Money Talks
I think we have all heard the saying, “Money talks!” Well, it’stime. In my 35 years in business, the use of money in the form ofGift Certificates has drastically and successfully increased our repeat,referral, and new customer base.
Why do Gift Certificates work? Because it is money, and most peoplehate to throw it away.
We developed a system that is so simple and requires no special talentto insure a successful distribution of our Gift Certificates to potentialcustomers every day. Our local print shop produces our $5.00 GiftCertificates in bulk. Each $5.00 Gift Certificate has the look ofmoney, along with our company name, phone number, and services offered. It also states that the redeemer may use one gift certificate per eachservice we offer. Now, the fun part. After every job, we offerour customers a free bottle of Spot Remover to show our appreciation andthank them for using our services. We now give our customers $50.00worth of $5.00 gift certificates to use for themselves, friends, neighbors,and relatives. Gift certificates are definitely more appropriateto pass out, than business cards or referral cards.
We also have many retail stores passing out our Gift Certificates. Most retail stores will not pass out business cards or flyers, but giftcertificates are really a great asset for the stores. We notify eachstore to pass out 3 or 4 gift certificates to each customer that shopstheir store. The stores are more than happy to pass these out, asit is like passing out money to their customers. We also offer ourgift certificates to bowling banquets, golf outings, Little League banquets,etc. We make sure everyone gets a door prize.
I could go on and on about gift certificates. I haven’t foundan easier and more productive way to market my business, and gift certificatesare very inexpensive to have printed. Nothing is more rewarding thanto see your gift certificates all over town and keeping your name imbeddedin peoples minds….
Yes, “Money talks!” It has given our company the ability to marketour services and the opportunity to motivate customers to respond.
Think Like a Customer
When I first started in business, a well known businessman once toldme, “To be successful, you must think like a customer!” Well, thisstatement really does hold a lot of truth. Most customers think onthe same wavelength. They want service, quality, value, and a greatguarantee. Don’t focus so much on yourself and your credentials,but focus more on your customers’ needs. So, when you are marketingyour business, don’t over express yourself and your business. Stickto the facts and think like a customer. It really works!
On-Location Drapery Cleaning
To my surprise, only a small percentage of professional cleaners areactually offering drapery cleaning as part of their diversified services. This is one service that is becoming a big demand and growing year afteryear. The main reason is that larger homes are being built all aroundthe country. These homes have fancy windows that need custom windowtreatments to cover them. Your customers are spending a fortune tocustom fit their beautiful windows with drapes, cornices, valances, verticalblinds, and other window treatments.
Today, we are seeing more dry cleaning establishments turning away fromcleaning these window treatments. There are two main reasons: shrinkage and take-down and re-hanging to the customer’s satisfaction. As you can see, the demand for this service is growing fast, and your customers’only other alternative is to seek a professional cleaner who offers on-locationdrapery cleaning.
The $64,000 question is, “How can I start offering this service”? Actually, drapery cleaning is quite easy. Just follow these stepsand you’ll be amazed at the professional results.
To begin cleaning drapes, you will need a few items:
1) Quality vacuum - We use the Eclipse, since it is a high powered extractorwith a drop in dry filter for dry vacuuming.
2) A commercial dusting brush - We prefer the three inch w/ poly bristles
3) A dozen or so lint free hand towels
4) A high quality spray bottle - We use our 36oz. chemical resistantPower Blaster spray bottles.
5) A superior dry cleaning agent - We prefer DryMax, because it out-performsall other products, and guarantees no shrinkage. It also has superiorcleaning capabilities and will not cause any staining.
6) A high quality fiber rinse / neutralizer - We use FiberMax, becauseit offers the best performance for removing any kind of moisture staining.
To clean drapes:
1) Vacuum drapes thoroughly with your commercial dusting brush. The poly bristles will agitate to help remove the embedded dust easier. Vacuum both sides of the drapes to eliminate all excess dust and dirt.
2) Pour DryMax (use product straight, do not add water) into your spraybottle. Begin spraying the drapes with an even spray going over a4ft x 4ft section.
3) Take a lint free hand towel and buff over the section you just cleanedto remove excess dirt.
4) Continue steps 2 & 3 until you have completed cleaning the drapes.
5) If you notice any moisture stains on the drapes, mix 75% FiberMaxto 25% water in a spray bottle. Now put your index finger under yourtowel and spray the towel with your FiberMax solution. Blot areawith your finger under the towel to remove any staining. Repeat thisprocess on all moisture stains.
6) Your last step is to re-vacuum the drapes to remove any excess moisture. Drapes will dry within 15 to 20 minutes.
Drapery cleaning is a high profit ticket item. We charge $2.50to $2.75 per pleat. Cornices and valances, we charge $3.00 to $3.25per linear foot. Vertical blinds, we have a minimum charge of $2.00per vertical.
All in all, window treatment cleaning can be the most lucrative add-onservice, and generate an entirely new crop of customers for your business.
If you have any questions about drapery cleaning and other window treatments,please contact us. We are more than happy to explain this excitingservice in more detail.
Lamp Shades
Quite a few years ago, my wife and I visited a local lamp store to purchasea new lamp shade. To my surprise, and I mean I was totally shockedat how much lamp shades cost. The cheapest lamp shade was $40.00and ran all the way up to $1500.00.
Right then and there, I knew that I was going to start cleaning lampshades. The dollar signs were in my eyes. Just like windowtreatments, everyone has them.
Lamp shade cleaning is a perfect little add-on service that can helpadd a few extra dollars per job. We charge, depending on the sizeand style, between $5.00 to $35.00 per shade.
Most customers don’t realize that their lamp shades can be professionallycleaned. They clean up easily. Just use the same process ascleaning drapes, and they turn out beautifully!
Creating Trust
One of the best incentives you can give your customers is trust. It can do wonders for your business.
Trust is best defined as the feeling customers get when they know youare acting in their best interests. There are really no “Tricks”to creating trust. However, there are some common rules you can followthat will show your customers you are on their side.
- Be honest - The fastest way to lose credibility and trust is to be caughtin a deception. If at any time customers feel like you are tryingto manipulate them, they will lose faith in your trust.
- Avoid “Hidden charges” - Nothing turns off a customer’s trust faster thanhidden charges. If you seem to be holding back information, it mayseem like you have something to hide, especially, if these hidden chargesdo not involve the well-being of the customers. The more open youcan be with your customers, the more likely they will sense your trust.
- Focus on your customers - By focusing on the customers and their needs,you will help show that you care about them. Constantly ask yourself,“What is the right thing to do”?
Cell Phones
In 1975, the U.S. Patent Office issued a patent to Dr. Martin Cooperfor his invention entitled: The Radio Telephone System. In1983, the first general cellular service was provided. Cellular telephonetechnology is changing rapidly.
Who would have ever believed that your office can now be easily installedin your pocket! No matter if you are a multi-truck operation, ora single owner/operator, the cell phone is one of the greatest assets yourbusiness can own.
Today, cell phones offer us so many features and options, such as: callwaiting, call forwarding, caller id, voicemail, instant text messaging,and internet access.
To run your business more smoothly and successfully, you may want toInvestigate all this new technology in cell phones. This will beone of the best investments your business will ever make. Most cellphone providers will do a free analysis of your usage and recommend a planthat saves you money.
Your customers want action immediately. The proper cell phoneand the many features it offers can make a big difference from losing customersto your competition.
What's New at CleanCraft - Janitorial?
Beginning in just a couple of weeks, we are expanding are operationsto include a complete line of Janitorial / Maintenance chemicals, equipment,supplies, and products.
Over the years, many of our carpet cleaning customers have expandedinto janitorial services. In order to service our customers morethoroughly, we have expanded to meet these demands.
Utilizing a logistics network available to us, we will be able to offerthousands of products shipped to you from one of over 20 warehouses locatedthroughout the US. Thus, products will most likely be in-stock andcost less for shipping.
Our expansion will enable us to offer the best discounted prices foryour business and personal needs.
We are extremely excited about this expansion, and offering thousandsof new products to our customers. Check our website. By thetime you get this newsletter, we may already have our new products up.
Who is CleanCraft Products, Inc. ?
CleanCraft Products, Inc. is a manufacturer of high quality, Earth-friendlycleaning products, a distributor of top of the line carpet, janitorial,air duct, and other cleaning equipment and products, and a service andinformation provider to the cleaning industry.
The President of CleanCraft Products, Inc., Bill Scheuneman, has ownedand operated a carpet cleaning business for over 35 years. CleanCraftonly uses employees that have been involved with the cleaning industryto answer the phones. Thus, you are speaking to a professional cleaner,not just an operator!
