[homenclean]

We have just returned from lanzarote on holiday and i cant beleive how quite it is.

We normally go twice a year and in 6 moths since we were there it is like somebody switched the lights off all the bars and restaurants were empty.

A favorite restaurant of ours was empty where as normally you have to book 2 days in advance.

The weather was great but the beach was empty, a lot of business were for sale.

As i understood according to the media our annual holiday is something people would not sacrifice, on this showing not true.

Good luck to all in these indifferant times.

john

[suffolkclean]

Work has slacked off for us the last few weeks. We have been doing ok up until recently, there's new cleaning companies appearing all the time too, with people watching the pennies dosn't make a good combination  Had an enquiry today:-

Large 5 seater corner sofa to be cleaned, loft conversion carpet, large lounge, 2 flights of stairs, 2 x bedrooms, hall & landing - she was quoted £240 (no sizes)!

I think we are going to have to start price matching to get work but where do you stop?

[richyp]

2 years b4 it gets better

[Dave_Lee]

Price matching will only drag you down to where they are. It eats into your profit margine and is a recipe for disaster. Dont do it, ignore the competition and concentrate on your own thing.
Dave.

[daysdeepclean]

Got to agree with Dave.

I did a repeat custy today (second time) who used a different C/C for years.... My prices are more expensive she says but her other C/C went bust.... Hardly surprising :

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I went to Tenerife in February and it was alot quieter than normal and also alot more expensive £5 a pint of the local brew.

Shaun

[clinton]

Dave am with you on this one,all my regulars dont really shop around and trust me on prices,the only extra i do is maybe a hall or little extras free while i am there..

Only get lots of price shoppers from the site and just tell them am to busy :

Were going for 2 weeks to cyprus and a week in greece later in the year and like shaun says its expensive for drinks and food because of the euro..

[neil 47]

Colin

he didn,t go bust he just could,t leave the blue Anchor

[daysdeepclean]

Neil....

Something to do with the Spingo? It looks like the contents of a waste tank that stuff, but by Christ you can't beat a pint or 6 of half half.....

[Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)]

Crete was definitely quieter.

I effectively had my own private hotel. There was me and three other couples and that was it. It was fantastic.

Didn't have to put a towel out in the morning round the pool.

Personalised service in the bars etc but there again they know me well as i've been going to the same place every summer and autumn for 3 years.

Have put my prices up this year-busy as ever. Sorry

[suffolkclean]

I totally agree with what your all saying regards to price matching but if its a case of charging your rate of lowering it to get the job where you've got nothing else booked it, surely it makes sense to drop the price rather than have NO work?

[clinton]

Barbara

Think it all comes down to how big a client list you have.

Am like some of the guys on here and have been going for a few years so have a regular income,trouble is i find is there are so many price shoppers on the net and just focus on price only so am busy enough to be able to keep my prices fair and wont drop them.

[Doug Holloway]

Hi Guys

I'm still really busy although I do work a large area and filter out the jobs I want.

Was in Hackney yesterday, 90 mins drive each way but still ended up with a very good hourly rate inc travel.

Went to Tunisia in April and it was quiet but as Roger says it was nice to be able to eat in quality restaurants without having to book.

As for dropping prices, it's O.K for a one off, but important not to get into the cheap carpet cleaner mind set, which can only lead to dissapointment.

As for price shoppers on the net , I get some( which I can spot within 2 secs), but also a lot of very good 100 per hour jobs. It's important to portray an image of quality.

Cheers

Doug

[Dave_Lee]

Drinks expensive abroad, oh B---er I'll just have take more money then. Off to Kefallonia next week, cant wait.
Dave.

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Go tea total Dave it's better for you and your pocket

Shaun

[Ian Rochester]

I'm hitting sunny (hopefully) Bideford, Devon in August  , then hopefully Tuscany in October when it's a bit cooler and the majority of tourists have gone home.

Been speaking to a few friends who've been away and they all echo your comments, places are quiet and food/drink is expensive, even Turkey has shot up in price.