how to make more $$$

 If only it were that simple.

Steaminpile wrote: here's some advice on how to make more money at Carpet Cleaning if you are not making enough CHARGE MORE!!!

Hey, Steaminpile,

I think that charging more goes along with doing a great job, listening to the customer, and being professional in looks, attitude, and confidence.

But everyone here does a great job.... right?  Everyone here is VERY professional.... right?  Everyone projects the right attitude.... right?

Yeah.... right.

-Allen

Just came back from the IICRC Carpet Cleaning Course. 

A kid who just spent waaayyyy too much on a franchise kept denying to the instructor that a customer with a woven carpet or high quality wool carpet will pay more to have it cleaned.  Claimed that even in the best areas, all anyone is interested in is price. Twice he interjected with this argument.

The instructor patiently encouraged him to try it a few times.  A BMW takes more $ to service then a Hyundai, right?  Why?  The products used on the BMW are more.... the technician needs training.... more care is taken.... more time is taken.... more money is charged.

*sigh*

He's gotta meet franchise fees, so he's getting every job he quotes no matter what it takes.  For him, it takes dropping his prices. That's from his mouth.

This is not how you run a business.  The hourly he's making is poor... his equipment is getting slammed hard... his van is under more wear and tear, with higher petrol costs... 

Increase profit?

Streamline your workday so you don't run from one side of town to the other.

Dilute your chem properly, rather then adding a dash o' this & a dash o' that.

Buy in bulk when possible, even if you & another CC split orders to do it.

Send reminder letters to last year's customers.  It costs money to get a new client.

&..... last but not least.... after figuring out your real costs (including insurance, petrol, chem, ads, printing, equipment, and your hourly rate) THEN add profit.  Doug's got it right on the mark.

Yeah, add profit after you've paid yourself.  If you've just met costs, then you ain't made a profit,  you've broke even, and that's no way to live.

If it turns out that you've had to raise your rate, then so be it.  I hope the franchise takes this kid aside & helps him.  He paid for the course out of his own pocket, but they told him he had to take it. 

Enough with my rant.  The IICRC course was an eye-opener.  More to learn?  Oh yeah.  Always more to learn, mate....

Later,

Allen

Thanks, Adwa.  I'll let you know how I went.  I think I did ok.

In relation to that old Master: Just don't envoke his name by saying it THREE times, I've found!  It's like saying Beetlejuice!

-Allen

Allen: Congratulations on attending an IICRC cource.  I will say no more.