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How do dog groomers stop losing bookings to missed calls?

Send an automatic text to every missed call saying you’re mid-groom, with a link to book online and a question about the dog’s breed and coat. Many callers want a date and a rough price, and a quick reply with a booking link can give them both without you stopping work.

By Sammy Morgan, who runs M1 Studio in Chichester. Updated .

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Industry
Dog groomers
Problem
Missed calls
The fix
Missed-Call Rescue, £800
Do it yourself?
Yes, the first steps below

Why it happens to dog groomers.

Both hands are on the dog
You can’t let go of a dog on the table to answer the phone, and the dryer drowns out the ringtone anyway.
Owners ring round for the soonest slot
A new customer, or one whose usual groomer is booked up, calls several groomers and books whoever can fit them in.
The price depends on the dog
Breed, size and coat condition change the price and the time. Without a reply asking, you can’t quote, and they call elsewhere.
Mobile groomers are on the road
Between houses you can’t safely answer, and the next call might be a new customer.

What to do, in order.

  1. Record a clear voicemail

    Your name, that you’re grooming, when you’ll call back and where to book online.

  2. Ask the right questions by text

    Breed, size, coat condition, when they were last groomed, and any nerves or health issues.

  3. Publish a price guide

    Prices by size and coat type on your website and Google profile, with a note that matted coats can take longer and cost more.

  4. Call back at set times

    Between dogs or at the end of the day, and say so in your reply.

  5. Automate it

    Missed-Call Rescue texts every caller you miss, logs every enquiry in one list and sends automatic reminders and review requests.

Where M1 can do it for you.

Fixed prices, or a fixed quote before any work starts. No VAT is charged. Any running costs are listed before you agree.

  • Missed-Call Rescue £800

    It texts every caller you miss mid-groom, asks what you need to know and keeps every enquiry in one list.

    Missed calls get a text back, automatically.

  • Online Booking & Deposits £1,800

    Gives the text-back somewhere to send people: online booking with a deposit and reminders.

    Bookings taken online, with a deposit paid up front.

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Before you decide.

Something else? Ask Sammy on WhatsApp.

What should the text say?

For example: “Sorry I missed you, I’m mid-groom. You can book here: [link]. If you’re new, reply with your dog’s breed and when they were last groomed and I’ll call after 4.” See what to text when you miss a call.

What does missed-call text-back cost?

Missed-Call Rescue is a fixed £800 to set up, paid half to start and half at launch. Text and app fees are paid at cost or directly by you, and listed before you agree. The missed-call cost calculator helps you weigh it up.

Does it work for mobile groomers?

Yes. It works on your business number wherever you are, so calls you miss while driving get the same reply. See missed-call text-back in the glossary.

Keep reading.

Know what to fix. Then decide.

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