The winter holiday season is upon us, and that means most groomers will have busy days planned. It’s not too late to ensure you have what you need to get through this time gracefully. Here is a checklist that may help you prepare for a successful season.
- Bows and bandanas - many supply companies run out of seasonal pet décor items early. If you have not ordered the items you want to use, do it this week to avoid disappointment.
- Lay in some skin cream for yourself. Colder weather and washing dogs can just about guarantee chapped skin. Cream is heavier than lotion and more effective at soothing skin. Ointments are even thicker, and applying before bed is an excellent option to give your hands and arms a chance to heal before you return to work the next day.
- Sharpening - Do you have enough freshly sharpened scissors and blades to get you through the season? If the answer is no, pack up that box of dull tools and get them to the sharpener soon. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get through a packed day with dull tools.
- Tool maintenance — Do your clippers need new hinges or blade drives? When in doubt, change them out! You want your tools to run as well as possible in the coming weeks. How about your dryers? Do you have spare parts in case the brushes wear down and need to be replaced?
- Check your supplies. Do you need to order shampoo, conditioner, dematting products, or new hand tools like brushes to tide you over? No one wants to run out of their favorite cologne or finishing spray the week before a major holiday.
- Cleaning and disinfecting products - With higher customer volume comes increased cleaning needs. Inventory your supplies to be sure that you have all your favorite products in stock, or add them to your “order soon” list.
- Coworker gift items—While stocking up on supplies, does your coworker covet your favorite thinning shears or constantly borrow your best comb? Consider surprising them with a grooming tool as a holiday gift.
A little pre-planning can help keep your grooming days running more smoothly during the hectic weeks that lead up to the winter holiday season. Ready? Set? Groom!
