Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Mistakes Carpet Cleaners Make

Mistakes Carpet Cleaners Make

Mistakes

It’s only human to make mistakes - but most mistakes are avoidable!

One common mistake is forgetting to do the “little extras” which can endear your customers to you. Do you leave a small bottle of spotter with a customer who has problems with kids’ messes? If there are pets that shed, do you sell them a Handi Groom Groomer Brush®, the Handi-Brush™ or better yet the Grime Reaper Upholstery Pet Hair Brush to take care of the pet hairs? Do you use Per-Scent® in our cleaning solution to leave the room smelling fresh? Do you leave traffic lane paper to prevent tracking of freshly cleaned areas? Do you rake after cleaning?

Do you fail to use Wet Floors Warning Caution Pads, especially at the bottom of steps or where someone might step from a wet carpet onto a hard surface? A fall can be hazardous to your billfold!

Do you make the mistake of being afraid to add services to your business?

Some technicians don’t bother to warn customers to be careful of falling, that the carpet might be stiff for a while after protector application, that the great big coffee spill might wick back up but you will be glad to come back if it does. If the carpet has been mistreated with bonnet cleaning or shampooing for years, do you warn them that it may take several cleanings to get all the junk out or do you assume they’ll call you if there’s a problem? Most customers don’t call to complain - they just never use you again!

If you see evidence of a pet, do you check to see if your customer uses a powdered deodorizer? Do you call back to be sure the job was satisfactory?

Do you rake in the carpet protector with a Grandi-Brush®? Fluorocarbons tend to leave the carpets stiff for a few days. Raking reduces this and ensures even application.

Another serious error some of our customers make is not keeping up to date. Bane-Clene has the most generous education packages in the industry from our training classes in Indianapolis covering management, carpet cleaning and care, upholstery, stone and wood floors to video training programs on DVD. If you’ve not been to school in more than two years, you are missing out on some good information. If you’ve not been in five years, you are probably making many mistakes and missing opportunities! Associated with this is the mistake of not training technicians. Untrained technicians can be hazardous to your business!

Another serious mistake is not pre-inspecting the job before proceeding. If the sofa is badly frayed or torn, wouldn’t it be wise to get a release? Are there bleached out spots? Are there stains on the sofa? Is the carpet loose which might cause rippling? Are the seams coming apart? Do you see evidence of delamination? Along this same line is the mistake of not pretesting for dye stability, especially oriental rugs and upholstery.

Have you made the mistake of trying to help a customer with a problem that is really the mill’s problem or the retailer’s problem and then getting into the middle of the litigation yourself? If there is a defect, the mill or retailer should be contacted first, and you should follow their directions so that the responsibility remains where it belongs - with the retailer or the manufacturer.

Do you make the mistake of not being prepared? Do you have your spotting kit fully stocked and ready to cure those tough stains? When you walk into the home or office carrying the Pro’s Choice Spot and Stain Removal Kit, the customer know that the “expert” has arrived!

These are just a few of the mistakes I run into, but avoiding them will really help your business.

by Donald W. Terry, Sr.


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Copyright: Bane-Clene® Corp.

Originally Published in the Winter 1998 Bane-Clene Cleaning Digest

Date Modified: February 20, 2019

Friday, February 22, 2019

LOSING SALES?

Are you losing sales to new customers? Are your repeat customers not calling you back?

The availability of information on the internet has made our customers more knowledgeable. They have become more sophisticated and in some cases harder to convince.

As a result, we need to know our Carpet Cleaning Service and what our company has to offer from A to Z. We have to be prepared to answer all relative questions quickly and thoroughly. You should be able to recognize the obvious problems the customer is having and be able to offer solutions.

You must also know your competition and what they have to offer in case your customer mentions one of them. Avoid being negative and derogatory about your competition; you need to focus on the features and benefits of your company. Tell your customer about the equipment you use, the fact that your chemicals are safe to them and their family and pets (if applicable). Mention without being boastful any training, schools, seminars, etc. you have attended. Point to any industry related organizations you may belong to. All of these selling points will help you avoid losing sales and further enhance the credibility of you and your Company.

Thorough knowledge of your service is the greatest confidence builder for you and your customer. You know you can help your customer. It won’t be long before they know it too. You know you have given them valuable advice and solutions for their problems. You are earning the right to ask for their business.

In any business, “knowledge is power” - use this power to keep you from losing sales.

Related Information and Articles:

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

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The Bane-Clene® Team.




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Wednesday, February 20, 2019

It’s Easy To Lose Customers



It’s Easy To Lose Customers

Image of Angry Customer



Keeping customers should be the primary goal of any service company, including carpet cleaning companies.

  • 3% - Move
  • 5% - Find other business relationship
  • 9% - Competitive reason
  • 14% - Dissatisfied
  • 68% - Leave because of an employee’s or owner’s indifferent attitude

Established customers do not “cost” in terms of advertising since they already know the company. Familiar and steady customers spend more because they trust the firm, cause fewer problems, and are eager to share their recommendations with friends and acquaintances.

It’s easy to lose established customers. An insensitive clod who insults their intelligence by giving a haphazard explanation of a procedure, or worse, one who ignores them altogether, can lose that customer immediately.

A gum-popping, put-them-on-hold telephone person can cause a customer to go somewhere else for service. The Yellow Pages and the web are full of firms just waiting to take that customer away.

A lackadaisical attitude in a customer’s home by a service technician may create the desire to make a call to a competitor for service in the future. But, the surest way to lose that customer is to ignore a complaint or give that complaint a little lip service and hope it will go away.

To assure customer satisfaction, it is necessary to find out just who is dissatisfied and why. Solicit comments from customers. Listen to what they have to say and act on the information. The absolutely best way to tell your customers you want to satisfy them is to offer a money-back guarantee. They must be happy or they pay nothing. A few unscrupulous people will take advantage of this policy, but on a long term basis, a customer base will be built that will, indeed, be the greatest asset owned by the company.

This has been the policy of the Wm. F. Bane Co. since its founding in 1962.

Related Information:

Related Carpet Cleaning Business Products:





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Copyright: Bane-Clene® Corp.

Date Published: November 1, 1994

Date Modified: February 20, 2019



Friday, February 15, 2019

STAY IN CHARACTER

There is a certain quality about owners, bosses or supervisors that makes their actions seem natural. The reason for this is that they stay in character. They remain themselves at all times. They do not pretend or try to be someone they are not. Above all, they avoid trying to “act” like they or others think that leaders should act.

There is no one “best” way to lead, just as there is no one “best” kind of leaders. Good leaders are as different as people in general. Yet, just as each one may be different, they have one trait in common. They are themselves, no matter what that self may be.

Being a good leader many times is more attitude than aptitude. You just stay in character.

Related Information and Articles:

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

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The Bane-Clene® Team.




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Wednesday, February 13, 2019

The “B”s Of Success In a Carpet Cleaning Business



The “B”s Of Success In a Carpet Cleaning Business

Success in Carpet cleaning



Developing these “B” characteristics will help you become more successful in your carpet cleaning business!

  • “B” ready - Truck should be well-stocked with everything you need to work and with all the products you hope to sell.
  • “B” punctual - People are busy and appreciate promptness. Have the courtesy to call if you are running late and offer them the opportunity to reschedule.
  • “B” clean - You are in the cleaning business. Your appearance reflects the image of your company. Pay close attention to your personal hygiene to ensure that nothing about your person is offensive to the customer. This goes for your truck, too. Keep it clean!
  • “B” professional looking - When making a sales call dress in a business suit with a tie. Skirts or business slacks are the preferred attire for ladies. Carry a briefcase or clipboard. Clothing should be clean, pressed, fit well, and shoes polished.
  • “B” uniformed - If you are also the service person, be sure to wear a clean uniform when doing the work. Clean sneakers or booties should be worn when in a customer's home.
  • “B” knowledgeable - Know about your company, the products and services you offer, and the products you service, i.e. carpet, upholstery, wood floors, tile and stone. Product knowledge will help make you an expert in the cleaning industry and set you apart from most cleaners.
  • “B” a listener - Listen closely to what the customer is saying Answer questions and provide information they want to know. Most customers do not want to hear about your recent divorce, back ache, mean boss, religious persuasion or political views.
  • “B” fair - Treat all customers, regardless of wealth, influence, or size of the job, in the same manner. Do not give preferential treatment based on money spent and do not price the work on the money available, only on need.
  • “B” firm - Once you have carefully figured a job, don’t change the price you have quoted. If you go up, they’ll suspect you of gouging. Go down and they wonder what was left on the table. If another company beats your price, let them have the job. They deserve it.
  • “B” flexible - Cleaning arrangements and maintenance programs are not set in stone. Be willing to make changes to better meet the needs of the customer.
  • “B” polite - Always be courteous to the customer, even in stressful situations. Use tactful reserve in all conversations. The customer is always right even if they are wrong.
  • “B” friendly - If you smile and are friendly, you will most likely put the customer in a good mood and make them more receptive. Remember, however, not to be overly friendly and forward. Maintain a professional distance and use respect in addressing the customer.
  • “B” positive - If you do not believe in what you are selling, why should the customer? Never say anything derogatory about your boss, company, co-workers, competitors or the services offered. Even without voicing negative comments, a poor attitude can usually be sensed by the customer.
  • “B” sincere - Sincerity is the most important characteristic of a successful salesperson. Be straightforward and honest with your customers. Do not promise more than you and your fellow workers can deliver.

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Copyright: Bane-Clene® Corp.

Originally Published: November 1, 2008

Date Modified: February 13, 2019 by Donald Terry



Friday, February 08, 2019

COMPULSION OR PERSUASION

There are two ways you can get your employees to do what you want, either by Compulsion or Persuasion.

Compulsion is the method of forcing people to do something. Certainly you want your employees to behave and act in a certain way, but forcing them to do so may not work. Their actions may come across as fake or insincere to your customer.

Persuasion is the method of influencing your employees’ attitudes and behaviors. Obviously, the ultimate goal is increasing customer satisfaction and ultimately the success of your Carpet Cleaning Company. This persuasion may be conveyed in many different forms: written instructions, spoken instructions, visual tools or the best way is a combination of all three. Also, having them attend training and educational classes geared to our industry proves to be beneficial.

To persuade requires an understanding of basic human nature and what motivates people. If you strive to possess this understanding, it makes it far easier to persuade them.

Related Information and Articles:

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene® Team.




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Bane-Clene Paper CatalogFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail.

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Wednesday, February 06, 2019

Wood and Laminate Floor Care & Restoration Training Class


Wood-Solv to Build Your ProfitsWood and Laminate Floor Care & Restoration Training Class

Comprehensive hands-on training session in cleaning, repairing, refinishing wood and laminate floors WITHOUT SANDING.

Wood flooring is becoming more popular.

Some of your customers are even removing their carpets from their old wood floors and wanting them refinished!

Why get all upset about this? Why not take advantage of this trend?

Get on the ground floor and learn how to make more money with sandless wood repair and refinishing.

Friday
May 3, 2019.

Bane-Clene® Training Center

3940 N. Keystone Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46205

Only $199 per person - includes hands-on training.

Pre-paid reservations are required!

More Information on Wood Restoration and Refinishing Training Classes

To register....Call Toll-Free....800 428 9512

EARLY REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED AS SPACE IS LIMITED

Just Some of the Topics Covered:

  • Get the homeowner to say yes!
  • Key Wood-Solv™ Product Benefits.
  • Key Wood Floor Preservation System Product Benefits.
  • How to make more money!
  • Inspect and estimate the job.
  • Comprehensive marketing tools.
  • Cleaning & finishing procedures.
  • Hands-On repairing scratches & gouges.
  • Hands-On refinishing wood floors.
  • Pricing of your services.
  • Maintenance programs.
  • Equipment & Chemicals needed.

VIDEO: How to Repair Scratches, Gouges and Holes in Wood Floors

VIDEO: How to Restore Wood Floors without Sanding



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Bane-Clene Paper CatalogFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail.

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Friday, February 01, 2019

Bane-Clene Corp.® will celebrate our 57th Anniversary - February 4th, 2019

We will presume you know the story of how a small start up Janitorial Service morphed into what we are today.

An International Manufacturer and Supplier of Cleaning Equipment, Chemicals and Accessories.

We don’t have to tell you that being in business has its trials and tribulations.

However, more importantly, it has its many rewards for which we are thankful.

Here is just a partial list of what we are thankful for:

  1. An invaluable staff, without whom we did not and will not continue to grow.
  2. Customers that compliment us for doing a good job.
  3. Customers that point out our mistakes. We correct those mistakes, which makes us better.
  4. Good Vendors that keep our supply lines full.
  5. Expert Accounting, Advertising, Financial, Insurance, Legal and Technology Advisors.

Lastly, we are thankful that 57 years ago Wm. F. Bane had a vision and we at Bane-Clene® strive everyday to promote and build on his vision.

The Bane-Clene Team

Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog®

Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/.

Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com.

The Bane-Clene® Team.




Free Bane-Clene Information Package

Bane-Clene Paper CatalogFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail.

You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.




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