Episode Overview

Step into the exciting and highly profitable world of pet waste removal. This episode reveals the hidden challenges and potential (big) profits of a business many overlook, highlighting the strategic approaches to getting clients, service frequency, pricing models, hiring and the critical role of efficient scheduling. Join host Adam Sylvester and Erica Krupin, owner of Kroopin’s Poopin Scoopin.

Show Notes

– Introduction to the episode and guests (0:30)

– A typical day in the pet waste removal business (0:55)

– How Erica got into the business (1:58)

– Getting first clients through social media (2:39)

– Frequency of service, and the impact of springtime on business growth (3:40)

– Prepayment for services and the introduction of additional services (4:51)

– The importance of route density and average ticket price for profitability (7:13)

– Tiered pricing model based on yard size and dog count (7:48)

– The potential and challenges of commercial accounts versus residential service (8:20)

– Partnering with lawn care/landscaping companies and scheduling challenges (9:48)

– Equipment and supplies needed for starting a poop scooping business (11:30)

– Disposal methods for collected waste and handling client expectation (12:02)

– The importance of customer service and managing callback issues (13:12)

– What Erica and Adam love about Jobber (14:00)

– Using CompanyCam for taking photos of jobs (15:04)

– Hiring challenges and the ideal qualities in an employee (15:50)

– Marketing messages and addressing potential client hesitations (17:00)

– Working on weekends and managing safety (19:14)

– Exploring the idea of adding poop scooping as an add-on service for existing businesses (20:48)

– Initial steps and costs for starting a poop scooping business (21:40)

– Reflections on business naming and the potential for rebranding (22:25)

– Lessons learned from emotional challenges and the importance of a supportive community (24:30)

– Future plans for expanding the business and improving hiring processes (25:27)

– Pricing strategy for first-time cleanups and setting customer expectations (26:20)

– Dealing with inaccurate client assessments (29:00)

– Adam’s takeaway tips: when starting out –  make sure your pricing is high enough, you’re selling convenience, and finally, upsell with sanitation services (30:35)