Opening mobile grooming business- HELP!

we used to have a mobile groomer in this area and she did quite well in her business.
Insurance got to her. She had to finally become stationery as the insurance for her business and vehicle started to get out of control.
And then there are gas prices...be sure you have that planned out too. You will have to charge quite a bit more to cover the cost of gas.
Not trying to discourage you but when you weigh in the cost for insurance for your business PLUS the cost for the vehicle and the gas it'll be tough. Or you'll have to charge more than a groomer in a building.
Sorry but I'm like anally realistic.
I think mobile grooming is a wonderful idea though. Very helpful for people who are housebound, can't afford gas, or would keep putting off getting their dog groomed cause of scheduling.
Something the groomer I used to take Sadie to would offer free was to clip a cat's claws. When I would pick up Sadie I would bring in a cat and she'd clip her claws for free. That way she knew people were getting their cat's claws clipped.

Here are some things you could offer:
Dremeling (excellent idea)
Furminator anti-shedding (call it de-shedding treatments and you'll get business)
Canine sportsmassage (Equissage has a course)
Reiki (courses and certification is not expensive)
For the dogs that pull on the way out to the van - have a few Easy Walk Harnesses for sale (offer to demonstrate, owner sees how easy it is to go for a nice walk, and hopefully they will rave about how smart you are and how you know dogs, which is the important part)
For clients who refer others to you, how about an appreciation gift.
You could print a dog cookie recipe, roll it up and tie it with a ribbon.  You might attach a clicker (with your biz name on it), a magnetic biz card, a biscuit, & a toy, etc. to make it special.
Gift pack for new clients - my friend did this one year...she made emergency de-skunking kit Easter baskets with instructions (for when their dogs got sprayed and she wasn't open)!  Believe it or not, everyone loved it and bought them.  She couldn't keep them in the shop.
You could do pet "report cards" and let owners know when their dog was really good or what progress they are making at being a good boy or girl on the table. 
If you are ambitious, instead of bandanas, you could sew fancy neck scrunchies, or have someone do that for you - for holiday times.
Put flowers on the girls instead of bows.  Make bow ties for the boys.
 
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!
 

Sounds like a wonderful idea!!!  I personally enjoy washing and grooming my dogs, but I love to do that at the self-serve wash.  Maybe you could have a removable tub for those that like to do it themselves, but just don't want to wreck their own bathroom.....I know, kinda far out there, but I LOVE to talk to people when I am giving them a bath, show off how good Nigel is in the tub, have someone ohhh and ahh over him....(I know, ego problems and I'm working on them...hehehehee  [])  A mobile dog wash with self-service option...hehehahhahaaa
 
So, good customer interation is worth tons to me!
 
Also, please visit your tax advisor before you get all this up and running, one of the things I see at the end of the year with new businesses is that they have a successful year and have done zero tax planning and then owe a bunch come April 15th.  Worth a visit to get yourself on the right path from the beginning.  They will also tell you what to keep track of for deductions for next year, etc.
 
Good luck and keep us updated on it!!

Wow, some absolutely great ideas.  I really appreciate it, and knew I could count on you guys.  Keep them coming.
 
This isn't an "out of the blue" idea.  I've been grooming for 4 years, and have worked for another mobile groomer for almost a year.  I know the area well, and what it will support.  I went to seminars and learned great formulas for pricing. I'm going to be an LLC.  I have an accountant and have spoken with them in detail about everything I need to know.  I'm seriously not worried that gas prices with be too much of an issue.  I know what it costs.  I'm actually more concerned that there would be a shortage of gas.  I know that the business will be successful in this area.  But I want to be more than financially successful.  I want to be known as a groomer who really cares about the customer's pet and goes above and beyond.  After all, I got into grooming because I love working with the dogs, and love the creativity involved in it.  I'm in the process of getting National Certification and am constantly going to any seminars or expos that I can so I don't stop learning.

FancyPants, where are you located.......I would love to be your first customer LOL.
 
Seriously, dremeling would be a great options (I personally am having a hard time finding someone locally that does that). I like all the other ideas hat have been presented as well.
 
Well wishes from me to you.

this is somewhat off topic, but.....

how do you go about selecting a good groomer? i looked and there are several mobile groomers in my area, but how do i know which ones are good and which arent?

Ask trainers in the area who they use for their own dogs.