do you have set prices or not?

[Derek]

i don't.

i'm sure i am in the minority with that 1.

the only "set" price i give out is a $120 minimum...and lately i have been letting that fall to $90 or $100.

i look at a job and factor in: the client + the carpet's level of apparent maintenance + the soil level + how long i reckon it will take me + how bad do i want the job = a wide range of per sq.ft. prices.

why is "set pricing" better?

 

[ruff]

In principle there is nothing wrong with it.
The only potential problem that I can see is that if your other clients find out that someone they know paid less, they may not like it.

I guess if you are very upfront about it, and explain why you charge less or more, it may be less of a problem.

However most clients , do not like it if they know that someone paid less than them. It can also send a message that your prices can be negotiated down.

 

[ruff]

Also set prices do not mean rigid.
I have a per square foot charge with $169.00 minimum.
Some clients pay more if I consider it more of a restoration cleaning.
Also if the carpet is very clean and the work can be done very fast, I'll give them a discount after I'm done.

 

[Guest]

Also set prices do not mean rigid.
I have a per square foot charge with $169.00 minimum.
Some clients pay more if I consider it more of a restoration cleaning.
Also if the carpet is very clean and the work can be done very fast, I'll give them a discount after I'm done.

A simple " prices vary according to condition " pretty much lays that objection to rest doesnt it ??

 

[TimP]

I have a set price for customers over the phone. I try to stick to it unless I see a reason why I can give a discount as in time savings. Empty rooms rentals etc have a preset discount. I try to base it on what my competitors charge to get the work unless I don't care about getting it as with upholstery in my case.

I don't want a customer calling and chewing me or my wife out for charging too much etc compared to their buddy. And where I'm at people are pretty close. I have been known to charge an extravagant price if a customer is one I don't want. I did a job today in which I wish had charged double and is one that I'll refuse to do again.

 

[Derek]

A simple " prices vary according to condition " pretty much lays that objection to rest doesnt it ??

is how i do it, no problemo.

"how much do you charge?"

"that will vary depending on different factors. for instance, the larger amount of sq.ft. to clean, the lower the rate. let's schedule a time for me to come in and measure things up so that i can give you an exact price. this way we are both on the same page, and we both know what to expect."

if it is a resi prospect, depending where they live, i tactfully ask them to give me measurements of each room and go down the laundry list of probing questions.

 

[Captain Morgan]

What are your probing questions? I've never had any "training" in that area. And I'm sure I'm leaving a lot of things out of the Q&A that would help me do a better job pricing my jobs/estimates over the phone.

I'll ask:
How long has it been since it was professionally cleaned?
Any particular area of concern or needs special attention? I try to prime the pump to get information. "Do you have any problem areas or spots/stains like ie: wine, koolaid, coffee, grease, paint, pet odors or urine stains".

Do you guys use this opportunity to seed plant the seed for up selling protector or any other product/service sales?

Thanks for the help!
Bill

 

[Derek]

probing questions for resi, well i only do 30-40 homes per year, and have only done maybe 200 different homes ever. obviously that is VERY low, so i aint no expert heh.

i dont care when it was last cleaned so much, or what method was used.

- i ask what kind of carpet it is "berber or plush?"
- "what color is the carpet" (i'm thinking can i possibly use 40 vol)
- "have any pets? dog or cat?" (i don't do cat, dog urine contamination i have great success with.)
- "is there anything in particular wrong with the carpet, or is it just normal soiling" (do they have a problem with feces or urine or stains or water damage or etc...)

off the top of my head that is what i ask normally.

 

[Captain Morgan]

Thanks Derek.. I guess I had the bases covered for the most part.

What's been your technique/style for approaching, getting, securing commercial sales accounts/contracts?

I really want to get into more commercial to flatten out my highs and low with seasonal business. I know this is off topic for the thread, I apologize. Can you PM me or can I PM or call you with questions.. if you have time to provide answers, suggestions, guidance.

Thanks in advance
Bill

 

[Ron Werner]

my set price is 55cents/sf with a $150 min
I adjust it based on whether cleaning whole room or traffic areas, some furn or a LOT to move, soiled or SOILED, pet accidents, etc etc