Why Cheap Grooming Isn't a Bargain
Everyone loves a good deal--but when it comes to pet grooming where your dog's or cat's safety and wellbeing is involved, there is much more to be considered besides the cost.
Going cheap can cost you more than you bargained for - from rushed services, untrained hands, and even illegal operation. Here's why a low price tag often hides big red flags--and how investing in quality grooming protects your pet in every way.
You Get What You Pay For
Discount grooming salons often cut costs by overbooking, using low-quality products that can cause health issues, and skip crucial steps and proper handling and coat prep. That $60 haircut might come without proper coat prep or other crucial services than can affect your pet's long-term health.
Cheap grooms are also a sign they did not invest in proper education as the grooming industry is entirely unregulated--meaning anyone can up and decide they're a groomer by getting clippers.
Risk of Injury or Stress
Inexperienced or rushed groomers have a higher chance of causing injuries that can be completely avoided; from nicking the skin or overlooking critical signs of stress. Education is key, and from a groomer with 6+ years of experience and being the top groomer in the district during my time with corporate, I can tell you firsthand it is most common for groomers to not invest in education and certifications to elevate their procedures, handling, and overall care and quality.
Cheap Grooming Often Means Illegal Operation
Let's be honest: many "budget" grooming salons keep prices low by skirting labor laws. Employees are misclassified as 1099 contractors, which is completely illegal across all 50 states, when they should be W-2 staff--stripping them of health insurance, workmen's comp protections, and legal benefits.
If a business is cutting corners on payroll and committing tax fraud, what else are they cutting corners on?
Low Prices = Low Standards
To keep costs down, cheap groomers may use harsh products as they are cost-efficient, use cheap, dull or unsanitized tools, and outdated techniques, if any should they be learning to groom. This puts pets at risk for burns, allergic reactions, cuts, infections, and trauma.
Discover how to pick a good groomer here.
Learn why haircuts aren't that much more than baths.
Explore why your doodle's grooms cost more.
The Dark Truth: Tip-Driven Prioritization
Cheap grooming businesses often rely on a tipping economy just to survive. Because the base price doesn’t cover the true cost of care, the system quietly begins to favor those who tip well and consistently. That favoritism doesn’t come from greed—it’s born from survival, though it can be avoided or corrected.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Pets whose owners tip regularly get the best time slots and the most experienced groomers
- Others get shuffled to rushed appointments, less skilled hands, or canceled when the schedule gets tight
- Groomers burn out faster, which means more turnover, inconsistency, and frustration—for everyone involved
This isn’t a matter of entitlement. It’s what happens when businesses price themselves too low and try to compensate with optional income.
See why grooming prices vary and why asking for a price match is damaging for more.
At Roman’s Empire, our pricing reflects the true value of the work.
That means we don’t have to “rank” clients by tip history or put anyone on the back burner. Every pet receives the same regal standard of care, and every appointment is structured to honor both quality and fairness—with or without a tip.
Where Does the Money Go?
When you book a groom with Roman’s Empire, you're not just paying for a bath and a haircut. You're paying for a level of care, skill, and professionalism that reflects years of investment—financial, physical, and emotional. Here's where that investment goes:
1. Tools That Protect, Not Just Perform
Every comb, brush, and blade we use is built to last and designed for comfort—not just convenience. Our clippers are low-vibration and quiet to reduce stress. Our shears are high-grade and hand-sharpened for precision and safety. These tools aren’t cheap—and neither are the regular servicing costs to keep them at their best. We don't use generic equipment because your pet isn't a generic animal.
2. Premium Products for Skin and Coat Health
Your pet’s skin and coat are their largest organ system. We don’t use industrial bulk shampoo that costs pennies per gallon. We use professional-grade products designed for specific coat types, sensitivities, and skin conditions. From coat-repairing conditioners to hypoallergenic foams, our products are tailored, not templated.
3. Expertise Doesn’t Come Cheap
Experience matters—so does education. Staying up to date on the safest techniques, breed-specific care, and behavioral handling takes time and money. We invest in continuing education, certifications, and hands-on workshops so we can bring your pet the best. When you choose Roman’s Empire, you’re not paying for trial and error—you’re paying for refined skill that gets it right the first time.
4. One-on-One Care, Not a Factory Line
We don’t cycle through pets every 15 minutes. We don’t crate stack. We don’t rush. We work with your pet, not on them, in a mobile salon that’s built for calm, focused, and respectful care. This means longer appointments, more individualized attention, and a far lower pet-per-day count—which affects the price, but benefits your pet immensely.
5. Behind-the-Scenes Costs You Don’t See
Licensing, certification, equipment maintenance, insurance, mobile van upkeep, fuel, scheduling software, continuing education—these are the invisible pillars that uphold your pet’s safety and comfort. While they don’t show up on your receipt, they show up in your pet’s grooming experience, every single time.
Conclusion
In the world of pet grooming, you truly get what you pay for. Cheap services may save a few dollars upfront, but they often come at the expense of your pet's safety, comfort, and wellbeing--not to mention the ethics behind how those businesses operate.
Choosing a certified, experienced, educated and transparent groomer isn't just a luxury--it's a responsible investment in your pet's health and happiness.
At Roman's Empire, we uphold the highest standards because your pet deserves nothing less than regal care. Afterall, we want the same for our pup, Roman, and wouldn't give him anything less.
Explore our cooperative care approach.
