Carpet cleaning is a hard business to break into. You must first work as an apprentice and earn your lumps. Most motivated carpet cleaners soon figure out that it is better to own their own company. Yet when one starts out on their own, they have few contacts, and a big financial commitment to their new machine. What is to be done? How can you build a business in the first year when times are lean? Can you survive the critical first year, where most new companies go under? Can you compete against the big boys? These questions must be asked, and must be answered before starting your company.
The biggest competitor to your company is yourself. Motivation, and a hard work ethic, is paramount to success. The first year or two will be tough. There will be times when you will wonder if you will make it another month. A new company must start out small and simple. For the first few years it will be a one employee operation. You must have an energy and love for carpet cleaning. A desire to learn all you can, so that no carpet will stand in your way. Organization is a key component as well. You must be clean and tidy. Your truck-mounted machine and equipment must be on a maintenance schedule. By staying true to the important principles, your customers will automatically trust you. They will know that you will do what it takes to get the job done.
Two of the biggest obstacles for the consumer is pricing, and who they let in their house. Without the right price, you cannot make it through the front door. Once you make it into the house it is imperative that your grooming is good, and your personality matches your appearance. It is not necessary to joke around with the customer for long periods of time. Their desire is someone they can trust, who goes about their business without delay, and has a delightful personality. Your biggest impression comes during the introduction at the door, and then at the end of the job.
Put them at ease. As they walk you through their house ask them where their trouble areas are. Do not try to suck every penny out of them. The price that is given over the phone, should be the final price at checkout. If there are little differences involved then don't charge them extra. This will go a long ways with the customer. Over time, you will learn to ask the right questions when giving your bid, negating potential problems.
By giving your customer a great service at a reasonable price, they will keep coming back. By marketing your product well, they will give you many references. Soon you will reach your own capacity and you'll have to hire help. Over time you will trust your technicians, and you can focus solely on managerial functions. At the end of the day, call each customer and make sure their needs have been met.
By following these important steps your business should capitalize, and become profitable over time. The customer comes first. By changing yourself first on the inside, your outside will radiate trust and caring to your clients. Work hard and use your tools correctly.
About this Author
Nate Watson is the owner of Jet Express carpet cleaning. He has been cleaning for over 24 years, starting as a young boy. He specializes in urine removal, as well as truck mounted steam cleaning, upholstery cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, flood cleanup, and much more. Nate lives in Lehi Utah, and is also an airline pilot.
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