Let’s be honest: talking about money is uncomfortable. For many UK dog groomers, setting a price list feels like a tug-of-war between covering your bills and the fear of losing your regulars.But here’s the reality: if you undercharge, you aren’t just losing money—you’re inviting burnout. You end up working harder, for longer hours, often for the most demanding clients.Your pricing needs to do two things: pay you a proper wage for your skilled labour and make sense to your customers. Whether you’re running a salon in Manchester, a mobile van in the Cotswolds, or a garden room setup, here is how to structure your rates properly.
The Trap of Being “Cheap”
Many groomers keep their prices low to stay competitive. The problem? You end up attracting clients who only care about the cost, not the quality of your cut.When your prices reflect your expertise, you attract clients who value your service. You can afford better equipment (scissoring spray isn’t cheap!), take meaningful breaks, and actually enjoy your work. Plus, clear pricing builds trust. If a client has to hunt for a price list, they often assume you’re expensive or disorganised.What Are You Actually Charging For?
Clients often think they’re just paying for a “haircut.” You know they’re paying for your insurance, your sharpening costs, your electricity, and your aching back. Here is what should shape your base rate:- The Breed & Size: A Yorkshire Terrier and a Newfoundland are not the same job. However, be careful with “medium” breeds a Cockapoo can vary wildly in size. Always price by breed and coat type, not just weight.
- The “Doodle” Factor (Coat Condition): Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: matted coats. A “quick trim” on a matted Labradoodle is hours of careful, dangerous work. Your price list must state clearly: “Prices are for well-maintained coats. De-matting is charged extra per 15 minutes.”
- Behavioural Challenges: An anxious or reactive dog takes twice as long and requires twice the patience. Don’t absorb that cost. It is perfectly fair to have a surcharge for dogs that require two groomers or extra time to settle.
- Your Postcode: Your overheads in London or the South East are naturally higher than in rural Wales. Don’t compare your prices to a groomer 200 miles away; compare them to your local running costs.
How to Structure Your Price List
Keep it simple. A confused client doesn’t book.- Base Prices: List “Starting From” prices for Small, Medium, Large, and Giant breeds.
- The “Naughty” List (Surcharges): Be upfront about extra charges for matting, fleas, or difficult behaviour.
- The Little Extras: Upsell items like teeth cleaning, blueberry facials, or nail clipping as standalone services.
The Dreaded Conversation: Raising Your Prices
If you haven’t put your prices up in the last 12 months, you’re effectively taking a pay cut. Inflation hits shampoo, electricity, and van fuel just as hard as it hits your weekly shop.- Give Notice: Let clients know 30 days in advance.
- Keep it Brief: You don’t need to apologise. “Due to rising running costs, our prices will increase by £5 from 1st January.”
- Soften the Blow: If you’re worried, offer a small perk for their first booking at the new rate, like a free teeth gel treatment.
Example Price List (Template)
(Adjust these figures for your area)Full Groom (Bath, Dry, Cut & Style)- Small (e.g., Westie, Pug): From £40
- Medium (e.g., Cocker Spaniel, Cockapoo): From £50
- Large (e.g., Lab, Standard Poodle): From £65
- Giant (e.g., St. Bernard): From £85
- De-matting: £10 per 15 mins
- Nail Clip Only: £12
- Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning: £25
