[Mike Halliday]

How's every one doing fo this?

Not cleaned a leather suite for 3 months and not done a repair this year

This with being top of google for most  search terms to do  with leather and it's mentioned on my leaflet, just doesn't seem to be a demand for it

[Andrew Briscoe]

I have a friend on facebook who has just packed it in, and he was doing carpets too.

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I remember Paul moss saying that there was a limited window of opportunity for this work I like you don't get asked or do much I gave a price for a clean and small re dye and the customer who btw spends £200+ to have her carpets cleaned twice a year Screwed her face up at the price and I'm getting that on alot of enquiries, many enquiries can be time wasters but good customers like this one just didn't see it as value for money.

Shaun

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys

If you go into DFS or alike, the leather on sale is darker and less cleaning will be needed.

Cream sofa have been great for us, although I hate cleaning them.

Funnily enough I was thinking as Mike did a couple of weeks ago but have booked 3 since.

Cheers

Doug

[derek west]

about 1 a month for me, all though i have 2 todo next week, 1 just a repair and 1 is a full clean (£120) plus then look at some cat scratches which i quoted over the phone as between £50 and £150 so she said do the clean and quote while your there for the repair.
all in all, worth keeping it up as i don't spend any extra on advertising.

[LTT Leathercare]

As a supplier we have never been busier and the cleaners and technicians we work with are all saying that they are stacked out with work. 
We are also dealing with far more referrals for work than in previous years.
In times of recession people are far more keen on cleaning and repairing than replacing so all I can say is the work is out there. 
Leather is still about 50% of the market share.
There are many more Aniline leathers at the moment which are very rewarding both visually and financially.  Our sales of Aniline Dyes have increased dramatically over the past year.

Hope this helps
Judyb

[andrew stone]

Seem to average one to two leather cleans a month here.Always cream!
Gained some carpet cleaning at the same time .

andrew

[SteveAllan]

Interesting guys, I was thinking of a course but maybe not if that's the level of work out there at the moment. I'll concentrate on what we are doing at the moment and maybe think about it later. Incedently, do most advertise it separate as I have never been asked to clean a leather suite yet only normal upholstery.

[robert meldrum]

There are so many DIY products around now ............if you tap in leather cleaner you will find Lakeland at the top of most pages. Fyrniture Clinic have also been targeting consumers directly for several years.

[andrew stone]

I mention leather cleaning in all adverts.
Also mention it to all customers who have leather whilst doing other work.
With there permission will test a section and leave them a quote.
If cleaning carpets will leave a quote for furniture cleaning- leather or fabric.

andrew

[Steve Gunn]

I'm getting enquires but they have either neglected the sofas that much cleaning not an option but they won't pay the price to have them repaired.

[Neil Williams]

I'm getting enquires but they have either neglected the sofas that much cleaning not an option but they won't pay the price to have them repaired.

Ditto to what Steve said.
It seems to come in batches nothing for months followed by a week full of enquiries, but people aren't willing to spend the money for what is a time consuming process (repairs and recolouring). I've had people refuse to pay £50 for a suede cushion to be cleaned if they put it in the post to me - this after a cat was sick on it. Someone who wouldn't pay £60 for a designer bag to be cleaned and handle recoloured. And £120 to clean a sofa that cost over £1500 four years ago - on the plus side she's now stuck a super clean patch in the middle of a very dirty seat. 

[Victoria Hutchinso]

There is not very big search for such type of services. You should try to attract attention with some promotion.

[Neil Williams]

There is not very big search for such type of services. You should try to attract attention with some promotion.

You can promote it all you like the vast majority of people won't pay the prices that relates to the time required to do the work. Even if they do the hourly rate is still sub carpet cleaning rates, infact it can be well sub window cleaning rates.
Today I finished a 2 day job to recolour a 3-2-1 suite from cream to tan, that was 12 hours work in total. Cost of products to do the job.... not far off £100. Total cost to the customer £600 but take off £100 for the Vat element.

This was a good day at well short of £40/hour whereas I aim for a fair bit more on the carpet cleaning side.

The handbags I've mentioned can take 2 hours and you'll be lucky to get £60 for it, yes there are exceptions but not many.