[Mrs Nicholls]

hi all
I'm off to advertise again soon.
Just wondered what your thoughts were on test cleans in the domestic sector.
I think thatpeople would take advantage and have our 1 hr free clean and then as the worst has been cleaned, they'll not book services, just use us basically.
Anyone got any advertising tips?

[Art]

If your going down the lines of giving away a free hours clean why not charge for the first 3 hours and get the fourth free.

Arthur

[Mrs Nicholls]

just thought it might be a way of pulling in some more punters, but i don't know if it degrades our service.........just a thought.

[Art]

Why not go for buy  3 hrs get the 4th hour free for the first month

[Mrs Nicholls]

is there anyother special promotions that i could try in the domestic side? Lots a few customers and need to fill the gaps (not due to bad service, contracts just for summer run out now, and one passed away last month sadly)

[whispers]

sorry but i would never give away free cleans most would take advantage of it but you would be getting those clients that cant aford it but want it!

we are offering a 10% discount on all one off cleans at the moment and now aug has passed we are starting to get the calls coming in again, also our advertising is saying smething like...."Is your home now a mess after the summer holidays? why not have a full spring clean and get on top of it with our 10%discount offer if you book in the month of sept" we have found that most one off cleans then lead to aweekly contract....

hope that helps?

[Mrs Nicholls]

hi
Thats what i mean, people take advantage of you if your not careful.
I think i might put a promo on my website, which i have just overhauled.
i have  just added  referal link for people to refer friends etc.
10% off autumn cleans sounds ok, I'm thinking of pushing the party season cleaning, but it's still in the early stages, as never done one yet.
Thanks for your suggestions

[Tim Downer]

I am not in the Domestic cleaning side of the business, but how about offering a FREE clean to all NEW clients........but this free clean is done AFTER they have had and paid for your service for a month. So they use your services for a full month, then get the free clean!! otherwise if they have had a discount on the FIRST clean.....why would they use you again??
You could also incorporate this into your current clients refering you to their friends......nice little thankyou to them.

Regards

Tim

[gerrystyles]

Why do anything for free. Do supermakets give free baked beans when you first shop with them. Just do a good job for a good price

[Tim Downer]

Buy a can........get one free!!

Tim

[Tim Downer]

Why do anything for free??

Because it says a big thank you to the customer for using your service for one.

[Art]

Why do anything for free??

It's also a way of securing contracts if that's the approach you choose to take.

[Cinders]

Are the type of clients who you want to take up your services into freebies? 

I can understand why with carpet cleaning, people would be interested in a special offer but if you want a long term regular domestic client they are not going to necessarily take you up on the job because you are offering a small discount.  Surely their priority would be who your company is, how reliable you are and how well you do the job?  does giving away freebies suggest you are desperate for clients?

Maybe invest the money you would be spending on free clients back into advertising?

Just my opinion