Carpet and Floor Cleaning Industry Chat Forum : Truck or trailer? https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:07:10 +0000 Sun, 03 Jan 2010 02:03:39 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.06 360 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=6349 <![CDATA[Carpet and Floor Cleaning Industry Chat Forum]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Truck or trailer? : I appreciatte that! Jaymark actually...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158305&title=truck-or-trailer#158305 Author: chad23
Subject: 6349
Posted: 03/January/2010 at 2:03am

I appreciatte that!  Jaymark actually turned me onto Microsoft Office Live, and it has saved me big time!  With a little help from yours and others websites, I have put together something of pretty descent quality.  I am still not on your level, but just give me some time!  Thanks again for all the help!  I have had the last 9 days off my current full-time job and have gotten a lot accomplished for my start-up...now if I can just get this darn bank moving along for me! ]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2010 02:03:39 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158305&title=truck-or-trailer#158305 <![CDATA[Truck or trailer? : Chad,Feel free to use any content...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158294&title=truck-or-trailer#158294 Author: HeartlandSteam
Subject: 6349
Posted: 02/January/2010 at 12:32am

Chad,
Feel free to use any content from my website. Wink
I'd only recommend changing it up a little as you go, google frowns upon copied content and you might get punished in search results.
Also, if your new to making sites I recommend using a template. You can find thousands of free CSS templates at this website.

]]> Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:32:15 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158294&title=truck-or-trailer#158294 <![CDATA[Truck or trailer? : Think of it this way:Have you...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158293&title=truck-or-trailer#158293 Author: chad23
Subject: 6349
Posted: 01/January/2010 at 6:27pm

Think of it this way:
Have you ever looked online to shop for cars? Or books? Or clothes? Any time I get on the web to buy something, I noticed that I was totally skipping over products that had no price. I wouldnt even look at them or consider them. I would only look into products or services that could tell me the price. People want information quickly and without hassle. But like I said, what works good for me may be different for you.
 
Great points!  To be honest I hardly ever look into something if it doesnt have pricing listed.  Displaying prices will not only make it easier on the customers, but it will probably make my job a lot easier as well.  Damn, I love this forum!  Thanks for all the help guys!  In the process of designing a website as we speak!!
]]> Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:27:33 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158293&title=truck-or-trailer#158293 <![CDATA[Truck or trailer? : chad23 wrote:Wow, you do...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158291&title=truck-or-trailer#158291 Author: HeartlandSteam
Subject: 6349
Posted: 01/January/2010 at 11:38am

Originally posted by chad23 chad23 wrote:

Wow, you do have a very nicely layed out website!  I see that some people advertise thier pricing upfront while others would rather give "in home estimates" or estimates over the phone.  I could definately see advantages to both.  I am trying to decided whether or not to include prices in my brochures that I send out.  I believe one of the major advantages to including prices is that it will give the opportunity to figure out the costs and decide whether the service is right for them and cost efficient before they call for the service.  I also see a major advantage of not listing the pricing is having the opportunity to go into the customers home and give a better explanation of the services and what you provide.  I have always been told I could sell eye glasses to a blind man, so this may work better for me? :)  I also feel that once you are there, it is easier for the customer to go through with the service...  I am all new to this, and these are just ideas going through my head.  What do you guys think?  Feel free to list other advantages and disadvantages.  Thanks guys! 


Your right chad, there are pros and cons for each. Whats best for you and your company is probably different than everyone else. Also, once your in someones house it's a lot harder for them to say no. But with the advancement in technology and communication, sometimes people dont want to wait for pricing.

Think of it this way:
Have you ever looked online to shop for cars? Or books? Or clothes? Any time I get on the web to buy something, I noticed that I was totally skipping over products that had no price. I wouldnt even look at them or consider them. I would only look into products or services that could tell me the price. People want information quickly and without hassle. But like I said, what works good for me may be different for you.
]]> Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:38:13 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158291&title=truck-or-trailer#158291 <![CDATA[Truck or trailer? : The first time I did a water...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158290&title=truck-or-trailer#158290 Author: HeartlandSteam
Subject: 6349
Posted: 01/January/2010 at 11:23am

The first time I did a water damage was at my second carpet cleaning job. This company was just a local carpet cleaning company, but that is where I learned restoration. I worked for this company for 4 years before starting my own. So 4 plus years of doing water damage pretty much gave me all the experience and training I needed. But honestly, I only received maybe 10-15 flood calls in 2009. It's a great business to be in, but requires a significant investment. And I dont really market it enough. Most of my flood calls are from clients I already have. Luckily there is an Interlink Supply about 15 minutes from my house if I ever need to rent any air movers or dehu's. I own a couple air movers, but no dehu's. They are like 2500 a peice, for an average one. So I just rent the dehu's whenever I need one. This allows me to offer restoration service, but not have to make that financial investment. As far as training goes, you can always get the IICRC water damage certification.


Edited by HeartlandSteam - 01/January/2010 at 4:57pm]]> Fri, 01 Jan 2010 11:23:45 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158290&title=truck-or-trailer#158290 <![CDATA[Truck or trailer? : Your right about the simple estimates....]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158282&title=truck-or-trailer#158282 Author: jaymark1
Subject: 6349
Posted: 31/December/2009 at 1:21pm

Your right about the simple estimates.  Its a hard subject and I see both sides of the argument and is something I will always struggle with, how to price my service.  My main pricing is based on $150 an hour, so thats what I try for. 

Let me ask you something heartland, how did you get into water damage?  Did you take a class, or have you done in prior to offering the service.  I need to take a certification class to keep it updated, and I want to get into water damage.  Best place to learn?

marketing chad.  My biggest life saver was designing a website, and using google and craigslist to advertise.  I use Microsoft office live, its super easy, looks good(not as good as heartlands, i am quite jealous) and is only 15 bucks a year.  

Selling chad.  Be careful with selling.  The best thing I found to work has been my flyer inside a presentation folder.  I leave it with the customer and they go through it without pressure.  If your like me, I hate pressure, but when I started my company, I went against that and tried to sometimes pressure, and I stepped back and realize im doing what I hate. 

Unless your 100% sure you are going to stick with your prices chad, be careful of posting them in a flyer.  The only reason is if you print them out, and you have 1000 or more of them, your stuck.  I print my flyers on my printer, so I can change prices anytime.

Chad if you have an email I will send you how I list my prices?
]]> Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:21:22 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158282&title=truck-or-trailer#158282 <![CDATA[Truck or trailer? : Wow, you do have a very nicely...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158280&title=truck-or-trailer#158280 Author: chad23
Subject: 6349
Posted: 31/December/2009 at 12:36pm

Wow, you do have a very nicely layed out website!  I see that some people advertise thier pricing upfront while others would rather give "in home estimates" or estimates over the phone.  I could definately see advantages to both.  I am trying to decided whether or not to include prices in my brochures that I send out.  I believe one of the major advantages to including prices is that it will give the opportunity to figure out the costs and decide whether the service is right for them and cost efficient before they call for the service.  I also see a major advantage of not listing the pricing is having the opportunity to go into the customers home and give a better explanation of the services and what you provide.  I have always been told I could sell eye glasses to a blind man, so this may work better for me? :)  I also feel that once you are there, it is easier for the customer to go through with the service...  I am all new to this, and these are just ideas going through my head.  What do you guys think?  Feel free to list other advantages and disadvantages.  Thanks guys! 
]]> Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:36:25 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158280&title=truck-or-trailer#158280 <![CDATA[Truck or trailer? : jaymark,First thanks for the compliments!...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158278&title=truck-or-trailer#158278 Author: HeartlandSteam
Subject: 6349
Posted: 31/December/2009 at 8:15am

jaymark,
First thanks for the compliments! Your right about my prices, but about 6 months ago I decided to try something different, so i changed my entire pricing and marketing system, let me explain how. And please tell me what you think.

First off I wanted to be different than other companies. Everyone charges extra for deodorizer, sctochguard etc. And I did too. So before I changed everything my rates were $25 per room to clean, $10 per room to deo, and $15 to scotchguard. I'd say those prices are about average.

So what I did was raised my cleaning price from $25 per room, to $30 per room and include the deodorizer treatment. It makes me more competitive, the 1 flat rate keeps the entire process simple, especially giving quotes over the phone. It sounds good and makes people think they are saving lots of money. The customer doesnt feel like im just there trying to sell her a bunch of crap she doesnt need for a commision, it gets me in and out of houses quicker not having to try and sell, every carpet I clean smells fresh, sctochgard sales have increased because all I have to do is sell them that. I feel that actually giving them less options has made a better overall experience for both me and the customer.

Now I realize my "No Hassle" campaign is not the traditional way of thinking when it comes to carpet cleaning, and it might not work, but I just wanted to step outside the box and try something different. Everyone has truckmounts, powerful pre sprays etc, but it all boils down to how the experience was for the customer. So we wow them with amazing service, and reasonable prices, so they'll never call anyone else, even if our prices increase 10-15% every year.
]]> Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:15:36 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158278&title=truck-or-trailer#158278 <![CDATA[Truck or trailer? : I had a rotovac powerwand for...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158272&title=truck-or-trailer#158272 Author: jaymark1
Subject: 6349
Posted: 30/December/2009 at 11:55pm

I had a rotovac powerwand for about a week.  Bought it on ebay for 1200, sold it the next week for 1250.  It was heavy, took forever, and made the carpet look like hell
 
I bought a used butler, it was expensive, but it works great
 
Nothing compairs to 220 temps, dwell time, and proper chems.  I know a guy who owns a huge restaurant chem company, and he says that you cant even begin to clean unless the temp is over 160. 
 
I normally run about 400 PSI.  With 5 jets in my wand, anything higher and your laying down to much water
 
Never have I been asked for green cleaning. And I still have no idea what it is. My cleaners label from butler rates the hazard at 0-1 out of a 5 scale, if thats not safe, I dont know what is.
 
heartlandsteam, seems to me that you need to raise your prices, at least to sears prices, or raise your prices double sears, and offer an amazing service.  They are all giant chains with poor help, you are the owner who I am sure does a far better job, why do you compete on price?  Just this last year I raised my price twice, from .28 a sq, to .30, now I am up to .35 and it hasnt effect one thing except I earn more for the same work.  And thats just for cleaning, I make a killing on deorderizer and scotchgard.  Just my opinion  you have an amazing website, the best ive ever seen for a cc company
]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:55:13 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158272&title=truck-or-trailer#158272 <![CDATA[Truck or trailer? : I know guys that say they love...]]> https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158269&title=truck-or-trailer#158269 Author: HeartlandSteam
Subject: 6349
Posted: 30/December/2009 at 8:20pm

I know guys that say they love using the "self propelled" type wands, and I know guys that say they hate it. Me personally I prefer a wand. What you gain in agitaion you lose in flexibility. If im in a customers house I like being able to take my wand on and off quickly as needed with ease, not having to deal with a big bulky, and sometimes heavy (ish) self propelled tool like a 360, dhx, powerwand or rx-20. But that is just my personal preference, if you've used one before and like it then go right ahead!

Any time you can get heat do it! I'd def go for the higher heat, and at least the 200 psi.
Being a "green" cleaning company is a great marketing tool, but i've had a hard time finding a pre-treatment that is as good as my synthetics!

One idea is drop the self propelled wand and purchase a nice upholstery tool. I dunno, just an idea.
]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:20:16 +0000 https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6349&PID=158269&title=truck-or-trailer#158269