Far too many carpet cleaners are totally ignorant of basic accounting and even worse job costing principles. For example, read on …
Carpet cleaners all over the world fall into the old “just gimme an estimate” trap with potential carpet cleaning customers. Fight back with this simple change in terminology …
Value Added Service can greatly increase your repeat business but it doesn’t guarantee it. How can you increase your chances?
“Consultant selling” means morphing yourself from being a desperate salesperson into a “concerned consultant”. So now you and your client become a team searching for a practical solution to a shared challenge.
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” …
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!)
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 …
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 …
A few reflections on the many routes to success in this business. I would vote we go by water …
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” …
When you have many losses to choose from you should pick your most profitable “sweet spot” losses using these questions.
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
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 …
The customer wants “to consult” with their spouse. In reality they have a price objection. Here’s how to get price out in the open and still make the sale.