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slow start
Post At
04/25/2011 - 7:31 pm
reply from
Chris Rice
i have been trying for some time now to build my clientele in my area. i just moved here and have no real equine connections so i have to rely on posting business cards and craigslist. but for some reason, i just dont seem to be generating much business.....and unfortunatly, since i am just starting out, i need every horse to try and pay my monthly bills. i saw someone say in an earlier conversation to make a facebook paige for my business which is a good idea, but other than that i am kind of at a loss for what to do. i live in central ohio so if anyone wouldnt mind, i am open to any helping suggestions......thank you
Reply at
04/26/2011 - 8:25 am
reply from
Dr. Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Hello Chris,
Here are a couple suggestions.........
Contact local farriers in you area, introduce yourself and see if you can establish a connection for referrals. Schedule a ride along so you all get to know each other.
Join your local farrier associations so other farriers know who you are and that your new to the area.
Contact all your equine veterinarians within 60 miles or so, introduce yourself, leave business cards at their office, let them know your new to the area. Do some drive alongs so they get to know you.
Contact your local 4H, Pony Clubs, tack stores, feed stores, etc. Let them know or post informaion that you are a new farrier to the area. Offer yourself for a few hour clinic in basic horsemanship care or something else related to the farrier industry.
Perhaps lastly, make sure you do a personal inventory of your self, rig and skills so you know where you stand and what you need to possibly change to gain new customers and contacts.
Hope this helps,
Blessings,
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Here are a couple suggestions.........
Contact local farriers in you area, introduce yourself and see if you can establish a connection for referrals. Schedule a ride along so you all get to know each other.
Join your local farrier associations so other farriers know who you are and that your new to the area.
Contact all your equine veterinarians within 60 miles or so, introduce yourself, leave business cards at their office, let them know your new to the area. Do some drive alongs so they get to know you.
Contact your local 4H, Pony Clubs, tack stores, feed stores, etc. Let them know or post informaion that you are a new farrier to the area. Offer yourself for a few hour clinic in basic horsemanship care or something else related to the farrier industry.
Perhaps lastly, make sure you do a personal inventory of your self, rig and skills so you know where you stand and what you need to possibly change to gain new customers and contacts.
Hope this helps,
Blessings,
Esco Buff, PhD, CF
Reply at
04/26/2011 - 8:45 am
reply from
Barry Denton
Hi Chris....The best way to start out is personal contact. I would drive up to every horse owners place and introduce yourself. I would offer to shoe their horse for free or any bad ones they might have. If they liked the job they could pay you a predetermined amount. If they thought you did a lousy job then they wouldn't have to pay you. It's fair and it works. I have been in your shoes before. Also, apply all of Esco's suggestions above. Good luck!
Barry Denton
Barry Denton
Reply at
04/26/2011 - 9:29 am
reply from
Jerry L. Adams
Chirs
You might give Newhorse.com a look. Farriers are allowed a free ad and their preimer ads are quite affordable. You pay by the amount of counties you want to be listed in. Within 30 days of opening the free ad I had gotten 7 horses and have gotten 3 or 4 from the premium ad. Might not be the right advertising system for you but worth a look
Jerry Adams
You might give Newhorse.com a look. Farriers are allowed a free ad and their preimer ads are quite affordable. You pay by the amount of counties you want to be listed in. Within 30 days of opening the free ad I had gotten 7 horses and have gotten 3 or 4 from the premium ad. Might not be the right advertising system for you but worth a look
Jerry Adams
Reply at
04/26/2011 - 9:42 am
reply from
Ward Edwards
One suggestion that I heard was to talk to the real estate agents. People who are buying farms and moving into the area would be looking for a farrier.
Reply at
04/26/2011 - 2:38 pm
reply from
Chris Rice
all very good suggestions..... thank you very much!
Reply at
04/26/2011 - 7:41 pm
reply from
Larry Davis
Hi Chris, everybody has given excellent advice, the only thing about your search for clients that I could add is perhaps take your add off crags list, my clients have told me that "anyone on craig let must be a poor farrier" can't say if that is true but that is what they tell me. Also you can post a free profile on USAfarrier.com. It has an extensive listing nation wide for farriers, trainers and boarding facilities. Good luck.
Reply at
04/27/2011 - 5:48 am
reply from
chris richardson
Hey Chris, I will try not to rehash all the great advice posted before me, but I will harp on one issue that Esco brought up - meet the farriers in your area. Hand out business cards to them so that they can give them to people they can't take on. You can get quite a few referals that way.
Where in Central Ohio are you?
Where in Central Ohio are you?
Reply at
04/28/2011 - 8:25 am
reply from
Bob Smith
Chris. A good way to start in a new area is to use your cell phone as your business phone. Print up some flyers telling folks that you will guarantee 24 hour service. That within 24 hours of their phone call you will perform the work on their horse. This means that you MUST be married to your cell phone, answering it at all times, and you MUST perform. Stop by barns and stables, introduce yourself and let them know of your promise of 24 hour service for lost shoes, etc. Be prepared to work when needed. Horseowners value service and you can stand out and quickly develop a reputation and clientele.
Reply at
04/28/2011 - 2:39 pm
reply from
Robert Richards
Chris, lots of Good Advice.. Currently I am in same situation.. Try local riding clubs, Tack sales, Facebook and getting a web site..Good luck
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