Charity Or Not

[Luvmyjob]

Grooming is a business.Business meaning; person learns a trade to turn a profit to earn a living. With that said, here's my rant:
Lady calls Monday. She found a dog, is trying to find owner/re-home it. Goes into a big lecture on everyone's civic duty ok....but if I give a free haircut to this situation, then what?
Next, different lady calls today. She adopted a dog from the shelter. She asks me to donate a free grooming, not to the shelter, to her, because she got the dog at the shelter.
In my 17 years of grooming I have donated my fair share. I have been approached by several shelters/Vets, but not by private citizens for their private cause. Don't misunderstand me. I am not a selfish, greedy person. I would love nothing better than to give up grooming and open my own shelter. But I have to make a living, "Uncle Sam" needs my money!
If a shelter or other legitamate organization needs my services, I would be glad to help if I can. If I start doing free work for any person who calls, the phone will start ringing off the hook! I live in a small town, word spreads fast. There are people here who think they should get something for nothing.
So fellow Groomers, what say you?

[Dax]

Sounds like someone is taking advantage. If you offer any deals (like so many cuts and one is free), you could tell them that.

I would simply tell them that there are in excess of 3 Million dogs in rescue and shelter. Groomers support them in their own way. You will gladly groom their dogs at the current rates so that you can continue to support these good causes.

You lose nothing if you say NO and they go away. I would remember that not all people are honest and might just be too cheap to pay for proper grooming. You don't owe these people anything - charity should be a choice not an expectation.

[dobermom]

Originally Posted by DaxAriel's Toy

Sounds like someone is taking advantage. If you offer any deals (like so many cuts and one is free), you could tell them that.

I would simply tell them that there are in excess of 3 Million dogs in rescue and shelter. Groomers support them in their own way. You will gladly groom their dogs at the current rates so that you can continue to support these good causes.

You lose nothing if you say NO and they go away. I would remember that not all people are honest and might just be too cheap to pay for proper grooming. You don't owe these people anything - charity should be a choice not an expectation.

I agree 100%

[rottiegirl]

I agree with Dax and Dober!

At the shop I work at we work closely with a local animal shelter, and groom dogs who need it. Even if we only do 1 or 2 groomings a month we always get the worst of the worst (Mats on dogs we can't get out with 7 & 10 blades...) well... you know how it goes!

[merrow]

yeah i no what u mean we get asked for freebies ppl will do any thing to get there moneys worth we do a pair of lhasa apso we do them a little cheaper coz he rescued em and he is an oap and been with us 4 years but we dont do freebies if pple go and get a dg weather it of a breader or from a rehoming center thay should be able to aford to have it groomed and if they cant how the **** would they pay for a vet if thay need one

[bernicesmama]

that is so sad. people always want something for nothing! if you start giving one for free, everyone will want one. just say no.

[whimzikal]

I'd state that you donate DIRECTLY to the shelters.
Maybe you can work out a 'special one time offer' for them like a 10% discount or something? They have to understand that this is your
CAREER not a hobby! I'd never ever assume a freebee as I understand
like any job you have to earn a living!! DUH
They have alot of nerve, esp the one who adopted the dog!

[AussiesCollies]

I totally agree, everyone can't get a freebee. She should have to pay just like everyone else, how are you supposed to make a living if you groom everyone's animal for free?

[SalemWitchChild]

I'm no groomer but I work for a pet products company. I know it takes lots of money for materials. Not to mention your time. If you know they are legit I would say charge for materials only. But in this instance, I think they just want a freebie just because...