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Add me to the list! Please email to: jwmdrum@yahoo.com
I agree completely! If it’s worth doing – you have to make it easy for the customer in ONE price choice (customers love “meal deals” for the same reason), and make a reasonable wage for yourself!
What I’ve found is that word of mouth advertising is the strongest source of business. The only customers who have even slightly showed any concern over pricing have dramatically changed their attitudes by the time I’m done!! In fact usually those are the same people who wind up sending me referrals!! ha I start at $169.95 for (3) areas and no one has flinched yet. I show up on time, call the day ahead as a courtesy, send thank you cards, etc. When a caller is obviously price comparing I ALWAYS tell them to make sure they remember everything we do… including protector, vacuuming, grooming, spot treatment, etc. because not all carpet cleaners are created equal. I also give them a time estimate – because I want them to know I won’t be in/out in 45 minutes like the competition. To do a job right takes some time – and there’s no easy way around that!! Most people really understand and appreciate time spent!! I try to average about 100$ per hour on the job! Then I get pumped too and really always try to do my utmost best!!
This is also one of the reasons I only have ONE price – with protector on every job. It eliminates confusion and the customer does not have the opportunity to say NO to the higher price w/protector. There is one price, and it includes everything! And never take these things personally – if you followed this lady around town, she is also probably the one complaining at restaurants trying to get free meals, etc. etc……
I made a ramp with a kit from Lowe’s. Use two 2 x 6 pieces of lumber. I usually roll everything out of the side doors and this works great for me. Beats lifting the U-Mate and buffer for sure. After two hernia operations in my life, I don’t lift when not necessary – ha!!
Same here – we’re seeing a lot of this type of carpet in the newer homes. Kind of a new style of the old “shag” carpet. Cleans up well though with the ‘ol dirt napper!
I keep my chemicals inside igloo ice chests in the van to keep them insulated from the heat somewhat. Works pretty well! I use two large sized with a hinged lid for easy access. Been keeping spotter bottles inside too and not having any problems w/labels or bottles contracting. Try it out!
That has been my experience too! New construction homes with that type of carpet is going to produce fuzz balls. Next time around in that house and it should be less though – provided they vacuum regularly!!
Yeah, they warned me about bubbles forming especially along the indentations after the van had baked in the sun for a few days. But, they also told me just to call and bring it back in and they would work on correcting it for me. The folks at this SAR are really great! I am starting to see some of those forming now, so I’ll be taking it back in !!
Never used on T&G, but I am using it a lot more on carpet these days!! Just used it this morning on some very dark brown/black traffic areas – the worst coming out of a kitchen. Sprayed down the areas first then began buffing in the back of the house. By the time I got out to where I used the FAE it had dwelled at least 20-30 minutes. Man, it cleaned up like brand new with dirt napper!! Don’t give up on this stuff – it works!!
Hey Ron that is great news! I believe that is one way we can insure even more success in the future overall as a franchise – more hands-on training!! I have been through the Subway franchise training twice – the number one franchise for several years. Their training is two weeks long. During that two weeks you clock 30+ hours in working in a fully operational store – doing everything you can imagine! My last training store was unbelieveable – and I took my own skills to a new level – a unit that averaged 25-30k per WEEK! We can and should mimic ideas of other successful franchises. I applaud Cody for extending the training another day – but I also see that as we grow the need for better field training, in-state supervision and “inspection” will need to also grow! Just food for thought – I think we are on the right path! I’m getting my new van logos installed next week & I am PUMPED!!! Go SPURS GO!!!
Most of the time people have very “cleanable” fabrics. The thing to do is follow your intuition…. If you think it might be trouble after looking it over, call corporate if you can, or pass on the job. The first time I cleaned micro-fiber I was petrified. I wound up on the phone with Dan in California and he put me at complete ease. Just start with very low moisture until you are confident in how it is working!
Agree with above – I wouldn’t do any “piece-meal” work. I would explain that there WILL be a noticeable difference in what you clean and don’t clean. I charge $129.95 for standard sofa – includes protector. I don’t give option of no protector on furniture. If you do upholstery right – it takes time. The only way I feel I’m getting compensated fairly and still doing a good job is too include protector in the price!!
Whoa! I’ve been seriously thinking about buying one of these! Guess there are some manufacturing defects which need to be checked out!
Just reading these posts I think my back hurts! Ouch! I just don’t move furniture – and I tell everyone up front. I will help move dining room chairs or move the sofa a little forward or back but otherwise…. I just don’t do it!! Two hernia operations in my lifetime is enough. Too many years of moving heavy percussion equipment taught me a good lesson – avoid hospitals!! ha!!
