Q. What do I need to do prior to applying for a business license for my type of business?
I will be applying for a housecall grooming business (grooming pets inside the pet owners home). I already have all the supplies I need to start and received a quote for insurance. Is there anything else I should do prior to applying?
Area of Expertise: Starting Up
Industry: Animals/Pets
3 answers | Asked on 05/07/10 by:
Jessica Long
Kingsport, TN, United States
Answers
Lori Nevin
Seattle, WA, United States
You will need a Master Business License from your state. Potentially you might want to be bonded since you will be in private homes, and check with your City, County if you are in an unincorporated area, to determine if there are other licensing requirements.
Next, you will need something in writing for your clients that sets up expectations for them. It probably will need to be customizable for each visit. Like a contract or agreement it gives you permission to do the work, what work is requested (clipping, bathing, other), discusses liability (for example if you get a dog bite, cat scratch, or if in the process of grooming the dog breaks someone's fine china collectible piece). In the agreement you might also have a space for comments, recommendations, or after-care.
Marketing materials that have your prices, services, contact information will be important to take around to your local veterinarians. You could include a biographical note about your prior experience with animals and grooming. You'll need business cards.
Do groomers have a professional organization? Do you belong to it? I suggest it because there will be opportunity for acquiring knowledge from other more experienced at this business as well as giving your customers added confidence.
It might be worthwhile to contact a similar business owner (pet sitter) to find out how they got started. Perhaps that person would make a great mentor for you.
Posted on 05/10/10
Jermane Enoch
Norcross, GA, United States
Go to Secretary of State's Office at your home State or your local county business development office. They should be able to directly assist you.
Posted on 05/11/10
Suren Sargisov
San Mateo, CA, United States
For license specific items, visit the business license section of your state's website to see what they require for business license. Depending on your structure, you may need a ficticious name filing, TIN, etc. local business license, etc.
In terms of business planning, first I would recommend to make a clear to-do list or a gant chart (in business terms) for all your pre-start actions. I would just start with writting down ALL the things you need to do before "opening doors" and then putting them in order of importance and dependence. Microsoft and google docs have some very helpful free excel formats.
Then, if you have not done yet, set up a bookkeeping system for the business. Quickbooks.com is a good free online tool. There are a lot of expenses involved in startup that can be hecktic to keep up with and if you let it slide, it will be very hard to catch up.
Posted on 06/16/10
