Brick and Mortar vs Mobile Grooming Businesses
What Every Groomer Should Know Before Choosing
One of the most common questions I get from groomers is this:
Should I open a brick-and-mortar salon or start a mobile grooming business?
The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both models can be profitable. Both come with challenges. And both require very different systems, mindset, and long-term planning.
Having owned and operated both, I have seen firsthand what works, what breaks, and what most groomers do not consider before committing.
Brick and Mortar Grooming Businesses
A brick-and-mortar salon offers stability and scalability when it is run correctly.
Pros
A fixed location builds strong local visibility and long-term brand recognition
Easier to expand with staff and multiple groomers
Consistent daily workflow without travel time
Higher potential for retail add-ons and premium services
Challenges
Higher overhead including rent, utilities, and staffing
More complex scheduling and management
Requires strong systems to stay profitable, not just busy
Brick-and-mortar salons work best for groomers who want to grow a team, build a recognizable brand, and operate a structured business rather than a solo service.
Mobile Grooming Businesses
Mobile grooming offers flexibility and lower startup costs, which makes it attractive to many groomers starting out.
Pros
Lower initial overhead compared to a physical location
High convenience for clients
Ability to charge premium pricing when positioned correctly
Ideal for solo groomers who want independence
Challenges
Limited capacity since you are the business
Travel time reduces daily grooming volume
Vehicle maintenance and fuel costs add up quickly
Scaling requires additional vehicles and staff, which can be complex
Mobile grooming is a great option for groomers who value flexibility and autonomy and want a streamlined operation without managing a physical space.
The Question Most Groomers Forget to Ask
Instead of asking which model makes more money, the better question is:
What kind of business do I want to run?
Your answer should consider:
How many hours you want to work
Whether you want to manage staff
Your tolerance for overhead and responsibility
Your long-term goals, not just your starting point
Many groomers choose a model based on what feels easiest at the beginning, not what will support them five or ten years down the line.
Why Systems Matter More Than the Model
Both brick-and-mortar and mobile businesses can fail without the right systems.
Pricing, scheduling, client communication, boundaries, and workflow determine profitability far more than location. I have seen mobile groomers burn out quickly and salon owners stay stuck despite being fully booked.
The difference is never the model. It is the strategy behind it.
Choosing the Right Path With Confidence
If you are deciding between mobile and brick-and-mortar, or trying to make your current setup more profitable, mentorship shortens the learning curve dramatically.
Understanding the realities of both models before committing can save you years of stress, lost income, and costly mistakes.
The right business model is the one that aligns with your goals, your lifestyle, and your vision for the future.