Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: richy27 on March 14, 2009, 08:40:21 pm

Title: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: richy27 on March 14, 2009, 08:40:21 pm
Because i ahve no basis to compare figures from previous years as i was a newbie last year is this climate affecting you and the amount of work you get

Regards

Rich
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: markpowell on March 14, 2009, 08:43:24 pm
There seems to be no consistency at all this year one week chocka then week after normal, then quiet.
Mark
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Joe H on March 14, 2009, 08:52:24 pm
Jan & Feb down slightly on last year but March is already up and more to come.

Collect my new truck mount next Friday - speculating for a good future.
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 14, 2009, 09:12:00 pm
Think good most likely have a good future Joe.

I'm up on last year at this time by...........£51

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Ricky M on March 14, 2009, 09:15:28 pm
up on last year by a few bob , No a lot of bobs but that wouldn of been diff

I love bobs , its but like boobs
He He Ho Ho
I like Hos its a bit like the Dam !!
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 14, 2009, 09:19:40 pm
Ricky sounds like you could do with some more lemon in that G&T.

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: derek west on March 14, 2009, 09:20:58 pm
my posts still make sense right?
derek
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Len Gribble on March 14, 2009, 09:26:18 pm
I’m 8k down lost 3 contracts but I will get over it

Len
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 14, 2009, 09:29:37 pm
But yout loaded Len!

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Ricky M on March 14, 2009, 09:32:28 pm
Shaun , Had an Ashmore day today so celebrating a lil

Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 14, 2009, 09:32:35 pm
Derek you must be a seasoned drinker, Ricky is just hugh on life!

Shaun

PS Ricky don't you start blowing into my compressor i want it to have a clean bill of health.
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 14, 2009, 09:34:43 pm
Got to my first job today and got this guy texting me what are you wearing???? I was going to put sussies and fish nets but wasn't sure how far he was away from me ;D

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Ricky M on March 14, 2009, 09:42:13 pm
Shaun , u were 1 of 8 but yes that did come twice  :-*
2 GnTs off to kip  ;D
 


Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: hotsteam on March 15, 2009, 01:05:24 am
why does everyone go back to last year this is a whole new ball game get that in your head first and you might get somewhere !  ::)
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: jacko on March 15, 2009, 01:17:52 am
why does everyone go back to last year this is a whole new ball game get that in your head first and you might get somewhere !  ::)

If your gonna measure how you're doing you've gotta measure against something!  Comparing last years' numbers to current performance is a clear indication of how you're progressing (or not). This is a major Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

For the record i am pleased to report that due to a specific marketing campaign in December - Jan was 22% up on last year and Feb 38% (Turnover)
March to 14th is 1.5% down....
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Joe H on March 15, 2009, 08:20:05 am
why does everyone go back to last year this is a whole new ball game get that in your head first and you might get somewhere !  ::)

Whether the "new ball game" is in YOUR control or not (this recession is not of your making) then, like Jacko says you got to have something to measure performance with.
Comparing now with last year shows how much this "recession" is affecting YOU as an individual.

but you must think positively - when you go negative you start to sink.
if you aint getting a smuch work you do something different to what you normally do to find it - even to knocking on doors (which some do anyway but suspect most dont).
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Doug Holloway on March 15, 2009, 09:07:13 am
Hi Guys

I am well up on last year, about 25 %.

If you market well, internet, you will be too but it's a long term thing not a quick Google Addwords campaign  ::)

The main reason I am well up is some really good commercial work which I just would not have been able to get before the internet as it was almost impossible to get passed the cleaning contractor and the 'thats the best you will get' impression, customers can now find cleaning professionals.

Cheers

Doug
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: daysdeepclean on March 15, 2009, 11:24:07 am
I'm getting 2 jobs a month from t'internet, I know I need to work on it and understand it a lot more before I will see the benefits... I wrongly suggested that the 'older' clients would never use the internet to look for a carpet/oven cleaner.

Anyway, back to the original thread..... Things are going from strength for me, I'm not earning £500-£1000 per week like I know most of you do :o But Things are building up nice and slowly and my repeat customers and referals are a sure sign I'm doing something right.... I didn't start a business for a quick buck, I want a good quality solid business and a good reputation. I'm sure that the economic slow down will have affected how I 'could' be doing, but I'll just plug away and work especially hard when the work does come in.
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 15, 2009, 02:03:33 pm
Trouble with me is that I'm running at full pelt there's no room for increased work loads unless I start working extra which 6 days a week is enough more me, I do up the price but without going out to see clients which would take even more time up my pricing is at the top as what I think I can get over the phone IMO, that's why I'm looking to go out quoting and up the prices more and perhaps do a bit less cleaning.

Shaun

PS should employ someone and I think I may do that but then the hassle comes, although I have a plan for something else in the pipe line.
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: derek west on March 15, 2009, 02:19:33 pm
pipe cleaning ;D
derek
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: clinton on March 15, 2009, 02:24:48 pm
Shaun

You will end up like brian lol.

The problems start if you employ someone mate ??? get what money you need shaun and am sure you will be fine.

I dont do much unsocial hours and thats how i want it so i dont want any commercial that need doing at night etc.

Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 15, 2009, 02:34:24 pm
I hate going out at night to do work who do customers think I am Dracula?
Full days work and then back home intime for tea with lashings of ginger beer ;D

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 15, 2009, 02:53:51 pm
Call backs although shows you care are embarrasing, I like to get it done well once but we are all human I get call backs and return immediately at (cue Joe Polish) 'break neck speed' as it looks good to the customer and I can rest as it's out of my head.

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Dave_Lee on March 15, 2009, 08:50:21 pm
Shaun,
The simple truth is most CCs including myself will never reach the same turnover that you do. Obviously the only way of looking forward is to try and improve, year on year. However you have already reached an outstanding level, so whilst someone who is building his business in the early years can make a leap of 50% or more on the previous year, you are doing well by just maintaining the same.
Dave.
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Ricky M on March 15, 2009, 09:04:38 pm
Dave , I disagree big time , i took over a small CC biz at bottom feeder level earnings , not enough to support a family on 1 wage so I did 2 jobs and with a lil hard work have doubled turn over and profit in ten months with No web site and only putting out 8k of Leaflets and I Dont go out and Quote Yet  :-X
I fully belive you can get what ever earnings you want if you Learn your trade , stand up and be counted & usuing words to your advantage   
as long as your not on the GnTs  :)
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 15, 2009, 09:18:47 pm
I'm in that part of my cleaning life 'again' where I need to progress to the next level it seems to happen every 5 years, about 10 years ago I started the big price increases after doing Piranha and never looked back, looking at other cleaning ops to keep me fresh but the next one is to put the prices up again as I am always booked up.

Was interested in reading about Ian rochester with his Furniture Clinic Franchise but I think I'd need an employee with that but he's doing some really good high ticket work, I'm at a cross roads (cue music)

Shaun

Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Doug Holloway on March 15, 2009, 10:42:58 pm
Shaun

The big difference for me has been a different type of work where the price is much higher than in my previous life, i.e big commercial and green carpet cleanong.

Cheers

Doug
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Doctor Carpet (Ret'd) on March 15, 2009, 10:49:27 pm
(Whilst hefting a large piece of "lucky" wood)

No. No difference. I can't really do significantly more than what I am doing. I've lost some clients who think I'm a bit expensive but gained others who think I'm cheaper than what they've paid in the past. Or, simply think I'm good value as they've never really considered having things cleaned in the past but now as they are trying to save money, cleaning is a cheaper option to replacing-or at least making things last a little longer.

The weird thing is that as I've put my prices up over the years I've obtained better quality jobs, bigger in size, with a higher ticket price and more repeat and referral work off the back of those jobs.

Never done leaflets and can't say that I'm planning to start using them anytime soon.
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 15, 2009, 10:58:02 pm
Doug I don't get much commercial work at all internet or otherwise only what's past on from customers I do work for but then again I prefer domestic I like the cash flow of it.

I did get that call from the lady wanting an eco clean, she's talking to her other half first though but thanks.

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: markpowell on March 16, 2009, 02:46:19 pm
well thats it worked up, not 1 job in diary now, cant ever remember this happening before!
Phone hasnt rung for nearlly a week either :o,
Mark 
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: clinton on March 16, 2009, 03:07:39 pm
Mark

You were busy the last few weeks mind you so it will even itself out ???

I have got a busy week but wasnt last week so just take it as it comes.

It gives you time to do jobs around the house etc well my mrs finds me them  to do::)
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: derek west on March 16, 2009, 03:27:30 pm
6 jobs booked now for this week plus a quote, and did a quote for £185 today, doing that after i get back from ltt next week. phones been busy this week but the week after usually makes up for it. :-\
derek
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: JandS on March 16, 2009, 04:29:21 pm
Same over this end too Mark.
3 jobs booked for this week then that's it.

John
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: M.Acorn on March 16, 2009, 05:41:42 pm
Had the first job from new yellow pages book today  ;D new area for me and very competitive,but i am on 2nd page top left corner so good position.
Indian resturant,member of staff had poured bleach all over the bench seats 20 of them ! looked really bad could not do owt about the bleach but said i would suck it out so custy does not bleach their clothes,also did their belgian wilton carpet.
Was planning on spending the arvo messing with the roc and going for a blast to clear the cobwebs out,but they called at 12.30 and said they need me asap,oh well worth the £300,but that is it now until sat,unless the prop rental get in touch to go ahead with the £180 quote..Not eaten anything all day apart from a bar of choc
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Dave_Lee on March 16, 2009, 08:20:00 pm
ABILITY,
Thats exactly what I was saying. A new business or to put it another  a business with a comparatively low turnover can be transformed by a large percentage in one year, with a bit of effort. Whereas it is it much more difficult to improve an established top end business on or near its limits in terms of turnover by anywhere near the same percentage. A six fugure turnover for one man, one van is top end business in my opinion. As Shaun says, when working at the limit (ie. always booked up) as he invariably is, the only way to increase turnover is by raising prices.
Dave.
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 16, 2009, 09:04:43 pm
There's more to it then raising prices though, with a TM it's a matter of increasing the job spend or in other words doing more on one job there's also another way and that's to only go for more profitable work ie carpets and not upholstery the only trouble with this is that you end up not keeping your customer as they will have to use another cleaner for upholstery cleans.

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 16, 2009, 10:04:04 pm
With the LPG I think it works out at £2-2.50 an hour but you can clean twice as fast.

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 16, 2009, 10:33:15 pm
The petrol think is linear to what you are cleaning but you do have to have enough work on or developing your business to make it bigger, that's why I think that Alltec is made for you. (no offence intended)

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 16, 2009, 10:59:45 pm
I thinnk it depends on how you feel with the customer, if the job will take an extra tenner then go for it, many customers think that you must charge the same as when you did it last last time so perhaps it's worth an increase anyway.

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Doug Holloway on March 17, 2009, 07:08:14 am
Hi Guys

Clinton, you will find that you just get more work when you have the TM, which will take care of the fuel etc.

Cheers

Doug
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Joe H on March 17, 2009, 07:22:25 am
Clinton

Remember what I charged fro the bedroom and stairs the other day - and that was up from the telephone estimate as soon as I saw the work content.   Shaun is more then likely above me - by far.

You got to sell what you got.
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Susan Dean (1stclean) on March 17, 2009, 02:11:00 pm
both my truck mounts have never moved in a week but not that bothered at the min haveing much more fun going round blankrupt aucks getting bits for my new house  :P

just wish i could find more anybody know how ???
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Ricky M on March 17, 2009, 07:43:34 pm
 blankrupt aucks
this new on me  :D
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: derek west on March 17, 2009, 07:47:46 pm
its the new car stereo from new zealand.
derek
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: markpowell on March 17, 2009, 07:48:08 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: daysdeepclean on March 17, 2009, 07:49:24 pm
I'm guessing "Bankrupt auctions...."

Taking the pi** out of eachother's spelling was frowned upon a couple of months ago if my memory serves me right.

Sorry to be the sensible one for a change, I'd hate to see you get in any grief!!!!
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Ricky M on March 17, 2009, 07:53:45 pm
Excuse me , I wasnt extracting the urine , not one bit cause I cant spell for toffee
but I can pat my head and rub my bellies  ;D ;D
 
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: derek west on March 17, 2009, 07:59:29 pm
neither was i, i stuck up for susan last time and would do it again, i was just cracking a joke that i thought would get a laugh. no attack on susan what so ever.
derek
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Mike Osbourne on March 17, 2009, 09:02:29 pm
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.

I have a mate who is pretty much illiterate, yet you wouldn't know it to talk to him. He can take one of those big house removal lorries and reverse it through tight bends with cars either side without batting and eye.

Show him something once like pull apart an engine or a gearbox and he will put it backk perfect and wonder why everyone else has trouble.

So thankfully we all have different things to offer and that makes the world go round.

   
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Doctor Carpet (Ret'd) on March 17, 2009, 09:26:48 pm
Wise words as ever, Mike.
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Matt Lindus on March 17, 2009, 10:43:28 pm
Not really feeling the squeeze as much as anticipated. Carpets and Upholstery grossed £3300 ish last month, that’s with one guy out. Ariel’s, sats and CCTV did us a gross of £48333 last month which is well up on previous years. This coupled to the fact that the switch over is coming soon and a spate or commercial robberies, prompting them to better surveillance technology.

Matt
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: JandS on March 18, 2009, 09:25:10 am
Booked a clean in at a house on Monday house number 37.
Phone call today from same street, told her next Friday same as other one, she says what number when I tell her she says oh I'm 39.
Love work like that, it's quite a long street as well.

John
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: clinton on March 18, 2009, 02:34:00 pm
Had a good week so far and think with  the nice weather it will continue :)

Am going to be well up on last march with another week to go hopefully and most of the work  from my regulars:)



Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: daysdeepclean on March 18, 2009, 02:49:55 pm
I just went to look at a job this morning and the fella told me he's got quite a few houses that need doing (Estate agent.... Very posh one ot too :o. I quoted him £200 for the one in question and he told me to crack on, job done!

If this is month is anything to go by I'll be more than happy ;D
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: richy27 on March 18, 2009, 03:43:58 pm
Having pretty steady month too col feb was good and matched that in march not massive volume of work but they are quite good jobs. off to do an upholstery cleaning course at cleansmart on fri so hopefully can gain bit more knowledge in that field. good to hear your getting on ok
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: markpowell on March 18, 2009, 03:53:20 pm
Glad to say thing have gone mad here again,
Mark
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: markpowell on March 18, 2009, 05:51:25 pm
Think your right Clinton, not a call here for over a week then 8 bookings today. Hows things at your end mate?
Mark
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: derek west on March 18, 2009, 05:52:43 pm
i was cleaning cushions in a custys back garden today, had the dryer on the lawn, cushions were dry in ten mins. ;D
derek
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: markpowell on March 18, 2009, 05:57:08 pm
It usually goes mad on the suite cleaning about may, i ahve booked 2 today definately the weather.
I saw it on the TV that this summer is going to be the hotest in over 30 years, something to do with how the earth is placed towards the sun. Hope so!
Mark
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: clinton on March 18, 2009, 06:02:43 pm
Mark
Its been a funny month and had a great start, quiet 2nd week and busy this week going on for 1500 in takings :)
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: stevegunn on March 18, 2009, 06:06:09 pm
Domestically ticking over commercial has gone daft people spending their budget before beginning of new tax year
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Joe H on March 18, 2009, 06:14:54 pm
Spending budgets - council filling the holes in the roads around my place  ::)
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: daysdeepclean on March 18, 2009, 06:26:18 pm
Mark
Its been a funny month and had a great start, quiet 2nd week and busy this week going on for 1500 in takings :)

I'm under a monkey behind you.... I must say the YP is getting me some work in at the moment :-X
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Joe H on March 18, 2009, 06:37:25 pm
Clinton
Thro crawling on my knees to my neighbours begging a few scraps.
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 18, 2009, 10:26:59 pm
Have you had to put in a full week then Clinton? ;D

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 18, 2009, 10:33:41 pm
Mrs saying she's fed up of me not being around! I think she wanted some help lifting here shopping bags which by the way is paid for by me noy being at hoe but at work.

I'd hate to be a woman.

Getting the silent treatmant at the moment which suits me down to the ground, but obviously it's my fault, I keep antaganising her by saying " yes love, of course it's my fault, I'm so sorry, I can't apologise enough" and she's getting madder.

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 18, 2009, 10:40:17 pm
I definately need a new keyboard that's for sure.

Shaun
Title: Re: is this current economic affecting you
Post by: Shaun_Ashmore on March 18, 2009, 10:49:13 pm
Glue her mouth shut.....forever!

you come home from work just wanting a quiet life and bump >:(

Shaun