What am I doing wrong?

mutleymanor wrote:Hey Tracy, grooming is hard enough work without inconsiderate employers. Nat is very experienced and gives excellent advice, plus she has been on both sides of the fence and is fair to her employees. I agree, put it in writing and it will make a difference. If not I believe there are other grooming places. Have you tried Emily Myatt at Animal Magic?

Homeward Hound wrote:Ok folks... so the time has come. I've been away from the salon since23rd December, and have now finally plucked up the courage to put something in writing Good idea :-)... I don't really want to go back to the salon, but equally I don't want to just leave things unsaid. My financial situation at the moment too means that I do need some work..sad that you have lost your passion working at your current place & are only staying for the $$ because you cant get yourself motivated to change the situation (is that a hard enough kick? lol) . though what I should be doing is pulling my finger out and getting my flyers out and posted - someone give me a swift kick up the derrier please!!!

Anyway, this is what I am thinking of sending by email - any thoughts welcomed... I hope that what I have written doesn't sound rude - so if anyone does think that I'd appreciate some comments - thanks all key to any letter is to stick to facts..no emotions, no he say she say ..keep it simple & too the point.



I want to take this opportunity to contact you to mention a
few issues. I felt it easier to contact
you in writing as I have a house full of guests at the moment & I am
dashing in and out most days. Also I am
a little uncomfortable discussing things such as this in person, so I hope you
understand the formal approach to these matters. you owe no explination as to why you are writing this letter ..delete that bit...all important things in life are done in writing.

Dear ...

I am taking this oppuritunity to bring to your attention a few items that need discussing re our working relationship.


First and foremost ; remuneration. From 1^st Jan 2012 my hourly rate is
$22.50 plus GST. I have had to do this
due to general maintenance of my equipment, an increase in business insurance,
fuel costs and other general costs to run a business.once agian you dont need to justify your price rise to anyone ,annually prices go up & this is now your 'annaul price rise spot' so to speak My previous hourly rate was only ever agreed
with the previous owner of the salon as a starting rate, and whilst I was initially
happy with that, the time has come to make the increase.

Firstly ...remuneration...please note my annual incease is now in effect & my hourly rate on all future billings to your company is $ 22.50ph +gst this a set amount until the same time next year & adjusted to meet standard inflation cost of running a business.

If you would like to employ me as a employee with set hours per week on a wage amount I would be happy to discuss this option (??? would you? or another option could be made at this point set amount of pay plus extra $$ for each dog groomed over the days normal limit)

Also after comparing other grooming jobs on the market, I
feel that this is a fair rate, and considerably less than a groomer would earn should
they be working for themselves. As an
example a recent grooming job was offering up to $25 per hour as an employee OR
65-70% of daily takings as a contractor for grooming 4 to 6 dogs per day.justifying yourself again ..delete ..dont tell your boss you have been looking for other jobs




Secondly I have struggled to cope with the way in which dogs
are booked into the salon on the days that I work. I understand from your point of view that you
have a business to run and need a
healthy turnover and influx of customers, however, with the high volume of dogs
that were being booked in I know that the quality of my work has suffered. I am not happy with some of the dogs that I
have sent home in recent months at all, and I do feel that this needs to be
addressed. good point & one that needs discussion :-)

Secondly..the amount of dogs that can be groomed in a day & the time needed to maintain a high standard that will keep clients returning to the salon.

I understand that its been the busy season but feel that the time limits 'imposed' (?) on me to groom these dogs has made my quality of work drop to a standard that I am not happy or comfortable to be returning these dogs to their owners & knowing that they will be happy to come back for repeat service. Can we organise asap a sit down talk about the times needed to keep each dog to complete thier grooming , breed style, hair condition makes a huge difference in the amount of time it takes me to complete a groom & we can become more productive if the salon is running smoothly without backlog.


I take some of the blame for this. I should have discussed this previously and although
I have tried to mention it before to *******, the bookings were still crammed
in. The volume of dogs being booked in on the days
when I work is just too high. Although I
have been loyal to your business, I have also felt somewhat ‘stuck’ because of
the knowledge that there was no-one else to groom the dogs. not really needed


For example, as a contractor if there is a particular day I
cannot work, whilst I would always give as much notice as I could, I am not
responsible if I cannot be there.
Likewise, when there aren’t any bookings on a particular day, the salon is not obliged to offer work (as has happened in the past).reword this point

third point, Time off...then reword


Ultimately, I want to work for myself from my own home, and I
think now is the time to think of my own business and future. I think it is only fair that you are aware of
this.if i was to recieve this point in a letter I would be planning on giving you your notice...no one wants an employee that is planning on leaving & just biding time working for you while they get up & running..never feel like you are indespensible ..there is always someone out there to replace you ...& as an employer knowing you are leaving I would also be concerned that you may start collecting client data etc (not saying you would) just pointing out things from the other side...dont forget as a subcontractor billing a salon you are ALLOWED to work elsewhere ..if they want you soley they have to employ you & pay tax/super etc :-)


I’d appreciate any discussion to be kept in writing for the
reasons outlined previously.

Tail's a Waggin' wrote:Nice work Nat (Cessnock).... Same page I'm just alot more to the point with no cotton wool in posting opinion, however in the event of moving on you need to leave with a professional integrity on your side. Good sound advice Tracey..........