Lost another bid, The poor economy taking its toll
Printed From: Carpet Cleaning Forum
Category: Carpet Cleaners Discussion
Forum Name: Carpet Cleaners Hangout
Forum Description: General discussion on anything related to carpet cleaning
URL: https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6895
Printed Date: 03/May/2025 at 3:52pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Lost another bid, The poor economy taking its toll
Posted By: jaymark1
Subject: Lost another bid, The poor economy taking its toll
Date Posted: 27/January/2011 at 3:42pm
|
I live in one of the best counties in PA, and the country. I ran an estimate for a real estate agent selling a rental home, it was a reference, and the person who referred me to this real estate agent was another real estate agent I work for who also happens to be the number one seller in the entire county, so I felt confident I would win the bid. The carpet was 3100 square foot, covered in dirt, dog vomit and urine. I normally would charge booku for this but I came in at .25 cents a sq ft since it was empty, total was around $850, plus an additional 800 for tile and grout. It was going to take alot of work, plus my buffer machine to get this carpet clean. Buts its dead winter and work is work. Didn’t hear back so I followed up, turns out I lost it to another company for $399, or .12 cents a square foot! I know this guy and he has crappy outdated equiptment, poorly trained techs and skimps on cleaners. It doesnt matter to me, I am now loosing bids I never would have questioned a year ago. I think the economy is finally hitting parts of the country that were uneffected during the recession. I am glad my business is debt free and only have to pay a small mortage and have great benifits through my wifes job. Hows it going in your neck of the woods? ------------- I dont predict the future or sell glides, am I allowed on this site? |
Replies:
Posted By: CCandmore
Date Posted: 27/January/2011 at 9:26pm
| I live in Virginia near the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley. I didn't feel any effects of our country's economic woes until this year. My gross sales are WAY down. It's mostly from the big commercial/ institutional jobs I usually enjoy in the summer. I give them good rates and they aren't using other companies, they're just not spending the money now. Putting off some work and probably having their maintenance people do some extra. |
Posted By: NJPSR
Date Posted: 28/January/2011 at 7:49am
|
Well I'm in florida and the county I live and work in is very slow. Mostly retired
folks who are watching their pennies. I can't say I blame them. Even the commerical
end is very slow. ------------- N.J.P. Property Maintenance, "We take care of all your cleaning needs" |
Posted By: jaymark1
Date Posted: 28/January/2011 at 8:22am
|
My biggest drop surprisingly has been from my regular customers. I used to service a large number of people every few months, twice a year or once a year, but even with reminder notices its dropped. I know they are happy as well with the work.
Another drop has been from the people who live where I do and work in New York City. They used to be the customers who never wanted a price but wanted the work done. It would be nothing for them to spend a few thousand a year with me doing CC, upholstery, power washing and such things.
------------- I dont predict the future or sell glides, am I allowed on this site? |
Posted By: westcovina
Date Posted: 28/January/2011 at 6:32pm
|
Unfortunately carpet cleaning is one thing people or holding off on until things turn around in the economy.
------------- http://www.example.com - http://www.carpet-cleaning-pasadena-ca.com/ |
Posted By: John L
Date Posted: 30/January/2011 at 12:55pm
|
Great info above. Its like the library of CCing!
 Find landlords.. After a move out they either have to clean or replace.
 Also hookup with big restoration Co.
Chinese Restaurants will keep you busy you will take a cut in pay but
some pay is better than no pay.
 Just some ideas!
 |
Posted By: John L
Date Posted: 30/January/2011 at 12:55pm
|
John L wrote:Posted By: Mark McMaster
Date Posted: 30/January/2011 at 7:50pm
|
I've lost bids as well but now I don't sweat it. I've seen many lowballers and hacks come into business and try to undercut me and next thing you know, they're out of business. Either they don't charge enough, do a dungty job so there's no referrences or they just go broke.
------------- Don't take your organs to heaven..... Heaven knows we need them here http://www.mcmastertile.com - www.mcmastertile.com |
Posted By: CDRX
Date Posted: 31/January/2011 at 4:31pm
|
I've also noticed a big drop off from my regular clients that I send mailers to. Also clients that used to have me clean the whole house are just having a few rooms done. Winning bids from people who are selling their house is difficult for me also as most just want the cheapest price possible. ------------- http://www.completecarpetcare.com - carpet cleaning bellevue http://www.completecarpetcare.com/organic_steam_cleaning.html - carpet cleaning redmond |
Posted By: puppup
Date Posted: 28/February/2011 at 2:25pm
| I think that the recession is really taking its toll on everyone - even those that have not financially lost anything necessarily are definitely being more precautious with their money. This, in turn, is affecting a lot of our businesses, but hopefully things will start to get better! |