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Capitol Contractors is making the next round of cleanings for famous footwear. I just called and scheduled 4 stores. IF YOU HAVE A FAMOUS FOOTWEAR IN YOUR AREA AND HAVE NOT CLEANED IT BEFORE, CALL Kathy Hersey at 1 800 455 4921. ALSO, if there is one outside your area, and there really is not an operator assigned to that particular city, call anyway. For example, I do not own Fairbanks, it is 6 hours away. I have never done a job their either. When Kathy called, she asked if I would do it. I negociated with her and they are paying for my fuel charge to go up there, inaddition to cleaning the store. So, fuel will be $300 and the store will be $350. So, this brings me to the next point. She is looking for operators in Southern Cal, and Rapid City South Dakota.
I don’t know if there are places in the lower 48 that do this, but here in Alaska, we are always paying 10 cents less per gallon than the going rate here because of fuel rewards at 2 of the main grocery stores. For every 100 dollars spent, we get a discount. One of the stores being Fred Meyer, has alot more than just grocerys, so the discounts add up really fast. Right now with the discount we are paying 2.89/gal. It has kept me sain, but if it ever gets to be over 3.00 with the discount I may visit other options.
I have found the best solution to be a little bit more spendy but makes a world of difference. I invested in an air compresser. First, knock all of the loose dirt into the cup. I then blow the bag out very thoroughly. If you have an extention on the hose, you can eliminate the dirt in the top of the bag when the metal fitting is taken off. I usually run the vacuum to help flush the system out too. I used to have the problem with the bag popping up on one of the corners. However, since I now use the air compressor, I just pull the bag out, blow the dirt out of the plastic ring and voulaa we are ready for another hard days work. Also works great with the portavac. This way I don’t have to move dirt twice.
My first step in becoming a new operator was to join BNI. When you realize the potential of referral marketing and can work it effectively you will get a higher return on investment from that than anything else. Last year my 300 dollar investment brought in over 13000, and it is growing exponentially as those referrals are passing the word on to others. Next, do not get too wrapped up in the YP’s. They are a great tool, but not the only tool for generating business. Find what high end customers read and put your money there. For example, I am considering putting money into the Alaska Home magazine. It is a full color, high gloss magazine that comes out quarterly. Fairly expensive, but when you consider the job size (400-1000) it will be well worth it. I would rather do in 2 fairly clean jobs what it it takes me to do in 7 nasty apartments. At least for now. When I get bigger, I may be more inclined to send a guy out to do some of the grunt work. Not me though, I have been continually raising my price in order to get out of it and more into the land of milk and honey. Remember that your prices will be compared to other cleaners. If they are fairly low, and the next blow Joe is competing for the same nasty apartments, you will be pegged as a nasty apartment cleaner. On the flip side if your prices are higher, and honestly most people would expect it since we offer DRY IN 1 HOUR, your will attract a different customer. Took me a while to learn it, but hey, learn from my mistakes. So to summarize, join BNI, look for the publications that high end customers are interested in, and remember your price will attract customers accordingly.
In invested in some adobe illustrator software. Let me tell you, with all the new ad templates, I am really excited. I am very computer literate, but do not know AI very well. I have been able though to make my ad exactly the way that I want it without worrying about if YP or other print advertisers are going to mess it up. It is nearly impossible for them to mess up a camera ready ad. Also, alot less communication needs to take place. Granted too, I also ask them for a proof just to be sure.
What if the coffee comes out and then returns again and again and again. I did a job 2 days ago, and cleaned the coffee up. It looked great, before i left, I checked up on it, and it had already come back! The lady called up and said she wanted me to hit it again. I told her that I would and am scheduled to return tomorrow. It is a cream colored berber with very stiff loops. I know that there is a name for that type but I forgot. ANY HELP would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for all of the input so far guys, I am wondering though if she just needs to be explained the difference between staining and wearing. By the way, she called today and wants me to go back. There was a coffee spill that came back, also red wine. It is on cream colored berber, very very stif loops also. I don’t know whether to lightly hit it or what. It is probably one of the toughest stains that I have had to deal with. Any help? I hope that this time around I will be able to sell the protectant.
The Namco steam iron has been replaced with a metal fitting that will fit onto the base of most irons that you buy in the store. Seems like a better fix. I have the namco and it has been ok, but I can see myself replacing it within a few months. As for the iron and towel method, I would use a towel that is wet, so that more steam is created. Also, use the lowest setting. Too much heat will singe it, especially olefin carpet. Hope this helps.
I have the same question as Ann. I have only used the regular pad because nothing else will fit within the brushes? Hmmmm……
Area maps. A company called EU Mapping or (Eddies Uptown Mapping). Tried them for 1 year. Fairly small investment but very poor results(none). Also Bowling League Ads. Nothing. Pretty dumb mistakes but I have learned alot since then. I have made a commitment to myself that I will never buy into anything that does not produce direct sales. Other than some (being very picky), intrusive media.
Hey Bryan, that sounds awesome. I know that every area is different, but what is your total cost per month for advertising? Thought about doing radio, but they want $1000/month for getting to the correct frequency that I am looking for which is i believe 6 spots per week during prime times. I kind of choked up when I heard that. I am scared to try and find out what TV would cost me. Sounds like your ROI is good though ❗
I have never really had much luck with the defoamer when I sprinkle it down. Maybe I am not doing it right, but I first sprinkle, then spray the solution. I have had great success with pulling out laundry detergent stains or soap etc. when I mix about 2 tablespoons with a small mixing bottle and then apply it to the area. I can pull out a spot of dishsoap the size of a saucer in about 15 minutes and charge $25 dollars. Any other thoughts on this?
We would like to see it as well. Thank You
heavensbest@mtaonline.netBaden
