ALL NATURAL

[Old Coastie]

Clearly.

 

[Mikey P]

Us not wanting to work for the chemical sensitive or the overly cautious would be like you not wanting to work for those with horrible senses of humor or hockey fans.

 

[BIG WOOD]

Sure


Scruz is full of them

The natural wave hasn't hit over here in the sticks yet. The only time I get a natural request is because of breathing problems. Just recently, I had a request for a prespray that had no smells or strong solvents. So I mixed up some white Saiger Sauce. No problem.

But while I was doing the job, I saw a spot that needed some extra attention. So I brought my little handyman's case of spotters in with me, forgetting about my POG in there. It stunk up the entire house, and she smelled it before It even came to mind. I was so mad at myself.

 

[kevinj6121]

Sometimes ya just gotta politely walk away and get on with life

 

[steve_64]

Opportunity to educate and make a cheerleader.

Listen to their concerns. Ask why it's so important not to use products that work. Once you know the reason they are worried and they should be concerned if they don't know what products you use, then you can ease their fears and get them to relax and trust you.

I've followed enough other cleaners to understand why people are reluctant to use ANYONE. I've converted some worried about chemical safety while others worry about dry times or resoiling.

 

[SamIam]

The natural wave hasn't hit over here in the sticks yet. The only time I get a natural request is because of breathing problems. Just recently, I had a request for a prespray that had no smells or strong solvents. So I mixed up some white Saiger Sauce. No problem.

But while I was doing the job, I saw a spot that needed some extra attention. So I brought my little handyman's case of spotters in with me, forgetting about my POG in there. It stunk up the entire house, and she smelled it before It even came to mind. I was so mad at myself.

Close doors open window use fan to air out.

Keep bar of Fels and some pro solve.

POG can be nasty.

 

[kevinj6121]

Opportunity to educate and make a cheerleader.

Listen to their concerns. Ask why it's so important not to use products that work. Once you know the reason they are worried and they should be concerned if they don't know what products you use, then you can ease their fears and get them to relax and trust you.

I've followed enough other cleaners to understand why people are reluctant to use ANYONE. I've converted some worried about chemical safety while others worry about dry times or resoiling.

Sometimes yes, always try this approach 1st, you will convert some... But lets face it, there are the ones you'd just be better off walking away

 

[Jimmy L]

And avoid any customers who follow the NBA. : )

 

[SamIam]

National Basketball association?????

 

[kevinj6121]

I know i have not been in this business as long as some of you on here but I do know red flags when I see them

 

[SamIam]

I see them too.

 

[Tony Wilson]

Here in California it's way more common that you get customers that want safer greener. I'm just North of Santa Barbara. Lots of celebs and heath conscious folks here. Most are very easy to work for. They just want to know what your spraying in there home. Sometimes they'll read your bottle labels but mostly if you say this is green or safe, Voc compliant etc. there happy. And of course it helps if the stuff doesn't have a smell to it. Another words leave the solvents in the truck.

 

[Old Coastie]

I cleaned our carpets once with (some brand) and just to see what happened, dumped the residues off the back deck on the lawn.

A month later I had a lovely deep green patch full of happy grass.

I think it is all the organic gook and the alkalinity

 

[steve_64]

Phosphates are fertilizer.

 

[The Great Oz]

Find the product with the best marketing propaganda and you're all set for most green cleaning wannabees, but if they have a particular concern it would be best to ask.
Some want to know your product won't hurt the environment. That's easy, it's about proper disposal.

Some want to know that the residue will be safe for kids and pets. That's where some back-up marketing from the chemical manufacturer can help.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between those with real sensitivities and those that are attention seekers, so the easiest thing to do is to bring (or send) a small piece of carpet that you've cleaned and let them be around it to see if there are any bad reactions. If there are, you can't clean for them unless you're willing to test other products the same way. If they're not sensitive, they are unlikely to complain after approving the cleaning product you used.

I doubt she was a real chemist.

Right! People with a background in science, particularly chemistry, aren't afraid of chemistry. Although they would be the easiest to work with if they did have a concern, since they would understand an SDS, so you could just send them a link to the product you prefer.

 

[rhino1]

WOW the responses here took me by surprise. The majority of what I consider to be great customers are those that are concerned about the chemicals used in their home. They want their homes as healthy as possible for themselves, their kids, and their pets.

And I live in one of the unhealthiest small cities in the US.

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Healthy concern.

Not knee-jerk paranoia.

 

[Lee Stockwell]

.

 

[ruff]

Not a big deal. Just offer to send a link to the SDS sheet of products you offer, so that they can decide for themselves. Let them make the decision.

I used to offer that I mail them a cotton ball soaked with the products in a little ZipLock bag. People though that it was a great idea and always wanted it. Never heard back.

Now I offer to do it at $20.00; refundable if they do the cleaning. Solved the mailing issue really quick

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Customer never offers me an accurate MSD on some of the nasty crap in their carpets, but have the gall to tie my hands with their faux "healthy" phobias.

 

[Jimmy L]

Yeah that's right. They can let their dogs and cats piss all over but hey that's healthy! But limit you what you can use.

WHAT IDIOTS!

And those of you ( I know you're watching) that allow dogs to sleep in your bed with you...........MORONS!

 

[Onfire_02_01]

And those of you ( I know you're watching) that allow dogs to sleep in your bed with you...........MORONS!

Hey I resemble that!

 

[kevinj6121]

Yeah that's right. They can let their dogs and cats piss all over but hey that's healthy! But limit you what you can use.

WHAT IDIOTS!

And those of you ( I know you're watching) that allow dogs to sleep in your bed with you...........MORONS!

Have you been out in public at all and seen whats walking around out there? Trust me, i think i'll have to go with letting my dog sleep in my bed if it wants to, lol

 

[Jimmy L]

So disturbing

 

[Tom Forsythe]

I would ask what they mean by natural or organic. Everyone has a different definition of these terms. We do have a better definition of "green" in our industry as there are 3rd party certifications like Green Seal, EPA DfE, etc. These type of certifications will satisfy those who want to be environmentally friendly. Asthma. allergies , chemical sensitivities, etc. are a much bigger issue. Masterblend has an Anti-allergen line, or products without any volatile components would be the place to start. I would give them the SDS of what I wanted to use to send to their doctor for him to decide.

 

[Lee Stockwell]

"Earth Friendly!"

We use only products from Earth...

 

[steve_64]

B

"Earth Friendly!"

We use only products from Earth...

But my cleaning is out of this world!

 

[Old Coastie]

Let's approach this differently: Have any of you had an incident where your customer reacted badly to your cleaning products? Coughing, eyes watering, sneezing, asthma, rash? If so, what was the product and what did you do to fix the issue?

 

[ruff]

All of Marty's clients, mighty consistently, display those symptoms.
And he's a guru....................of sorts.