any advice starting out??please!

I like your wit Jodi!

Mr. STEAMER is just about the GTA baby.....lol

never heard of it...

which one ...

Molly Maid or Merry maid???

Yes.  Just started carpet cleaning business recently but have been in maid service for years. I license a big name in my city and have a business background.  I have learned a ton about cc recently as I have taken a bunch of IICRC classes so far and am training under a master that I hired to be my commercial account manager.  I like this board because these people make me laugh with their banter and because I learn from their serious posts.

JCOOPER I understand what you are going through hearing people that get $490 for an upholstry job etc.  My staff in the Maid Service side and the Carpet cleaning sometimes get uncomfortable with what we charge.  Sometimes jobs with house cleaning and carpet / upholstry get up around $1500 - $2000.  What I tell them is that "these people can afford this... look at their houses... never judge pricing by what you would pay or what you would afford."  You may think this is fluffy but I think that confidence is the key to higher prices.  NEVER flinch when you are giving a customer a price.  They, like animals, sense fear and will not pay.  Never judge what a customer should pay by what YOU personaly could afford.  We are all different and these people living in gated communities have a different perspective on money.  Most of them think that if it isn't expensive it isn't good.  Acutally, I get a lot of work because my prices on the phone are so much higher than a lot of other carpet cleaners.  people ask me "why are you so much more expensive?"  This is a golden opportunity to convinse them as to why our service is so valuable.

As for the marketing questions I think flyering is good as long as the flyer looks really professional.  Also another idea... what about making up some business cards (you can do it on a computer with some blanks from Staples) that say $10 off on the back.  You can leave them with the customers you clean and ask them to give them to some friends.  Tell your customers you are growing your business and ask them to help you.  I believe this is how you can make the concept of a "Chearleader" work for you.

JCOOPER wrote: I always knew i liked cheerleaders...

Me too

Cooper, Sometimes when pricing a job, if the client thinks its too high, I negotiate an hourly rate, then take my time. My hourly rate runs a min $100/hr and sometimes $150/hrs. It all works itself out. Cheaper jobs still pay the wages too. Don't forget you have to pay your dues.

 

Good Luck