How to maximise your earning potential as a Freelance Groom
Many Freelance Grooms don’t earn the money they potentially could, for a variety of reasons. The responsibilities of working on a freelance basis are varied, and not just centered on turning up on time and doing a decent job; there are many layers of responsibility that are the foundation of a successful freelance business, from advertising and marketing, creating a price list, accounting and so on. In this article we give inspiration on broadening your skill set and the services you can offer to increase your earning potential as a Freelance Groom.
A great many horse-people have found themselves working as a groom on a freelance basis simply due to the demand locally for ad hoc assistance with usual daily yard duties. However, settling at this really limits your scope for maintaining a steady stream of work, and therefore income. Every successful Freelance Groom has a carefully maintained diary of bookings and knows where there are gaps in their schedule. Gaps in your schedule means absence of income, and you are not maximising your earning potential as a Freelance Groom.
Offer clipping services
While many yards have their own sets of clippers and in-house people who are sufficiently skilled in clipping horses, there are a great many livery yards and private owners who are happy to outsource this task to a freelance Groom with their own equipment. The slicker and more skilled you are at tasks like this, the more in demand you are likely to be. Cleanliness and keeping your clipping equipment in tip-top, well serviced condition is of paramount importance, and all costs this incurs can be accounted for and offset against your earnings for tax.
Offer show turnout services
On the whole, clipping is an autumn/early winter task, whereas show turnout is a year-round opportunity for additional earning potential as a Freelance Groom. While many people are happy with a good level of turnout, if you are adept at producing a gleaming, immaculate, head-turning finish, your skills will be highly sought throughout the year. Again, any resources you provide (thread, bands, lotions and potions) can be accounted for and offset against your earnings for tax.
Teaching/Coaching
This is not for everyone, but if you enjoy teaching and helping others, this could be a great way to increase your earning potential as a Freelance Groom. Filling gaps in your schedule, where possible, with giving riding lessons or coaching a local rider is a great way to maximise your income throughout the year. Gaining BHS qualifications will open your opportunities further; many Riding Schools will bring in a Freelance Instructor at peak times of the day/week/year. So if teaching is of interest to you, it is well worth considering this as an option. You will need to ensure your insurance covers you for teaching and coaching. Your course and exam fees can be accounted for and offset against your earnings for tax.
Gain a First Aid Certificate
This might not be an obvious choice for maximising your earning potential as a Freelance Groom, but maintaining an up-to-date First Aid Certificate for both horses and humans is a worthy investment for any Freelance Groom. It demonstrates a responsible, safety-aware individual. This is an additional “string to your bow” that makes you an attractive prospect to potential clients. Human First Aid Courses are widely available, but here is one aimed specifically equestrian people. The BHS do a horse First Aid Course as part of their Professional Development series. Any associated costs can be accounted for and offset against your earnings for tax.
A DBS Check
As with the First Aid Certificate, maintaining an in-date DBS certificate is worthwhile for offering reassurance to potential new clients. DBS stands for Disclosure and Barring Service, and a “DBS check” is to get a copy of your criminal record. This is called ‘basic disclosure’. The check will only show convictions that are not ‘spent’, for example some types of caution will disappear after 3 months. It costs £18, which can be offset against your earnings, and is available for people working in England and Wales. You can also get a basic DBS check if you live in Northern Ireland or Scotland but the job you’re applying for is in England or Wales. You must be aged 16 or over to apply. It usually takes up to 14 days for you to receive your certificate. A DBS check has no official expiry date. Any information included will be accurate at the time the check was carried out. It’s up to you to decide when a new check is needed. If you sign up for the DBS update service you and your clients can check online to see whether your certificate is still up to date.
Gain your HGV licence
Gaining your HGV licence and learning to drive a horsebox is one of the biggest financial investments to your career, but it’s potentially the one with the most impact on your earning potential as a Freelance Groom – and as a Groom per se! Grooms that are licensed and competent in driving a heavy goods vehicle (particularly Cat C/Cat CE or “HGV Class 1 and 2”) are sought after, particularly in the equestrian competition industries. If you are properly insured, with an Operators License, this can be the perfect partner to top show turnout skills that can lead to a varied life of national and international travel! Once again, all associated costs can be accounted for and offset against your earnings for tax.
Get Client Testimonials
This is a simple yet powerful way of building your business profile, which in turn helps to maximise your earning potential as a Freelance Groom. Research shows that 92% of customers read online reviews and client testimonials before buying items or booking services and, statistically, testimonials generate 62% extra revenue (source: Big Commerce). Asking clients for a brief testimonial and advertising this on your social media channel/s and website (if you have one) not only build client trust, but it helps to give you extra content for your marketing campaigns!
Intelligent Business Planning
This is by no means all you can do to enhance your earning capacity. Any investment in your equestrian career will undoubtedly pay back dividends, but you don’t want to make moves and spend money on qualifications, licences, and marketing willy-nilly. Follow our advice for Freelance Grooms and don’t hesitate to contact us for advice on building a successful freelance Groom business and equestrian career!