Ivan Turner
Supportive Member
Many years ago I had a carpet cleaning business. Like many, I had a truck mounted system, if you want call it that (Bane-Clene). Nonetheless, I went through the typical growth stages of doing residential, some commercial, even apartments in the early years. The system lacked any semblance of a real truck mount. But, with the use of good chemicals and adequate time the end product was usually satisfactory, all be it long drying times.
I learned early on that this system worked best for customers that had relatively clean carpets. Therefore, that is exactly who I marketed my carpet cleaning services too – the upper income class.
The system could not be used for water damage as it lacked adequate lift.
As my Disaster Restoration business began to flourish, my carpet cleaning endeavors began to take a back seat relating to priority.
Fast forward to today. Second year of business finished okay, although my numbers were lower than my goals.
I have a couple of questions regarding my plans for 2016. Since I have been out the carpet cleaning game for a while, I could use some up to date thinking and will appreciate all suggestions.
Question 1. I have a new 16 foot restoration box truck and am considering getting a truck mount installed. Therefore, if I pursue this path, what would be a good brand to have installed? It would have to be one that works well with water damage work.
Question 2. In my past life, I did my share of restaurants and while it was a “Sticky” space to deal in I did make some decent money doing it. Today, if I were to get back into carpet cleaning, Full Force, I’d probably steer clear of Restaurants and commercial facilities, except for the fact that I am in a position where I could potentially service scores of restaurants and commercial facilities. Let me explain; we have some friends that own a very large, multi-state food service supply business. The firms employs about 18 full time sales people here in the mid Missouri area alone and this is the only area of interest for my business. One friend and salesman in particular services in excess of 400 accounts. From schools, churches, restaurants - Mom & Pop to chains, Hospitals and about everything between.
Thinking like a salesman, if the sales staff were to make introductions, with a light endorsement from the facilities trusted sales rep, I think that this could be a way into the facilities for cleaning and maybe even disaster recovery work, when and if a fire or flood occurs.
Even with endorsements from trusted sales representatives, I fully understand that I would face many of the same obstacles as I did before;
Those are my questions and thoughts. Now I await some great advice and wisdom from everyone.
Thanks,
Ivan
I learned early on that this system worked best for customers that had relatively clean carpets. Therefore, that is exactly who I marketed my carpet cleaning services too – the upper income class.
The system could not be used for water damage as it lacked adequate lift.
As my Disaster Restoration business began to flourish, my carpet cleaning endeavors began to take a back seat relating to priority.
Fast forward to today. Second year of business finished okay, although my numbers were lower than my goals.
I have a couple of questions regarding my plans for 2016. Since I have been out the carpet cleaning game for a while, I could use some up to date thinking and will appreciate all suggestions.
Question 1. I have a new 16 foot restoration box truck and am considering getting a truck mount installed. Therefore, if I pursue this path, what would be a good brand to have installed? It would have to be one that works well with water damage work.
Question 2. In my past life, I did my share of restaurants and while it was a “Sticky” space to deal in I did make some decent money doing it. Today, if I were to get back into carpet cleaning, Full Force, I’d probably steer clear of Restaurants and commercial facilities, except for the fact that I am in a position where I could potentially service scores of restaurants and commercial facilities. Let me explain; we have some friends that own a very large, multi-state food service supply business. The firms employs about 18 full time sales people here in the mid Missouri area alone and this is the only area of interest for my business. One friend and salesman in particular services in excess of 400 accounts. From schools, churches, restaurants - Mom & Pop to chains, Hospitals and about everything between.
Thinking like a salesman, if the sales staff were to make introductions, with a light endorsement from the facilities trusted sales rep, I think that this could be a way into the facilities for cleaning and maybe even disaster recovery work, when and if a fire or flood occurs.
Even with endorsements from trusted sales representatives, I fully understand that I would face many of the same obstacles as I did before;
- Price sensitive customers
- Very competitive field
- Longer than expected turn time on payment
- Management turn-over, requiring a continuous repeat of the classic dog and pony show with the newly installed management
- Slow pay from corporate accounts
- Employees
Those are my questions and thoughts. Now I await some great advice and wisdom from everyone.
Thanks,
Ivan