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Any chance that the recommended mixing ratios for all the products, when applicable, could be included on the bottle label somewhere? Don’t know if there is a reason why they aren’t, but for products that aren’t used often and the ratio isn’t known off top of head (portable extract, tile/grout, etc) it would be beneficial and time saving for operator and their employees. Otherwise, have to dig manual out and search for ratios, which just adds time to job ($$). Also, operators please note that the tile/grout cleaner jug and the fabric protectant jug look identical if you don’t read the label, and if you don’t realize you put the tile/grout cleaner in your van, you may accidentally start to add it to your fabric protector canister (I will neither confirm nor deny this actually happened). Would be nice if these two could somehow be made to look a little different (different color print on label or different colored cap?). I may be the only idiot with these minor issues, so if that’s the case, then nevermind.
I’ll try to remember to tell Cody to read your post. If you want a little faster response there is that Operator “Comment/Complaint” form you can fill out. I think what you said would be a good idea, but if we do make those changes, it may take a while for the old labels to run out.
We really do appreciate any suggestions you have for making things easier for everyone.
Thanks.
I don’t like the idea of putting the mixing info on the bottles, if you leave a bottle behind the customer will know how to use it. As it is it is worthless to them because they would have no idea what to do with it.
I’m glad you mentioned the protectant/ tile and grout cleaner incident, i thought maybe i was the only one dumb enough to get them confused. since that little issue i have been very sure to put the two on oppisite sides of the van from each other, and usually take a big whiff before i start dumping into my canistier. I also like the idea of putting mixing info on some of the less used products. those types of things i usually try to mix in the van anyway which would make it difficult to leave behind. just my two cents worth
I have also considered the customer finding it and using it, but here’s my take on it:
1. Our ideal area of town is not an area where the type of people that would steal a bottle that I left/brought in, or wait and steal it from my van while I’m inside cleaning, so this hopefully shouldn’t be an issue.
2. Most people don’t steal things that make them do additional work. Cleaning is additional work, hence why steal it.
3. I always try to do the majority, if not all, of my mixing in my van so I’m out of sight of the customer and not bringing unnecessary bottles into their house that potentially can be left behind or can get into the hands of a child when I’m not looking.
I wish they were on the bottles also if not on bottles if they could be published on web site so we could print them out when needed.
We try to keep the procedures manual on the web site up to date so that you can print the information any time you need to. If any of you find that instructions are missing, please contact John at the corporate office and he can make sure what you need is available.
Maybe also just get a labeler and put a label on the corresponding bottle …….for instance put 10 to one or 20 to 1 on the hard surface cleaner bottle depending on how dirty the grout is….or 16 to 1 on the fresh scent bottle etc….just an idea…Its easy to forget when you dont use something that often…
Another way to do these ratios off and put then in a folder or 3 ring binder. Two reasons one for us and one for our employees. Then you know you are right.
We have had the same challange and now have a chart we made up, with ratios, that is taped to the back of our vans for easy reference. I can attest to not being focused on the job at hand and either grabbing the wrong jug or forgetting what I already put in and having to start over.
I would love to see the home office Re – look at this issue of having more info on the labeles of our products. Last week i started to fill the protectant sprayer with wax and shine! oops It would be nice to have the directions and uses for situations on the bottles. I am in this buisness over 20 years and i dont have it all memorized yet,let alone my employees
So would I. I don’t think it would be that hard to change the appearance in some manner (ink color on label or different color cap). Between being rushed some days and having employees, anything to make them stand out as different is beneficial to everyone involved. As it stands right now we have two types of gallon jug, clear and white, although I guess the citrus booster is different shape. 101 is in the clear gallon, and every other product that comes in a gallon is in the white jugs. Smaller bottles are all pretty similar too. Same goes for the mixing and having the ratios displayed on the bottles as a time saver. Yes, I can hang/tape a sheet in the van for reference (which I will do soon if the bottles don’t change), but if I have the bottle in my hand already isn’t it easier just to look at the label on it for mixing instructions? If the goal of the operator (and corporate) is for the company to grow and owners to move off the truck, the simpler we can make it, the more successful we will all be.
Or maybe instead of FABRIC PROTECTOR, the label could say FABRIC PROTECTOR. Most other items/products you see for sale have the name very large. Our’s don’t have to since they aren’t on a shelf in a store next to the competition, but maybe for our sake they should. I like the ink/cap color change better, but just throwing ideas out there that shouldn’t cost corporate too much money to implement but would be beneficial to those of us in the field. Others may disagree and feel that the current system is fine. Just my 2 cents.
Their have been some good suggestions concerning bottle labeling. We WANT you to read the label and not just grab some product that you think is the right one. You would never go to the kitchen cabinet and just grab a bottle of something to put in your dinner without reading what it is as is the same with your products. We are all busy and have alot going on everyday. It dose not take that much time to double check to see what product you are using. Its always a good thing to look at the label of the product you are using so you don’t “buy” someones carpet or upholstery. All of you have the mixing instructions sheet in your Procedure Manual if not let us know and we can email you one out. If you need to hang it in your van for your employees that would be a good reference. Also you need to teach your employees to read the label and understand what products need to be used in certain instances. They also need to be taught the correct mixing guides and Yes that information is also on the mixing instruction sheet. This can be a liability to you if they use the wrong product and ruin someones item that is being cleaned and you as the owner are responsible.
All my bottles, 2.5 gallon jugs etc that are not already labeled (Dry Solvent etc) have lables on them. I usually wrap some packing tape around the label and bottles to make the labels last longer. I keep spray bottles full of mixed urine anzyme (also a 2.5 gallon jug), hard surface cleaner etc. Luckily my wife’s business has a label maker so once a label wears out, I just print a new one and I’m set.
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