“How much per square metre should I charge?”
Square foot, square metre- the question is the same! A new carpet cleaner in Great Britain is facing this pricing quandary and wants a formula for pricing. So Steve gives him one …
Steve’s “Bleeding Hearts” Advice Column
Steve Toburen answers pleas for help from carpet cleaners, mold remediation and fire and water damage restoration professionals. If you are starting a carpet cleaning business or an experienced small business person you will surely find practical advice here. More about Steve.
I don’t want to be rich- will SFS help me?
Steve applauds a Florida carpet cleaners decision to focus on his family instead of searching for riches. So can the Strategies for Success seminar help a “little guy” that just wants to stay small?
I need help with writing commercial account letters!
How can you get prospects to actually read your direct-mail commercial account letters? Would a sample help?
One tech or two on carpet cleaning trucks?
Nothing (with the exception of how to price your work) will get carpet cleaners more agitated than the eternal question of one person versus two person crews. Steve explains why he came down somewhere in the middle …
“How can I get my techs to maintain their service vehicles?”
Growth brings its own set of challenges. At the top of the list is teaching your techs to restock service vehicle. What options does a small operator have?
Will a partnership help me grow my carpet cleaning business?
An Idaho cleaner is in between hiring his first employee or forming a partnership. Uh-oh! Time for another one of “Steve’s rants”!
How much do you charge to be a SFS “member”?
Dedicating 5 days to the SFS seminar (and gaining SFS membership) IS a big investment. Is it worth it? You be the judge after reviewing what is included…
How do I get started in contract commercial carpet cleaning?
A San Diego carpet cleaner has some equipment but lacks experience. Even more importantly he doesn’t have any JOBS! Steve shares how to sell commercial contract carpet cleaning …
How should a carpet cleaning company answer the phone?
A Baltimore carpet cleaner has a new toy! A very sophisticated phone system with all the bells and whistles. But Steve reminds him that the basics still count …
How do they make money at 7 cents per foot?
A St. Louis cleaner wonders just how her competition can actually clean carpets at such a low cents per foot rate and still stay in business.
I can’t travel but I REALLY need SFS! HELP ME!
An Atlanta carpet cleaner just doesn’t have the budget to attend SFS. Or does he? Steve shares some great low-cost and no-cost options …
How should we pay our first cleaning tech?
A Buffalo, NY owner-operator muses on how to fairly pay his first full-time employee. Steve shares some important Compensation Principles …
I need help with carpet cleaning “contract legalese”!
A Nebraska carpet cleaner needs advice on drafting commercial contracts. Steve is happy to help but with a reminder on the need for legal advice …
24 years old and rarin’ to go in commercial carpet cleaning!
California Dreamin’? This young carpet cleaner is focused on retiring young by dominating his commercial sector. We share some great SFS site resources and a few cautions along the way …
Can a new carpet cleaner handle a Home Show?
A new Georgia carpet cleaner is worried about tackling the strange new world of Home and Trade Shows. Steve says Home Show marketing is great … IF you do it right! Here’s some tips …