Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Emil Dinev on January 17, 2013, 06:24:27 pm

Title: Approaching commercial customers
Post by: Emil Dinev on January 17, 2013, 06:24:27 pm
Hi all,

I am thinking of approaching  by email commercial prospects (nurseries, schools, cinemas, restaurants etc.) in my area, and was wondering if someone's willing to share their copy :)

Thank you in advance!

Emil
Title: Re: Approaching commercial customers
Post by: Len Gribble on January 17, 2013, 06:47:57 pm
Hi Emil

I wouldn’t do emails (spam folder) also you need the name of purse string holder; letters are much better but even better than that visit them. ;)

Sorry you’re to close for comfort as I cover your area :-*
Title: Re: Approaching commercial customers
Post by: Blacky on January 17, 2013, 09:30:16 pm
The take up for work is very small for commercial work. The general cleaning contractors they currently use usually get asked to remove stains and occasionally tart up certain carpeted areas whilst they conduct the regular clean. A lot of company's use the tea lad or general lackey to wizz over using a rug doctor or similar.

Your better off contacting a contract cleaning company and try and fight out some kind of arrangement for them to use you.
On a positive note, most contract cleaning company's don't see carpet cleaning as a commercially viable activity so would rather pass the work they get to someone who wants it.

You won't have a chance in hell of getting the window cleaning from them. Take that and you'll will be waking up next to a horses head!!!.
Title: Re: Approaching commercial customers
Post by: Rob_Mac on January 18, 2013, 08:57:27 am
Emil

Carpet cleaning is not my forte but if I could add something.

The approach I used on Britannia Building Societys' head offices was to send a portfolio. This included all of the information on the website as a paper copy. It was front covered by a clear plastic sheet and card backed, all ring bound.

Nothing happened until four months later I got a phone call and then got the window cleaning contract for four years - £20 000 per annum.

I bought a ring binder, high quality card, high quality plastic covers, high quality paper for the pages and attached a business card to the front.

It was full of photos, client lists, explanations of the various services, contact page etc.

Set up cost about £100.00 (with all the kit reusable)

I haven't used a pro active marketing campaign for some time but If I needed to I would go down this route with commercial - do it properly and they will keep hold of it.

I use a blog on the website now but this is only useful if people are looking for the service. Maybe this has inspired me to get on it again!!!

Rob ;D
Title: Re: Approaching commercial customers
Post by: Neil Jones on January 18, 2013, 03:45:23 pm
I think Rob has nailed it there, fantastic idea. I will certainly be using that over the next few month.
Title: Re: Approaching commercial customers
Post by: Emil Dinev on January 19, 2013, 10:08:20 am
Thank you all for your thoughts. Really appreciated.

Len, I love you too :-*
I thought Sid Cup's well remote to Romford ::)

Blacky, exactly my thought, but on the other hand you don't get if you dont ask :)
Plus mrs staying home looking after the little one so has some spare time to hand and she can send emails on my behalf.

Rob, it's amaizing what you've achieved with such a small amount spent. How many companies did you send the portfolio to before you got response? Do you send them in the post or do you hand them in presonally?

Cheers

Emil
Title: Re: Approaching commercial customers
Post by: Rob_Mac on January 19, 2013, 03:51:49 pm
Emil

I sent a few by post and took others into businesses already knowing who the contacts were. I don't look for blanket coverage more of an elitist approach.

No more than 20 went out and I still have most of the card backs, clear covers, insert paper and everything else.

This obviously works and responding to your post has inspired me to do a similar campaign this year. I look for one new client per year and I already have that in the bag but we are targeting two other avenues this year and getting the new client so quickly doesn't seem like I have had to put any effort in so I need to throw some paper about.

Rob ;D