Virtually no one wants to go see their dentist. (And SFS teaches us that just like a dental appointment home owners view their carpet cleaning as a “Tolerated Irritation”!) Yet dentists have been successfully using this “forward scheduling” technique for years. Carpet cleaners too have a golden opportunity to get their client committed to next year’s cleaning as they say “goodbye”.
Design your refrigerator magnets with a white space labeled “date of service due” for next year’s carpet cleaning. Before handing the homeowner the magnet just routinely ask, “How often do you clean your carpets? And what day of the week is best for you? Which works better- mornings or afternoon?”
Then look at your calendar and ask, “OK, so how about I write down Wednesday, June 13th at 9:00 AM on this magnet? Then we’ll confirm with you by email and phone several weeks beforehand to see if this appointment still works for you.”
Hey, if it works for Quick-Lube shops, why not carpet cleaners? Refrigerator magnets are cheap plus this tip also lets you replace your old, beat up magnets on the customer’s fridge. Two hints. 1) Be sure to give the “Illusion of Control” by asking the customer’s permission to replace your previous magnet on their refrigerator and 2) Make it “easier to do it right than do it wrong” by sending this magnet out clipped onto the tech’s Job Folder.
Now you can stop vainly waiting for your customer to call next year. Instead, just imagine the power of having permission to call and check on their pre-booked appointment! Works for me!
Steve Toburen
PS So how do you get your clients “pre-committed” to the next cleaning? (One other great technique we used was offering our customers the “Stay Beautiful” program.)
Every week we share a timely, practical tip like the above. So if you’re not already signed up for these FREE weekly QuickTIPS, do so now.
This week’s FOCUS: Surviving the slow winter
Keeping carpet cleaning safe in the winter cold!
What does your van say about you this winter?
It’s getting cold outside. Protect your hoses.
Network with local plumbers for more water damage referrals
Getting plumber referrals on water damage jobs
4 reasons to get serious about cleaning commercial carpet
The beauty of maintenance plans for steady income
This cleaner from Maine knows how to prepare for winter!
Download: The “Stay Beautiful” residential program
Also new this week:
Steve! I love this idea and I plan on implementing it as soon as I get my new business cards in. I’m going away from fridge magnets to the sticky biz cards instead. But I was wondering if you had any tips on how I can make my business card sell for me? I’ve read a chapter in the sfs manual but can’t quite remember your advice…
J,
Steve asked me to chime in on this one. Glad to see that you are focusing some much needed attention on business cards. Too often they are overlooked and I believe they are the most under used piece of marketing material we have at our disposal.
1. First off have your picture on the card.
2. Have different cards for different needs.
3. Use both sides of the card.
4. Make the card stand out by shape, color, texture or something that grabs peoples attention.
5. Ultimately your card is like any other ad, which means it needs a headline, what’s in it for the customer, and an offer.
A good book that will help you design a great card is Design for the Non-Designer by Robin Williams.
You may also type into google “unique business cards” for some really creative ideas.
If you would like to run a couple of ideas here on SFS you can get the “wisdom of the crowd.” We are all smarter with others than by ourselves.
Bill
Thanks Bill. Smart words from an expert. I would add to make the front of the card glossy if you wish. But make the back side with an easy-to-write-on finish and with some available white space. (People like to write stuff on the back of business cards INCLUDING when their “forward scheduled appointment is!)
Steve
PS hey Bill, maybe you and I should collaborate on a “How Your Business Cards Can Sell More For You” Special Report. We can split the “profits” on the FREE Special Report!