The Essentials: What You Actually Need to Start
You don't need a fully equipped salon to start grooming professionally. Some of the best groomers we know started with minimal equipment in a garage or small rented space. The key is investing in the right things first.
Grooming Tables
A good grooming table is non-negotiable. You'll spend 6-8 hours a day standing at this table, and your back will thank you for choosing one that's at the right height and constructed well.
Table Options
| Type | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Portable folding table | £150-400 | Mobile groomers, limited space |
| Electric lifting table | £600-1,200 | Large dogs, long grooming days, back health |
| Hydraulic table | £300-700 | Small-to-medium dogs, good height range |
| Bath tub table combo | £800-2,000 | Complete setup, saves space |
For a first salon, a sturdy hydraulic or electric table (£400-800) is the sweet spot. It saves your back, makes handling large dogs easier, and lasts for years. Don't skimp on the table—you'll regret it after the first month of grooming 10 dogs a day.
Bathing Station
A proper bathing setup is essential. You have options depending on your space and budget.
Bathing Setup Options
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel tub | £200-500 | Durable, easy to clean, standalone |
| Elevated walk-in tub | £800-1,500 | Better for back, reduces bending |
| Portable bathing station | £150-400 | Good for mobile grooming or small spaces |
A stainless steel tub (£250-400) is a good starting point. Add a hand-held spray attachment and a water heater, and you're set. As your business grows, an elevated tub becomes worth the investment—your knees and back will benefit.
Dryers
Professional grooming requires proper drying. A quality dryer isn't a luxury—it's part of delivering professional results, especially on double-coated breeds.
Dryer Types
| Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Stand dryer | £80-200 | Budget option, small salon |
| High-velocity dryer | £400-800 | Speed and efficiency, large dogs |
| Cage/kennel dryer | £150-350 | Hands-free drying, multiple dogs |
| Heat dryer with stand | £200-500 | Gentler on coats than high-velocity |
Start with a high-velocity dryer (£500-700). It's fast, efficient, and professional. Many groomers also keep a heat dryer on hand for dogs with sensitive skin. Budget £600-900 for drying equipment when starting out.
Clippers and Clipper Supplies
Quality clippers are essential. Professional clippers are engineered to run all day without overheating and to maintain consistent cutting power.
Clipper machine: £200-500 (professional-grade) | Blades (3-4 different sizes/types): £80-150 | Maintenance kit: £50-100 | Total clipper setup: £330-750
Don't buy cheap clippers. A professional-grade clipper from brands like Oster, Wahl, or Andis (£300-500) will last years. Budget for 3-4 quality blades in different sizes so you always have a sharp one while another is being sharpened. Add a clipper maintenance kit (cleaning solution, oil, brush).
Scissors and Shears
You'll need multiple pairs. Most working groomers own 3-6 pairs covering different tasks.
Per scissor (professional-grade): £80-250 | Starter set (4 pairs): £400-800 | Maintenance supplies: £30-50 | Total: £430-850
Start with a quality straight scissor (7-inch), curved scissors, thinning shears, and safety scissors. One good pair of each is better than many mediocre pairs. Look for Japanese or German steel—it holds an edge and feels good in your hand.
Grooming Supplies: Shampoos, Conditioners, and Consumables
Initial Inventory for Small Salon
| Item | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Professional shampoos (3-4 types) | 1-2 bottles each | £40-80 |
| Conditioners (all-purpose, specialty) | 1-2 bottles each | £30-60 |
| Towels (microfibre, quality) | 12-20 | £80-150 |
| Towel warmer | 1 | £50-120 |
| Grooming spray | 2-3 bottles | £20-40 |
| Brushes, combs, slicker brushes | Set | £50-100 |
| Nail clippers and grinder | 1 each | £40-80 |
| Ear cleaning supplies | Powder, solution | £20-40 |
Invest in professional-grade products. Your clients' dogs' coats and skin are worth it, and professional products perform better and last longer than retail products. Budget £300-500 for initial consumables inventory.
Furniture and Work Area
Other Essentials
- Grooming arm/restraint system: £50-150 (keeps dogs safe on the table)
- Stainless steel storage shelves: £100-300 (for shampoos, supplies, towels)
- First aid kit: £30-50 (accidents happen)
- Waste disposal bin (pedal or hands-free): £50-100
- Salon cart or trolley: £80-150 (transport supplies during grooming)
- Waiting area seating: £100-300
- Storage for client records/booking: £50-100
Safety and Comfort Equipment
Don't Skip These
- Non-slip flooring or mats: £100-300 (safety for you and dogs)
- Quality lighting: £50-150 (see the dog's skin and coat clearly)
- Proper ventilation/extraction: £100-400 (hair and moisture control)
- Hand warmers/antiseptic: £20-40 (between dogs, especially important for nail work)
- Comfortable grooming shoes: £50-100 (you're on your feet 8 hours a day)
- Aprons and work wear: £50-100
Complete Startup Cost Breakdown
| Category | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Grooming table | £400-800 |
| Bathing station | £250-600 |
| Dryers (1-2) | £600-1,000 |
| Clippers and blades | £330-750 |
| Scissors and shears | £430-850 |
| Shampoos, conditioners, consumables | £300-500 |
| Furniture, storage, work area | £400-700 |
| Safety and comfort equipment | £300-600 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED | £3,400-6,200 |
Prioritisation: What to Buy First
If your budget is tight, prioritise in this order:
- Grooming table (you'll use it every single day)
- Professional clippers (central to your work)
- Quality scissors (versatile, essential)
- Bathing tub (most dogs need a wash)
- Dryer (necessary for finishing)
- Shampoos and consumables (professional products deliver better results)
- Storage and work area setup (build gradually)
You can start with one good table, one clipper, one good pair of scissors, and a bathing setup. Add to it as your business grows and generates revenue.
Where to Source Equipment
Don't just buy from the first supplier you find. Professional grooming suppliers (both online and local) often offer different pricing and quality. Some specialist distributors offer better trade pricing than others, especially if you're buying multiple items or planning to grow your salon.
When Boutique Supply Co launches this spring, we're curating professional grooming equipment from suppliers we trust. We've tested and used everything ourselves. You'll get the benefit of our experience choosing quality gear, plus trade pricing that rewards growth.
Budget Tips for Starting Groomers
- Buy the best you can afford. Cheap equipment wears out quickly and becomes expensive when replaced frequently.
- Invest heavily in tools that touch the dog (table, clippers, scissors). Skimp on decoration, not functionality.
- Build inventory over time. You don't need 20 towels on day one. Buy what you need and add as you grow.
- Join professional networks. Other groomers often have second-hand equipment or recommendations for budget options that still perform well.
- Calculate payback. A £600 high-velocity dryer that saves 30 minutes per day is worth it if you're grooming 4+ dogs daily. Do the maths for your expected volume.
Growing From Your Initial Setup
Your first setup won't be your last. As your salon grows, you'll add:
- A second grooming table (to scale up capacity)
- More clipper and scissor sets (so you always have a sharp tool ready)
- Additional dryers (for efficiency with larger daily volume)
- Elevated bathing tubs (as your budget allows and your back demands)
- Specialised equipment (sanitary facilities, reception area, holding cages)
Start smart, invest in quality, and build from there. The groomers who last aren't the ones with the fanciest salon—they're the ones who invested in tools that work properly and made their grooming life easier every single day.