IN PART 1, we printed some great tips on buying your shoeing equipment, setting up your truck and taking care of your equipment. Now that you’ve got the tools of the trade ready to go, all you need are customers!

If You Shoe It, They Will Come

You’ve got to work hard to get and keep customers in a competitive industry. Here are some tips farriers gave us for attracting new shoeing customers.

♦ Let your customers be your best advertisement—do your best on each horse.

—Doug Bellamy, Rock, W.V.

♦ Provide excellent service to existing customers and drop hints that you would appreciate more good customers.

—Joel Hunt, Archdale, N.C.

♦ Present yourself as well-educated, clean, neat, amiable, professional, willing to understand owners’ difficulties and able to work with them to overcome those.

—Kim Hillegas, Oak Hill, Fla.

♦ Provide a service to the horse community such as talks and demos to 4-H, pony clubs, etc. Network with other farriers both above and below your ability.

—Joel Hunt, Archdale, N.C.

♦ Be willing to give advice when asked, listen to prospective clients’ plans and ask questions about ultimate goals.

—Susy Petit, Willis, Mich.

♦ Be loyal to your existing clients, especially the ones that have been with you the longest—word will spread.

—Edward Zook, Olathe, Kan.

♦ Be prompt, let your customers know if you’re going to be late and always conduct yourself in a professional manner.

—Doug Bellamy, Rock, W.V.

♦ Know all there is to know about…