How Groomers Can Increase Profit in 2026
- Polly Shears
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
As the new year begins, many salon owners are reviewing pricing, costs, and business strategy. With the minimum wage for groomers increasing, alongside rising utilities, insurance and product expenses, it’s never been more important to understand how to protect — and even grow — your grooming business profit in 2026.
How Groomers Can Increase Profit in 2026: Pricing Confidence, Add-On Services and Smarter Workflow Solutions
At BIGA, we’re committed to supporting professional groomers with the tools, knowledge and confidence to run financially sustainable businesses. Below, we break down the key strategies that successful UK groomers are using to navigate 2026 with resilience.
1. Review Your Prices With Confidence
One of the biggest factors in How Groomers Can Increase Profit in 2026 is confidently reviewing and updating their grooming prices to reflect true operating costs.
Many groomers undervalue their work or delay price increases until it becomes financially urgent. But with rising wages and operating costs, adjusting your pricing is not only acceptable — it’s essential.
BIGA’s recommended approach to pricing:
✔ Review your treatment times vs. income
✔ Factor in staff wages, NI, pension, utilities & product costs
✔ Compare local market rates without undercutting
✔ Price based on skill, time, coat condition and dog behaviour
BIGA members have access to pricing guidance, benchmarking support, and business resources to help calculate sustainable rates accurately and professionally.
2. Introduce Add-Ons to Increase Average Order Value
Increasing profit doesn’t always mean raising prices. Often, it’s about earning more per appointment with small, high-value add-ons that take minimal extra time.
High-performing add-ons include:
Deep-coat conditioning treatments
Paw & nose balm applications
De-shedding upgrades
Teeth cleaning
Breed-specific styling extras
“Freshen Up” packages (spray + trim + tidy)
These services boost your grooming business profit in 2026 with no additional labour cost beyond application time.
BIGA can help salons learn how to position and price these add-ons confidently, ensuring clients understand their value.
3. Improve Efficiency With Better Tools & Workflow
Profitability is not only about revenue — it’s about reducing wasted time.
Many groomers are now investing in efficiency tools that speed up work without compromising welfare.
Recommended productivity boosters:
Quiet clippers
Stand Dryers
Hair-resistant clothing
Clipper blade care systems
When groomers can work faster without rushing, profits rise naturally.
BIGA provides educational content on workflow efficiency and equipment best practice so groomers can make informed investment decisions.
4. Boost Retail Sales With Wellness Products
Retail has become a significant and reliable income stream for modern salons.
Clients increasingly look to groomers for advice on healthy skin, coat care and problem prevention — especially for itchy, sensitive or allergy-prone dogs.
Easy-to-retail products include:
Skin & coat supplements
Detangling and conditioning sprays
Hypoallergenic shampoos
Paw and nose balms
These products support dog wellbeing while providing groomers with repeat monthly income — a brilliant strategy for increasing grooming business profit in 2026.
BIGA offers guidance on retailing legally, ethically and effectively in salons.
5. Access BIGA’s Business Support & Guidance
As the UK’s trade body for dog groomers, BIGA provides resources, education, and community support to help businesses thrive — especially in challenging financial periods.
BIGA members benefit from:
Business-building webinars
Pricing and profitability resources
Access to professional standards & guidance
A supportive network of groomers
Opportunities for CPD and accreditation
Industry insights that help salons stay ahead
In 2026, professionalism and business resilience matter more than ever. BIGA is here to ensure groomers are not navigating these changes alone.
Final Thoughts
Despite rising costs and minimum wage changes, groomers CAN grow their business profit in 2026 with the right pricing strategy, efficiency tools, structured training, and value-driven service offerings.
By applying BIGA’s guidance, these strategies clearly demonstrate How Groomers Can Increase Profit in 2026 while maintaining high welfare and professional standards.
Combining smart business decisions with BIGA’s support and guidance, groomers can build stronger, more profitable and more sustainable grooming businesses for the future.