Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Mike Halliday on June 24, 2015, 06:41:22 am

Title: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Mike Halliday on June 24, 2015, 06:41:22 am
If 2 companies do exactly the same job, both give exactly the same quality clean using the same machinary & chemicals, how much more can one of the companies charge because they arrive on time, dress smartly, are polite and have a clean van?

Is it fair to charge extra  because  you  are more proffesional?
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Radek Jablonski on June 24, 2015, 07:28:57 am
you no need to charge extra, simply get and keep his customers and yours with you by giving great service.
It realy annoy when tradesman doesnt arrive on time and dosnt even call you. I would say that being on time is most important.
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: gwrightson on June 24, 2015, 07:55:52 am
Is it fair to charge extra  because  you  are more proffesional?


oops  Mike!!!
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: from edge2edge on June 24, 2015, 08:01:36 am
Mike those qualities get you recommendations so that's payment anyway................Alan(Swindon)
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Mike Halliday on June 24, 2015, 09:39:23 am
Is it fair to charge extra  because  you  are more proffesional?
oops  Mike!!!

I'll add that to the list, should you charge more as a carpet cleaner who can spel ?
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: JandS on June 24, 2015, 09:59:22 am
Not so sure about dressing smartly and clean van bit.
Bet 50% of my customers don't even look at the van and some, especially in Winter never see it.
Depends what you call smartly, I wouldn't expect a tradesman to turn up at my house in trousers, shoes and smart shirt.
I, personally, usually wear cargo pants, clean trainers and smart tee shirt plus crocs in van for when doing u/h but not carpets.
In empty commercials in summer I'll wear shorts.
Being polite is all part of the package and being on time  too although can't always be guaranteed as I point out to people.
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: David Ware on June 24, 2015, 10:21:01 am
If 2 companies do exactly the same job, both give exactly the same quality clean using the same machinary & chemicals, how much more can one of the companies charge because they arrive on time, dress smartly, are polite and have a clean van?

Is it fair to charge extra  because  you  are more proffesional?

The difference in the two companies is the ''perceived clean'' that the better company is showing to customer. Most customers are women,  actual and percieved = a happy customer.
David
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: John Kelly on June 24, 2015, 11:45:53 am
A lot is based on personality as you are working in the customers own space, usually the woman of the house is home. It goes without saying that offering such a personal service as carpet cleaning you should be well presented. A smart van may not be seen on the drive but bet you its seen many times driving round by prospective customers.
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Elfyn on June 24, 2015, 01:24:18 pm
If 2 companies do exactly the same job, both give exactly the same quality clean using the same machinary & chemicals, how much more can one of the companies charge because they arrive on time, dress smartly, are polite and have a clean van?

Is it fair to charge extra  because  you  are more proffesional?
No extra charge - it should come as standard.
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: jasonl on June 24, 2015, 06:36:30 pm
I think higher pricing is a natural consequence of having branding and image issues figured out .

The tracky and trainer crew  will end up earning less.
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on June 24, 2015, 06:40:02 pm
On time with the frills is perceived value, a doctor in a white coat compared to a person in a hoody who would you at first impressions want to cut you open? Educated guess is the person dressed as you would like to see them.

Shaun
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Mike Halliday on June 24, 2015, 06:53:44 pm
The reason I started this post was a dilemma I have when passing on work to a mate who is a lot cheaper than me (after I have given an indication of price and I don't get the job)  I  often reccomend him but I often get asked why is he cheaper?  Does he do the same job?

To be truthful he does as good a job as me on the basic clean.....  but he's just cheap,

I charge a lot more because i refuse to work for crap money, I make a big effort to be proffesional and give a great service.... He will think nothing of turning up 1hr  late wearing ripped jeans and a dirty t  shirt. BUT HE IS A GREAT CARPET CLEANER!!
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: DB on June 24, 2015, 07:07:51 pm
Mike
I think it goes deeper that you are suggesting... Ask yourself what sort of guy you would wish to enter your home.... plus most of my customers are ladies and I KNOW they would prefer someone looking clean and smart....oh ...on time every time....

Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on June 24, 2015, 07:22:16 pm
If you had a tick list with % points for the 'experience' he may only get 50% is that a pass for Mrs.Homeowner?

Like I say it's the experience.

Shaun
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: derek west on June 24, 2015, 07:37:25 pm
i personally would NOT recommend anyone that was regularly late. or i would state that at the time and add, but you get what you pay for.
Not knowing when or even if,  a  company will turn up is probably more costly than the actual clean.
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Elfyn on June 25, 2015, 10:04:41 am
i personally would NOT recommend anyone that was regularly late. or i would state that at the time and add, but you get what you pay for.
Not knowing when or even if,  a  company will turn up is probably more costly than the actual clean.
Quite right. If you recommend a person he then reflects on you.
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: edward coller on June 28, 2015, 10:43:19 am
I think its  got me thinking. I do wear trousers a smart shirt as company generally wears this uniform. Over 40 years of trading it and other factors has meant that we have retained a strong customer base of medium to extremly affluent customers over the business. my customers want and expect peolpe to arrive when they said, or at least to contact them if a problem arises, as I would want too. Also I dont want a careless person working in my house which a careless dress attitude can indicate. S o i guess i give to customers what i want, prompt polite professional service at a premium price cuz i know you cant get anything of value for less than its worth. Cheers Simon
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: DB on June 28, 2015, 02:34:50 pm
A simple test.... just watch the lady of your house closely if you have arranged for a contractor to come and he's/she's late....I think you will have your answer
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Doctor Carpet (Ret'd) on June 29, 2015, 08:03:38 pm
Mike

My take would simply be that it is a straight-forward case of supply and demand.

You charge extra because you are in demand. Why are you in demand? Because you do a good job but also because you give that extra "je ne sais quois " which incorporates turning up on time and looking and sounding right.

Rog
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Craigp on June 29, 2015, 10:10:21 pm
Yes it's fair to charge more.

That is what my clients get for their extra money, they know I'll be there on time every time, that's worth something to people.
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Peter Sweeney on June 29, 2015, 10:15:05 pm
If its all about appearance how does Dave L get work?
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: David Ware on June 30, 2015, 05:04:58 am
If its all about appearance how does Dave L get work?

Pete to be fair I think you should say the full name of the person you are referring to, as I know a Dave with a surname beginning with L in this industry and that statement is not fair to him.
David Ware
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Emil Dinev on June 30, 2015, 06:26:45 am
The reason I started this post was a dilemma I have when passing on work to a mate who is a lot cheaper than me (after I have given an indication of price and I don't get the job)  I  often reccomend him but I often get asked why is he cheaper?  Does he do the same job?

To be truthful he does as good a job as me on the basic clean.....  but he's just cheap,

I charge a lot more because i refuse to work for crap money, I make a big effort to be proffesional and give a great service.... He will think nothing of turning up 1hr  late wearing ripped jeans and a dirty t  shirt. BUT HE IS A GREAT CARPET CLEANER!!

Mike, he may be a great carpet cleaner but his prospective customers wouldn't know that unless he's been recommended of course.  I think it's all connected i.e .  who you are will be reflected in your attitude and appearance which becomes evident the minute you turn up at your customers house. Now if he turns up late this may automatically mean his quote won't convert into a paying job...if he does on-site quotations at all lol

I think the way you think and carry yourself will determine the type of clients you work for. If you work for wealthy clients of course you will be charging a premium.

Reason 1: you desrve it because of being professional
Reason 2: you most likely have more overheads than the cheap guy
Reason3: you might actually loose work by charging low prices

I can go on with reasons but don't want to be late for my job today lol
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Peter Sweeney on June 30, 2015, 08:25:39 am
Dave Liahona. I apologise if anyone thought any different. Certainly Dave Lee would have known I wasnt refering to him as he is and always is well presented.
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Mike Halliday on June 30, 2015, 09:00:40 am
Just to clarify,  the people  who I pass his number onto are not my customers they are people who won't be my customers.

They cannot afford my prices, how my mate does business is has no reflection  or effect on my business as these people never will be my customers , I'm just doing them a favour by giving them another carpet cleaners number who will give them a good clean, if they want a premium service then they should expect to pay the right price,  they are getting a cheaper job so should accept they have to compromise somewhere.

It's an old saying but you get what you pay for, you can't expect to get a silk purse for the price of a pigs ear
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: JandS on June 30, 2015, 09:29:31 am
If he does as good a job as you Mike what's extra for the premium service.
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: jasonl on June 30, 2015, 10:07:06 am
I am always on time , because I do not give a time , I give a time slot , and text when withing 30 mins , people love it .
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: David Ware on June 30, 2015, 03:57:44 pm
Dave Liahona. I apologise if anyone thought any different. Certainly Dave Lee would have known I wasnt refering to him as he is and always is well presented.
Thank you Pete, us old ones need to stick together :D
David
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: bennymon on July 01, 2015, 11:23:23 pm
As Jason said a time slot is the best way to make sure your always on time . Lateness is a big no no
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Stoots on July 02, 2015, 10:13:08 pm
The reason I started this post was a dilemma I have when passing on work to a mate who is a lot cheaper than me (after I have given an indication of price and I don't get the job)  I  often reccomend him but I often get asked why is he cheaper?  Does he do the same job?

To be truthful he does as good a job as me on the basic clean.....  but he's just cheap,

I charge a lot more because i refuse to work for crap money, I make a big effort to be proffesional and give a great service.... He will think nothing of turning up 1hr  late wearing ripped jeans and a dirty t  shirt. BUT HE IS A GREAT CARPET CLEANER!!


This suggest to me its not so much about charging more for being more professional but that you have a higher self worth and value your time and yourself more than the cheaper guy.
The fact that you wont work for crap money and want to appear well presented and professional shows you have high self esteem.
The other guy who is cheaper obviously doesnt car as much about money or has a lower self worth.

The only thing that matters is if you are busy, the busier you are the higher you price
Title: Re: How much extra to be on time etc..
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on July 02, 2015, 11:12:02 pm
Dave has positioned himself so he has no competition he gets high end middlemen ie interior designers to recommend him where as most of us are looking at the general public and have no introduction and have to make an impression direct to our potential customer.

Shaun