Hi
I recently had a booklet from a supplier as a 'free gift' entitled '101 ways to get anyone to do almost anything!'
Aside from the fact that, despite having the booklet, people still ignore me I thought it might be a good idea to come up with something similar for contract cleaners which we could post here for people to download.
So, has anyone got any simple but effective hints, tips or tricks that would help both new and established contract cleaners.
I can think of quite a few general ones, as follows, but would welcome any more you could think of.
Regards
Mike
Rule # 1 - If you do the same things you'll get the same results!
Don't undervalue your service. Charge a good price for a good job.
Always keep your vehicles clean. First impressions count.
Send a 'Thankyou for your business' card after a customer uses you for the first time.
Try to sell your services to anyone you buy from.
Make use of free editorial in local press. Often they struggle to find stories to fill it. If you have a high profile new customer, or you take on more staff, or move premises, or celebrate 5 years in business (or 10, 15, 20, 25 for that matter!) or invest in the latest equipment to 'keep up with demand' - you might be surprised how easy it is to get something included, particularly if you have a good picture to go with it.
Consider co-operative advertising. Why not halve the cost of printing and inserting leaflets by partnering with another, non-competing, business such as a plumber or electrician. You print on one side and they print on the other.
If a customer is happy with the job ask them to put it in writing. Testimonials are the best way to install confidence in your abilities.
Make an effort to work with 'competitors'. Often they'll have work they could pass on and vice-versa. There's plenty of business for everyone out there.
Always offer add-on services where possible such as window cleaning or carpet cleaning.
Get trained. Good training will help you do a better job faster.
Join, and participate, in an online forum such as Cleanitup
Tax evasion is illegal but tax avoidance isn't! Always use a good bookkeeper or accountant. They can often save you more money than they cost.
Over to you lot for now............