American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Surviving the rigors of the farrier industry often relies on whether you can build a clientele that helps to make ends meet. On the other hand, the survival of your sanity often depends upon the quality of your clientele, rather than the quantity.
The $64,000 question is: How does one find a balance? There are a number of methods, techniques and practices that farriers can employ to improve their lot in hoof care. Ridgeland, Wis., farrier Justin Mundt finds it by guarding it like a bouncer outside of a trendy nightclub. Accordingly, he calls it his Red Velvet Rope Policy.
Mundt’s policy consists of asking six open-ended questions when a potential client contacts him about his services.
“This might help weed out some of the non-desirable clients,” he says.
1
Who do you use for a farrier?“This question is gold!” Mundt says. “Simply ask the question and let them answer without interruption. You’ll learn valuable information, such as: whether the farrier fired the client, what they don’t like/used to like, how long they had the farrier, etc.”
2
When was the last time the horses were worked on?Asking potential clients specific open-ended questions…