When you have decided to open a dog daycare business from home, your success will depend on smart business management skills and promotion. It's not easy to begin a business so the more you know, the better you will do. Avoid the following mistakes as you begin and you are on your way.
Mistake #1: Forgetting the Legalities
The biggest mistake that new business owners typically make is forgetting about the legal issues. When you start a new business, even if you are working from the comfort of your own home, you have to go about it the correct way. This includes registering your business with your local city or county.
You can also a registered tax ID number from the IRS if you prefer to keep your business and personal taxes separate. Most importantly, do not make the mistake of operating your business without a proper business license.
Mistake #2: Not Having a Business Plan
Just deciding one day to take in other people's pets is not going to make for a successful business for you. There has to be a plan in place. You can research successful business plans online and can even find templates to use that are simple and free. Without a business plan, you will not be prepared for long term success.
Mistake #3: Ignoring the Health Issues
Another thing that is easily overlooked when starting a dog daycare is the health issues. The health issues are having a plan to identify health issues with the dogs and forgetting to schedule a health inspection. Dogs are living beings and can carry diseases. It's important to protect your family, your home and all the dogs you care for.
You should require potential clients to provide you with each dog's health record, including shots. You should have a designated dog area in your home, garage or yard. You should have a plan in place for dog duty. Picking up poop will be part of the business and ignoring that issue will create health issues.
Mistake #4 : Pricing and Promotion
Appropriate pricing and promotion are vital parts of any business. It's a mistake not to plan for these issues. You will need to decide ahead of time what your price structure will be so that you will be able to earn an income from your venture. Plan a pricing chart for regular clients as well as drop-ins and overnight dogs. Decide how you can offer price breaks for special promotions or those who provide you with referrals.
It's a mistake not to promote your business. You can create a simple flyer to pass around the neighborhood and have business cards and pamphlets ready to disburse when you are out and about. Create a website. There are many creative ways to promote a small home business that are affordable.
Don't forget to take yourself seriously as a business owner, but have fun too. You will need to balance the structure of a business with the flexibility of a work-at-home business.
