š¼ Set Your Prices Consciously: Your Rates Should Reflect Your Talent, Your Cash Flow, and Your Salary ā Not the Groomer Next Door
- Nathalie Ariey-Jouglard

- May 22
- 2 min read

In a world where many professionals try to be ācheaper than the one next door,ā too many groomers fall into the trap of price competition. But hereās the truth: pricing based on your neighborās rates puts your business, your well-being, and your long-term future at risk. Itās time to price based on what truly matters: you.
šÆ Your rates must cover more than shampoo and drying
Pricing is not just a number you pick. Itās a thoughtful calculation that should include:
your fixed costsĀ (rent, insurance, productsā¦),
your investmentsĀ (equipment, training, brandingā¦),
your emergency savingsĀ (for repairs, off-seasons, surprisesā¦),
and of course, your salaryĀ ā yes, you deserve a decent income,
and finally, your talent.
What youāre selling isnāt just a bath or a haircut ā itās expertise, care, a safe and comforting experience for the animal, and a high-quality result.
š Being cheaper isnāt a strategy ā itās a risk
Trying to attract clients by cutting prices may work short term. But in the long run:
you attract clients who leave as soon as they find cheaper,
you overwork for less,
you devalue your own profession.
And worst of all, you create a downward spiral for the whole industry.
š Your skills have value ā price accordingly
Youāve invested time, energy, and money into becoming the professional you are. Youāre not just ādoing a haircut.ā Youāre delivering a personalized, skilled, responsible service.
That has value. You have value.
š§® How to set prices with purpose
Do the math.Ā List all your monthly expenses, the income you need, and your savings goals.
Assess your realistic capacity.Ā How many pets can you groom without burning out?
Consider the value you offer.Ā Are you doing more than a standard service? Price for it!
Avoid comparing your rates to othersā.Ā They donāt have your costs, your level of service, or your unique style.
ā In short
š Your prices should reflect your realityĀ ā not someone elseās.š When you respect your worth, clients trust and respect you too.š Pricing fairly isnāt arrogance ā itās sustainability.
āļø And you? Have you ever restructured your pricing based on your true needs? Share your story in the comments ā letās grow together.





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