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New to WV
Post At
11/15/2007 - 8:23 am
reply from
matt mcmicken
Hello everyone. My names Matt, Im originally from south FL, been shoeing down their for several years. I had a good buisness going down thier, but couldnt take the congested roads and high price of living any more. I found a spot in West Virginia, about 45 minutes from Lexington VA, near Lewisburg. I have been here about three months now, and have picked up some horses, but not as many as would like. My question is kind of a mundane one I suppose, but do any of you have any ideas on advertising and otherwise picking up more clients. I have posted some flyers and handed out buisness cards, and am having a lot of success with the horses I have shod since moving here, but I seem to running into a wall as far as building my buisness. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank You
Thank You
Reply at
11/17/2007 - 11:05 am
reply from
Derek Grimwood
Matt,
I would network with the feed stores in your area as well as the veterinarians. You can advertise in the paper as well. I would caution you about putting yourself in harms way. Doing an animal against your better judgement for a check will get you hurt. We will take on some horses we wouldn't normally do when starting out and it could be a mistake. For these horses walk away to shoe another day!
I would network with the feed stores in your area as well as the veterinarians. You can advertise in the paper as well. I would caution you about putting yourself in harms way. Doing an animal against your better judgement for a check will get you hurt. We will take on some horses we wouldn't normally do when starting out and it could be a mistake. For these horses walk away to shoe another day!
Reply at
11/24/2007 - 7:16 am
reply from
matt mcmicken
I appreciate the advice Derek. I have flyers up at several feed stores, and have talked to some local vets as well. All my customers are very happy with my work, and are passing on my name to their friends, but everyone says that winter time is real slow. I guess if I can make it through the winter Ill be okay. I havent been able to meet many local farriers though, and I think that might be a big help. Maybe I could ride with someone for a while. But I appreciate the advice, happy shoeing.
MattM
MattM
Reply at
11/25/2007 - 6:32 pm
reply from
Derek Grimwood
Matt,
One important thing worth mentioning is your scheduling system. Repeat business is very important in establishing your business. I schedule everyone in advance for their next appointment and call the Sunday prior to confirm the day and time. Time flies for most people and they will not realize it has been 6 to 8 weeks already. Most if not all of my customers appreciate the professionalism of this follow up call.
One important thing worth mentioning is your scheduling system. Repeat business is very important in establishing your business. I schedule everyone in advance for their next appointment and call the Sunday prior to confirm the day and time. Time flies for most people and they will not realize it has been 6 to 8 weeks already. Most if not all of my customers appreciate the professionalism of this follow up call.
Reply at
11/26/2007 - 6:27 am
reply from
matt mcmicken
Thats for sure. I always leave them with a buisness card with the day, date and time of our next appointment. Makes it easier for both of us.I also like to have them fill out index cards with name, address, phone number, horses names, etc... makes it easy to keep track of everyone, where they are and what type of client they are, and send Christmas cards, birthday cards, that kind of thing.
While im here Derek, I have a question you might be abale to help me with. I have a client that just bought a TW, and she wants to show it in some Plantation classes. Ive never any of it. Have you any tips? Is thier a book or web site where I can read up on it? I told her Im not very familar with this type of shoeing, but she likes my other work a lot and doesnt want any one else in her barn. Any help would be appreciated.
MattM
While im here Derek, I have a question you might be abale to help me with. I have a client that just bought a TW, and she wants to show it in some Plantation classes. Ive never any of it. Have you any tips? Is thier a book or web site where I can read up on it? I told her Im not very familar with this type of shoeing, but she likes my other work a lot and doesnt want any one else in her barn. Any help would be appreciated.
MattM
Reply at
11/28/2007 - 6:25 am
reply from
Derek Grimwood
Matt,
In the current issue of the American Farriers Journal there is a section of event and breed rules. I would contact the association your customer is wanting to compete in and learn the shoeing criteria. Basic rule is to balance the hoof. Depending on the horse a little extra hoof may be the ticket in this class. Again, make sure AP balance and Medial Lateral balance are achieved. I would try to find a successful Farrier in your area that is an expert in shoeing for this event and pick his brain. Good Luck!
In the current issue of the American Farriers Journal there is a section of event and breed rules. I would contact the association your customer is wanting to compete in and learn the shoeing criteria. Basic rule is to balance the hoof. Depending on the horse a little extra hoof may be the ticket in this class. Again, make sure AP balance and Medial Lateral balance are achieved. I would try to find a successful Farrier in your area that is an expert in shoeing for this event and pick his brain. Good Luck!
Reply at
01/25/2009 - 5:51 am
reply from
denese kerr
matt,
You sure have picked a horsey area and should do well. You may want to broaden your area and go farther to lexigton. Also there is a huge horse area-there called the Virginia Horse Center that usually has an event every weekend and there would be a great place to put some flyers or just be the farrier on the grounds. Yes, business will pick up around march/April most people do not shoe in the winter in WV. I know in my area the farriers do very well in the summer as a matter of fact you cant get one so I have broadened myself to doing my own horses and a few others. denese in wv
You sure have picked a horsey area and should do well. You may want to broaden your area and go farther to lexigton. Also there is a huge horse area-there called the Virginia Horse Center that usually has an event every weekend and there would be a great place to put some flyers or just be the farrier on the grounds. Yes, business will pick up around march/April most people do not shoe in the winter in WV. I know in my area the farriers do very well in the summer as a matter of fact you cant get one so I have broadened myself to doing my own horses and a few others. denese in wv
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