$$$$$$$

Ream57 wrote: Hey, alot of you guys seem to really know alot about the business and really seem to be doing pretty well.  Just interested to know how much money you guys are pulling in a year? And being in my first year in the business, what should I expect to make or realistically shoot for in a year??  I'm sure this subject may be sensitive to some, so those who feel comfortable in answering I would like to thank you in advance for having the courage.

Edited by FriendlyHammer - 11/August/2007 at 6:41pm

Sorry NR ream is not me. Thats not my typing style...and you know there would of been typo's and grammatical errors...

and it Intellegence not Intellegance they way you spell it.

Ream... a business is only what you make it...If you are a one man show and don't have an office person, you won't make much...it's hard to wand and talk at the same time...LOL

Some times it's what you put into your business, that gives you results.

some answer the phones only 9 to 5....I answer them 9 to 9 but my voicemail says 9 to 6 (just incase I miss a call in the evening)

we run 2 lines here but some times things still go to voicemail...call them back right away. no more than 5 minutes, before they call someone else

Advertise at least once a month, thats hard I know but you have to find a form of advertising that works for you and is not to expensive. The way I rate it..I need to make at least 4 dollars on every advertising dollar I spend. or it's not worth it.

Be on time to every call...I always give a two hour window...but I book them so I can get there at the start of each window....makes you look professional.

I can't stress enough where a uniform..and your shirt should be tucked into your pants and use a belt please.

each customer you clean give them at least 3 cards. you'll be surprised how well that works.

I think it's the work and planning you put into it during the slow time that give you the results in the season.

remember everything comes into play...weather...time of year..the smell of your colone...lol

I've always heard that 1 truck should pull in around $150k per year...I use that as my bench mark...

good luck dude
    

Edited by MR. STEAMER - 12/August/2007 at 11:32am

Only you know if your ready to take the plunge.... I worked as a sub-contractor for Sears for about 13 years. The money is great but the bullsh*t you have to go through isn't.

It was many members of this forum that pushed to do my own thing.

Life is better, the money is better, I'm glad..and I haven't looked back since

I hear ya....BUT I know no one will give the customers the level of service I will. Sears is feeling it right now, with a ton of unhappy customers. Service is the #1 key to any business, people are getting to realize that the bigger the company the worse the service.

We will see a lot of small business making good money.

I hate to know the business will die with me...but thats fine...I'll do it for as long as I can

 

Edited by nightrider - 13/August/2007 at 3:10pm

Edited by nightrider - 14/November/2007 at 5:08pm

And I'm Nightrider