Let’s be realistic: with energy bills spiralling and the cost of kit constantly on the rise, simply grinding through your daily grooming list isn’t enough to keep the books healthy. When setting your standard price for grooming a dog, it is easy to forget that the basic rate only covers the essentials. You’re already doing the hard graft the bathing, the clipping, and the awkward de-matting – so it only makes sense to ensure every dog on your table is as profitable as possible.
Boosting your takings doesn’t have to mean working longer hours or squeezing in a frantic 5 pm appointment that leaves you absolutely knackered. It’s about being savvy with the clients you already have offering high-value, low-effort add-ons that owners genuinely appreciate and are more than happy to pay for.
1. The “While They’re in the Bath” Upgrades
The easiest upsells are the ones that require almost zero extra time. If a client asks about your dog grooming price, explain that while the basic wash is great, a premium treatment offers much more value.
- De-Shedding Treatments: A massive win for double-coated breeds. Charging an extra £10–£15 for a professional de-shedding blast and speciality shampoo adds very little time but offers a huge result for the owner.
- Soothing Spa Washes: Offer an oatmeal or aloe-vera “Skin & Coat” upgrade for dogs with itchy or sensitive skin.
- The “Luxury” Finish: A blueberry facial or a high-end cologne spray can be bundled into a “Gold Package” for an extra fiver.
2. Health Extras That Justify the Price for Grooming a Dog
Pet owners often overlook the finer points of maintenance until they become a nuisance. Rather than waiting for a client to baulk at your standard rates, frame these extras as essential care. Teeth cleaning, for instance, is a massive growth area; whether you’re using an enzymatic gel or a full ultrasonic service, it adds a professional edge to your salon. Similarly, a quick application of paw balm to cracked pads takes seconds but provides that “premium” finish that justifies a higher spend. If a client mentions the “click-clack” of claws on their laminate flooring, suggest a nail grind for an extra fiver it’s a simple solution for them and pure profit for you.
3. How to Sell Without “The Hard Sell”
British clients are notoriously wary of the “hard sell.” You don’t need to be a car salesman to increase your revenue. The best way to justify your dog grooming prices is through education and observation.
- The “Observation” Approach: “I noticed Buster’s pads were looking a bit dry today; would you like me to apply a soothing balm during his groom?”
- The “Package” Approach: Instead of a long list of individual prices, offer three tiers: Standard, Premier, and VIP. Most clients will naturally gravitate toward the middle option.
- The “Loyalty” Perk: Offer every 5th spa upgrade for free. It keeps them coming back and makes the premium service part of their regular routine.
4. Let Technology Do the Heavy Lifting
One of the biggest barriers to upselling is simply forgetting to ask or feeling a bit “cheeky” bringing it up at the counter. This is where your management software earns its keep.
With PawPal, you can build these add-ons directly into your online booking journey. When a client books their regular groom, they are presented with a subtle “Would you like to add a Blueberry Facial for £5?” tick-box. It’s professional, low-pressure, and it works while you’re busy in the salon with a dog on the table.
If you add just £7 to every groom through simple upsells, and you see 20 dogs a week, that’s an extra £140 a week. Over a year (52 weeks), that is £7,280 added to your turnover with almost no extra labour.
Stop leaving money on the table. Start thinking about the “little extras” that make a big difference to your margins.
Want to see how easy it is to automate your upsells? Book a demo with PawPal today and we’ll show you how to build a “Spa Menu” that sells itself.
