2026 Edition
How top groomers price their services to maximize revenue, raise prices without losing clients, and add $500-1,000/month through smart upselling.
Based on data from 500+ grooming businesses across the US. Where do your prices fall?
| Service | Budget | Average | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath & Brush (Small) | $30 | $45 | $60 |
| Bath & Brush (Large) | $50 | $70 | $95 |
| Full Groom (Small) | $50 | $70 | $95 |
| Full Groom (Large) | $75 | $100 | $140 |
| Puppy First Groom | $25 | $40 | $55 |
| De-shedding Treatment | $40 | $60 | $85 |
| Nail Trim (Walk-in) | $10 | $18 | $25 |
| Teeth Brushing Add-on | $8 | $12 | $18 |
The Pricing Formula
Your rate = (Product cost + Time cost + Overhead) x Profit margin
Time cost = your hourly target / 60 x minutes per service. Overhead = rent, insurance, equipment, amortized monthly. Top groomers target a 40-50% profit margin. If you're below 30%, you're undercharging.
Most groomers who raise prices by 10-15% lose less than 5% of their clients. The ones who leave are usually the most difficult ones anyway.
Inflation alone erodes your profit by 3-5% per year. Regular small increases (5-10%) are easier to absorb than big jumps.
Got a new certification? Invested in premium products? Your prices should reflect your growing expertise.
If you can't fit new clients in for 2+ weeks, your prices are too low. Raise until demand matches your capacity.
Best months for increases — clients expect them after holidays and at back-to-school season.
How to communicate a price increase:
The best upsells don't feel like upsells. They feel like helpful suggestions from someone who cares about the pet.
When a dog is already on the table, suggest add-ons that take minimal extra time: teeth brushing ($12-18), ear cleaning ($8-12), paw balm ($5-8). Frame it as convenience, not cost.
Script
"Since Bailey is already relaxed on the table, would you like me to add a teeth brushing? It only takes a few minutes and helps prevent dental issues."
Offer a "spa upgrade" with premium shampoo, conditioner, and cologne. Costs you $2-3 in product, charge $15-25 more.
Script
"We have a new oatmeal spa treatment that's amazing for dry skin — would you like to try it today for just $20 more?"
Offer a 4-groom package at a small discount (5-10%) that locks in recurring revenue. Clients save money, you guarantee bookings.
Script
"If you book your next 4 grooms today, I can offer 10% off the package. That locks in your preferred time slot too."
Create seasonal packages: Spring de-shed, Summer buzz cut, Holiday spa package. Limited-time framing drives urgency.
Script
"We're running our Spring de-shedding special this month — full de-shed treatment with blueberry facial for $75 instead of $90."
Know where you stand. This 6-step checklist helps you position your pricing strategically against local competitors.
Search Google Maps for groomers within 10 miles of your location
Call or check websites for their pricing on 3 key services (small full groom, large full groom, bath & brush)
Note their add-on pricing and package deals
Check their Google reviews — what do clients praise or complain about?
Identify gaps: services they don't offer that you could
Position yourself 10-20% above average if your reviews and experience justify it
Don't compete on price
The cheapest groomer in town attracts the worst clients. Instead, compete on experience, reliability, and the relationship you build with each pet. Charge what you're worth — the right clients will happily pay for quality.
GroomBoard handles your booking, clients, and scheduling — so you can focus on the dogs (and your pricing strategy).
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