“Those who don't believe in magic will never find” - Roald Dahl

.When it comes to building a loyal client base and standing out as a home-based dog groomer, it’s not always about offering the cheapest service or the fanciest tools—it’s about how you make people feel. And the truth is, you don’t need a huge budget to create an unforgettable, feel-good experience for your customers (and their pups!).

If you are really passionate about your business and you are will to get creative there is so much you can do to make sure your customer customer experience is as magical as possible. 

The truth is the actual grooming part of our business is only just a part of what we are selling. We are selling an experience, an overall feeling that each customer will take with them when they leave.

Here are some simple, low-cost ways to add massive value, build stronger relationships, and keep your clients coming back again and again.

1. Welcome Every New Client with a Little Wow

First impressions matter, when I started my home-based dog grooming business I created a welcome pack for each new customer.  There were many reasons for this with one of the main ones being that a wam welcome can set the tone for a lasting relationship. Try putting together a small welcome pack for every new customer. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top—just thoughtful. My Welcome pack included :

• An information booklet - This included all the information they needed like the policies of the business, where they could find me on social media etc…

• A little bag of treats for their dog  - It's better to go with store bought unless you state all ingredients. Keep the box / bag so you can refer to it if anyone has any questions about the treats.I also put a little sticker with a disclaimer at the back about feeding the dog at your own risk and to always ask me if their dog has allergies.
  

• A cute collar charm - I picked up paw charms on Amazon in different colours then added an attachment to turn them into a collar charm. This was just a cute extra and I knew if anyone asked when someone got the cute charm, they would tell them about me.
  

• My latest newsletter - Each month I would create a newsletter filled with tips and tricks and fun articles all about dogs and tips on how they could have a better relationship with theirs.
  
  

• A loyalty card - 10 paw prints was €10 off. 

• A referral card - €5 off for a referral

• Next appointment card 

I packaged this all in a little paper bag with their dogs name on a cute sticker on the front.

It’s a small gesture, but it shows that you care—and that you go the extra mile.

2. Keep the Magic Going for Returning Clients

Loyal clients deserve love too! For your regulars, keep the experience fresh and valuable. I gave my returning clients 

• A fresh newsletter each visit. I worked really hard on these newsletters and it genuinely made my heart so happy when people told me how much they loved them
  
  

• Another little bag of treats for their pup to take home
  
  

These little extras give clients something to look forward to and show that you appreciate their continued support.

3. The Grooming Experience Itself

Think about the moment the dog leaves your salon. How can you add a finishing touch that makes them look, feel, and smell amazing?

• Pop on a cute bandana - I mixed and matched between ones I ordered online and ones my mother kindly made me, we just bought the material. I always kept them seasonal.
  
  

• Finish with a spritz of dog-safe cologne - I had a couple of different smells but if you are on a tight budget the best one overall I have found is the baby powder scent.
  
  

These final flourishes make your grooms feel more premium and polished—without adding much to your costs.

4. Make Holidays Magical

Christmas and Halloween are perfect opportunities to dial up the magic. People love festive fun—and dogs in costumes or with themed goodie bags? Irresistible.

For Halloween and Christmas:

• I always decorated my grooming room for the season. Most of the decor I bought was from Dealz or Eurostore (equivalent would be dollar store or poundland) but I was really intentional with the decor pieces that I picked up. I managed to get all different breed themed baubles for a grooming room Christmas tree!
  
  

• I used themed bandanas or bows
  
  

• Gave out seasonal treat bags (eg pumpkin or turkey flavours)
  
  

At Christmas, I made a super special goodie bag:

• I bulk bought cheap themed squeaky toys - I wrapped them and put them under the tree. I then popped one into each go home bag.
  
  

• I made really inexpensive homemade paw balm - With 3 natural ingredients - Shea butter, Coconut oil and Beeswax. I then bulk small pots on Amazon, filled them up, put a christmas sticker on top and Voila. 
  
  

• A handwritten Christmas card which I designed on Canva
  
  

• A small personalised gift like a keyring or tree decoration. These were also inexpensive to put together but made a huge impact!!
  
  

These extras can all be created at low cost—especially if you DIY or buy in bulk—but they have a huge impact when it comes to how your clients feel. People remember the groomer who made Christmas extra special for their dog.

✨ Why It Matters

All of these value-adds do one powerful thing: they make your customer feel seen, appreciated, and delighted. That’s what builds loyalty. That’s what keeps people coming back. And that’s what gets people talking about your business to their friends and family.

You don’t have to spend big to make a big impression. With a bit of creativity and heart, you can turn every groom into an experience your clients will remember—and rave about.