Winter death.

KevinL

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Does anybody elses biz totally die in the winter? Even when I was at Stanley years ago we went from 13 trucks running 6 days a week to 1 truck doing a job or 2 after December 1st.
 
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Desk Jockey

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Does anybody elses biz totally die in the winter? Even when I was at Stanley years ago we went from 13 trucks running 6 days a week to 1 truck doing a job or 2 after December 1st.
We were lucky to keep 1 crew cleaning residential carpet all winter. Even commercial cleaning was spotty once the snow and ice was on the ground.

Fire & water damage was pretty much what drove the business throughout winter.
 
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Willy P

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I sold women's shoes during the winter.
But I didn't enjoy the fatties who came in wearing short dresses and no panties. Some of the regular fatties would ask for me............I hated that.
1640990114632.png
 
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Jimmy L

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One time one of them farted and it sounded like a trombone as it struggled getting past all that cellulite . All I can remember is it left a taste in my mouth like catsup and onions. All the lady could say is...........I farted............jealous?
 

sassyotto

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We always have been booked to Christmas by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. This year has been busier. Then January are the people that wait till the parties are over and the tree comes down. Then February and March are a bit slow but still pay the bills and I can use the rest to catch up on a few projects.

When we ran 3 trucks we were able to keep 2 full time and I got off the third truck in February and March.

Its all about marketing. If your consistently marketing you will get consistent business. Most people turn down the marketing when they get busy.

But being an O/O since 1999 Ive never done any marketing at all.
 

Desk Jockey

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We always have been booked to Christmas by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. This year has been busier. Then January are the people that wait till the parties are over and the tree comes down. Then February and March are a bit slow but still pay the bills and I can use the rest to catch up on a few projects.

When we ran 3 trucks we were able to keep 2 full time and I got off the third truck in February and March.

Its all about marketing. If your consistently marketing you will get consistent business. Most people turn down the marketing when they get busy.

But being an O/O since 1999 Ive never done any marketing at all.
Maybe where you're from but I could never drive in carpet cleaning sales to cover what I was spending during winter months.

I would spend 3k a month marketing on Facebook/Google, along with having an outside marketing person hitting our commercial data base and cold calling prospects.

We could stimulate Air duct cleaning, create awareness of restoration services but carpet was rarely more than a single truck out.
 
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Able 2.0

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I think with winter, it's more about having a diverse customer base.. You want commercial, apartments(sadly), and residential.. I'm two weeks out in January, for the first time ever..
 
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Trip Moses

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Trip Moses
Does anybody elses biz totally die in the winter? Even when I was at Stanley years ago we went from 13 trucks running 6 days a week to 1 truck doing a job or 2 after December 1st.
Not that drastic. I basically go 25 jobs per week to 15. But everyone’s market is different.
 

Desk Jockey

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Everybody stayed busy all year long Back in the 90’s on the red board
No man. Historically since 1967 carpet cleaning dies after New Years.

4-5 years ago we offered church's to clean 500 feet at no charge from Jan1- March 1st.

Not one taker. lol

A couple called to see if they could use it in May or June. As we explained in the letter, we had crews available now and it gave us an opportunity to demonstrate in there facility on their heaviest soiled area at no charge to them.

I don't blame them. In this area ice and snow create a mess and generally most people wait until the mess is over to decide about cleaning.
 

Cleanworks

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For places that have real winters, you can always offer different services. Many companies and condo buildings have large carpeted entry ways that get covered in salt. You can offer a desalting type of clean to help preserve their carpets. You need to be prepared with portables or op machines. Lots of commercial offices are slow this time of year. Good time to get in and clean when there are less employees.
 

Meter Maid

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That’s why I like working by myself, I only need a couple decent jobs, maybe four days a week, and I’m fine. Winter is the only time I do a little bit of paid advertising, and it gives me enough. Come April, no more paid advertising.
 

Jim Williams

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Oct 8, 2006
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Bynum N.C.
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Winter months are about half normally for me. I've reached a point where I turn down 7 or 8 jobs a week in the summer and my slow months are staying pretty full. By March I'll be turning down work again.

The weather here in N.C. is pretty mild. It's 70 degrees today.
 

Mr Brightside

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May 4, 2019
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Southern Cali
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Jay Wags
I see a huge reduction but still work I would say we run about 50%
I use the time to rest and spend time with my kids and try to keep employees busy
I try to get organized and set goals
My year doesn’t start till march in my head
 

Numero Uno

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Oct 16, 2006
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Ma
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Caesar
Hire this big dawgie at min watch your winter woes vanish...
Of course Xmas shuts down living rooms etc.
But for every one you miss there's another to get an build on.
Also slower times are for marketing ,maintence ,mentoring your self in your goals.
Never stop
Remember this shark would eat you if he could.
Think about that,when your tired an beat ..The compitition never rests there's too many.
Here any time fer any of ya...
I was once sumptin...
 

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