sherco

  • Posts: 1041
Is trade picking up?
« on: April 20, 2010, 07:14:16 am »
Just wondered if cc trade is picking up? The floor cleaning-laying has been a bit slow but starting to move now...I do a bit of cc cleaning not much but getting more enquiries...Hopefully we are out of the worst.  ;D
Natural stone floor restoration service.
Natural stone fixing and repairs.
www.poshstonefloors.co.uk

adimarsh

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2010, 07:45:31 am »
Busiest week of the year so far but in general it's been a slow year.

derek west

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2010, 08:05:40 am »
slowest week of the year so far but in general its been a fast year ;D

Colin Day

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2010, 08:10:54 am »
Nice and steady since the snow went, but easter holidays were quiet for me (just like last year)


clinton

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2010, 08:22:30 am »
Had a very good march and a good start to april with jobs coming in,have had some new work from all my web sites as well...

Michael Smallwood

  • Posts: 134
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2010, 09:37:04 am »
Generally picking up a bit - but would still like more.
Mike Smallwood

www.mascleaning.com

M.Acorn

  • Posts: 7223
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2010, 09:43:00 am »
Had a few busy weeks,it`s dropped off again now though,nothing booked in until Monday,which happens to be my 40th birthday !!

Regular custy,who said she will buy me a cake !  ;D
What goes around comes around

markpowell

  • Posts: 2279
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2010, 09:51:12 am »
Busy, Busy, Busy....................ready for the World cup when it always goes dead.
Mark

Michael Smallwood

  • Posts: 134
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2010, 09:51:31 am »
Have a good one on Monday.
Mike Smallwood

www.mascleaning.com

chrisjohn

  • Posts: 214
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2010, 10:15:20 am »
March was very poor.April is picking up.Seem to be doing lots of quotes,but with everybody tightening their purse strings,percentage of people booking jobs in is not good.Slightly worrying!

Chris.

Paul Simpson

  • Posts: 999
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2010, 10:47:46 am »
Suppose I'm closest to you Sherco and been quiet here too.
Got some decent jobs in for this week but nothing for next week yet.
At least I know its not just me  ;D

Briohny

  • Posts: 14
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2010, 11:28:09 am »

Has anyone been at the centre of window cleaning patch rivalry??

M.Acorn

  • Posts: 7223
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2010, 12:33:26 pm »
Mad have just booked 4 different jobs since that post !!
1 for a plumbing company 2 for the letting agy,and booked 1 e mail enq,motor oil on carpets all through the downstairs  ;D Might be able to afford a few bottles of bubbly for my b,day now
What goes around comes around

JandS

  • Posts: 4239
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #13 on: April 20, 2010, 01:19:01 pm »
Fits and starts here.
Can't weigh it up, one week phone's ringing non stop the next hardly anything.
Having said that not had a week this year yet with nothing.

John

Impossible done straight away, miracles can take a little longer.

Carpet Dawg

  • Posts: 2968
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #14 on: April 20, 2010, 04:02:32 pm »
Been a tad slow the last two weeks. It'll be cause of the easter break no doubt, Same as pretty much every year. Still busy this week tho, apart from tomorrow. Been a good year so far tho so cant complain :)

Tony

richy27

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #15 on: April 20, 2010, 05:57:45 pm »
been very busy since start of march seems to be lot lot more regular than last year no complaints here at all

Andrew Briscoe

  • Posts: 1311
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #16 on: April 20, 2010, 06:17:53 pm »
Seem to be very busy since start of this month, getting all the commercial
work i usually get in Jan/Feb.

Had to bring a tech out of retirement who retired begin Feb .
Had a big flood job over weekend, nightclub this week, plus other good jobs.

Andrew

gwrightson

  • Posts: 3617
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #17 on: April 20, 2010, 06:24:00 pm »
Busy, Busy, Busy....................ready for the World cup when it always goes dead.
Mark


Think positive Mark !!

what about all the extra work caused by the lads getting to gether to watch the football and spilling the drinks.

I,ve already been invited to 3 different get togethers .

geoff
who ever said dont knock before u try ,i never tried dog crap but i know i wouldnt like  haha

markpowell

  • Posts: 2279
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #18 on: April 20, 2010, 07:41:50 pm »
I'm glad it goes quiet, normally a few weeks quiet, good weather, Footy, Beer, pizza. jobs a gud un
Mark

garyfindlay

  • Posts: 788
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #19 on: April 20, 2010, 08:15:44 pm »
footie will be quite second phase when England don`t win the world cup ;D ;D ;D

Colin Day

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #20 on: April 20, 2010, 08:34:40 pm »
footie will be quite second phase when England don`t win the world cup ;D ;D ;D
If they do or if they don't.... Even us "non" football supporters are gonna enjoy every emotion that footy bring's to die hard football fans.... Apart from the orgasm emotion of course ;D ;D ;D

mitch2810

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #21 on: April 23, 2010, 10:55:05 am »
No, I don't know if it's just me but this week has been my quietest week for three years. Just about ready to throw the towel in.
Phil

Paul W Jones

  • Posts: 158
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #22 on: April 23, 2010, 11:22:58 am »
Enquiries have been all but non-existent for me this week.  It's just like some one's turned the tap off.

Steve Barnett (Carpet Care Plus)

  • Posts: 1834
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #23 on: April 23, 2010, 11:50:53 am »
I've done one days work on tuesday worth £ 315, apart from that nothing - far more worrying is that the phone literally hasn't rung the last 3 days and I've got nothing booked for next week yet.

Very frustrating as the previous 2 weeks were good earners.

Impossible to plan anything when it's so erratic.

Paul Simpson

  • Posts: 999
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #24 on: April 23, 2010, 01:44:13 pm »
Doesn't help when the bl***y customers aren't in either  >:(
Had one job on for yesterday, booked approx. 3 weeks ago over the phone as it was 22 miles away but a decent priced job so worth travelling for.
Got there and no answer from the door, the phone or mobile.
Waited about 25 minutes then rattled off a text saying that I've been waiting outside half an hour and cannot wait any longer.
44 miles round trip for bugger all. ::)
From now on distant jobs are getting a phone call prior to leaving.

And no she didn't even respond to the text.

Helen

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #25 on: April 23, 2010, 02:07:13 pm »
Ticking over, but not really getting out of 3rd gear :) Doesn't help when the media start on again today that the UK may be falling back into recession. Perhaps if they published some positive views on the economy it would help. It doesn't make it any better, but most industries are the same, no matter what the media says! The housing market is at a low, yet all the so called property experts say it is moving.....got news for them no it isn't!
We have been on the market some while now (no luck as yet) so we keep track of what is going on in our area.Checked at the start of the week the whole price range of this area and with way over 1000 properties available only 13 had sold stc (not completed) in the last 14 days. I don't call that busy, especially when there must be 40 odd Estate agencies. A local builder to us is "ticking" over, but nothing great to speak of and many more types of trade aswell. A bit gloomy, but to take a positive from this....if we can all keep going through this, which we will, look how easy it will be when the economy has recovered.

Aquakleen Restoration Services

  • Posts: 1083
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #26 on: April 23, 2010, 02:57:40 pm »
Doesn't help when the bl***y customers aren't in either  >:(
Had one job on for yesterday, booked approx. 3 weeks ago over the phone as it was 22 miles away but a decent priced job so worth travelling for.
Got there and no answer from the door, the phone or mobile.
Waited about 25 minutes then rattled off a text saying that I've been waiting outside half an hour and cannot wait any longer.
44 miles round trip for bugger all. ::)
From now on distant jobs are getting a phone call prior to leaving.

And no she didn't even respond to the text.

Paul I hate it when that happens!

Complete and utter time wasters!! Had one thru the week, got  her friend to ring to tell me she was going in for an operation (second time shes cancelled). Then one today, pressure washing job, only £100 but canceled a few hours later by phone.  Told me another bloke priced at £25 less so bugger it then!!  So thats £300 worth of work in the last few days gone down the swanny!
John

clinton

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #27 on: April 23, 2010, 04:29:27 pm »
I always get that feeling if they cancel twice john ::)

Had one last year not far from me and when they phoned for the job to be done for the third time i said i was too busy ::)

Doug Holloway

  • Posts: 3917
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #28 on: April 23, 2010, 05:14:37 pm »
Hi Guys

I've just checked my diaries, bit opld fashioned I know!

This April has been significantly better than last for Domestic but worse for commercial, so about same overall.

I always found this the most frustrating period April/ Early May when I struggled as the weather had improved but the work hadn't. Stick in  there it will get better but a month to go yet.

Cheers

Doug

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #29 on: April 23, 2010, 05:32:02 pm »
I'm  working 7 days a week :) :) the phone is going barmy

sacked my technician :-\ :-\  ( his drinking got too much ) so I'm working like a devil.

Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

Shaun_Ashmore

  • Posts: 11381
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #30 on: April 23, 2010, 06:51:00 pm »
The joys of staff! at least you'll be £50 a week better off for not paying him.

Shaun

Matt Lindus

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #31 on: April 23, 2010, 07:07:17 pm »
We are pulling good money on digital aerials at the moment. We have taken over £17K this week on installation alone!! :) That’s four vans, 8 workers going without lunch.
Although I have 12 outstanding invoices totalling £52384.00 of bad debt. >:(
My carpet man has done £420 this week. Not too bad, and all cash.

Matt

Matt Lindus

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #32 on: April 23, 2010, 07:09:24 pm »
Forgot HD dishes. We can buy enough of the bl**dy things.


Carpet Dawg

  • Posts: 2968
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #33 on: April 23, 2010, 07:36:27 pm »

JandS

  • Posts: 4239
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #34 on: April 24, 2010, 01:40:57 pm »
Mitch2810

Not surprised you aren't busy with those prices.
I've just priced up an imaginary 2 bed house off your website.
2 double bedrooms, HSL, lounge and dining room.
Bronze £280
Silver £420
Gold £615

Think it might be the reason your phone's not ringing.
Drop your prices to a more realistic level and it might
start ringing again.

John
Impossible done straight away, miracles can take a little longer.

Shaun_Ashmore

  • Posts: 11381
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #35 on: April 24, 2010, 01:51:32 pm »
Better still charge those prices but don't advertise them get people to enquire and get them to have an audit.

Shaun

Matt Lindus

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #36 on: April 24, 2010, 02:57:45 pm »
Matt, are you the lady in this ebay advert ?? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1000-Weekly-Carpet-Cleaning-Business-Opportunity_W0QQitemZ320516769160QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_WSJL_Wholesale_GL?hash=item4aa049c588#ht_12477wt_1165


Mike, that chap in the yellow overalls?

Tony

Tony, Carpet cleaning makes jack s**t, so how she can claim them figures, god knows. My bread and butter comes from aerials, money for sweets and spice comes from carpet cleaning. Its all cash from cleaning seldom from installs.

Matt

M.Acorn

  • Posts: 7223
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #37 on: April 24, 2010, 03:03:48 pm »
Quote
Its all cash from cleaning

Sssshhh,don`t know who`s listening !!
What goes around comes around

Terry_Burrows

  • Posts: 1643
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #38 on: April 25, 2010, 06:02:03 am »
in my area is also been very slow carpet wise people are still holding back with there money even our prices are not ott,there still not booking or the phone is hardly ringing  :-\
WWW.FASTESTWINDOWCLEANER.CO.UK
GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER
BURNING RUBBER FASTER!
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF MASTER WINDOW CLEANERS.

colin thomas

  • Posts: 813
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #39 on: April 25, 2010, 07:13:27 am »
matt, you might not make those figures, plenty of others do and more,

 ;)
colin thomas

adimarsh

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #40 on: April 28, 2010, 03:19:26 pm »
Just can't work this year out at all. One moment wondering where the next job's comming from and the next I'm rushing about like the blue ar... fly.

Just picked up 3500sq mtr of low profile along with 28 pieces of upholstery in a retirement home. Then a quote I did 2 months ago for another 2000sq mtr job comes in and now a local school wants all their class rooms doing within the next week :o

Who need's sleep anyway, very over rated.

M.Acorn

  • Posts: 7223
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #41 on: April 28, 2010, 04:03:11 pm »
Same here ended up doing 3 jobs today,3 on tomorrow,1, carpet job fri  +2 other jobs.then off till Tue
What goes around comes around

Joe H

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #42 on: April 28, 2010, 04:49:52 pm »
My turnover looks about the same as first 4 months 09 - but month by month is way different.

richy27

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #43 on: April 28, 2010, 06:19:44 pm »
my turnover is well up on last year nearly doubled best thing I have  ever invested i was the tm can work faster with better results. Enquiries are well up on last year. So touch wood things will continue. 

markpowell

  • Posts: 2279
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #44 on: April 29, 2010, 08:04:56 am »
Im 55% down in the first 4 months of 2010 compared with 2009.
Lost 3 weeks with the snow and 7 with the leg injury.
Will catch up........................hopefully :'(#
Mark

clinton

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #45 on: April 29, 2010, 08:21:38 am »
Like you said mark the snow in the jan killed a lot of work.


derek west

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #46 on: April 29, 2010, 08:30:54 am »
did you get a call for HSL yesterday clinton?

clinton

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #47 on: April 29, 2010, 01:19:25 pm »
Thanks derek i did,wasnt sure till you posted it was from you.let you know if he comes back to me ???

Phillip Mold

  • Posts: 594
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #48 on: April 29, 2010, 04:40:50 pm »
I'm knackered.

8% up so far this year compared to 2009.

2009 15% more than 2008.

Just put price/m2 up 10%

Doing the best job in the world as well as I can

M.Acorn

  • Posts: 7223
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #49 on: April 29, 2010, 04:49:35 pm »
All my jobs paid me cash today !! Result
What goes around comes around

derek west

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #50 on: April 29, 2010, 05:38:05 pm »
doing a job tomorrow, she had 3 quotes, £150 £240 and £350. guess which ones my quote?

elliott cleaning

  • Posts: 778
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #51 on: April 29, 2010, 06:49:19 pm »
At a guess - with all the detailed info of the job that you have given, Derek - it must be 240 ;)

regards

Helen

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #52 on: April 29, 2010, 06:54:25 pm »
I'm knackered.

8% up so far this year compared to 2009.

2009 15% more than 2008.

Just put price/m2 up 10%

Is this just from Carpet and/or upholstery cleaning or do you have other strings to your bow? :)

elliott cleaning

  • Posts: 778
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #53 on: April 29, 2010, 07:02:49 pm »
Like Phillip - am well up on last year for the first four months - but am cognisant that the next four months could well be the total reverse.   In all the years I've been in this business - there has been no predictable pattern within a twelve month period

Phillip Mold

  • Posts: 594
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #54 on: April 29, 2010, 07:25:05 pm »
90% Carpet
9% Upholstery
1% Graffiti removal !
Doing the best job in the world as well as I can

derek west

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #55 on: April 29, 2010, 07:32:23 pm »
At a guess - with all the detailed info of the job that you have given, Derek - it must be 240 ;)

regards

okay, now email me the lottery numbers for saturday. ;D

yeah £240

its not all about the price. food for thought.

Shaun_Ashmore

  • Posts: 11381
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #56 on: April 29, 2010, 08:23:20 pm »
This job is all about how people percieve YOU not the cleaning they think you may do although YOU are the cleaning that YOU do.

(Found this in a fortune cookie)

Shaun

bennymon

  • Posts: 816
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #57 on: April 29, 2010, 10:00:32 pm »
the phone has stopped ringing here only 3 jobs this week and nothing booked in for next :( :( :(

Daria Taylor

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #58 on: April 29, 2010, 10:18:47 pm »
This job is all about how people percieve YOU not the cleaning they think you may do although YOU are the cleaning that YOU do.

(Found this in a fortune cookie)

Shaun

Shaun

I saw you on monday at the roundabout near makro in sheffield. Your van looks nice  ;D

dash t

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #59 on: April 29, 2010, 10:41:39 pm »
This job is all about how people percieve YOU not the cleaning they think you may do although YOU are the cleaning that YOU do.
(Found this in a fortune cookie)

This is all very well if the phone is ringing.....trouble is it's not
And before someone says "It's all about the advertising" I don't believe it is because there are many carpet cleaners across the forums who have never known it as bad as it is at present.

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #60 on: April 30, 2010, 06:58:04 am »
lots of people out there need thier carpets cleaning, if they are not ringing you they are ringing someone else, so I have to disagree its all about the marketing.

I'm so busy I'm not returning calls left on my answer machine ( Vodafone 121) if they want me they will call again. the reason I'm busy is my marketing is non-stop, even though I don't need more calls I'm still doing the same marketing month after month.

Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

sherco

  • Posts: 1041
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #61 on: April 30, 2010, 07:06:06 am »
lots of people out there need thier carpets cleaning, if they are not ringing you they are ringing someone else, so I have to disagree its all about the marketing.

I'm so busy I'm not returning calls left on my answer machine ( Vodafone 121) if they want me they will call again. the reason I'm busy is my marketing is non-stop, even though I don't need more calls I'm still doing the same marketing month after month.


What marketing do you do?
Natural stone floor restoration service.
Natural stone fixing and repairs.
www.poshstonefloors.co.uk

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #62 on: April 30, 2010, 07:24:52 am »
leaflets, min 30k a month... every month
Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

sherco

  • Posts: 1041
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #63 on: April 30, 2010, 07:31:49 am »
leaflets, min 30k a month... every month
Do you do the same areas every month.
Natural stone floor restoration service.
Natural stone fixing and repairs.
www.poshstonefloors.co.uk

bennymon

  • Posts: 816
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #64 on: April 30, 2010, 01:37:51 pm »
mike what am i suddenly doing wrong then ? i put out 20000 leaflets every month i have 6 websites im on yell.com and on adwords . ive been doing this for over 5 years so why has it gone quiet because as you can see it aint my fault .

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #65 on: April 30, 2010, 03:31:28 pm »
lots of people out there need thier carpets cleaning, if they are not ringing you they are ringing someone else,

Now I disagree.
Everyone who has a carpet or owns a suite that has not had it cleaned in the last 12 months needs it doing, so that probably amounts to 30 million properties around the country.
The difference between 'Needs' 'Wants' and can 'Afford' to are a totally different ball game.
I think you're missing the point Mike. Most of us who have high ranking web site with advertising other than 30,000 leaflets have noticed a huge down turn in the number of enquiries we are getting, and you have to start at the enquirey stage....unless your leaflets are offering such low prices to entice people in.
I'm not saying you do, but if I knew no different and I suddenly got a leaflet saying all carpets cleaned in a 3 bed property for £40 I would probably be on the phone to them. Difference is I don't think there is one person on here who does that sort of thing, well I hope they don't anyway.
There's no douting it the British population is scared sense less at the moment about what will happen after next week, and you can't get away from that. The choice between sitting on a dirty sofa or having £100 in the bank is a no brainer for millions at the moment.

Joe H

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #66 on: April 30, 2010, 04:26:07 pm »
I alwyas reckoned this year could be a lot harder then last year.

I reckon whoever gets in on Thursday, they will have a budget within a couple months and we will be paying taxes like we aint seen for a long time - VAT increase is a cert to me, and even some/most vat exempt at the moment will be VAT'd

clinton

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #67 on: April 30, 2010, 05:35:20 pm »
You could be right joe and if it does go up to 20pcnt the clients will be paying more if the carpet cleaners are vat reg..

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #68 on: April 30, 2010, 06:36:43 pm »
Neil I find your post confusing....

I also have a high ranking website usually the top 3 positions but if I relied on that I'd be skint. perhaps you should stop seeing the internet as the Nirvana of marketing and get back to doing stuff that works

my leaflets has no prices and I'm in the top 3 of the higher priced carpet cleaners in my area.

if someone is so worried they need  £100 kept in the bank I doubt they would be a customer of mine anyhow.

all I seem to be reading is excuses and people feeling sorry for themselves.....

the big bad world is not calling them. so it must be the economy's fault,  or the election or the cheap carpet cleaners who are cleaning suites fro £30  ::) ::)

any excuse  as long as its not their own fault

Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

bennymon

  • Posts: 816
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #69 on: April 30, 2010, 06:50:39 pm »
mike what am i suddenly doing wrong then ? i put out 20000 leaflets every month i have 6 websites im on yell.com and on adwords . ive been doing this for over 5 years so why has it gone quiet because as you can see it aint my fault . but  why aint it working

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #70 on: April 30, 2010, 06:55:15 pm »
sorry Bennymon no idea :-[

where has the last 20 jobs you have done come from? is it a mixture of everything?

are you sure nothing has changed?

Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

bennymon

  • Posts: 816
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #71 on: April 30, 2010, 07:00:57 pm »
of the last 20   8 old customers 8 leaflets 4 internet

Barry Livingstone

  • Posts: 646
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #72 on: April 30, 2010, 07:07:09 pm »
30k leaflets would cost me £750 to get delivered...then there is the printing cost.....
Carpet, Upholstery cleaning & hard floor cleaning.
                     Fife, perth and tayside.

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #73 on: April 30, 2010, 07:11:14 pm »
£750 delivery £250 printing

so a grand a month- £250 a week.

not a days pay to keep you working for 7 days. whats the problem :D :D.


Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

james roffey

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #74 on: April 30, 2010, 07:11:30 pm »
Its all well and good leafleting but finding someone reliable to deliver them is another thing altogether i am doing my own because the last time i paid for delivery 10,000 went out not a single call, so i went knocking on doors, could not find anyone who had received one, and other times i have been let down this is my biggest headache at the moment, i dont want them delivered with the local free papers as they are less affective, its a bl..dy nightmare :(

derek west

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #75 on: April 30, 2010, 07:35:44 pm »
royal mail have an offer, 3 weeks @£36.50 a 1000. then its £53.

Steve Barnett (Carpet Care Plus)

  • Posts: 1834
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #76 on: April 30, 2010, 07:38:18 pm »
I don't disagree with your numbers Mike - but if you've got no work on then a grand a month is a lot of money.

markpowell

  • Posts: 2279
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #77 on: April 30, 2010, 07:40:43 pm »
mike what am i suddenly doing wrong then ? i put out 20000 leaflets every month i have 6 websites im on yell.com and on adwords . ive been doing this for over 5 years so why has it gone quiet because as you can see it aint my fault . but  why aint it working

Who is delivering them?
Are they definately getting done?
Have you thought about changing the content of the leaflet?
Pop it on here, maybe someone can comment.]
20,000 every month, you should be getting run raggied mate.
MArk

Mike Halliday

  • Posts: 11581
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #78 on: April 30, 2010, 07:45:56 pm »
Steve  that's the catch 22 situation............ unless you spend it you won't have it.

the problem is people wait until its too late, they are skint so start to think how to get more work in. but then they don't have the finances to launch a marketing campaign.

 
Mike Halliday.  www.henryhalliday.co.uk

Steve. Taylor

  • Posts: 1036
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #79 on: April 30, 2010, 07:52:05 pm »
Think your right there mike they say the best time to advertise is in a ressesion. And push for discount on ad.

The working 7 days scares me kills horses and wears out tractors. ;D

Even god only done 6 so i will stick with him on that one :D
Steve T       All the gear but no idea!
www.leatherrepairsouthampton.co.uk

Shaun_Ashmore

  • Posts: 11381
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #80 on: May 01, 2010, 08:58:28 am »
When most cc started they paid upfront to get work in to start the ball rolling perhaps it's the chicken and egg situation.

Shaun

rich hand

  • Posts: 302
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #81 on: May 02, 2010, 09:07:57 pm »
I am finding leaflets have done very little in the last year, probably 1 call per 1000. After putting out 30k I have come to the conclusion that customers may have built up some defense against them, whether it the familiar design or leaflets in general I am not sure but have stopped leafleting. Previously this leaflet gave 5 calls per 1000.

Instead I have been putting out postcards in the same areas with less info on and a more straight forward offer and the response is back up to over 5 calls per 1000. Early days yet though, need to put more out to get a better idea.




JandS

  • Posts: 4239
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #82 on: May 03, 2010, 11:06:10 am »
I find the glossy postcards work well.
Getting calls now form when I tramped the streets
when all the snow was about.
They are more expensive than leaflets though.
Can't talk about leaflets because never used them.

John
Impossible done straight away, miracles can take a little longer.

chrisjohn

  • Posts: 214
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #83 on: May 03, 2010, 06:33:58 pm »
John kindly sent me his postcard,very impressive.I just seem to think customers are more likely to keep postcards,rather than flimsy leaflets.

Chris.

wayne zabel

  • Posts: 1082
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #84 on: May 03, 2010, 06:41:47 pm »
Thats true.I have A6 postcards and got a call yesterday from cards I put out in January.

As most know on here I'm currently operating at weekends and evenings whilst still got the day job.I'm getting quite a few calls now and been really busy for the last 4 weeks,really thinking about going full time CC now.

Ive never been a risk taker but thinking seriously about taking a huge one now - the thought of making more money for half the hours really is tempting.

derek west

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #85 on: May 03, 2010, 06:44:51 pm »
i'll garauntee the day you quit your job you'll have the quietist period ever, sods law. :(

jasonl

  • Posts: 3183
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #86 on: May 03, 2010, 06:48:45 pm »
Thats true.I have A6 postcards and got a call yesterday from cards I put out in January.

As most know on here I'm currently operating at weekends and evenings whilst still got the day job.I'm getting quite a few calls now and been really busy for the last 4 weeks,really thinking about going full time CC now.

Ive never been a risk taker but thinking seriously about taking a huge one now - the thought of making more money for half the hours really is tempting.

I did the same in 1993 after 18 months part time, while in a full time job ,, very hard , yet  worth it , keep going, it will pay off.
I clean carpets
I dry Buildings

Andrew Briscoe

  • Posts: 1311
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #87 on: May 03, 2010, 06:50:52 pm »
I have this week full, couple of spots free for small jobs
half of next week full,
week after have a 2 day sandstone floor job at 750+vat
last week of month have 2 jobs booked in
This is most i have had booked in advance for ages, things seem to be picking
up on the domestic side, actually its commercial that has been busiest.

Seems to be lots of people moving at moment, which is always a good sign

Need to find time to get on a good hard floor course, getting lots of enquiries.

Andrew

Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)

  • Posts: 2024
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #88 on: May 03, 2010, 10:53:37 pm »
i'll garauntee the day you quit your job you'll have the quietist period ever, sods law. :(

how true!

Same happens just after you've bought some expensive new machine as well.

Roger
Diplomacy: the art of letting other people have your way

derek west

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #89 on: May 04, 2010, 06:55:05 am »
i'll garauntee the day you quit your job you'll have the quietist period ever, sods law. :(

how true!

Same happens just after you've bought some expensive new machine as well.

Roger

and taken on your part timer full time cos was was busy, fingers crossed i get this hotel i'm quoting today.

clinton

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #90 on: May 04, 2010, 07:44:39 am »
Think once you have gone full time wayne you will be able to offer your services in the week as not sure the evenings and weekends are a benefit for the clients ???

Am usually busy in may and the start is looking good and 3 large jobs on the commercial side and two was from my web sites  :)

Michael Smallwood

  • Posts: 134
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #91 on: May 05, 2010, 10:05:36 pm »
There has been a small pick up in work. Also I have made time to visit some of the local dry cleaners and carpet/floor shops. I have have various amounts of work from these sources in the past.

If nothing else I can usually blag a cuppa.  ;)

Cheers
Mike
Mike Smallwood

www.mascleaning.com

garry22

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #92 on: May 11, 2010, 01:48:51 pm »
Weird or what?

Dead quiet, then FOUR commercial jobs come in in one morning.

Garry

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #93 on: May 11, 2010, 04:57:11 pm »
Weird or what?

Dead quiet, then FOUR commercial jobs come in in one morning.

Garry

That will play havoc on your cash flow. I once had a two week commercial job, half way through that I had a call from another commercial client wanting the week after. So I ended up in a position where I had no pay for 1 month then had to wait a further 1 month for payment.

Is always nice when your stacked out with domestics then the postie drops a few juicy commercial cheques through from the previous month, for a short moment you feel rich! ;D

Pete

adimarsh

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #94 on: May 11, 2010, 05:05:59 pm »
Is always nice when your stacked out with domestics then the postie drops a few juicy commercial cheques through from the previous month, for a short moment you feel rich! ;D

Pete
Quote

Yep, and then the ad bill drops through the letter box, and the accountants bill, and the bank charges, and the road tax etc etc etc.

How is it that as soon as you get a decent balance in the bank everyone else seem's to know and sends you a bill? ???

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #95 on: May 11, 2010, 05:44:45 pm »
Trade picking up? It did and everything was rosy.....all of a sudden it's gone dead again.
Just what the flock is going on?
Busy...dead...busy...dead...busy...dead previous years it's gone up and down understandably but never a constant flick from one extreme to another.
Perhaps our glorious leaders will finally get their act together, make a decision so the country can get moving again.

Steve Barnett (Carpet Care Plus)

  • Posts: 1834
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #96 on: May 11, 2010, 05:51:17 pm »
Yep, very good week last week - this week bits and pieces.
One extreme to the other, been this way for the last 6-8 weeks.

wayne zabel

  • Posts: 1082
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #97 on: May 11, 2010, 05:53:46 pm »
As a part time newbie I was picking up about 5/6 jobs a week and was thinking about going full time then not a call for 6 days!!!!

Is it always like this?

Just got 2 bookings through web enquiries today but thats it.

JandS

  • Posts: 4239
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #98 on: May 11, 2010, 05:54:16 pm »
Bit like you Neil all year, busy -  dead - busy - dead.
Glad I still kept some of my old work.

John
Impossible done straight away, miracles can take a little longer.

Neil Grainger

  • Posts: 1273
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #99 on: May 11, 2010, 06:06:56 pm »
Is strange at the moment, This week I am ok next week I had no jobs for next week untill booking 2 in today very strange times. I had the best Feb March and Since Easter it has been very bity.

jasonl

  • Posts: 3183
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #100 on: May 11, 2010, 06:08:52 pm »
What ever I have booked in on a Friday , I always end up taking the same amount again by the following friday.  Not too busy at the moment
I clean carpets
I dry Buildings

james roffey

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #101 on: May 11, 2010, 06:21:51 pm »
Yes Wayne from my massive amount of experience ;D my first month i averaged £400 per week, thought this is easy put out 1000 leaflets ching ,ching 6 jobs that was July 2009 then Christmas wow £500 in one day :o
This year though has been very scary one week £40 next week £60 phone did not ring for 5 days, but getting work from previous customers already and charging a fair wack so keep plodding along, keep marketing,marketing building your business i refuse to fail as i love this work ;D  and these guys on here are always willing to help 8)

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #102 on: May 11, 2010, 06:38:10 pm »
I remember a few years ago I used to swear and curse when the phone rang. Now I thank the almighty when it does!  ;D ;D

Pete

derek west

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #103 on: May 11, 2010, 08:38:06 pm »
ive got flu so obviously the phones not stopped ringing  and yesterday, today and tomorrow are fully booked, smallish job thursday but no doubt someone will want an emergency clean or something, hey ho, can;t complain.

Matt Lindus

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #104 on: May 11, 2010, 09:18:54 pm »
Had the office to myself today so spent about 87.3% of the day jerking off to porn.

Matt

Shaun_Ashmore

  • Posts: 11381
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #105 on: May 11, 2010, 09:33:24 pm »
Usual words of wisdom Mr.Lindus, so you had 30 seconds to yourself then!

Wink wink nod nod ;)

Shaun

Shaun_Ashmore

  • Posts: 11381
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #106 on: May 11, 2010, 09:36:17 pm »
On Saturday and Sunday I had 8 calls on Monday 2 and only 1 today for me that's bad, the Missus has now got the paint brushes out!!!

Shaun

Matt Lindus

Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #107 on: May 11, 2010, 09:43:38 pm »
Shaun,

Proceeded by a short walk to the butchers to buy a pork pie for dinner. That broke into my time. ;D

Matt

Dave_Lee

  • Posts: 1728
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #108 on: May 11, 2010, 11:06:07 pm »
Had more calls on Monday than Ive had the last 3 weeks, same again today, so fingers crossed, now booked up for a week. I knew it always went quiet before a general election, but this time it didn't, it simply hadn't picked up in March as it usually does.
Dave.
Dave Lee, Owner of Deepclean Services
Chorley Lancs. Est 1980.
"Pay Cheap -You get Cheap - Pay a little more and get something Better."

Reno's Carpet Care

  • Posts: 19
Re: Is trade picking up?
« Reply #109 on: May 11, 2010, 11:09:34 pm »
steady but slow yet better than last year
Member Very Low Moisture Carpet Cleaners Association
http://www.vlmcca.org