A big element of Pet Sitting on services like Rover or Wag is not only your ability to do the job but also to market. A big question with marketing is always how much should I price my goods or services. If you charge too much you won’t get any work but if you charge too little you’ll be broke while working too much. So a big question is “How much exactly should you be charging on services like Rover & Wag? Good question, hopefully, I can give you a good answer.
Let me first start off that your price will vary based on many things. Also depending on your location, competition, and demand it will obviously be different. But below are some things that will help you determine the price you should charge.
What Are Others Around You Charging For Pet Services?
Like I said above your location determines a lot into your pricing. If you are dog sitting in a heavily populated area like New York City you will be able to charge more just based off cost of living than somewhere like Toledo, Ohio where I live. Or if you live in an area with super high demand such as a city with very high dog ownership like Little Rock, Arkansas you will likely be able to charge more. That is, of course, assuming those dog owners also travel a lot or pamper their dogs with the luxury of dog sitting.
So with all the above said one strategy of pricing is to check what everyone else in a market is charging and base your pricing the same, a little less or a bit more than them. This helps you make sure you get general pricing down.
How Much Work Do You Want?
This is important because if you want to work a lot you likely will have to charge less especially starting out. When people are working for a pet sitter on Rover or Wag they are looking at a multitude of factors mainly pricing, location, experience, and reviews. If you’re weak in one area you have to compensate in another.
For example, if you have few reviews you will not be able to command a higher price. But even if you command a higher price should you charge it? If you do you will likely be missing out on potential work. So if you want to work a lot I advise you to work at or below market pricing until you build up a base of loyal clients who are willing to pay you a higher premium. Which if your pet sitting business is solely based on Wag & Rover that will be difficult since you are consistently being shown next to your competitors and their pricing.
Do You Have A Higher Quality Service?
If you have a higher quality service or have a higher certification like with RoverGo you can charge more. People will pay more for more or will pay more for something they perceive as more. That is why branding is so important. Think if people view you as the dog whisper they would pay you more than the average bloke. Or maybe having a better house, better bio.
Point is if you have higher quality you can have a higher price!
How Do I Charge High Rates While Still Keeping Consistent Business On Rover & Wag
Well, this sounds impossible but honestly, it is not. You can charge good prices and still stay busy. The key is letting people pay for what they want.
Consider Wendy’s, I go there a lot, probably more than I should. Their food is fresh, they support adoption and the food is super affordable. It’s a win-win-win. When I go there I order a 4 for $4. They don’t make a ton off of me with every purchase but over time I am a good client. I’m consistent and I don’t complain but Wendy’s is NOT making a big sale off me. Other people in line however they are. Some people will pay $10 for their meal or about 2.5 times as much. Your pet sitting business will likely be similar.
You should charge the same as everyone else then to make that more money just charge for extras. So the average person like myself getting the 4 for $4 will go to you and just get the basic pet sit session. Then for others, you can make more money by selling additional services like dog washes, hair cuts massages and such. This allows you to hit all people with effective pricing.
But you tell me, how do you plan on pricing? Let me know in the comments or share with your Rover or Wag friends.
