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@nev wrote:
Just last night I did a job for a guy, and their carpet hadn’t been clean in three years. The traffic stains were so bad, that they were basically black.
I educated the customer and explained that I would work my butt off to get the stains out, but that I could not guarantee anything.
I did my best, and it turned out entirely better than it was–looked new to me considering where it was. But deep down I wanted to do more. Yet I felf as if I exhausted every avenue.
What mad it worse was when he said tha the job was “acceptable”.
Beside the education of the client and setting up the right expectations, can anyone give me wisdom on how you have successfully cleaned extreme traffic stains and pet urine….without telling the clients to remove the darn carpet and padding????
Nev,
You did everything right. I also am hard on myself when the carpet isn’t perfect. You just have to know when is when. Some key things in your comment that I noticed and qouted:
1. Carpet hasn’t been cleaned in 3 years!!!
2. You educated the customer.
3. Unless you didn’t use the pet enzyme, you did exhuast every avenue.
4. If it was “acceptable” to you, then you did all you could.
5. Sometimes you have to tell them their carpet needs to be replaced.
We tell people openly and honestly up front that you may consider replacement, however, we also tell them to atleast let us try and they save however much money it costs to replace, sometimes in thousands. I’d rather pay 200 or 300 bucks than replace it if a carpet cleaner could make an improvement on it. Just depends on the person. In this case, if he hasn’t cleaned it 3 years, then it says a little bit about that person or the way they are. Again, it depends on the person. He trashed it and expects you to make it new. Sometimes we can do that, but sometimes it is unrealistic, not reality. Some peoples expectations are too high. Sometimes we have to walk away. I know that’s hard when your just starting out and need to put that bread on the table. Don’t kick yourself or let him bring you down. Consult the Lord before every job, and after. He will lead you in the right direction. How’s the bid going on your potential client?
God Bless,
Mike Nowlin
Hey Joe,
Don’t worry bro. “oxy” products actually take about 2 or 3 hours to dry. Your one hour is honest, theirs is a lie. Their website says “typical dry time is AROUND an hour or so”.
Mike
No problem. I noticed that as well, but again, you still pay it for the year regardless. So might as well get it over with.
Mike
Talk to Jon about it. I’m not sure though if they decide to paint it. Charge about .85 to 1.25 psf.
Mike
It is simply for aesthetics. In other words, it is to make it look pretty, so if the job requires it, I would use it. Wax and shine is also optional. You don’t have to use. The tile and grout treater is a less of a shine but looks nice regardless. Wax and shine is just a bonus, and can be offered to raise the amount of money you will make, for example; basic tile and grout clean from $.40 to $.65 per square foot. With wax and shine, charge more at around$.65 to .95 psf. You pricing structure is up to you. Good luck and God Bless.
Mike Nowlin
I know you’re not asking me but the answer is yes. That was the month you made the sell. So you may pay the taxes on it, if filing quarterly, even if it hasn’t been paid to you. I know that can be a pain, but it end’s up on your quarterly taxes one way or the other. Hope that helped at all.
Mike Nowlin
That’s great. Ask them about the new logo and what they think so you can get some feedback. How the mugs workin for ya? What do you plan on selling them for $$$. Let me know, bro.
Mike
I’m not sure if you should strip linoleum, or wax it. These usually come factory made with all the goods applied. Talk to John or your local tile dealer about that one bro. I would talk to John first.
Mike
I always end up vaccuming guys. 🙄 They don’t want to do it nor have their employees do it for us. I should have mentioned that most of my commercial accounts are Hotels/Motels and primarily owned by Indians. No offense to anyone. When you negotiate with Indian clientel, they almost want it for free. When you are trying to grow your business, you will do what it takes to get the job. I have found that when I mention this to them, after explaining our powerful conquest vaccum, then they take the bid with vaccuming included, but I do sweet talk them into helping with furniture pick up. I will not stray from this when it comes to Indian clientel. I clean for 30 different hotel chains, so my method must be working. Can you argue with that. Any other clientel, I would never mention it. They are often difficult to work with, but as I mentioned above, when your hungry, you have to eat. Other than trying to get it done for free, they have been a blessing and treat you like family after they see the work.
Mike
