Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Clear Vision on November 20, 2006, 04:48:09 pm

Title: How much to charge
Post by: Clear Vision on November 20, 2006, 04:48:09 pm
Can someone please let me know roughly what the average going rate is for carpet cleaning?

Many thanks

Matthew
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Mike Osbourne on November 20, 2006, 04:52:37 pm

Get a piece of string and measure it. The length in cm is the average price in pounds. I think you will get a more realistic answer with this method than taking an average from this site.

Failing that you could always ring up your competitors and ask them. Then test how far you can creep the price up before you start losing too many jobs. 
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: David_Annable on November 21, 2006, 04:19:33 pm
Hi

There was someone on here, I can't remember his name, a new starter with a sales background who was charging £140 to clean a suite.

Because he was good at selling he got that price easily.

Trouble was he couldn't actually do the job because he didn't have the experience and now he dosn't do upholstery.

Hope it helps

Dave
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: maxcarpets on November 21, 2006, 04:28:24 pm
What would you like me to do?
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Mike Osbourne on November 21, 2006, 04:39:29 pm

David,

Thanks for your comments. Shame you couldn't offer any help at the time when I asked for it.

Both Prochem and the insurers advised me that the fault was with the customer as they had washed the removable cushions despite telling me they hadn't.

However I am sure with your vast experience you have never had to make a claim.

I am sure you are a better cleaner than me at the moment, if you need some advice on how to sell feel free to ask.

Thanks again.
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: David_Annable on November 21, 2006, 05:29:15 pm
Mike

My post wasn't ment as a personal attack on yourself.

Dave

Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Mike Osbourne on November 21, 2006, 05:55:58 pm

Sure you didn't. ::)

With hindsight I was a little nieve at the time. I thought £140 was the going rate and seemed to get it without too much difficulty. I wish I hadn't mensioned it now as there are probably lots of cleaners with 10-20 yrs experience who charge half that.

I feel I have been responsible by reviewing my abilities and intend to do another uphostery cleaning course before starting up again. Although in that particular case a pre test did not reveal a problem and I followed correct procedure.

Also I wonder how many people don't ask for help when things go pear shape because they only open themselves up to critism rather than constructive help. 

Matthew, sorry to go off track on your thread
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Damian on November 21, 2006, 11:34:18 pm
Three shillings and sixpence per yard ;D

Damian.
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Clear Vision on November 22, 2006, 12:11:10 am
Didn'y know a topic could go so far off track ;D ;D ;D

So back to the original topic!

What is an average price to charge for carpet cleaning???

Per square yard? Per room? Per hour?

Please, someone must know a rough price?

Cheers

Matthew
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Damian on November 22, 2006, 07:47:36 am
Mathew there are carpet cleaners on this forum from all over the country so prices will vary a lot as different people do varying work (commercial/domestic etc) The easiest way of finding out is to sit down and ring around a few cc'ers in your area and get a feel for what seems the right price to charge.

Damian.
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: NigelD on November 22, 2006, 07:52:56 am
Matthew

Doesn't matter what others charge, it's what you need to run a viable business.

Work out all of your costs, determine how many days you believe you will work and you come up with a starting point for how much you need each day. Then you can factor in how long it takes to clean a suite or a carpet, or anything else you clean, that will give you some idea of how much you need to charge.

The problem with your question is there are many different answers to the question.

Remember it is your business that you run, not someone else's.

All the best
Nigel
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Mike Halliday on November 22, 2006, 07:57:24 am
Why can't anyone give him a straight answer ::) ::) ;)

livingroom £45
through lounge £70
bedroom £35
Kitchen £30-35
hall-stair-landing £50

based on a average 3 bed semi.

you won't be far wrong with these prices.

Mike
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: jasonl on November 22, 2006, 08:06:18 am
In the last month I have personally called over 220 independant carpet cleaners the average prices in the uk I was quoted were about 25% lower than the ones Mick quotes above, and around £75 for a suite.
I did not call any franchise operations, who tend to be higher priced, and several would not give prices on the phone, I assume that these operators charge higher prices.
Working on this basis and knowing the operating costs for a cc operation, it seems 500-1000 a week is the aspiration of most one man one van operations.
Thisthen equates down to just about 10% below micks prices, remembering that few people will be grossing £60 plus per hour consistently week in week out for 40 hours a week.
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: murky on November 22, 2006, 08:53:53 am
Jason,

You cant have much work on to ring 200 cc's to see what their prices are.

I personally dont care what the other guy is charging, as was posted earlier you have to work out your costs, machine, chems, fuel, insurance, depreciation, variable costs etc and come out with your prices.

The reason that the franchises charge so much for their work apart from the fact they have to pay a percentage to them is the fact that they are shown how to get their figures, because they are running a business not sitting at home staring at the phone hoping that it will ring.

We might not like franchises but it is in their interest to make their businesses make money.

Its a business.

Not a hobby.
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Mike Halliday on November 22, 2006, 12:53:57 pm
based on my prices if you are working an average full week I would expect you to earn £1200-£1400.

if you are thick and cannot sell over the phone you will not get the prices I have quoted, all it takes is a few well practiced sentences and you'll get better prices.

anyone can can quote £20 to clean a livingroom and they'll get every job that calls.

Mike

Ps don't ask what 'well practiced sentences' to use,   work them out
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: David_Annable on November 22, 2006, 01:02:21 pm
Hi

There is no right or wrong answer.

Some charge £20 a room, some £60.

Some charge £40 for a suite, some £140.

I depends on the skill (sic) of the person involved & there skill in selling themselves.

Dave
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: vangaurd on November 22, 2006, 02:26:00 pm
phone call today
cust how much do you charge , for leather?
what type of leather is it? customer , ordinary
can i come and do a check?
why! i have told you ordinary
forget it.
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Barry Livingstone on November 22, 2006, 03:34:50 pm
sounds like it was another cc calling you mate.............. ;D ;D
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: jasonl on November 22, 2006, 04:48:10 pm
Murky. I 2 people out cleaning carpet for me , so I have the time to work on my business. :)
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Clear Vision on November 22, 2006, 05:18:19 pm
Why can't anyone give him a straight answer ::) ::) ;)

livingroom £45
through lounge £70
bedroom £35
Kitchen £30-35
hall-stair-landing £50

based on a average 3 bed semi.

you won't be far wrong with these prices.

Mike

At last!

Many thanks mike!

Thats all I wanted to know. Took a few days though ;D

I didn't want to go and charge something like £200 for a lounge carpet!

Your prices you listed were along the same lines as I was thinking. Thanks
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Mark Stanley on November 22, 2006, 08:04:56 pm
If it helps the wieghted average for domestic carpet cleaning is £3.34 per sq. metre. As quoted in a recent course I attended and presented by Mr. Pearce.

Regards
Mark
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Len Gribble on November 22, 2006, 09:15:17 pm
Mark

That’s cheap in comparison to a new one (just been quoted t/l, s/l and a small bedroom £4k that includes underlay and fitting) think I need to barter a bit. ;D

Len
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Mark Stanley on November 23, 2006, 07:24:59 pm
Nice one Len - It took me a little while to work out - but I did.

Regards
Mark
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Len Gribble on November 23, 2006, 10:15:53 pm
Mark

Me being a frugal relayed 2nd main bedroom (new underlay) vac and then Holloway; ied it, wife thought it had been cleaned, next time I will vac and clean it. ;D

Len   
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on November 23, 2006, 10:22:19 pm
frugal = thrifty

like it Len, hope her indoors doesn't find out!

Shaun
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: ROSINA INVESTMENTS LIMITED on November 23, 2006, 11:11:30 pm
We charge £70 lounge, £85 through lounge, £190 3-pc, hsl £80, dinner £50, these are our min. charges but please bear in mind that our clients are mostly up-market. Our min. call out charge is £150. Yes, we charge well above average, but our men are well rewarded for their efforts at the end of the day. You pay peanuts, you get monkeys!!
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: gwrightson on November 24, 2006, 06:35:06 am
do first impressions really count?
if so i get this immpression that Rossino or who ever , has brown stuff coming from his mouth,
already he has waffled , and tried to get a member struck off, told what appears to be blatant porkies regarding e mails.
seem to remember 1 or 2 others on here not that long ago were my first immpresions were proven right :)

But then again I may be wrong :-[  :-[
Geoff
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: ROSINA INVESTMENTS LIMITED on November 24, 2006, 09:09:05 am
do first impressions really count?
if so i get this immpression that Rossino or who ever , has brown stuff coming from his mouth,
already he has waffled , and tried to get a member struck off, told what appears to be blatant porkies regarding e mails.
seem to remember 1 or 2 others on here not that long ago were my first immpresions were proven right :)

But then again I may be wrong :-[  :-[
Geoff

My list is growing and your one of them pal  ;D
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: jasonl on November 24, 2006, 02:18:44 pm
How come I cannot find a company called rosina investments limited on companies house website?
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Nick Johnston on November 24, 2006, 03:26:56 pm
They are registered in Gibraltar
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: rambly on November 24, 2006, 05:38:17 pm
Why can't anyone give him a straight answer ::) ::) ;)

livingroom £45
through lounge £70
bedroom £35
Kitchen £30-35
hall-stair-landing £50

based on a average 3 bed semi.

you won't be far wrong with these prices.

Mike

This is roughly the same as I would quote in response to a phone call, but always try and make it clear that it based on an average house. Much prefer to do a survey as the clients view of how soiled/stained (particulary suites) are varies considerably and access, clutter, furniture moving etc. can make the job take a bit longer than average.
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on November 24, 2006, 09:59:39 pm
Rosina, it's interesting that you charge £70 for a lounge and £85 for a thru lounge? there's not much difference in price for nearly double the carpet.

May I ask where abouts you are based or area of the UK you work?

Just fascinated, I have no politics with you.

Shaun
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Len Gribble on November 25, 2006, 03:03:59 am
Shaun

She did but what an excuses I gave thank for the lead, frugal = thrifty her reply you skin flint (would love to say what she really said but I would be band on the forum) anyway she wants my Holloway but I keep telling her it not woolsafe recommended (or is it) :o

Jasonl

It there! But Nick may be right.


Rosina

(but please bear in mind that our clients are mostly up-market.)  It funny I do quite a few of them. >:(

Len
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: carpetclean on November 25, 2006, 07:49:26 am
Shaun

She did but what an excuses I gave thank for the lead, frugal = thrifty her reply you skin flint (would love to say what she really said but I would be band on the forum) anyway she wants my Holloway but I keep telling her it not woolsafe recommended (or is it) :o

Jasonl

It there! But Nick may be right.


Rosina

(but please bear in mind that our clients are mostly up-market.)  It funny I do quite a few of them. >:(

Len


I agree with you Len I think most cc' do quite a few up market though not quite daves [ liohna ] niche
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: ROSINA INVESTMENTS LIMITED on November 25, 2006, 10:28:00 am
May I ask where abouts you are based or area of the UK you work?

Just fascinated, I have no politics with you.

Shaun

We develop Nationwide. We currently have building projects in Bournemouth, Kent, Manchester & Liverpool. We have 2,837 rental units across the UK, it is that what keeps our small cleaning department busy - end of leases etc. as well as everyday domestic and commercial work. Our head office is in London where I live and work. This is where we also have an impressive display of carpet cleaning machinery dating back to the 60's/70's in our main hallway.
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Len Gribble on November 25, 2006, 07:17:19 pm
Peter

Possibly not, but don’t you Just love a niche market? £100 is £100 etc just as long as it’s not Scottish notes (forgeries are about)

Rosina

How long have you been going? Do you use any of the 60’s/70’s equipment? Think a replacement for my Holloway would cost in the region of £2k. :o :o

Not being picky are you aloud by English law to use the word Limited. ???

Len
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: carpetguy on November 25, 2006, 09:23:11 pm
Len

Which Holloway are you talking about ?

I have one of the little single brush Holloways, in it's wooden box, still works but it's pretty heavy.

robbie
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Len Gribble on November 25, 2006, 11:06:37 pm
Robbie

Sorry don’t know but it’s single (Inherited ;D), Re-incarnations works, and yes very heavy, but it dose the biz, also do the grave yard shift, :(

Sorry if I offended about notes, pre warned!

Len 
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: ROSINA INVESTMENTS LIMITED on November 26, 2006, 10:20:04 am
Peter


Rosina

How long have you been going? Do you use any of the 60’s/70’s equipment? Not being picky are you aloud by English law to use the word Limited. ???

Len


Trading since 1948 (under other name/s). No we don't still use equipment. As I stated they are now on show. Yes, we are aloud to use Limited. We mostly operate in the UK and pay taxes here.
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: ROSINA INVESTMENTS LIMITED on November 26, 2006, 10:21:59 am
Well, flying off to Dinard on private jet this afternoon - see you all on Monday! Bet your gonna miss me on here? I'll try and pop in using my lap top to say hello tommorrow.   :) 
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: carpetguy on November 26, 2006, 10:26:03 am
I think the last post says it all.

robbie
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: carpetguy on November 26, 2006, 10:30:30 am
Len

Do you use the Holloway, with chemical supply, or just to aggitate.  I had to make up a supply system which works very well with chrystallising foam, but don't use the machine nowadays and should really sell it along with a few others.

robbie
Title: Re: How much to charge
Post by: Len Gribble on November 26, 2006, 05:41:40 pm
Robbie

My Holloway is a power brush and its fantastic old dogs never die: this one not even fading away.

(http://img431.i.us/img431/3309/hollowayjt3.jpg)

Len