How much to tip Mobile Groomer?

puglet11 · ‎08-07-2015

I'm having my dog groomed in a full-service mobile van. The estimate is $130-150. Yes, it's quite expensive. N.Y.C. after all.

Since this is our first mobile grooming experience, I didn't know if I should be tipping the groomer, who owns her business. I suppose I should, but was wondering how much. The usual 15-20% seems exorbitant.

I can't afford to use them on a regular basis and will probably only use them 2 or 3 times during the year. Fortunately, I have been bathing and haircutting my dog for most of the 2 years I've had him, but there comes a point when he needs professional attention.

Your opinions are appreciated.

noodleann · ‎06-10-2015

I don't know what you're getting for that fee, but unless she's throwing in a new collar and a month of dog food, I'd say the tip was built into the pricing.

shaggygirl · ‎11-24-2011

At those prices and because the owner of the business is doing the grooming I'd take a pass on the tip. That's not like me to say no, I'm usually a tipper of almost everybody for everything, comes from back in my younger days when I worked for a few years as a waitress I guess. However, those prices sound exorbitant to me. But if a bunch of other folks say you should and how much then pay no mind to what I said, especially never having had a mobile groomer come to my house.

puglet11 · ‎08-07-2015

@noodleann, NYC grooming salons run at least $100, so this is in line with that given you are paying for one-on-one and convenience. it includes shampoo, conditioner, and conditioning sprays customized to skin and coat, anl glands expressed, ear hair removed, ears cleaned, teeth brushed, paw pads conditioned, paw pads trimmed, nails cut and filed, sanitary trim, fluff dry, haircut, furfume, and accessory.

@shaggygirl, I'm a tipper too, but I can't see the 15-20%. I'm thinking I'll tip $10. Maybe I shouldn't be embarrassed to ask them about a tip. I don't know. Oh, I edited my OP to explain it is being done in a full-service mobile van. They're not coming to my house.

SXMGirl · ‎07-07-2010

@puglet11, I don't know if the website Nextdoor.com is in your area (I would think that it is), then I would pose that question there. Locals will be able to answer what is done in your area and the dollar or percentage amount if tipping is usually done. You will also be able to see neighbor recommendations for mobile grooming. Local vendors in our area quite often have discounts for those on the site.

The next time that I hear salt and ice together, it better be in a margarita!

Deb665 · ‎01-07-2012

Several years ago I had a mobile groomer come to groom two White Westhighland Terriers on a regular basis. The charge was $45 each, and I would round the payment to $100. The groomer was also the owner of the business.

At the prices you've been quoted, I would have a hard time adding a tip!

ValuSkr · ‎03-15-2014

I don't know why you'd tip the owner of the business. Unless of course you're flush with cash.

sunshine45 · ‎03-09-2010

we dont have a mobile groomer, but i tip our groomer $10-$15 on a service that costs about $55 for our bichon.

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SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@puglet11 wrote:
I'm having my dog groomed in a full-service mobile van. The estimate is $130-150. Yes, it's quite expensive. N.Y.C. after all.

Since this is our first mobile grooming experience, I didn't know if I should be tipping the groomer, who owns her business. I suppose I should, but was wondering how much. The usual 15-20% seems exorbitant.

I can't afford to use them on a regular basis and will probably only use them 2 or 3 times during the year. Fortunately, I have been bathing and haircutting my dog for most of the 2 years I've had him, but there comes a point when he needs professional attention.

Your opinions are appreciated.

@puglet11 I use a Mobil groomer here in the Seattle area. I have a large dog and pay $140.00 plus I tip the groomer $20 more. I like the job they do, the dog is in a comfortable atmosphere and not a lot of distractions and noise as in the typical grooming places. And of course they come right to my door and groom them in a fancy van in my driveway! It is worth it to me.