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Starting and Building a Business

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MR. STEAMER View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MR. STEAMER Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Starting and Building a Business
    Posted: 18/October/2004 at 11:52pm

Some people say that this forum lacks discipline and structure, ok so lets talk about a serious topics...

I would like to know what it takes to build a sucessful Carpet cleaning business??? from the ground up..???

Most post like this get very little play here, but it would be nice for everyone to try and give us some input

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Steaminpile View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steaminpile Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19/October/2004 at 12:07am

it's how I've built mine

mostly pounding the pavement in the beginning for commercial work and handing out flyers.........literally

some advertising the first year and voila

referrals and repeats started to happen

 

 

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Superglide Ken View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Superglide Ken Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19/October/2004 at 2:10am
Starts with a copy of Howard Partrige how to manuel. He is the most successful guy in the business that tells you how he did it.
Inventor of the Teflon Wand Glide and the Turboteck Rotary Air Duct Cleaners for TMs.
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doug View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote doug Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19/October/2004 at 7:47am
Mr. Steramer:  I don't believe there is any one book that will work for everyone.  Everyone in large areas and medium and small areas have different challanges.  Most marketing manuals are for large populations much of what does not work in every area.  The thing is in this day of internet and available resources I wish this had been around twenty years ago.  I still think hard work, dedication, commitment abd sacriface are still needed to get things roiling.Guitar
Just My opinion
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Jim Darling View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jim Darling Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19/October/2004 at 8:03am

While most of you know our company does not do cleaning - i have been very fortunate to have met cleaners from all over. The only secret i can tell you that i have seen from any successful company is that they  do all or most of the following very well:

1. They look and act professionally

2. They know how to take care of the customer (and communicate with them)

3. They don't take shortcuts

4. They keep their vehicles clean

5. They are not afraid to charge a fair price for their service

6. They have good accounting systems

7. They treat all employees with respect and provide a vehicle to make a fair living.

8. They learn that they can't be all things to all people so they look for certain types of markets and concentrate on being the best they can be within those markets

 

There are lots more things but the basic thing that i have seen from any successful company is that they devise ways to make the customer think only of them and not the other guy. Service is service. Make your customers happy and the returns will come

Jim

Jim Darling
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LilNiteRidrhood View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LilNiteRidrhood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19/October/2004 at 10:32am

Clean the carpet like it was your own.

Pay special attention to the spots that need extra attention.

Follow up with the client to be sure all is well.

Make sure the cleaner is clean.

Make sure the equipment is clean.

Underpromise and overdeliver.

Remember everything you tell a client before the job is a reason, and everything you tell the client at the end is an excuse.

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MR. STEAMER View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MR. STEAMER Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19/October/2004 at 5:23pm

All very very very good advice, to bad we don't have stickies in this forum, you have great input from some of the best in the indusrty.

"Remember everything you tell a client before the job is a reason, and everything you tell the client at the end is an excuse."

words to live by

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Shortwun View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shortwun Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19/October/2004 at 6:22pm

I would also like to think that:

They learn to market themselves and their business properly.

They also have an efficient accounting system in place that they refer to regularly. (As above).

They fully comply with all regulations, including insurance, and are kept up to date with all changes to such regulations.

They are fully trained and competent to do the work they undertake.

They find a niche market and target that market.

Shorty.

The short, round, mound of sound, from up top, down under, with a comment on anything and everything.
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MR. STEAMER View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MR. STEAMER Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19/October/2004 at 11:34pm

I noticed everyone had a lot to say... but no one mention MONEY...

It takes money to build a successful business.... Start-up capital is one of the most important things...

How much Capital should a beginner have to start a carpet cleaning business????

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gmoney View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gmoney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20/October/2004 at 10:24am

Good topic Mr. Steamer,

I would like to elaborate on some of the points that have been brought up.  Most of us do not have the capital to mass market advertise (throw the playdough up against the wall and see which sticks).  This usually brings the lowest common denominator customer who focuses too much on price.

WRITING DOWN a marketing plan and modifying it as you progress is essential.  Focussing on niche market(s) is also a must.  You can't be all things to everyone.  By doing this you emphasize "specialists in ......." in your marketing.

Have business cards and a 30 second infomercial explaining what you do when you meet people.  Give them your card (write a small incentive on there ie. 5% off) and ask for theirs as well.

Charge a professional rate.  By charging a professional rate you can spend time and do the job properly without feeling bitter towards the customer.  When it comes time to hire an employee if you choose to go that route, you have enough markup to make everyone happy.  This way you can trust your employee is not rushing to do the job or pressuring the client to purchase this and that service.  It is ok to upsell.  I'm just against the pressure sales.  Not good for your business or the industry in the long run.

Many clients ask me "are you sure this is your price because I had ...... in last year and they ended up charging me ......".  I always say that if they are being truthful about the condition of the carpets, then I am being truthful about my price.  If you get there and things are not as they seem, straighten everything out BEFORE you start the job.     

If you know what is good for you get it dry as quickly as possible
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doug View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote doug Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20/October/2004 at 10:30am
GMONEY: Things discussed before are an asset.  Things discussed after are a liability.  That is if you have an accounting program.Guitar
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gmoney View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gmoney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20/October/2004 at 10:48am

Being able to communicate and educate the customer on carpet fibre, dry times, carpet care (ie. importance of regular vaccuuming), cleaning method, frequency of cleaning, etc is vital.  This is what sets you apart from Mr. Discount carpet cleaner. 

Spend a few minutes to engage in small talk with the customer and also find out what areas they would like you to pay special attention to.

Lee made a good point uderpromise and overdeliver.  I like to do a walkthrough with the customer and point out EVERYTHING.  What each spot is, what will be used on it, what are the chances of getting it out, the condition of traffic areas and what to expect etc.  It takes a little bit extra time but it allows you to build repoire with the client, set their expectations and distinguish yourself as a professional. 

Have a company shirt with logo and proper pants (IMHO not jeans).

In terms of capital needed Mr. Steamer, that all depends on what your niche market is, what equipment you are going to use, how much you will spend on advertising, vehicle, and what your CREDIT is like.  For instance if you want to focus on residential and some commercial to start then you can get a 400 psi portable or a small truckmount and a half decent portable.  The cost variation can be extreme as we all know: from $1000 to $3000 for a portable and from $4,000 to $50,000 for a truckmount. 

Tough question, I'll try and tackle it when I have some more time. 

If you know what is good for you get it dry as quickly as possible
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gmoney View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gmoney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20/October/2004 at 10:54am

Couldn't agree with you more on that one Doug.  The heavens must be parting.

If you know what is good for you get it dry as quickly as possible
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Steaminpile View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steaminpile Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20/October/2004 at 12:20pm

A beginner should have more $$ than I did starting out ...I was quite broke my first year

kinda depends on what equipment you start off with and whether it's paid for

I like to have at least $2000 sitting in case of break downs etc.

approx $500 kickin around for chems

and a good sized pile for advertising (not sure how much,I don't advertise alot)

but 5 grand after startup costs you should do o.k. but more is always better.

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