Pet Waste Removal Business

This might not be for everyone, but there are profits here for the scooping (yeah I know bad joke)!

Business Idea: In my mind, this is exactly something that people will pay for.  Fills their desire not to scoop poop!  Remember people are willing to pay for things that fill a need or desire.  This is a weekly service to pick up dog poop, usually from peoples back yards.  This is starting to catch on in the US very quickly and the profits are great.

Start Up Costs: Very little.  You need to have some garbage bags, scoops, and transportation.  I think I’d prefer a truck, but hey I guess you can keep “stuff” in an airtight container in the trunk!  You will need a small cheap website (see my resource page) so people can find information on your service.  Get a few flyers and posters printed up and business cards to hand out at the local dog parks.

Target Market: You want to target a higher income neighbourhood, with back yards and of course dogs!  This is something that people don’t like to do, and will pay to have someone else do it for them.

Pricing: Have a look online, there are lots, but the good thing is these are regional plays so your competition is really only in your area. $7.50- $15 per dog per week  for one visit. You want people to sign up for a monthly service and commit to a contract to get the lower rates.  Pricing should vary depending on the frequency per week and number of dogs.  I’ve seen $10 for one dog once a week, $16.50 for twice a week for one dog, etc.  Have a look online to get a feel.  Senior discounts aren’t a bad idea either, since its tough for them to actually clean it up.

Marketing: Hit the dog parks!  Find the areas with lots of dogs and higher incomes and back yards.  Put some flyers around the neighbourhood or on peoples doors.  Offer a onetime introductory rate to help get people into the service.  Give them a couple pick-ups during a week for a good price.  Get them use to it and how they love not having to pick up poo.  Then its an easier sell and they will want to continue. Since you are targeting higher income individuals, a good sells technique is to offer them to pay all up front for a discount.  This helps your cash flow and they will see it as a good value and have the cash to pay all up front.

Other Notes: Remember people love their animals and will spend money on them. Be careful on the first clean up.  If they have not done it for a long time, charge a high initial fee, since it might be pretty bad.  Don’t quote a low fee on this unless you have seen it.  In colder areas, get out a spring cleaning special to clean up everything after the snow thaw.  Business’s are also a good potential customer so do not over look them.
Subscribe now to read more