Perplexed in Springfield
Far too many carpet cleaners are totally ignorant of basic accounting and even worse job costing principles. For example, read on …
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.
Buying a business versus “starting from scratch”?
Believe it or not, many folks from “outside” think this is an industry worth investing in. Steve shares a little start-up advice with one budding carpet cleaning entrepreneur …
Commercial Sales Wardrobe
How you dress influences how others view you and how you view yourself. There are few rules. See what works for you.
Worried About Unemployment Claims …
So what if your “on-call” workers decide to file for unemployment? Steve can’t (won’t) give legal advice but as usual he has a few observations. After all, when does he not have an opinion!
A “Disloyal” Cheerleader?
Value Added Service can greatly increase your repeat business but it doesn’t guarantee it. How can you increase your chances?
Just starting and a bit scared …
Let’s see if we can help a “new boy” in Reno. He started out on the right track by picking a great industry IF he “does it right” …
Steve, I’ll take anything …
When your starting out, any work is a blessing. Read Steve’s advice to one sub-contractor.
Should I hire techs for carpet cleaning or just go it alone?
Steve focuses on what is probably the most common and certainly most agonizing question facing carpet cleaning owner-operators …
So what all can I “up-sell” to the home owner?
Every carpet cleaner wants to make the maximum profit out of each job. But there are pitfalls along the way for those who get a bit too greedy. (Don’t ask Steve how he found this out!)
Timidly entering the commercial arena …
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 …
Longing for a good night’s sleep …
Working commercial night jobs can be physically exhausting and emotionally demoralizing. See what Steve recommends to one poor soul who has had enough …
I think I need a partner …
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 …
Leaving a void on the truck …
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.
Ready to tear my hair out …
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”.
How can I help? Should I?
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 …