[Nigel_W]

Does anyone have a sensible theory about why suite cleaning is generally less well paid than carpet cleaning?

 Most people agree it is hard work and it is technically more challenging. It also carries a greater risk of damage. Surely the price should be higher Or should carpet cleaning be cheaper

Nigel

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Nigel

The public perceive CC to be more difficult but we know the opposite is true.

Also it's physically smaller.

Cheers

doug

[JandS]

A suite may be 30sq m of fabric but I bet a good
third of it is the back and sides which get a quick
once over with the Drymaster.

John

[mark_roberts]

My theory is that most people will get a suite cleaned once in its life span, which is around 10years.  When they get it cleaned at around 5 years they know its worth nothing so are surprised and reluctant to pay the money for what we know is a time consuming and fiddly clean.  They know nothing of tool size, time taken to clean etc and why would they.

With carpets they tend to get them cleaned maybe a few times within its life started around 2 years so I think they still see the carpet as having value and the dirt is more visable on a carpet.

Nigel, what do you charge for a 3-1-1 in the world of the rich and famous.

[Steve Barnett (Carpet Care Plus)]

I don't enjoy upholstery cleaning. Once I got my drimaster tool it was less hassle - now I've invested in a CFR and I enjoy it slighty more as there's not as much filling and emptying.

However, my hourly rate goes down on upholstery work, even at £ 30 per seat area.

[garyfindlay]

I have never seen the need to clean sides and back of a suite. If required, a vac,then a run over with dry foam would be ample. If I cleaned all of the suite, then I would have to charge more, a price myself out the job.

[Steve Gunn]

You obviously don't do the type of clients I do   : :  I know its leather but

[Steve. Taylor]

Steve best way to sort that pull the cat's claws out

[Steve Gunn]

They not cat claw marks but bogeys 

[Steve. Taylor]

NO NOT AVIN IT

[Steve Gunn]

Was in a house that a doctor was renting he said it didnt need cleaning  but landlord insisted???

[Neil Williams]

I never quote for suites over the phone, unless they push push push and at that point I try and price myself out of it, because they're clearly price shoppers and there's no point in wasting anymore time/fuel than neccessary.
I want to know what I am walking into and I've yet to come across a single customer who's description over the phone was anywhere near accurate. Suites are a loss maker compared to carpets in £/hr so I'll only do those that aren't going to cause potential problems and where the results are noticable....how can you do all that over the phone?

[Chris Hawkes]

"Ok, I'll just talk it over with my husband and get back to you"

"Ok, thanks, bye!"

[Buckland]

Perfect example yesterday was a cust who really wanted phone guide price and never mind how carefully you cross-examine them you have to err on the side of caution and expect the worst - opportunity cost of not doing carpets to consider - in the end quoting a very reasonable (actually bloody cheap) I thought 175 for 3 + 2 +1 +1 and they thought that was expensive! when I know thats three hours min plus with chat, tea etc - my attitude is if Im going to do it I want to earn, then I can take a bit more time if it proves difficult in places - also it is much easier to qualify carpet jobs with cust before you start. Also toll on backbone to consider...

Also I find suite cleans are more often sought when cust has identified a distinct problem - head grease, spill prob, arms worn etc (as if we solve that) - whereas carpets tend to be more how shall I put it MANAGEABLE - i.e. just plain grubby

Case in point today I did a Natuzzi microfibre suite and all fine apart from very soiled piping all rounf plus one recliner on a 3 seat couch which was so heavily soiled it was almost past point of no return - headgrease, seat and arm needed much more work than phone price quoted... sensible cust but I couldnt help thinking thats it, Ive been here for three hours I need to be gone by now...

[Jim_77]

Steve I'll give you a pound for every one of those bogeys you take off and eat

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Would that be constituted as an All you can eat pouffe?

Shaun

[Dennis]

Thanks you lot, I feel sick now!