+- Encapsulation carpet cleaning and commercial carpet care forum by Excellent-Supply.com & Releasit (https://forum.excellent-supply.com)
+-- Forum: Forum Home (https://forum.excellent-supply.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=1)
+--- Forum: GENERAL DISCUSSION (https://forum.excellent-supply.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=2)
+--- Thread: Wanted steam cleaning (/showthread.php?tid=1381)
Wanted steam cleaning - leofry@1966 - 02-09-2015
[attachment=161]not sure why i am telling this story, i pretty much do what i want lol..
BUT am a little slow today
i have been cleaning a automotive factory for about 13 months every month about $300 its about imo about a $375 job but hey its every month so i was cool with that.
at first they agreed to vacuum and move plastic matts and chiars but as time went on a few more mats where not taking up and we had to move them and a few more chairs ... and the floor was very poorly vacuumed ... ok dislike that but ok if they pay on time and pat us on the back then ok its $300 a month.
about the last 4 months they start to complain about the work, keep in mind that we are using the cimex and realist ... and thats what we have always used.
also keep in mind its me and one helper and well i think we are very good, not perfect.
she sent a note with the last check saying lets steam clean it.
it would be a long hose pull to do that i would have to go buy about 2 more sections of hose and keep in mind that this carpet is 20 years old, so i got brave or stupid and said give someone else a shot, let them try it and if your not happy i'll sit down talk about your expectations and i'll work up a new bid...
not sure am asking for advice, i made a decision, might be right , might be wrong, wont be the first wrong decision i made and wont be the last
RE: Wanted steam cleaning - leofry@1966 - 02-09-2015
i think i even won the photo of the month once with this job
RE: Wanted steam cleaning - encapman - 02-09-2015
Interesting story. Frankly I think you did the right thing! If they want to work you over - it's best to leave it on the table. Let your competition kill themselves.
I've said it before - but I feel this old song from the 70's captures the essence of situations like this: "Throw Back The Little Ones" by Steely Dan...
Throw back the little ones
And pan-fry the big ones
Use tact, poise and reason
And gently squeeze them
Those few lines can be applied to business!
RE: Wanted steam cleaning - leofry@1966 - 02-09-2015
i won the photo of the month from this job.. so i must have been doing something right
RE: Wanted steam cleaning - encapman - 02-09-2015
It will be interesting to see how hot water extraction performs on a 20 year old commercial carpet in an automotive factory.
You've got to get back and take a peek after they've had a chance to mess it up. Now that should be a photo opportunity
RE: Wanted steam cleaning - lee@deepclean.us.com - 02-09-2015
It is really good to let some work go!!!
Focus more attention on profitable stuff.
RE: Wanted steam cleaning - Lounge Lizards - 02-09-2015
I feel that if they pay you $300, knowing the job is worth $375, then they'll go for a cheap steam clean.
Let's see how long it stays wet and how bad it smells, not to mention how clean steamy can get it.
If they want you back, raise the price to $350 or even $375.
PS:: Although I'm not a gambler, I can also relate this verse to business:
You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
Know when to run
You never count your money
When you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done
RE: Wanted steam cleaning - Act One Cleaning - 02-10-2015
Not that it is my business, but I would go straight to $450, with a discount if
1. The mats are moved
2. The place is properly vacuumed (whatever you deem proper).
I love my customers and want lots more, but respect is a two way street. If they want a lower price, let them do the work you've been doing free.
RE: Wanted steam cleaning - leofry@1966 - 02-10-2015
great advice guys ,.... thanks