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.
Many carpet cleaners are fighting off the “residential recession blues” by entering the contract commercial area. But writing the business proposal is a bit intimidating for many of our Site Members. Steve throws a life-line out to one hard working but frustrated carpet cleaner …
Working commercial night jobs can be physically exhausting and emotionally demoralizing. See what Steve recommends to one poor soul who has had enough …
All of us need a shoulder to cry on. Steve explains that while a partner may help you now it will be some very expensive emotional support down the road …
When the boss decides to start working on the business instead of on the truck, this leaves a gaping hole … Such are the pains of success!! Steve offers his insights.
It’s just tough to build a “real business” without adding employees. In this industry, without employees, chances are all you will ever own is a very good “job”.
The homeowner/ carpet retailer relationship is a difficult and thorny one. Then along comes an unsuspecting carpet cleaner who just wants everyone to get along …
It is always a tough relationship between the policy holder and the insurance company. Your job is at least partly to keep all parties happy. One hapless Kansas mold remediation contractor got caught in the middle. Steve gives him some hints on how to stay out of this trap in the future …
A Minnesota carpet cleaner asks how he can easily promote Scotchgard protector on his website. Steve shares one great resource and an even better promotional idea …
After moving to Georgia a carpet cleaner is finding it difficult to get the old cash flow started again. Instead of screaming “Get out there and sell!” Steve says to begin at home with the old-fashioned concept of “frugality” …
All of us (and especially you solo owner operators) should think about the fragile line between good health and winding up disabled in just one instant. And we’re not just talking health. Instead, think what would happen to your family’s economic security if you lose one, two, three or more months of work …
Steve,
Just a short question. I’ve always felt like I should be able to charge a premium rate for night or weekend work. However, when I bring this idea up to other carpet cleaners they act like I’ve hit on their mother! What did you do and if you did charge more, how much over your regular rates was it and did you get any resistance?
Perplexed in Toledo
Business is going great! Now there are big questions on the horizon. What to do next?
One recent SFS graduate asks how she can add a monthly payment for future programmed maintenance cleanings into the lease. While Steve is no lawyer (thank goodness!) he does share some ideas…
Large scale institutional work can provide a great “base” for your business. Or it can destroy it! Steve gives some great “look before you leap” counsel that any company can use …
Mobile phone use by you or your cleaning operation employees in the home is a bad idea. Here are some options to curb the problem.