Farrier Business Practices

Hello Thomas,

 

There are lots of ways to promote yourself in order to obtain new customers.

Here is a list of a few that may give you some ideas:

 

1-meet with all your local veterinarians so they know who you are, what you are capable of doing and what type of customer you are looking for.  Ride along with them for the day so they get to know you.

2-get permission from your local equine supply store to give them a free mini clinic some saturday on a topic that would interest equine owners and bring in business for them.

3-contact local farriers and let them know that you are taking on new customers so they can refer customers to you if they are not interested in the customer.

4-contact your local pony and horse clubs letting them know that you are taking on new customers.  Offer a free clinic at one of their meetings.

5-list your name on line at the several farrier sites.

6-leave your business cards or fliers at business's that approve you doing so.  Target places that equine owners visit such as banks, grocery stores, tack and feed stores, etc.

7-join your local business association to learn more about doing business and to network so others spread your name around.

8-make sure you subscribe to the AFJ as their is lots of business topics discussed that will offer you more ideas.

 

Basically it comes down to promoting yourself.  Sell yourself.  Think about what or why someone would use you and sell that.  If your on time nearly always, then sell that as part of your promo, etc.

 

Good Luck and please don't hesitate to ask more questions.

Esco Buff, PhD, CF