beginning

When you are starting out, the best way to help maintain your physical health and well-being is to invest in labour saving equipment and protective kit.

Choosing the right equipment

Tables

Tables (and baths) that we can adjust the height of are indispensable, in my opinion. Hours, days and years working at the wrong height can put so much unnecessary strain on your back. Electric and hydraulic tables (and baths) can also be lowered to assist lifting larger breeds

Clippers

Clippers are very personal, and you need work out what suits you best. Fasters clippers may be heavier, but the benefit is you could be finished with them quicker. The availability of wide blades and wide comb attachments has aided us considerably in speeding up, and as such, means a reduced negative impact.

Scissors

Ensuring you use the correct scissors for each job helps to minimise strain. Maintaining your scissors, keeping them clean, oiled and sharp means you are not using more pressure than necessary and also practising good scissoring technique, will go a long way to preventing Repetitive Strain injuries.

Small Tools

Using the most effective brushes, combs and other small tools, again, will mean less strain. The more effective your tool, the better the job it will do with minimised effort.

Products

Having products that aid our work is invaluable. Shampoos that prepare dogs coats to the specific needs for that breed or style, can lessen the work. And products that help with prep work, for instance, detangling sprays, scissoring sprays, chalks, to name a few, are other advantageous resources.

By taking the time and investing in the products and tools that best suit you, from the start, will go a long way to prolonging your health and ultimately your grooming career.

Mid Life (No) Crisis

As with our four legged visitors, this will hopefully be the stage with the greatest number of years and the most steady.

Look after yourself

Yes, this sounds obvious, but we often take our abilities for granted and this can have a detrimental on us in years to come.

Equipment

We have touched on this above, and the considerations remain the same. As long as we have given thought to how best to preserve our bodies, from the start, it really should become routine to regularly assess how everything works for us, and make improvements based on our increasing skill levels, industry and product advancements and the requirements of our growing businesses.

Physical Health

At this point we should be feeling physically fine and able, and this is the time to think about the impact of what we do, so we can ensure we remain in the best shape. Eating well, and making sure we keep hydrated (and this does not include wine, gin or cocktails, until after work), really does go a long way to keeping us well. Hydration is not just about having a drink, keeping hydrated means our skin does not dry out (dry skin is far more prone to issues, like cracking, leaving it open to many issues). Hydration is also vital to our joint health, and general well-being.

Mental Health

Looking after our mental welfare is, far too often, an overlooked aspect of our well-being. Maintaining an organised and optimised diary can really be the key to having the work/relax balance that we need. Mental exhaustion can be devastating on us, our families, and our businesses.

Financial Health

And this definitely is the least spoken about subject, but in fact is the one that has the most impact on all the others. Financial Health is not just Profit & Loss, but more about stability and long term. Healthy Financials means better equipment kept in better shape, less worry, and not having to over work yourself. And ultimately, this means you can provide the best service to your clients.

By paying close attention to all

your needs and keeping on top of them, you should aim to enjoy this portion of your grooming life, after all, it is a business we get into because we love it, not because it is easy!

. . . Years Later

For the more established and mature groomer there usually comes a time when we have to take stock and adapt some of the ways we work.

Whilst we can do our utmost to protect and preserve our bodies, time will eventually take its toll.

Is this the end?

Nope, not necessarily! There are a number of actions we can take, and these will depend on individual factors. We all have different circumstances, so we need to evaluate and find what will suit us and our business.

A few solutions

Workload

Reducing our workload might be the most obvious answer, but it is always the simplest. The reduction in our earnings might not be plausible, so then we need to decided if we can supplement that income.

Other services

There are a few ways to add or increase supplementary services to our businesses. Options that have a physical impact are, retail, spa treatments, dental care, DIY station, day boarding, education, and more.

Limitations

By limiting to perhaps smaller pets, or not doing hand stripping, you can reduce the wear and tear to your body.

Extra Staff

Employing groomers to help reduce your workload or to take on services you no longer offer, I.e. large breed, handstripping, etc. Renting salon space or days is another option that can work for some salons.

Being adaptable in your business will go a long way to helping you keep working. Exercise and diet will help and regular visits to chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists can make a huge improvement to mobility and suppleness.

A quick word to the ladies . . .

menopause!

For some this may come early, and others later, but it is important to be aware of how it can affect us. HRT can be a lifesaver for some, and can dramatically reduce the impact of menopause. If you are riding it out and pulling up your big girl pants, (although you may want to get those thongs on, hot flushes can be an inferno), be prepared for a variety of annoying symptoms. Drinking plenty of water really does help.

For the gentlemen . . .

menopause!

You may not actually have it, but if you work in a salon with the ladies, well you will experience the symptoms. Secondhand it may be, but the intensity of your experience could be unexpected. Drinking might be your only salvation!

You are the one person in the best position to take care of yourself! You owe this to yourself, and your clients, both 2 legged and 4!

SPA Treatments for the New Year

This month Heidi Anderton shares some ideas to create extra income from your business and improve the image. Heidi is principal of Absolutely Animals and London School of Pet Grooming, with over 30 years in the business, she is a highly qualified and experienced industry expert as well as an award-winning groomer, former Groom Team England member and founder member of the British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA).

Ihope you all had a fantastic seasonal holiday break. Now we are all back in the full swing of work it’s time to think of any extra additions we can make to the business to generate further income.

At Christmas a few years ago, Absolutely Animals introduced a Spa package which was bought as an extra by nearly all our customers. As it was so well received, we are extending it to mirror all seasonal and holiday events. Some of the contents for our Christmas spa package included an exfoliating and refreshing facial and a beautiful Christmas bow and scent – which was a mulled wine and orange scent – really Christmassy; I loved it and so did my customers!

But this got me thinking! What other add-on’s and spa packages could I offer? We seem to always focus on the hairstyling and not the bathing. It seems like we are missing out here! I for one shall be working more on spa packages and add-on services in the coming year, but I have realised this is also where marketing is so important and how we introduce these services to our clients. Here are some ideas.

Skin and body care spa services can include:

• Facials and body exfoliation that may involve the use of de-greasers, deep cleaning shampoos, colour enhancing shampoos, flea repellent shampoos, brighteners. • Massages that include various styles of full body massage, facial massage, and ear or paw massages and treatments. • Nagayu Co2 Skin Therapy Treatment, increases blood circulation and oxygen absorption. Deep Cleaning, odour removing. Improves skin and coat condition Protect pH level and aids healing. Cleany Teeth - Teeth cleaning using ultrasound only. A fantastic add on which can double your sale. • Hydrotherapy treatments, such as whirlpool baths and water

treatments

You could also extend this to: • Pet portraits and pictures • Bows, fascinators and bandannas • Creative styling – like Mohawks and spiral trims etc. • Colouring – chalking, blow pens and stick on jewels. • Doggy Day Care

Consider what equipment you need to buy

You will want to assess the cost of the equipment needed to offer a particular service against the potential for profit.

Some services, like hydrotherapy, may require a significant investment, particularly if you need to upgrade your infrastructure (such as installing plumbing lines and running electrical) as well as the cost of the equipment itself.

You may find yourself deciding to limit the initial services you offer until your spa has reached a specific threshold of clients, cash-flow and savings to make the additional investment worthwhile.

However, if you look at the above list, the outlay for the many is not significant and in fact you might find you are already offering the services without charging for them. With some good marketing strategies, you could increase your revenue.

Decide on the audience you want to attract

While luxury day spas have traditionally been seen as a service that primarily appeals only to people, a number of successful pet grooming salons are increasingly designing their services to appeal to pet owners who want more Spa Treatments for their precious pets. You can easily do the same as more people want to pamper their pets and give them the best things in life. As pet grooming is now seen as a necessary regular expense for our best friends that often sleep in our bed! It is only right that they have the best experience possible with a choice of relevant, quality products to enhance the beauty and condition of their pet.

Decide on what products you’ll sell

A happy, relaxed customer is more likely to be in the mood to want to buy products that can remind them of their pet’s spa experience. That’s why it’s important to offer high-quality products that reinforce the image you are creating for your luxury spa services.

strategies you wish to employ

Like any retail business, to design a great user experience you will need to employ a variety of tactics to ensure a steady stream of customers, both new and repeat. This can involve things like creating a website to attract new clients and streamline your booking process, offering monthly or weekly specials, discount cards and creating a preferred client email list where you regularly stay in touch with your best customers.

Design a website that is both useful and visually appealing

Your website will likely serve as the first encounter your potential customer has with your spa. That’s why it’s important to make sure your website has the right tone, one that is consistent with your services and spa.

This means that you need to invest not just in good photography, great design, and strong signage, but you will also want to make it easy for web visitors to learn about your services and book appointments.

Arrange your merchandising to enhance sales

Offer products that reinforce the elegant image you are creating for your spa. These products will likely have both great scents and wonderful packaging making them a joy to own and use.

Set the right mood with a nice smell and ambiance.

A nice smell when the customer first arrives works very well and straight away gives a welcoming and inviting reception – much better than a musty doggie smell. I use a Scentsy Burner in the reception which warms wax and gives off scrumptious welcoming smells. You also want to set the tone of gentle music and a quiet soothing atmosphere rather than dogs barking, chaos ensuing.

To further enhance this effect, review appointment times, staffing issues, handling techniques and business image

Keep inspired, motivated, informed and updated and be happier in your life

Heidi Anderton LCGI ICMG www.absolutelyanimals.biz

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What Expenses can you Claim when Self-Employed?

A large number of groomers are self-employed and a level of confusion surrounds expenses. In this issue, we attempt to clarify what can and can’t be claimed for:

With many taxpayers classed as self-employed, there are a wide range of commonly-forgotten business expenses which can be claimed as tax relief but are often missed due to a lack of awareness on what can and cannot be claimed as a legitimate business expense. David Redfern, tax preparation specialist and Managing Director of DSR Tax Claims Ltd, explains the categories of business expenses which can be used to offset tax liabilities for self-employed taxpayers.

Self-employed taxpayers running their own business operations will incur a wide range of expenses, depending on the nature of the business. Redfern stated “When looking at which expenses should be included on a tax return, most taxpayers in selfemployment will remember those expenses which directly relate to running their business or continuing to trade, such as premises, tools and equipment, staff costs where applicable and any stock they might require and these can be quite sizeable in certain types of business. Many taxpayers will consider their list of expenses to end there - however, there are many hidden business expenses which HMRC consider to be legitimate business expenses and ensuring that these are factored into your Self Assessment tax return is a vital part of running a financially viable business”. Business expenses will be offset against tax liabilities on the Self Assessment tax return.

Easily overlooked expenses include professional fees that the taxpayer may incur, such as legal fees, accountancy costs and insurance fees. Redfern added “Many self-employed taxpayers

will also pick up advertising costs and bank charges, as well as potentially requiring a professional subscription in order to trade. These expenses may also include essential training that you are required to undertake in order to be able to continue your profession. Another area of hidden expenses can be home administration costs - where the taxpayer is providing business administration services from a home office, including the costs of running a home computer and postage services for providing invoices to customers and so on. These costs on their own may seem insubstantial but will soon mount up when collated”. Telephone costs may also be allowable, providing they are for business purposes only. Home broadband costs are a more contentious area as HMRC considers these to be general household costs although a dedicated business broadband contract would be considered to be an allowable business expense.

Where self-employed taxpayers are required to undertake travel as a part of running their business, such expenses can be included on a Self Assessment tax return. Redfern explained “Where the business travel is solely for business, rather than leisure, purposes, these costs are tax-deductible. This includes the cost of any accommodation and includes public transport costs as well as additional expenses such as parking. However, costs relating to such things as parking tickets would not be allowable - similarly, any legal fees relating to personal criminal wrongdoing. HMRC would consider these to be totally avoidable expenses”. Mileage costs of up to 45p per mile can be claimed.

All business expenses are expected to have been incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes. In addition, the actual expense should have been incurred and HMRC may request to see receipts and invoices to prove that the expense was actually acquired. Redfern added “Where an expense is incurred for dual purposes, such as a mobile phone contract that is used half for business purposes and half for personal use, only the proportion of the cost which relates to business can be included on your tax return. Additionally, you cannot include any costs which are just part and parcel of daily life, such as everyday clothing or accommodation costs - we all need clothes and somewhere to live so these are not legitimate business expenses”.

Taxpayers who are required to submit a Self Assessment tax return but are not classed as self-employed, such as those subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge or who have work-related expenses of over £2,500, have a more limited range of allowable expenses which they are entitled to claim as tax relief.

Dog First Aid Training Courses and Equipment

Animal Aiders

Animal Aiders provides high quality and affordable dog first aid courses all over England, ideal for dog professionals, including groomers. T: 01284 811192 or 07758 739332 E: info@animalaiders.co.uk W: www.animalaiders.co.uk

Grooming and Hygiene

Animal Health

Address: 38-40 Broton Drive, Halstead, Essex, CO9 1HB T: 01787 476400 E: sales@animal-health.co.uk W: www.animal-health.co.uk Facebook: /animalhealth Twitter: @animalhealthco

Grooming Supplies

Mutneys

Made by groomers, for Made by groomers, for groomers, Mutneys Professional groomers, Mutneys Professional Pet Care have been manufacturing Pet Care have been manufacturing and supplying professional and supplying professional dog grooming shampoo, dog grooming shampoo, fragrances and equipment for 20 fragrances and equipment for 20 years. years. T: T: 01948 841 470 T: 08454 68 64 67 E: sales@mutneys.com E: W: www.mutneys.com

Natural Food

SmartBarf

SmartBarf vegetable and herb mix for dogs on a raw fed or home mix for dogs on a raw fed or home prepared diet provides valuable prepared diet provides valuable extra vitamins and minerals for a extra vitamins and minerals for a more complete meal. E: info@SmartBarf.co.uk W: www.SmartBarf.co.uk Facebook: /SmartBarf

Natural Pet Treats

Monty’s Wholesale

Looking for extra income? Give our Natural treats, foods & supplements a new brand! Wholesale with white label service & UK manufactured products. T: 0203 797 6308 W: www.montystreats.co.uk Pet Food

Burns Pet Nutrition

Founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns in 1993, pioneering pet food brand Burns specialises in using simple, healthy and wholesome ingredients to create award-winning recipes that pets love. Ferry Road, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, SA17 5EJ T: 0800 0181890 E: sales@burnspet.co.uk W: www.burnspet.co.uk Facebook: @burnspet Instagram: @burnset Twitter: @burnspetfood

Shampoo

For All Dogkind

Award-winning grooming and wellbeing range for all skin & coat types. Delivering natural, healthy and healing products that are ethically sourced and luxuriously kind to hounds & humans. (Trade discounts available) T:. 020 7148 0316 E: info@foralldogkind.co.uk W:www.foralldogkind.co.uk

Training and Education

Capel Manor College

Train to become a qualified dog groomer; choose from full and part-time courses with free tuition for 16 to 18 year olds. Bullsmoor Lane, Waltham Cross, Enfield EN1 4RQ T: 0303 003 1234 E: study@capel.ac.uk W: www.capel.ac.uk Facebook: /capelmanorcollege Twitter: @capelmanor Instagram: @capelmanor

Wound Care

Animus Surgical Ltd

For the repair of small cuts, our popular skin glue is recommended by and available from Amazon or direct from our website. PO Box 1260, Yateley, GU47 7GH T: 01252 845988 E: info@animussurgical.com W: www.animussurgical.com

Going Mobile…

The Portable Palace

Winner

Grooming Van of the Year

Created from our Revolutionary insulated panel, the Palace provides groomers with unrivalled benefits never seen before in the industry! This amazing new concept was born due to our lining's incredible lifespan - they often out live the vans they were placed in - so we created a demountable pod where your business can be moved on to the next chassis easily when needed - or if you no longer wish to be mobile, you can demount the pod and work from your garden!

• As the chassis ages, the Palace can be removed and placed onto a brand new chassis - resulting in a

much cheaper cost than having to buy a whole new van and conversion with next to no downtime

• If the chassis is involved in an accident or breaks down you can simply remove the body, place it on the

ground and work from your driveway whilst you wait for it to be repaired.

• The lining will not out live the vehicle like so often seen with used van conversions. You then have to sell

the van & conversion and then buy a new van and conversion and wait whilst it is converted. Whereas with the Palace, you can keep the pod forever and change the chassis as you need to.

• Once you choose to retire from mobile grooming you can remove the Palace, sell the chassis and work

from the Palace in your garden instead of having to buy a parlour or convert a room in your house.

• When you choose to move home, you can take the pod with you and this portability combined with the

size means they will not normally require planning permission in your garden.

• You never need to buy a Brand new chassis that can depreciate - simply buy used a chassis and then

swap them out as they get too old.

• Smaller than its LWB Van equivalent but provides a more workable space inside that is highly

customisable as there are no van strutts or vehicle constraints

• Can be driven on a normal car driving license

Say goodbye to having to buy a whole new van and conversion every few years - simply move your Palace from one chassis to another with zero down time and when the time comes and you no longer want to be mobile, simply

Going Mobile…

Winner

Grooming Van of the Year

Discover your dream work place today

G;Rooms

Our fantastic portable grooming Pods allow you to groom from the comfort of your own garden in a fully waterproof, insulated & professional environment. They are completely self contained - for electric you simply plug the cable provided into your house, for water in you simply attach your garden hose and this is piped straight to your Hydrobath. Waste water is held inside the bath and piped out to a location of your choice. The Pods do not normally ever require planning permission and they can be delivered to even the hardest to reach locations. And if you move house? our Pods move with you! Each pod is fully portable and can be moved an unlimited amount of times. Choose from an unlimited amount of interior & exterior options with fully customisable packages to perfectly suit your budget and design with ever Pod and conversion available on finance from as little as £20+vat per wk! Trailers

Made from our Revolutionary insulated panel, our VCA Approved Grooming trailers provide the perfect solution if you would like to work from home and be mobile without the running costs associated with a van - with no tax or MOT required with trailers! You can leave the trailer on your drive way or hitch up with your vehicle when ever you need to. And when you have finished being mobile you can permanently demount the trailer from the axels and use it as a Garden Pod!

Vans

Our industry leading dog grooming vans provide unrivalled levels of luxury combined with practicality. Choose from new or used vans or supply your own, we work with you to create the perfect package for your business. Complete with a 10 year lining warranty our conversions outlive and out perform all in their class with a build quality that is second to none. Unlimited optional extras and packages are available including sign writing and free delivery back to you. New vans Available fully converted from just £68+vat per wk!

Portable Palace

Your parlour for life. Our new revolutionary demountable Palace offers benefits never seen before in the industry. Once your chassis reaches the end of its life or is involved in an accident, you simply demount your Palace and work from home or swap it onto a new chassis. If you no longer want to be mobile you can demount the pod and use it as a parlour in your Garden. The palace’s can be driven on a standard UK driving License and are often smaller than their van based equivalent whilst giving you more usable space. Available in a wide range of sizes with unlimited conversion configurations. Available on finance

NATURALLY BETTER Treat little stinkers kindly!

If you prefer your 'natural' shampoo pure, without chemical scents or artificial colour, give this one a go! Enriched with essential oils to super hydrate and deeply nourish the coat and skin, what's not to like?