Question

Topic: Taglines/Names

Name & Tagline For Mobile Dog Groomer

Posted by Anonymous on 10/31/2010 at 5:54 PM ET 250 Points
I am preparing to open a mobile dog grooming business. I need a name and tagline. I've read other posts with similar questions, so I know what you guys are going to ask...

This is how I am different:

1. I study animal behavior so I want to convey that I will groom dogs that other groomers can't handle.

2. As previously stated, I am mobile, so there is a convenience factor.

3. There is one other mobile groomer in the area. She charges much more than what the store-front groomers charge. I will charge the same amount or slightly less, so I will be the more affordable option.

I am using a picture of my friend's pit bull posing with my toy poodle (who will be extremely "poofy" for the picture) on the side of my grooming trailer. That led me to the name Poodles To Pit Bulls, with the tagline "Mobile grooming for EVERYONE'S best friend!" Or something similar. That name and tagline is getting mixed reviews, so I thought I'd see what you guys thought about it as well as if you can think of something better.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted on 10/31/2010 at 6:09 PM Moderator
    "Poodles to Pit Bulls" doesn't say "all dogs" to me. "Aardvarks to Zebras" would at least suggest "A to Z." Net: I think you can do better for the name.

    One thing you mentioned (actually your point #3) is troubling. If you're better/more convenient than store-front groomers, you should be MORE expensive, not less expensive. Your pricing suggests what you think the service is worth. If you price lower than the store-fronts, you're telling consumers that you think you are worth less.

    Considering that you have a big convenience factor, I think you should focus on that benefit and hammer it hard. Having studied animal behavior (your point #1) is not a benefit. It's about YOU, not about some reason a pet owner might want to hire you.

    Remember that people buy benefits, not features. Not having to drive my pet to the groomer and then come back in a few hours to pick it up is a BENEFIT. It saves me time; it is more convenient; and it sounds like something I might want. Someone who has studied animal behavior isn't what I want when it's time for Fido to get a haircut. I want an experienced groomer who will do a good job and make it convenient for me.

    And don't forget the main reason people hire a groomer: They want their dog to look great. If you don't touch that base (in the name/tagline), everything else will be meaningless.
  • Posted on 10/31/2010 at 6:25 PM Author
    My idea w/ Poodles to Pit Bulls was more about an extremely frou-frou dog in comparison with a tough, intimidating dog.

    I would assume that people with very well behaved pets wouldn't care about having a groomer who can handle difficult animals. Someone whose dog has been sent away from other groomers would care, though. The fact that I would be able to handle a difficult dog is a reason some owners would want to hire me.... according to people I know with difficult dogs, that is.

    My points were about what would set me apart from the pack, more so than what makes me a groomer. Theoretically, people are choosing between good groomers (me being one of them), so why am I different? That is what the people on this board keep asking. If I used "I know how to groom a dog" as one of my points, it wouldn't really separate me from another groomer.

    Thank you so much for your input.
  • Posted on 11/3/2010 at 9:45 AM Accepted
    Hi,
    I have a passion for dogs and this particular business; I come from a family of groomers, doggie daycare and pet kenneling business. They've opened their 3rd one in 1 1/2 years. The reason people are using them?.......relationship with the dogs and their owners. They love it when you remember their dog's name, b-day and quirks. That makes a pet owner comfortable and at peace leaving their 'BABY' with you if you care about them and are educated about their behavior especially. So, I think you've hit the nail on the head with bringing up your specialization. In fact, I expect a good groom and a fair price (even if it's a little higher). What I don't always expect, but I am pleasantly surprised is when a groomer exceeds my expectation and my dog is treated well. The norm is to see a groomer being abusive to animals that they don't know how to handle.

    But, I'm not sure that its appropriate to put that in your tagline. Your name indicates that you'll work with ALL dogs and your tagline connects relationally. If you invest in printed material, I would definitely put your expertise in there! That's a benefit to both dog and owner on top of the convenience factor. Word of mouth will probably be your best method of marketing since pet owners will talk about your specialty to others.

    I can't say that I love the tagline, but I think it conveys a branding message and tells people what you do and I can't think of a better one. I really like the name - I get the message loud and clear that you work with all dogs and it happens to sound catchy and memorable as well.

    I agree that your prices should not be less. They should be fair, but reflective of the value they will receive.

    I think you've done a great job! Good luck.
  • Posted by tracyp on 11/3/2010 at 4:14 PM Member
    For business names:
    Groomer on the Go
    Groomer 2U
    Door 2 Door Dog Dos
    Pampered Pets

    Tagline:
    From Pitbulls to Poodles -- good grooming where you need it!
  • Posted on 11/3/2010 at 5:36 PM Author
    Thanks, guys!
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