Conformation is newer to us than Obedience but it didn't take long to see where money could be saved.

The easiest place to save money is the grooming table.  What is a grooming table but a real small table with heavy duty legs.  That's the approach I took.
Total cost?  Approximately $45.00
 

Here's the finished product.  It's not as fancy as the one the big boys have but it's functional.  I've noticed that most people throw a towel over them anyway.   Click on the picture for step by step instructions.

We hated to unpack the trailer every time we wanted to do any grooming at home.  So we decided to make another table that would never leave the garage.  Because it never travels, it doesn't have to be durable, just sturdy.  The table alone cost $20.00 but we decided to experiment with a non-slip surface.  Total cost: $30.00
 

Here's the finished product.  The table itself is a small conference table.  The top is outdoor concrete paint with a non-slip additive.  Click on the picture for step by step instructions.

This grooming table is VERY quick and dirty.  It has no legs!!  You place it on top of your crate.

Tack boxes are a must for Conformation.  All sorts of odd items are kept in them.  Grooming supplies, extra leads, lunch, hair spray, etc.   But there has to be something cheaper than the aluminum ones that most people use.
We have an alternative.  We found a Craftsman "Tool Caddy" at Sears.  It's a little bigger than a normal tack box but it has wheels.  They normally cost about $50, but if you wait for a sale you can pick one up for around $40.  As you can see, it holds a lot and it draws a crowd if you leave it unattended.

Another handy tack box is this Stanley tool chest.  It's a small rolling tool box, it has wheels, and is fairly light weight.  You can find it at most hardware and department stores.  It costs about $100.  Thats a little steep when you're trying to stay on a budget but a small D-Flight box costs over $125 and won't hold half as much.

Here's another alternative.  How about a heavy duty "roll around" tool chest?  If you buy one that's a comfortable size, you can groom the dog right on top (unless you have St. Bernard).  That would kill two birds with one stone.  Tack box and grooming table in one handy container.  Put on some heavy casters and there you go!!  I need to patent this stuff.

This one is too simple.  Grooming supplies are cheaper if you buy in bulk.  But two gallons of "Bodifier" doesn't fit in a one gallon tack box.  Solution?  Small spray bottles work great.  They come in a variety of colors and sizes.  I know, that's an overly simple tip but you'd be surprised how many people buy the small bottles so they don't have to hassle with them.  And those small bottles are expensive.  We bought a special box to carry them all because the tack box is full of other stuff and this is handier.  This isn't a gathering of bottles, all these bottles fit inside.

Got a conformation tip?  I'll post it.  Send them to me at calabria@intergate.com