[Carl Anderson]

Thank you very much for your replies guys.

My business plan is already sorted although it may need amending from time to time as i learn more and more.

I have also enrolled on a course with the NCCA and I'm sure i will be going on other various courses throughout the year.

In terms of relevance I asked question three just out of curiosity really. I know it will vary on whether the customer has perceived value in your work or not but i was just trying to get a rough idea. I asked question five plainly to see if it would be worth while adding a card payment section to my website for convenience but it seems the carpet business is mainly cash which is what i suspected.

Am quite surprised with question six. I would have thought cleaners would be wanting to rebook as soon as possible. Is it just a case of letting the customer come to you then and you just leaving them your contact details? Would the customer think i was pestering or even desperate if i tried to rebook them on completion? 

[Carl Anderson]

can't see why number 3 and 5 are relevant ?

It would be highly valuable information for a Tax inspector...

I am not a tax inspector by the way 

[wynne jones]

The best figures to load in your spreadsheet is your own. Especially leads per day, which you didn't ask about.

 
 I'd just get going. Training is a good move though. 

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I always used to find that the cheaper I was the more tips I got, I would say i get approx 75-80% cheques, Carl you seem clued up what do you do for a job at the moment?

Shaun

[Jim_77]

Carl I would decide what cross-section of the market you want to aim at.  If you want to do lots of low priced work for the "masses" you'll have to go about things a bit differently from if you're aiming at higher end clients.  One size definitely doesn't fit all, but you can get a good balance without limiting yourself too much.

Low priced work will be mostly cash, higher end work will be bill in the post and politely wait for a cheque or bank transfer.  90% pay up almost immediately and it's worth waiting a week or two to pay in a cheque that could cover your month's mortgage

The thing about carpet & upholstery cleaning is that it is quite a significant outlay for a lot of people, and many don't have a set time frame in mind the same as something like window cleaning.  People tend to want to call you as they think they need you, they don't want to feel pressured or obliged in to spending so much money at a pre-determined point in the future.  Obviously this is where marketing to your list comes in.  You catch them with a mail shot 12 months later and they'll respond (presuming you "won" them with your first clean).

Steep learning curve mate, and it starts as soon as you get to the "real world" part of the business

[Carl Anderson]

I always used to find that the cheaper I was the more tips I got, I would say i get approx 75-80% cheques, Carl you seem clued up what do you do for a job at the moment?

Shaun

Well ive done quite a few jobs. Most recently i was working as a supervisor in a bar but I have done sales and marketing jobs as well. Ive just recently left that job to pursue this career as i wasnt gettin paid what i was puttin in if you get my meaning. Working self employed it is up to me how much effort i put in and if i put everyting into it i believe i will get results.

I see you are from sheffield Shaun, i wish you every success.    (but please leave some customers for me  )

[Shaun_Ashmore]

There are 6 Chem Drys that serve the area as well as multiple owner operators I am only a small fish, don't get caught up in silly pricing wars just to satisfy egos cheap as chips gets them running unfortunately between the 2 cheapest prices.

Shaun