My wife gives me a hard time because I life discounts so much. If thereās a discount at the local grocery store, Iām going to buy whatever is on sale, just because itās on sale. Itās almost an addiction of some sort. Discounts have a weird type of stranglehold over our brain. We see something discounted and we need to buy it.
Well, when it comes to dog daycares and boarding kennels, itās the same way. Discounts increase revenue, plain and simple. They might seem counterintuitive when considering ways to boost revenue, but when used strategically, they can be a powerful tool for increase your monthly revenue at your dog daycare or boarding kennel business. This week, Iām going to talk about three different ways that discounts can help your dog daycare make more money. If youāre not already using discounts at your daycare, this article might be enough convince you to do otherwise.
1. Attract New Clients
Offering discounts is an effective strategy to draw in new clients who might be hesitant to commit to your services at full price. Dog daycare is a relatively new concept, so many people might need a bit of gentle coercing when it comes to encouraging them to bring in their pet. Discounts can help you get over that initial hesitation, since youāre giving away your service at a discount.
Introductory discounts, such as a reduced rate for the first month of daycare or a free trial day, can encourage potential clients to try out your services without a significant financial commitment. By attracting new clients with discounts, you create opportunities to showcase the quality of your care and services. Once clients experience the value and benefits of your daycare, they are more likely to return at regular rates and become loyal customers. Additionally, positive experiences can lead to word-of-mouth referrals, further expanding your client base. I used to work in marketing for fitness businesses, and we always suggested that gyms give away a free week pass. This was enough time for someone to get to try the gym and fall in love, and then, when the week is over, they start paying.
2. Increase Client Retention
Discounts can also play a crucial role in
improving client retention. Implementing loyalty discounts for repeat customers or offering package deals can incentivize clients to continue using your services regularly. You might want to offer a discounted week of daycare for every month purchased, or something similar. Likewise, you might offer a discount on daycare services for clients who commit to a monthly or annual package. By rewarding clients for their continued business, you not only foster loyalty but also encourage consistent revenue flow. At DoggieDashboard, we tend to give out free texting credits to clients that start using our SMS feature. These free credits donāt cost us much to give away, but they sure make the clients feel valued. Regular clients who see value in discounts and rewards are more likely to remain committed to your daycare, reducing client churn and maintaining a stable customer base.
3. Boost Off-Peak Business
Discounts can help smooth out fluctuations in demand and increase business during off-peak times. Summers are a wonderful time of year for dog daycare and boarding kennels. The money is flowing. However, once Fall and Winter roll around, business is going to slow down, itās almost guaranteed. Discounts can help you fill your coffers a bit during these times. For example, if you notice a drop in bookings during certain days of the week or seasons, offering discounts during these periods can help drive more traffic to your facility. Consider implementing special promotions or discounts for weekday daycare services or
off-peak hours. This strategy not only helps fill gaps in your schedule but also maximizes your facilityās usage, leading to increased revenue during slower periods. By balancing your bookings and optimizing facility use, you can enhance overall profitability. Since many people are working remotely on Fridays, Iām sure youāre seeing less daycare on Fridays. Think about offering a discount on Fridays to encourage people to drop off Fido and go spend Friday with their friends.