USTOMER EDUCATION
INFORMED DECISIONS THROUGH LEARNING
Though customers are savvier these days, retailers and groomers said
educating owners about natural grooming products remains important.
Some are uneducated and uninformed about the products available, and
others are stumped by conflicting views about what is good or safe for
their pet and what is not, industry insiders said.
“‘Natural’ has no actual legal definition, so manufacturers can call anything ‘all natural,’” said Nancy Chinchar, owner of Downtown Doghouse,
which has two locations in New York.
She and other professionals said they take on the responsibility of
educating themselves to provide the best grooming services and to pass
that knowledge on to owners.
Many owners come in looking for solutions to problems, retailers and
manufacturers said.
“When clients ask for a specific type of shampoo, we ask them what’s
going on with the dog that causes them to make that request,” Chinchar
said. “Sometimes, they’ve asked for the exact opposite of what would
help, or they think it will fix a problem that no shampoo can fix. It’s a great
opportunity to educate them on what will help their dog.”
Cameron Fang, manager of product development for Reliq in Dallas,
agreed, adding that “customers need to know the source causing pet odor
and skin issues and how and why the right shampoo can promote the
health of skin to avoid skin and odor issues.”
Shannon Moore, director of grooming and education for Espree Animal
Products in Grapevine, Texas, also encouraged retailers and pet salons to
“educate the consumer about the benefits of the ingredients and how they
offer a solution to make their pet feel better, whether it’s allergy/itch relief,
dry and damaged skin and coat, or arthritis and mobility issues.”
When customers at Miss Doolittle’s in Pottsville, Pa., ask owner
Missie Mattei for a service or a product to buy, she often finds herself
educating clients.
“I share what I’ve learned and know about what works and doesn’t in
my experience,” she said. “It’s two-fold. I want them to know why I chose
that particular service or shampoo for their dog, and I think it sets me
apart as not ‘just a groomer,’ but I’m actually a professional who knows
what I’m talking about.”
GROOMER’S BEST offers fully welded, solid 18-gauge, polished 304
stainless steel Elite Bathing Tubs.
Included are a raised tray, door and
smooth sliding steps. The tubs are
treated with an exterior textured
coating in pink, purple, black or gray.
They are delivered fully assembled.
groomersbest.com
WAHL CLIPPER CORP. has added
two Power Grip clipper colors:
coral punch and power pink. The
U.S.-made professional two-speed
clipper offers the PowerDrive performance system that provides optimal
power and solid torque with minimal
vibration and noise. The product
includes the efficiency of Constant
Speed Control; this built-in torque
control automatically delivers more
power and ease of use when clipping through mats and thick coats.
wahlanimal.com
• Mild Sulfate-Free cleansers for softer, smoother & more manageable coat.
• Colognes can be used after bathing and between baths to keep your pet smelling wonderful.
• 100% biodegradable and safe for puppies and kittens.
• Concentrated may be diluted with 6 parts water.
• Fortified with organic Baobab Protein from the fruit of the African Tree of Life.
• Nourishes hair from the roots to the tip.
• Helps with heat protection and damage recovery.
• Instantly hydrates, moisturizes and rejuvenates skin.
• No Xanthan gum thickener added for quicker foam and rinse time.
WOODEN COUNTER DISPLAY AVAILABLE THROUGH YOUR DISTRIBUTOR
SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT & SPECIALTY PET STORES
visit our website for full ingredient listing and much more