07/23/2026
A CONVERSATION ABOUT PERCEIVED VALUE:
A customer asked a groomer how much it would cost to groom their dog.
The 40 lb dog had some matting. The groomer gave an estimate of $100
The customer responded: That’s seems really high.
The groomer asked: What do you think is a reasonable price for this job?
The customer answered: $60 maximum
Groomer responded: Ok, then I invite you to do it yourself.
The customer answered: I don't know how to.
Groomer responded: Alright, then how about for $60 I'll teach you how to. So besides saving you $40, you'll learn valuable skills that will benefit you in the future.
The customer answered: Sounds good! Let’s do it!
My friend responded: Great! To get started, you are going to need some tools. You will need a slicker brush, a comb, nail clippers, a dremel, ear cleaning solution, cotton balls, hemostats, pet clippers, clipper blades, a dematting tool, dog shampoo and conditioner, a couple different shears, etc..
The customer answered: But I don't have any of those tools and I can't justify buying all of these for one job.
The groomer responded: Ok. Well then for an additional $15 I can rent my tools to you to use for this project.
The customer answered: Okay. That’s fair.
The groomer responded: Great! We will start the project on Monday.
The customer answered: I work Monday through Friday. I’m only available on the weekends.
The groomer responded: If you want to learn from me then you will need to work when I work. This project will take 2+ hours so you will need to take a half day off work.
The customer answered: That means I’m going to have to sacrifice my pay for half a day or use a vacation day!
The groomer responded: That’s true. Remember, when you do a job yourself you need to account for unproductive factors.
The customer answered: What do you mean by that?
The groomer responded: Doing a job completely from start to finish includes time spent to plan the project, set up your tools, wash and fold towels, travel time, gas, set up time, clean up, and waste disposal amongst other things. That’s all in addition to the actual project itself. We will need to walk your dog and expend some of its energy before the groom, that’s where we will start on Monday so I need you to meet me at the park at 7am.
The customer answered: At 7am! My work day doesn’t usually start until 8am!
The groomer responded: Well then you’re in luck! My plan is to start the groom by 8am. But to do so we have to start at 7am to get towels ready and tools prepared.
The customer answered: You know, I’m realizing that a lot more goes in to a job than what a customer sees in the finished project. Your proposal of $100 is very reasonable. I would like you to handle the project.
CONCLUSION:
When you pay for a job, especially a custom job, (whether it’s a physical project or digital project) you pay not only for the material and the work to be completed. You also pay for:
✔️ Knowledge
✔️ Experience
✔️ Custom Skills
✔️ Tools
✔️ Time to plan
✔️ Time to prepare
✔️ Professionalism
✔️ Work Ethic
✔️ Excellence
✔️ Discipline
✔️ Commitment
✔️ Integrity
✔️ Taxes
✔️ Licenses
✔️ Sacrifices
✔️ Liabilities
✔️ Insurance
If you request a proposal for custom work to be done, please don’t disrespect a service provider by trying to get them to lower their prices.
If their proposal exceeds your budget, there’s nothing wrong with getting other proposals.
Just remember.. you get what you pay for.
👉🏼 SERVICE PROVIDERS: Know your worth and be confident in it.
👉🏼 CONSUMERS: Recognize their worth and be respectful of it.
Sharing this to support all my friends, family and clients who are Entrepreneurs, Business Owners and Tradesman.
