CleanCraft Products, Inc.

Money Talks

I think we have all heard the saying, �Money talks!�  Well, it�s time.  In my 35 years in business, the use of money in the form of Gift Certificates has drastically and successfully increased our repeat, referral, and new customer base.

Why do Gift Certificates work?  Because it is money, and most people hate to throw it away.

We developed a system that is so simple and requires no special talent to insure a successful distribution of our Gift Certificates to potential customers every day.  Our local print shop produces our $5.00 Gift Certificates in bulk.  Each $5.00 Gift Certificate has the look of money, along with our company name, phone number, and services offered.  It also states that the redeemer may use one gift certificate per each service we offer.  Now, the fun part.  After every job, we offer our customers a free bottle of Spot Remover to show our appreciation and thank them for using our services.  We now give our customers $50.00 worth of $5.00 gift certificates to use for themselves, friends, neighbors, and relatives.  Gift certificates are definitely more appropriate to 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 gift certificates are really a great asset for the stores.  We notify each store to pass out 3 or 4 gift certificates to each customer that shops their store.  The stores are more than happy to pass these out, as it is like passing out money to their customers.  We also offer our gift 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 found an easier and more productive way to market my business, and gift certificates are very inexpensive to have printed.  Nothing is more rewarding than to see your gift certificates all over town and keeping your name imbedded in peoples minds�.

Yes, �Money talks!�  It has given our company the ability to market our services and the opportunity to motivate customers to respond.

Think Like a Customer

When I first started in business, a well known businessman once told me, �To be successful, you must think like a customer!�  Well, this statement really does hold a lot of truth.  Most customers think on the same wavelength.  They want service, quality, value, and a great guarantee.  Don�t focus so much on yourself and your credentials, but focus more on your customers� needs.  So, when you are marketing your business, don�t over express yourself and your business.  Stick to the facts and think like a customer.  It really works!

On-Location Drapery Cleaning

To my surprise, only a small percentage of professional cleaners are actually offering drapery cleaning as part of their diversified services.  This is one service that is becoming a big demand and growing year after year.  The main reason is that larger homes are being built all around the country.  These homes have fancy windows that need custom window treatments to cover them.  Your customers are spending a fortune to custom fit their beautiful windows with drapes, cornices, valances, vertical blinds, and other window treatments.

Today, we are seeing more dry cleaning establishments turning away from cleaning 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-location drapery cleaning.

The $64,000 question is, �How can I start offering this service�?  Actually, drapery cleaning is quite easy.  Just follow these steps and 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 extractor with 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 resistant Power Blaster spray bottles.
5) A superior dry cleaning agent - We prefer DryMax, because it out-performs all other products, and guarantees no shrinkage.  It also has superior cleaning capabilities and will not cause any staining.
6) A high quality fiber rinse / neutralizer - We use FiberMax, because it 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 spray bottle.  Begin spraying the drapes with an even spray going over a 4ft x 4ft section.
3) Take a lint free hand towel and buff over the section you just cleaned to 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% FiberMax to 25% water in a spray bottle.  Now put your index finger under your towel and spray the towel with your FiberMax solution.  Blot area with your finger under the towel to remove any staining.  Repeat this process 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 $2.50 to $2.75 per pleat.  Cornices and valances, we charge $3.00 to $3.25 per linear foot.  Vertical blinds, we have a minimum charge of $2.00 per vertical.

All in all, window treatment cleaning can be the most lucrative add-on service, 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 exciting service in more detail.

Lamp Shades

Quite a few years ago, my wife and I visited a local lamp store to purchase a new lamp shade.  To my surprise, and I mean I was totally shocked at how much lamp shades cost.  The cheapest lamp shade was $40.00 and ran all the way up to $1500.00.

Right then and there, I knew that I was going to start cleaning lamp shades.  The dollar signs were in my eyes.  Just like window treatments, everyone has them.

Lamp shade cleaning is a perfect little add-on service that can help add a few extra dollars per job.  We charge, depending on the size and style, between $5.00 to $35.00 per shade.

Most customers don�t realize that their lamp shades can be professionally cleaned.  They clean up easily.  Just use the same process as cleaning 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 you are acting in their best interests.  There are really no �Tricks� to creating trust.  However, there are some common rules you can follow that will show your customers you are on their side.

• Be honest - The fastest way to lose credibility and trust is to be caught in a deception.  If at any time customers feel like you are trying to manipulate them, they will lose faith in your trust.
• Avoid �Hidden charges� - Nothing turns off a customer�s trust faster than hidden charges.  If you seem to be holding back information, it may seem like you have something to hide, especially, if these hidden charges do not involve the well-being of the customers.  The more open you can 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�?

By creating trust with your customers, you are doing more than gaining business; you are gaining a life-time customer!

Cell Phones

In 1975, the U.S. Patent Office issued a patent to Dr. Martin Cooper for his invention entitled:  The Radio Telephone System.  In 1983, the first general cellular service was provided.  Cellular telephone technology is changing rapidly.

Who would have ever believed that your office can now be easily installed in your pocket!  No matter if you are a multi-truck operation, or a single owner/operator, the cell phone is one of the greatest assets your business can own.

Today, cell phones offer us so many features and options, such as: call waiting, call forwarding, caller id, voicemail, instant text messaging, and internet access.

To run your business more smoothly and successfully, you may want to Investigate all this new technology in cell phones.  This will be one of the best investments your business will ever make.  Most cell phone providers will do a free analysis of your usage and recommend a plan that saves you money.

Your customers want action immediately.  The proper cell phone and the many features it offers can make a big difference from losing customers to your competition.

What's New at CleanCraft - Janitorial?

Beginning in just a couple of weeks, we are expanding are operations to include a complete line of Janitorial / Maintenance chemicals, equipment, supplies, and products.

Over the years, many of our carpet cleaning customers have expanded into janitorial services.  In order to service our customers more thoroughly, we have expanded to meet these demands.

Utilizing a logistics network available to us, we will be able to offer thousands of products shipped to you from one of over 20 warehouses located throughout the US.  Thus, products will most likely be in-stock and cost less for shipping.

Our expansion will enable us to offer the best discounted prices for your business and personal needs.

We are extremely excited about this expansion, and offering thousands of new products to our customers.  Check our website.  By the time 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-friendly cleaning products, a distributor of top of the line carpet, janitorial, air duct, and other cleaning equipment and products, and a service and information provider to the cleaning industry.

The President of CleanCraft Products, Inc., Bill Scheuneman, has owned and operated a carpet cleaning business for over 35 years.  CleanCraft only uses employees that have been involved with the cleaning industry to answer the phones.  Thus, you are speaking to a professional cleaner, not just an operator!