[PaulKing]

I notice they are making a big push on their services direct to the public  but as they own chem dry and operate their own network that was previously the regency network it looks like we have another big player.Last I heard it was £190 for a suite and then protector was extra, seems even the big boys are changing  tack. I wonder how much it will affect us

[robert meldrum]

Surprised at the lack of comments on this, as a national company charging such high prices has to be good news for everyone else.

So, how do Homeserve market their services, I've never seen any adverts, but Chemdry still advertise in the same way they always have.

The web site is interesting, particularly the bit about, having your Card ready when you phone.

[Mike Osbourne]

The guy who owns Homeserve lives local to me and made his money with those ridiculous electrical store insurance policies for toasters.

They are a big employer and have known people who work at their head office which by all accounts is an 'interesting place to work.

A very savvy business man but even round here I don't see their vans much.

[Ken Wainwright]

My own outlook on ChemDry and Homeserve is a positive one.

They generate interest in the consumer and portray a perceived professionalism for our industry. It is upto us to live up to the standards and professionalism they portray.

With this revitalised interest in having their carpets cleaned, some consumers will do their own market research and, if we're on the ball, we'll be in a position to beneft too.

If you are running your business well, your existing customers will not change brands. Just make sure that your standards of workmanship, presentation and ethics are up to the mark.  Low cost/low ticket price businesses are less likely to be affected, except for the CD/Homeserve marketing reminder to have their carpets cleaned.

But then again, my glass is always half full

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys

I too see National companies charging good prices as being good for the industry.

I'd much rather compete against them than the local splashers and dashers, it raises the profile of the industry.

Cheers

Doug

[John Kelly]

Spare a thought for the poor Chem-Dry guys. The people who own your franchise are actually competing against you.

[Mike Halliday]

Paul,

making a big push on their services direct to the public 

what have you seen? never seen any advertising by them.

but won't make any difference to me, I love high priced competition.

[John Kelly]

I mentioned this some time ago. They are using adwords. Mainly targetting big cities I think. If you type carpet cleaning birmingham in google they are top.

[Robert Watson]

Love quoting against Chemdry.
Especially with a testimonial  saying "far better than when we used Chemdry"
Rab.
All the best for 2009 Guys
May all your endeavors bear fruit. 

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys

That is a very expensive option, be interesting to see how long they last. Without organic listings it will be too expensive.

Cheers

Doug

[davep]

John type in 'carpet cleaning Liverpool' and see I am top, adwords not needed 

[PaulKing]

Paul,

making a big push on their services direct to the public 

what have you seen? never seen any advertising by them.

but won't make any difference to me, I love high priced competition.

we got a email thru mid december and today in south shields i saw two Homeserve vans with a new livery and with a tag line something like "book your home services thru us" one was on westo road which is near to gunny maybe he's see it too. I guess it's not unknown for them to pilot one area first.

although the website has it prominently on the homepage  ( ww w.homeserve.com mind you it's along with all trades.

I think the competition is good also, just wondered if well get a watchdog report on it and set us all back.  Don't laugh a similar thing happened with Courts and the supa shield warrenties they were selling and that was from a company that is now part of homeserve and when I last had dealings with them 6 years ago they were running the carpet upholstery and furniture side of things and I believe still are.

 I'll be ringing for a quote come the new year to see  what they are doing better, there will be somethings for sure.

[Jonny jones]

hi just reading this thread, i thought that they did a lot of insurance work, didnt they buy their main rival in the insurance business Anglia, which is a local in our which has a good reputation.

thanx jonny

[PaulKing]

yes they hace'nt been interested in the private customer till now, maybe the downturn or maybe part of their business plan