Is this a good business idea? (market research, profit, writing, sell)

[canyontothesky]

I have an idea: The Traveling Dog Trainer.

My boyfriend is starting out his career as a dog trainer in NYC, but I want to move soon. This is just an idea, and it probably won't happen, but I just wanted to see if anyone thought it would work.

So, we'd live full time in an RV and travel around the country. Maybe we could say that at certain times of the year we would be in certain parts of the country (say, Florida, November, and then LA/MS, December, etc.) and people could book him to train their dog when he's there. He would be marketed primarily over the internet. He'd have a blog and website. That kind of thing.

I know it sounds very silly, and I agree if it were doomed to be unsuccessful. But I also can see this kind of thing catching on, and people really wanting their dog to be trained by The Traveling Dog Trainer. I mean, people lust over having Cesar Milan come to their town, so why not?

Anyway go ahead and say if it's stupid. But you know, sometimes you get an idea and you want to hear what other people have to say.

[aaauger]

You'd need a reputation or something unique to offer other than the fact that you're travelling. That's an advantage to you, not the client. Also, by the time word spread or you got a reputation, you might be tired of living in a trailer.

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by canyontothesky

I have an idea: The Traveling Dog Trainer.

My boyfriend is starting out his career as a dog trainer in NYC, but I want to move soon. This is just an idea, and it probably won't happen, but I just wanted to see if anyone thought it would work.

So, we'd live full time in an RV and travel around the country. Maybe we could say that at certain times of the year we would be in certain parts of the country (say, Florida, November, and then LA/MS, December, etc.) and people could book him to train their dog when he's there. He would be marketed primarily over the internet. He'd have a blog and website. That kind of thing.

I know it sounds very silly, and I agree if it were doomed to be unsuccessful. But I also can see this kind of thing catching on, and people really wanting their dog to be trained by The Traveling Dog Trainer. I mean, people lust over having Cesar Milan come to their town, so why not?

Anyway go ahead and say if it's stupid. But you know, sometimes you get an idea and you want to hear what other people have to say.

You believe in Cesar Milan??? Come on!!! Training takes many short lessons. Not a quick fix.

[canyontothesky]

I never said I believed in Cesar Milan. I am just picking up on the fact that people want him.
I do believe that his is a great trainer, however. But Cesar only gives owners the basics of how to begin the training. He gives the first lesson, so to say, and it's their responsibility to follow up and continue with the dog's training.

[canyontothesky]

Originally Posted by aaauger

You'd need a reputation or something unique to offer other than the fact that you're travelling. That's an advantage to you, not the client. Also, by the time word spread or you got a reputation, you might be tired of living in a trailer.

I agree. Might you have any ideas of something unique?
I was also thinking that perhaps we'd try to spread the word ahead of time. Like when a musician announces a tour. We'd announce our plans for where we'd be ahead of time and get people excited and whatnot.

Also, I don't think we'd actually do this at all, but it never hurts to think about things.

[mbuszu]

I'm open-minded about this sort of thing and I am an experienced entrepreneur. Unfortunately my instincts, which I trust, tell me that your business idea won't work as presented.

It's not necessarily a bad idea, just one that my instincts don't agree with. Primarily because people in need of a dog trainer don't typically hire someone based outside their vicinity. Without a base of operations, even if someone calls you, you most likely will be out of town and unable to get back in quick enough for the requester. It's important to note that when someone wants a dog trainer, they typically don't plan very far in advance, it's a rather immediate need (at least from my own experience, waiting a week was ok, but waiting several weeks or a month would not have been). Additionally, as someone else noted, I appreciated the availability of the trainer to come back for a follow-up session a month later to help cement my training, not just the dog's.

Another valid point is that living in an RV will get old to you very quick. Additionally, with gas prices the way they are, it's not economical at all. Lastly, the upfront and ongoing costs of the RV will exceed that of you just opening up a small storefront and running a local school. I know that dog trainers are needed everywhere right now, I just don't think one which has no base of operations and an operational range of a 1000 or more miles has any sort of advantage over one who is just willing to drive an hour or so to a client from his or her home.

That's just my two cents.

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

How would you go about getting the permits and paying the taxes in each respective state? The paperwork alone would bury you.

[aaauger]

Canyon, You are absolutely right to brainstorm because one day you'll get the exact right idea. It might even be a spin on your existing idea. I am a business owner and have finally evolved my business into doing something very profitable. I also keep a notepad (and computer file) for ideas. Analyzing those ideas is actually a hobby and mental exercise for me, even if I never do them.

So you like travel and you like dogs. Me too. Think in terms of a business that operates over the Internet (to avoid Stratford's legitimate concern about permitting.) I personally have found the Internet sites like Petfriendly to be lacking.

How about this:
- List pet friendly establishments, camp sites, vets and kennels near tourist spots
(and get sponsorships). Even create themed itineraries.
- List dog oriented vacations (like the sled dogs in MN)
- Sell pet travel items like collapsible bowls, window shades, car beds
- Encourage people to share stories and photos about taking pets on trips
(tips, advantages, etc.)
- Have road rallies where people drive to various spots with their pets and
socialize

This is just brainstorming. You'll have to do your own brainstorming and research to validate any idea. Keep asking questions. You'll find that entrepreneurs are some of the most creative and generous people you'll meet.

PS Writing this post has given me an idea (unrelated to yours :-) ).

[canyontothesky]

Thanks for the responses so far, everyone.

As for the RV thing, I've always wanted to travel around the country (and Canada) in an RV to see it all, but perhaps that should be a month or two long trip, not a couple of years while working at the same time, hehe, I just thought it'd be possible to do both. No, I don't think it would be such a good idea, especially because of what mbuszu said about how people like followups and don't want to wait an initial period.

But also, mbuszu, you said that trainers are very in demand right now. I am hoping to stay in the northeast, and I've been posting 'are dog trainers needed?' threads in NH, CT, and ME, and so far I haven't gotten an overwhelming 'yes' answer. I even posted in the pet forum to not much avail. But the three or four people who respond to any given response don't represent an entire state, and I think most people assume lack of need because of lack of their own interest (and perhaps their friends') and aren't seeing it from a business's success standpoint.

So I'd love to hear your, and others' opinions of how in demand this field is in general right now. My biggest problem with regards to my DBF's career is that training seems to be tied to big cities, and in NYC the business is booming. But I do not want either of us to be working in a city, I want to live in a smaller town with a more country feel, in New England, near the coast. So I'm trying to figure out how to market his services in a larger radius, but that does not include a city as a headquarters, per se...

Anyway thanks so far. You all have been very kind and realistic in your responses. I really appreciate any talk from a business standpoint.

[Mircea]

Originally Posted by canyontothesky

I have an idea: The Traveling Dog Trainer.

Can't see it. Service sector jobs are very susceptible to economic problems. Lawn care, lawn maintenance and landscaping are taking a huge hit now, as are those who build decks and clean pools.

I find it to be a good thing because a lot of the illegals are leaving since there's no work. You'd have to do a lot of market research, so you don't waste your time in areas where people can do nothing but wish and look on in envy.