Most sitters go out of business due to
burn out; here are some tips to help you to not be one of
those sitters.
1. Network
with Other OPSA Sitters
Find the sitters that cover the
"same" area as you when you take time off or are sick and
sitters that cover areas you do not cover or services you do
not offer.
2. Areas
Covered
Keep clients within a 10 mile radius
of your home; refer out clients who call to the next closest
OPSA sitter. If you choose to service clients outside of the
10 mile radius of your home – it is recommended that you
charge a gas surcharge.
3. Schedule
Time Off
Once your business is established
you will become very busy and not have much time to
yourself. Schedule time off for yourself. Keep your clients
informed of your dates you are closed by putting the dates
on your web site, in a newsletter, via an email, in a
handout given out at each new client consultation. Most
clients will book their travel around you if you inform them
ahead of time of your closed dates.
4. Charge
Enough
Do not think that by charging the
lowest rate in town you will get all the clients. Instead
you will get all the clients most sitters do not want!
5. Don’t
Overbook
Know your limit and stick to it.
You have limited hours in a day, when you are booked you are
booked and the quality of your service may suffer if you
spread yourself too thin.
6. Holiday
Charges
Some sitters choose to charge extra
on the holidays. Remember you are taking away time that you
could be spending with family and friends so your clients
can be with their family and friends!
7. Learn To
Say No
There are some clients you should
just say no, for example:
- Aggressive or vicious dog
- Dog tied to chain or rope and
left outside
- Bizarre situation or client
- Filthy house
- Chronic late payer
- If it doesn’t feel right, don’t
accept the client/job
8. Create
Business Policies and Procedures
You
are self employed and you need to establish some business
policies and procedures (if you don’t establish your
business policies then your clients will):
- What types of services that
will you offer and what types of services won't you
offer?
- What will be the length and
charge per visit?
- How early and how late will you
do visits?
- Establish your business hours
and the times you will answer telephone calls?
- How long will the free
consultations last, 1 hour, 1 1/2hours? And will you
charge for a second consultation?
- What will you charge for extra
services like, picking up extra pet food supplies or
driving back keys?
- How far in advance do clients
need to book your service?
- When will you start taking
reservations for holidays like Easter, Memorial Day, 4th
of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New
Years?
- What if client returns early,
do you have a refund policy?
- How
many pet sits can you take on each day before you are
booked?
- How many pet sits will you take
on for a holiday? (Remember if you take on your maximum
number you will have NO time to spend with your family)
- Define your service area and
stick to it (Remember the 10 mile radius and charge a
gas surcharge if you have to travel beyond that radius)
