Bidding jobs

[steve_64]

I use to always figure out my lowest price for jobs especially big ones. Ok occasionally I'd try and bid higher but then I'd never hear back.

After raising prices and getting more confident even cocky I went ahead and bid what I'd really like to see on three jobs this winter and never heard back from any of them, till today. I bid another doctor's office after cleaning the one I made really great hourly $$$ on.

I had thought about going in and checking on these but kinda gave up on so it was a nice surprise to get that call today. it gives me hope on the others two since this was the first bid of the three.

It was a little stressful bidding higher than normal and took me out of my comfort zone....And I like it!

I'm also finding less resistance than in the past. I wonder if I was that low?

Anybody else pushing up their bids on jobs?

 

[Desk Jockey]

Hadn't yet but we probably should. We haven't raised our commercial capet cleaning rate in a couple of years.

Mostly we work on efficiency, reducing production time and impoving results both appearance and dry time. Keeps customer satisfaction high.

Then job costing to ensure we are satisfied too.

 

[Papa John]

I guess it also depends on who you are bidding against.
We've given high bids and we have been told our price was lower.
We've given fair bids and we never hear back.
I've given insanely low bids on very big jobs, and still didn't hear back from them..
I was probably better off not winning that bid--- but seeing 100,000 sq ft of open space carpet to be cleaned was like porno to me.

I do give three bids-- VOODOO carpet cleaning (encap), HWE or combo.
I also tell them to request proof of Insurance from anyone bidding because this will scare away many bidders.

 

[Old Coastie]

Sometimes you only want it if they will pay.

I bid that pissy job last week, 325 feet for .81/foot and $45 travel.

It would have been a complete waterclaw job, with beaucoup chemicals. Today they called to say they went with another company and I am just as happy.

Another periodic housecleaning I bid at $300/visit and the lady emailed back that it is too high for the work. I have two other customers that pay that and call to thank me after. The list of tasks is comprehensive:

"Housecleaning, periodic.

HEPA Vacuum and microfiber walls, ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Vacuum and hand dust furniture and upholstery.
HEPA vacuum floors and carpet. Mop hardwood and tile floors.

Scrub and sanitize bathrooms. Scrub showers and bathtubs to remove soap scum.
Scour sinks and counters, dust fixtures and polish mirrors and chrome.

Clean and sanitize toilets, walls and baseboards. Scrub and mop floors.

Kitchen: Degrease and sanitize all surfaces. Use food-safe agents and remove residues.
Scrub and clean cooking surfaces, dust and polish appliances. Scrub and mop floors.

General: Empty trash. Straighten up and tidy things which may be handled. Address specific issues in an appropriate fashion. Return personal belongings to where they were, unless asked to move or store them.

Note: This is a thorough, but not a deep cleaning service. The objective is to make the home pleasant and livable, at a reasonable charge. Specific or deep cleaning tasks may be performed at an additional cost."

I had agreed to meet at 10-ish. One minute after ten I am in front of her house and my phone rings.

"Steve, it's after ten and I'm just wondering if you still plan to come by."

"Mrs. Piffleton, I'm right in front of your house now."

"No you aren't!"

"Mrs. Piffleton, are you not in 2445 Anytown lane, in a brick home with beige vinyl trim?"

"Well, yes, I am, but..."

"Look out your front window for a big white van."

"Oh you've finally arrived!"

Let her hire a wipey-swipey lady.

 

[Sierra Clean Care]

Sometimes you only want it if they will pay.

I bid that pissy job last week, 325 feet for .81/foot and $45 travel.

It would have been a complete waterclaw job, with beaucoup chemicals. Today they called to say they went with another company and I am just as happy.

Another periodic housecleaning I bid at $300/visit and the lady emailed back that it is too high for the work. I have two other customers that pay that and call to thank me after. The list of tasks is comprehensive:

"Housecleaning, periodic.

HEPA Vacuum and microfiber walls, ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Vacuum and hand dust furniture and upholstery.
HEPA vacuum floors and carpet. Mop hardwood and tile floors.

Scrub and sanitize bathrooms. Scrub showers and bathtubs to remove soap scum.
Scour sinks and counters, dust fixtures and polish mirrors and chrome.

Clean and sanitize toilets, walls and baseboards. Scrub and mop floors.

Kitchen: Degrease and sanitize all surfaces. Use food-safe agents and remove residues.
Scrub and clean cooking surfaces, dust and polish appliances. Scrub and mop floors.

General: Empty trash. Straighten up and tidy things which may be handled. Address specific issues in an appropriate fashion. Return personal belongings to where they were, unless asked to move or store them.

Note: This is a thorough, but not a deep cleaning service. The objective is to make the home pleasant and livable, at a reasonable charge. Specific or deep cleaning tasks may be performed at an additional cost."

I had agreed to meet at 10-ish. One minute after ten I am in front of her house and my phone rings.

"Steve, it's after ten and I'm just wondering if you still plan to come by."

"Mrs. Piffleton, I'm right in front of your house now."

"No you aren't!"

"Mrs. Piffleton, are you not in 2445 Anytown lane, in a brick home with beige vinyl trim?"

"Well, yes, I am, but..."

"Look out your front window for a big white van."

"Oh you've finally arrived!"

Let her hire a wipey-swipey lady.

Reminds me of a customer that got very upset with me for showing up at 7:57 am..... Appt. time was for 8..... She tore a strip off me 'for being early'..... Wonder what would have happened if I was 5-10 min. late?

 

[Papa John]

Reminds me of a customer that got very upset with me for showing up at 7:57 am..... Appt. time was for 8..... She tore a strip off me 'for being early'..... Wonder what would have happened if I was 5-10 min. late?

I'd respond-- "sounds like you are having a Bad day- perhaps I should just leave?" this usually corrects their behavior-- Or not--
But either way, its a Win.. Oh the joy of walking away!

 

[Sierra Clean Care]

I'd respond-- "sounds like you are having a Bad day- perhaps I should just leave?" this usually corrects their behavior-- Or not--
But either way, its a Win.. Oh the joy of walking away!

It was a 700$ job..... She calls me twice a year..... I just swallow my pride, and hold my tongue, and say 'yes mam....'

 

[jcooper]

"Oh you've finally arrived!"

Loooooooooooooooooooool!

 

[Old Coastie]

Loooooooooooooooooooool!

Fo shoa

 

[Cleanworks]

I am constantly early for jobs, often sitting around the corner so I am not too early. I usually knock on the door 5 minutes early.

 

[Mikey P]

I had agreed to meet at 10-ish. One minute after ten I am in front of her house and my phone rings.
"Steve, it's after ten and I'm just wondering if you still plan to come by."
"Mrs. Piffleton, I'm right in front of your house now."
"No you aren't!"
"Mrs. Piffleton, are you not in 2445 Anytown lane, in a brick home with beige vinyl trim?"
"Well, yes, I am, but..."
"Look out your front window for a big white van."
"Oh you've finally arrived!, oh.uh.... well....would you mind parking that thing around back, I'm afraid what the neighbors might think. .Good lord Steven did the guard at the gate check the back of that thing for Patty Hearst's DNA?
Let her hire a wipey-swipey lady.

 

[Old Coastie]

Leave my van out of it. At least I don't do this when nobody is around:

And this will help for those socially awkward moments:

 

[steve_64]

Just back from a meeting with the owners of our new construction work. I can say ours now since Genevieves cleaning is now the clean team. Got a 20% increase. I asked for fifty lol.

I feel like people are finally opening up to paying more for our services. Not just old cheap asses but even the new jobs. Something has changed and I don't feel it's just us doing better.

Anyone else getting the sense people are willing to pay more for services?

I remember after fuel went up then food prices doubled, it seemed everyone wanted a discount. I don't get that sense anymore.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Not seen that yet. Still as competitive as always here.

 

[steve_64]

Not seen that yet. Still as competitive as always here.

Maybe it's just me. Guess I've bought into my own hype lol.

But it's working!

 

[Desk Jockey]

Man that's great! Congrats!!!

 

[Bruce Humphrey]

Steve , we are seeing it here in Bay City, when a Milk is .99 a gallon you've got some extra change to throw at the carpet cleaner.