- Subjects
- Published
-
Hoboken, N.J. :
Howell Book House/Wiley Pub
c2006.
- Language
- English
- Main Author
- Edition
- 3rd ed
- Physical Description
- xv, 223 p. : ill. ; 25 cm
- Bibliography
- Includes index.
- ISBN
- 9780764596353
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Chapter 1. The Concept of Pet Sitting
- What Makes Pet Sitting a Great Career
- Alternatives to Pet Sitting
- The Advantages of Operating a Pet-Sitting Service
- The Need Is Everywhere
- How Much Can You Earn?
- What You Need to Start
- Chapter 2. Getting Started
- Research and Resources
- Pet Sitters International
- A Market Survey
- Naming Your Business
- Your Business Logo
- Business License
- Your Office Location
- Basic Office Supplies and Furnishings
- Business Telephone
- Structuring Your Business
- Finding an Accountant
- Selecting a Bank
- Insurance
- Dishonesty Bond
- Chapter 3. Office Procedures
- Using a Computer
- Customer Card System
- Policies and Procedures
- Credit Cards
- Telephone Techniques
- Cell Phones
- Answering E-mail
- Determining Service Areas
- Setting Prices
- Compensating Sitters
- "Always Ready" Service
- Planning for Disasters
- Initial Client Interviews
- Handling Customer Complaints
- Handling Delinquent Accounts
- Chapter 4. Personnel Choices
- Finding Qualified Pet Sitters
- Applicant Interviews
- Sitter Orientation
- Survival Bag
- Sitter Safety
- Sitter Nutrition
- Managing and Motivating Sitters
- Staff Meetings
- Employees or Independent Contractors?
- Chapter 5. Advertising : The Means to the Masses
- PSI's Web Locator
- A Brochure and a Business Card
- A Word About "Licensing"
- Using Your Brochure and Business Cards
- Inexpensive Ways to Advertise
- Do You Need a Web Site?
- Newspapers
- Yellow Pages
- Radio
- Television
- "Free" Advertising
- More Great Advertising Ideas from Readers
- Chapter 6. Public Relations
- A Newsletter or E-zine
- News Releases
- Public Speaking
- Exhibition Booths
- Special Events
- Business Etiquette
- Chapter 7. Examining the Negatives
- Just Say No
- Industry Challenges
- Don't Do This!
- How to Avoid or Handle Other Problems
- The Best from the Best: Tips from the Field
- Chapter 8. Useful Business Forms
- Designing a Service Contract
- Invoices
- Daily Log
- Evaluation Form
- Client Reservation Form
- Notification Forms
- Additional Forms
- Tips from Pet Sitters
- Chapter 9. Buying, Selling, or Closing a Business
- How a Business Broker Can Help
- The P's and Q's of Saying Good-Bye
- Thinking of Buying?
- Chapter 10. Tracking Trends
- Analyzing Your Business Trends
- Crime Deterrence
- Overnight Pet and House Sitting
- Expanded Services
- Closing Thoughts
- Appendix
- Estimated Start-up Costs Checklist
- Helpful Products for Professional Pet Sitters
- Pet and Business-Related Organizations
- PSI Recommendations for Excellence in Pet Sitting
- Postscript
- Index