Recently I read an article about those guys who think using “bait and switch” tactics will keep them in the green. It brought back many memories from competitors I’ve known over the years who thought this was the only way to compete.
I can’t tell you how many customers I’ve gained over the years from those type of operators. Some of my favorites have been the $6 per room or the $79 ‘whole house special. When they add up their “extra’s” the $6 room goes up to $79 and the ‘whole house special’ says maximum of two rooms of carpeting’.
I’ve found that in the majority of cases the home owner will accept most price increases over the advertised special, especially if they have taken time from work to be home for the scheduled cleaning. The scam artists are well aware of this. When you think about it, its just common sense. When the operator plays his game and and walks away after the job making his inflated fee, he feels he has won another one. But what these operators don’t appreciate is that same customer will look for someone else for their next cleaning.
For years I advertised that “I’ll fix the problems the big guys create” and reference ‘long drying times’, ‘returning spots’, ‘padded invoices’, ‘bait and switch scams’, and so on. I never advertised a price and always promoted my personal service. Every time I presented an estimate, it included everything. You’ll make a lot of friends real fast if you take $10 off an estimate for some reason. But never add to the estimate.
If you are new to the carpet cleaning business, don’t fall into the ‘bait and switch’ trap. Yes, you’ll make some fast cash from inexperienced home owners, but you won’t last in this business. Follow a good business plan and always focus on quality service and the business will grow.
