I was wondering if I should stock up on some Rover merchandise for clients to give to them at the end of the stay? Has anyone done this yet?
I have a sort of hierarchy of gifts for my clients:
Every new client gets a gift bag on their first visit. (My out of pocket cost is approximately $1.50.) See this post for details: https://www.rover.com/community/quest...
Second stay - I make a personalized towel for wiping off feet (stencils and fabric paint from Hobby Lobby; white hand towels, pack of 12, for $6 at Walmart).
Third stay - Pupcake in a cute, dog themed treat box (https://www.amazon.com/Puppy-Cake-Car...sim1992?ie=UTF8&dpID=51Agn5rvkTL&dpSrc=sims&preST=ACUL160SR160%2C160_&refRID=J848XZ348HZABYZ40E9W) along with some homemade dog cookies - all made ahead and frozen.
Fourth stay - Rover overnight bag.
ADDITIONALLY every client, every single visit, receives a framed photo of the stay (again, see https://www.rover.com/community/quest...).
Good luck!
Wow! Carmen, I'm impressed!
Wow, you guys are great! I am going to book it to the store, and get some cute stuff to throw in their tote bags! I have little bowties I am going to make for their collars, and I was thinking treats, dog poop bags etc like you all said. Great idea for home made dog cookies I may use that too
When a client sends a request, I always ask them if they are a first time Rover user. I like to do a special "thank you" gift for those that are using Rover for the first time. I usually send their dog home with a Rover bandanna and a Rover "thank you" note. I find that this makes the client feel REALLY good about continuing to use the service.
I also like to use the Rover overnight bags for clients that don't send their dogs' stuff in a bag. I keep a few handy so that I don't have so much stuff to carry when I drop the dog back off.
For my new walking clients, I stock up on cheap picture frames (the college dorm brand at Target). And I have a picture printed from their booking to frame as a gift for the client. And I include the Rover "thank you" notes. I really love coming back for another booking and seeing the pictures I've framed in the houses of my clients.
Wow Shane that is amazing you go above and beyond for your clients, I may have to steal some of those ideas from you! I really was thinking about the bags, I have had some clients bring their dogs stuff in plastic grocery bags, and the thought occurred to me on my last stay that I should have some!
Wow! Shane, I'm impressed!
Those Rover bags are $5-7(?). Those bags can be made for 70 cents. I wouldn't mind buying some to promote Rover. But, not at that kind of markup. Seems they'd do periodic "group buys" at cost. They'd gain mindshare with more bags floating around.
Ya I agree Mark. I am actually heading to the dollar store today to get some regular totes for my new 3 new clients since they will be coming and going within a week or two. And then think about the Rover ones if they go on sale. I can spend more money on their goodies than the bag itself!
Am I the only one who provides food and toys for their clients?
Maybe my prices are too low. Buying gifts and goodies would cut way into my profit . I mean really after Rover takes their part. I'm like really ? I wanted Rover shirts but I cant even figure out how to get them. I do have toys and doggie beds and crates and things if needed. But most bring theirs.
No way! I'll offer it if Rover provides it, but I have too many other costs to consider. I do give my new clients a free grooming session with their first stay, which is more cost-effective and will make sure the dog goes home clean.