You can become the pet care cleaning authority!

How would you like to tap into 69 million* U.S. households with pets? By offering Kirby Home Care Products for Pet Owners, you can reach this market with an array of products that will clean up after the four-legged friends of your customers.

“We estimate that seven out of 10 customers who walk through your retail business already have pets and are potential buyers,” said Kirby Company General Manager Bruce Ziegler. “The attractive counter display acts as a beacon to let your customers know that you have quality home care products for pet owners that are safe. Our Pet Care Solution Center contains home care products that consumers need – Carpet Shampoo (fortified with enzymes that attack stains and odor), Pet Stain Remover, Kirby Guard Carpet Protectant and Odor Clear Air Deodorizer.”

When Ziegler had this idea, he paid a visit to a local pet supermarket type of store.

He stated, “I asked them if they sold home care products for pet owners, specifically carpet shampoo that handled stains and odor and was safe for my dog. They tried to sell me some Oatmeal shampoo that was for dog grooming to put in my carpet shampoo system. I knew at that point that there was a real opportunity and a need for a program like ours.”

Pet groomers have been using the Kirby products with much success. Denise Queen, owner of Tip of the Tail Grooming Salon in North Olmsted, OH, said her biggest concerns were eliminating tough stains and odors while using products that were pet safe.

“Kirby Home Care Products for Pet Owners accomplishes both,” she said.

Kirby’s Pet Care Solution Center received a positive reaction after it was featured at the recent VDTA/SDTA Convention in Las Vegas, Ziegler said. Shop owners who had already brought in the program were so happy with their results that they re-ordered at the show. Many shop owners agreed that this was a great opportunity and that almost every one of their customers was a pet owner that they could sell to.

Carpet Shampoo for Pet Owners is available in two formulas, for Kirby Carpet Shampoo Systems and for Steam Extractors. The steam extractor formula marks the first time that Kirby Home Care Products has expanded their expertise to additional shampoo systems.

The products are safe for pets, plus their owners are loyal customers, noted Ziegler adding, “You’ll get a lot of repeat business. Your customers come to you because they respect your expertise, so you can become the pet care cleaning authority.”

No other channel of business or brand is as focused on this market. This is a great opportunity for incremental sales from customers that are already walking through your doors.

If you would like more information about any of the products, contact Bruce Ziegler at bziegler@kirbywhq.com. or contact your Kirby Distributor.

*Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

Reprinted from Floor Care Professional, May 2007