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How long did it take you to establish regular clients?

I am new to my community and to kicking off my business. So far my tactics are social media and I have ordered some tools such as cards, postcards and a yard sign for getting the word out that have not yet arrived. I figure like all good things it may take some time.

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I am with you on this one. I have had luck on other sites but not on this one. Keep on truckin' is what I say.

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I've been sitting for years, but only recently joined Rover. Established clients are good, but I would encourage you to consistently work on expanding your client base (to a certain point). I began promoting my business in September 2014 and have had one to two new clients per month. Because most people travel infrequently, your business will be slow if your client base is too small. Get enough clients and you'll be busy most the year round. Unfortunately, depending on how many dogs you take at once, more clients also eventually means more refusals on your part.

Don't forget to post on Craigslist! I've gotten a number of clients this way.

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Thank you Leighann!

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We dog sit very part time (I have a full time job and my partner is a full time student), so we only host 1-2 dogs per month. We've been sitting through Rover for about 10 months now, and we are still establishing a client base. We have one repeat client that travels frequently and has used us a number of times now, and another that has completed one stay, and inquired about another later this year, but the majority of our clients do not use dog sitters frequently so I do not expect repeat bookings in the near future. I would love to eventually only take repeat clients, but I'll need a few more who travel extensively to make that worthwhile.

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Thank You Laura.

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I have been with rover for about 3 years. The first year I was very busy during holidays, but have been sitting for neighbors, friends and family for a long time. I asked neighbors, friends and family to give me a review which really helps. The second year I started getting a couple repeat clients and now I rarely get "a day off" and have to turn last minute potential clients away as I take only 4 dogs and then our dog makes 5. In the past I have taken more than I should have to help the clients out. I was exhausted by the time most of the pups went home. They were all Great dogs. I just didn't have time to give each individual attention like I do and needed to take only a few for a walk in the neighborhood and then come back for more. I got a Lot of exercise. I know my limitations now for myself and business. I don't want to compromise my enjoyment of what I do or my business guide lines for extra money. This is "my" business and my husband will help if I ask but doesn't want a lot of involvement. He does love the pups excitement to see him when he comes home and when they curl up in his lap. Just because I am booked most to the time, I continue to search for repeat business. It should always be an ongoing process.

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I'd say a year is a good amount of time to be on the safe side. It covers all major holidays as well as summer, and spring break. Laura is right that not a lot of people travel often enough to use you frequently, but I have found that when they realize just how easy it is to book me, people start to book more. I've gotten quite a few day visits, as well as one night stays for people going out to dinner, work party, etc. Good luck!

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Thank you Amber! I meet with my first potential client tomorrow. Three American Bulldogs!

Sorry I mean Jennifer

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I've only been doing this two months and I already have regulars! One I see for daycare every week (my first and only daycare doggie), and I have a couple others I've seen a few times.

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Dog walking is an easy way to get repeat customers. I have one who books me for 3 walks per week every month and another books me for 10 walks p/week. I've had two who I've boarded who are already trying to book me again for their next trip several months out. I only just started rover during NYE weekend so I'm still expanding my client base but so far it seems pretty easy to get repeat customers when you're sincere and attentive to the clients needs.

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Thank you Amber great advice. I have been with Rover for quite sometime now and it seems super hard for anyone person to find you. Can you let me know how long it took you to be established? Thank You-

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Promote! Promote! Promote! Have friends and family leave you testimonials, post on craigslist, facebook..etc!

Good luck!