At what point do you fire a customer?

[steve_64]

People who call me at the last minute are usually renters who are shocked that the landlord wants them to clean the carpets after moving. They often call me back after booking an appointment to tell me they have someone cheaper. Yes, I do emergency calls but when someone calls and asks if I am available right now, red flags go up. As if I have a truck circling the neighborhood, just waiting for that call.

They treat us like heating and plumbing guys!

I get more cancellations from the two week out jobs so I always try to get them done as fast as possible. Even the ones not in a hurry and yes they are often suorised but not out off by it. Usually very appreciative of the fast service.
I do more than two jobs a day. Often in the 4 to 6 range due to the need it now crowd.

 

[Papa John]

They treat us like heating and plumbing guys!

I get more cancellations from the two week out jobs so I always try to get them done as fast as possible. Even the ones not in a hurry and yes they are often suorised but not out off by it. Usually very appreciative of the fast service.
I do more than two jobs a day. Often in the 4 to 6 range due to the need it now crowd.

That's been my experience also.

 

[Ron K]

How do you sleep at night, poor planers need fresh clean carpets too..

It's June...if you are not slammed....
People treat you like YOU let them treat you.
Disrespectful people are just that.
I know "it's just carpet cleaning" but I think one of the reasons we all got into this business
is that we wanted freedom and control for ourselves.
How many poor planners are repeats?
Or are they always calling at the last minute.

 

[Cleanworks]

I always make exceptions for my property mgrs. They often get caught short because the tennant didn't clean while moving. These people appreciate being squeezed in and do their utmost to accomodate me. Getting keys to me, etc. I have little time for someone who woke up that morning and decided to have their carpets cleaned and who are calling around to see who is available.

 

[Old Coastie]

Too right, Ron. “Can you get it today?”
“Yes I’ll be there by 3:00.”

Then about 15 minutes later, “I found someone who can be here by 2:30, so never mind.”

 

[Ron K]

Too right, Ron. “Can you get it today?”
“Yes I’ll be there by 3:00.”

Then about 15 minutes later, “I found someone who can be here by 2:30, so never mind.”

You can call me OLD west coastee!

 

[Papa John]

As a business owner, I surrender to the reality that my work day might be from 7am to 11pm.
If I'm not cleaning then I might be doing repairs, maintenance or paperwork.
Grabbng some extra cash on a pop-up is ok with me as long as I haven't had my 1st beer or on my way to a foodie call with a gal pal.

 

[Lee Stockwell]

Smile before you answer the phone.

 

[jcooper]

If it's an all day job and they cancel twice, we are done with them.

 

[steve_64]

Smile before you answer the phone.

Aww man I know I sound grumpy sometimes. Genius mom is 78 and still working answering phones at a doctor's office but the office is closing in August. I already offered her a job.

I've had last minute calls call back because they got someone else but same for the 2 weeks out. And ill say no when appropriate. I just don't see it as rude to call a business and ask. Ill usually do it because its made me a lot of money.

 

[FB7777]

Some day I hope to be as rich and Unaccommodating as some of you rock stars

If you book and flake multiple times, I just put you end of day with a “ I’ll call you when we are a half hour out”

Money is money , it doesn’t have feelings , emotion or need medication

 

[steve_64]

The elderly lady who booked early called yesterday on Sunday to tell me she forgot she had a Dr appointment she couldn't miss at the same time as the cleaning. So the one who called Friday and needed it right now got me in this morning for a small job but made $250 in 90 minutes.

And may have picked up another job from the locksmith who was there working.

 

[jcooper]

If you book and flake multiple times, I just put you end of day with a “ I’ll call you when we are a half hour out”

1k job takes all day. Every time Richie Rich forgets he's going to Germany it cost me a entire day of work. Now it's two days to make the 1k.

First time(missed appt) nobody home, he rescheduled a month later and I gave in and went back. The last time at least he canceled on the night before conformation call.

Now don't get me wrong... A surprise day off is always welcome. However, only one of me and I have people waiting a week or two.

But at some point I gotta move on.

 

[Cleanworks]

Some day I hope to be as rich and Unaccommodating as some of you rock stars

If you book and flake multiple times, I just put you end of day with a “ I’ll call you when we are a half hour out”

Money is money , it doesn’t have feelings , emotion or need medication

I accomodate people as best I can but there is only one of me and I like to plan out my work. There are lots of things that can cause people to cancel and rebook and we deal with as best we can but we draw the line at people who expect us to jump at their command.