I'm new doing direct mailers...

Oregon is nice, wet and cooler than SoCal.  Longer days in summer as we are 850 north of you.  We have no sales taxes but a higher property tax.  Friendly folks, nothing like SoCal.

This is not easy work and it is not easy to get work in the beginning.  Takes time, effort and lots of persistence to build a clientele.  I was in RE loans for an S&L back in the early 80s.  Yes, when the market was great I would make $20K /month.  You need something special to make it in the lean times. 

Right now, we are heading toward the slow times which means it is not the most ideal time to start this business.  If you are up to the challenge and are willing to give it 110% you might do well.  There are NO get rich schemes that work in this business.  Referrals and repeat business are key.  Just like P&L insurance.  Ask any insurance agent with a company like State Farm or Farmers.  Planting the seeds is the first (and mandatory) step to having a good harvest.

You do the same thing is loans.  Visiting the same offices, seeing the same agents, getting out to open houses.  Doing the same thing, day in and day out, is the only formula I know that works.

But, that is just what I have experienced over the years. 

IICRC has a carpet repair class that I believe includes stretching.

I worked for Miller in 1974 which is where I learned about extractors.  They were on Devonshire near Balboa at the time.  Yes, they are the kings.  $9.99 is not bait and switch unless you are not prepared to do the job for that price anymore than low price computers and other electronics are.  These loss leaders get the customer to come in or call and it is then that a professional can best determine if the deal is good for that customer.  A signature on a piece of paper stating why the professional recommends against the special and signed by the customer acknowledging receipt of the evaluation negates any guarantee and is a smart way of making sure you win your court case should that become necessary.  If you can't convince the customer of a best solution for their situation, you deserve $9.99 of course.

You can be a starving artist or a successful businessman.  My special this month is whole house for $89.  I can do jobs like that all day, make money and enjoy the tips.  Customers ask me about their furniture and if I might have time to do a couch or two.  They pay full pop for those gladly.  Scotchgard and stain removal are NOT part of the 5 steps, so if they want them those are in addition to the special.

I moved to Oregon from Palmdale in 2005 and drove past you everyday to work in Universal City.  Nice area out there.

Does IICRC have classes on carpet stretching?

I charge more for green cleaning, stains are based on type and size, Rotovac over wand.  Some guys charge more for vacuuming and deodorizing.  Then there are floors and furniture (I gather they have some).  You know, carpet repairs and power stretching is big business.  $9.99 might get you in the door, but your eyes will get you more if you look around and recommend a complete solution rather than a quick surface clean which usually is the $9.99.  It meets the IICRC 5 steps cleaning process, but I would not do my own carpet that way.
You do charge more for berber, right?
What is Miller charging down there these days?

I would guess he upsells.  Salesmanship separates those who excel from those who say business is hell.

I am starting a telemarketing campaign.  Coupons do great, flyers not so great, forget radio, TV, newspaper and yellow pages.  And yes, low price gets you in the door, salesmanship gets you the right money.  I agree, I can teach a salesman how to clean, but sales is not a trainable skill.  Still need to hire those who can't sell so they can do most of the hard work though.  They make great helpers.

Not saying that to offend, just stating the obvious.