Happy New Year

January 1st obviously ushers in a New Year. It’s a time that many reflect upon their previous accomplishments and failures. Then we look forward vowing to correct or not to repeat our failures. We also plot and plan for the time to come. Each of us has goals and aspirations. We should always strive to achieve them. If you are not moving forward, then it is inevitable that you will become stagnate or worse yet begin to move backwards. So, after all that reflection, we usually come up with New Year Resolutions. They come in a variety of purposes, personal, family, business and community among them. Improve physical well being. Improve mental health. Improve finances. Improve career. Improve knowledge. Volunteer. Spend quality time with family and friends. Be more spiritual. The following passage was written by Bishop John H. Vincent in 1909. It is appropriate not only on New Years Day but every day of our lives: “I will this day try to live a simple, sincere and serene life. I will repel promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity and self-seeking. I will cultivate cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity and the habit of silence. I will exercise economy in expenditure, carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust and a child-like trust in God.” 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

MERRY CHRISTMAS

December 25th is celebrated as a religious (by a majority of Christians) and cultural holiday by billions of people around the world. For Christians, it is marked as the day Jesus Christ was born in the town of Bethlehem. Some believe Jesus was the Son of God or a prophet or others have no belief either way. No matter what your beliefs are, take time to reflect upon the meaning of Christmas. It is a time that promotes Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all. May God bless you and your family. 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

EXPERT

There is an old adage that says an “expert” is anyone that is more than 50 miles from home. So how does that relate to the Cleaning Professional who is working in their market area inside that 50 mile radius? A cleaner may be the best. They may be adept and skilled in all the latest techniques and procedures. But unless those abilities are communicated, unfortunately that cleaner will rarely be considered an “expert” beyond their customer base. So how does one achieve that “expert” status? Well, certainly advertising can extoll the skills of the cleaner. However, the cleaner must also be able to communicate to their customers and inquiries those skills. These communications may come in many forms. One of which is verbal presentations coupled with demonstrations. For example, consider offering a local church a credit of $25.00 per person towards cleaning services for every person that attends a demonstration of cleaning at the church. What better place to spread the word. Be sure that not only is your presentation polished but your truck, equipment and yourself are polished and therefore will portray you as an “expert”. Related Articles and Information: ABCs of Advertising Add-On Carpet Cleaning ‘Plus Sales’ Advertising - the Essential Element Image in Carpet Cleaning Why Doesn’t My Advertising Work? 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

Remember Pearl Harbor

Became the battle cry of WW II as President Roosevelt (FDR) uttered these words, “Sunday, December 7, 1941, a day that will live in infamy.” Thus on that fateful morning, the United States was propelled into WW II by the attack that took place as our Pacific Fleet lay at anchor. The last known Survivor, Lieutenant Commander Lou Conter, celebrated his 102nd Birthday in September. As we commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, a thought comes to mind. Will “Remember Pearl Harbor,” ”Remember the Maine” and “Remember the Alamo” become forgotten or irrelevant. Will 9/11 succumb to the same fate? Not because those that were there or were aware of it are gone. But because those events have been relegated to the back pages of History books or are routinely ignored by many schools as they “preach” not “teach.” Unfortunately, there has been a tremendous cost in the loss of lives in these tragic events. Thank God for our brave troops and first responders who have been involved in them. In this land of plenty and freedoms, with all of our problems, people still yearn to come to live here. However, please remember “Freedom is not free.” 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

KNOW YOUR MARKET

Statistics place the United States population at approximately 326.7 million people. Of course, this is based about census data. So more than likely, it is higher than that. How much higher is obviously speculation. Whatever the number is, a Small Business should know its market and base its advertising to cultivate that market. Certainly a market may cross over many demographics. However more often than not, one particular demographic will generate the majority of the income and consequently the success of a Company. A Carpet Cleaning Company’s main demographic is a composite of a portion of the population that fits this profile. Over 55 years old. Own their home. Has an income stream that affords them “discretionary” income. This demographic will possess the means and the needs which are necessary to purchase cleaning and other services. They tend to not be of the “Do It Yourself” category. They travel but not to the extreme, they frequent restaurants although meal delivery has increased greatly. Ultimately, their home is their “castle”, their “fortress of solitude”, their “refuge” from everyday trials and tribulations. Therefore, they will strive to keep it looking and being as “perfect” as possible. Take all of this into account as you advertise and market your services. These people have money to spend and will spend it with those Companies that provide high quality services. They will also spend it with a Company that offers services at competitive prices. You don’t have to be the cheapest but don’t price yourself out of your market. Related Articles and Information: ABCs of Advertising Advertising - the Essential Element Advertising the Bane-Clene Way Carpet Cleaning Industry Potential 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is truly a special day. It was first celebrated in 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans shared a fall harvest. In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated each year on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving Day is more than memories, food, football and parades. It is a day of thanks. On this day, we are reminded of the bounty of treasures that are a part of our everyday lives. We spend a few, often too brief, moments in prayer or meditation before dinner to say thanks for our family, friends and the wonderfulness of our lives. The true meaning of Thanksgiving should not end there. Ponder the two words that are involved: thanks and giving. We should therefore be reminded to give thanks and to share. Take the time to share our economic benefits, material wealth and talents with those who can use our help. Once again as you sit down to dinner, ponder the true meaning of Thanksgiving. 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

Winners

TRAITS THAT CREATE A WINNER The ability to do repetitive tasks and to do the last one as proficiently as the first. The motivation to do what many people consider mundane tasks and do them well. The determination and drive to do the best job possible. The ability to satisfy customers and or bosses. The possession of a courteous, cheerful and helpful personality. The ability to respect others and their opinions even if they differ from yours. The inherent character traits of dependability and promptness. The eagerness to observe and learn from others. The ability to maximize and apply the “tools” of your trade or profession. The willingness to take responsibility for your actions and not to blame others for mistakes. The strong sense of self that propels one to become a winner. 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

VETERANS DAY

In America, we enjoy many of our freedoms because of the dedication and courage of all our Veterans Veterans Day always falls on November 11th. It is this day that we honor those Veterans. Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day and marked the end of hostilities of World War I that occurred at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The first Armistice Day was commemorated in 1919. The day was originally set aside to honor the Veterans of World War I. After World War II and the Korean War, Congress recognized a need to expand the meaning of the day and recognize ALL veterans. So in 1954, the word “Armistice” was replaced with “Veterans” as a way to include all Veterans of all American wars. Veterans Day is a federal holiday which many cities celebrate with parades and ceremonies. In Washington, D.C., the celebration includes a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Veterans Day is a day not only to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, but also to recognize those who continue to serve today. Take this time to thank a Veteran who fulfills this patriotic duty to maintain the freedoms of our country. You can show the respect you have for them by properly honoring and displaying the American Flag. One way that is accomplished is by always standing and placing your hand over your heart during the playing of the National Anthem. 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

VOTE

November 7th is obviously election day. Even though this is not a National election, many of the Governors, Mayors, Local Representatives, etc. being elected have an impact on us. If you have not already done so, PLEASE exercise your right to vote. As small business owners, whoever is in charge has a tremendous effect on yours and all of our businesses. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information Package Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

EXCUSES

Organizations of all sizes are plagued with people who always have an excuse for why something did not get done or for something that happened. Excuses can be categorized as an attempt to lessen blame or to take responsibility for an action or lack of action. Deflect and blame have become blatant in the world today. Have you heard any of these before? That’s the way we have always done it. That’s not my department. No one told me it was okay to go ahead. That’s his or her job not mine. I was waiting on the boss to get back. I didn’t think it was that important. I was too busy to get to it. I thought I told you to do it. It’s (fill in a name) fault. I forgot (At least an honest excuse). Excuses are easy to give and show an inherent weakness, taking responsibility is a mark of a strong character and show leadership. 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

FIVE STAR, FIRST CLASS, NUMBER ONE?

Every city of any size has several television news shows, radio stations and other media outlets that claim to be number one. Many companies resort to similar tactics in their advertising. Airlines tout First Class passage, but all classes arrive at their destination at the same time; first class just costs a lot more, and the service is far from first class. A first class passenger stands in line, watches at the carousel so someone doesn’t steal their luggage, and endures the searches, indignities, inevitable waiting and cancellations that go with modern air travel. Restaurants print fancy menus, charge high prices and claim to be first class or five star places to dine. Even though there are many expensive restaurants, there are not many that are really first class. Arrogant maître d’s, indifferent wait staff and self-absorbed chefs who do not follow instructions are commonplace. The meaning of first class has been so diluted by advertising hyperbole that the elevated expectations of the consumer are difficult and nearly impossible to meet. Probably the oldest and best advice in the world about how to succeed in business is, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Unfortunately, too many people have developed a callous attitude and paraphrase the original biblical success formula with, “Do unto others before they do it to you.” In our carpet, upholstery and hard surface floor cleaning business, we strive every day to be as first class as possible and diligently strive to achieve five star reviews without pounding our chests and proclaiming to be the greatest, the best or whatever. We’ll never be perfect, but we will keep striving for perfection. We’ll never satisfy all customers, but we will continue trying and strive to give them the best service we are capable of delivering. We want our customers to leave reviews on various social media platforms declaring that they proclaim we are worthy and have achieved a Five Star Rating. It’s up to them to declare us First Class and therefore deserve a Five Star Rating. Related Articles and Information: Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry Twenty Steps to Success What Makes a Company Successful in the Carpet Cleaning Business? 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

CUT YOUR PRICE?

There is one thing that all businesses which fail have in common. Their last official act before they go out of business is to cut their prices and have a big sale. When you consider cutting your price for any reason, consider some of the consequences. Cutting the price means that you must make many more sales in order to maintain your gross profit margin. Another drawback is that people who expect high quality do not usually look at a low price as a major consideration in a buying decision. In fact, low price may turn off the person who is seeking a high quality service. There is no quicker way to alienate an existing customer than to advertise a lower price than they just paid to you for service. A service cannot be built in advance, stored in a warehouse and then put on sale. Services must be constructed one at a time and after the order is taken. Service cannot be mass produced or purchased in quantities that can result in volume or lower prices. A cut in price may lead to a cut in quality, and this approach will drive away long-term customers. Cutting prices opens the door to a reputation as a price merchant. In the service industry, there is a market for that level of product, but a company cannot compete in both the low price and the high quality markets. It must be one or the other. A true cut in the price of a service means that there must be corollary cuts in overhead, quality, service or all three. So, if you intend to cut prices then do it by reducing overhead. Cutting quality or service is a recipe for disaster and subsequent failure. Related Articles and Information: Cash Flow in the Carpet Cleaning Business Cut Your Prices for Cleaning Carpets and Other Services? Pricing for a Profitable Carpet Cleaning Business Pricing Your Carpet Cleaning Service 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

WHY DO CUSTOMERS COMPLAIN

Why would a customer go into a tirade over what might be an insignificant problem? They may be suffering from a malady known as “service burn-out.” The consumer is under attack from an assortment of forces. Family commitments, business problems, salespeople calling on the phone, spam calls and e-mails may lead to frazzled nerves. Government bureaucrats and their inefficiency combined with auto repair centers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and even carpet cleaners is an assault on peoples’ senses that has existed for decades. Expectations of the consuming public have been elevated by the puffery that is so common in advertising today. Then after a siege of bad experiences and unfulfilled promises, you may receive the mother lode of vented anger over virtually nothing at all. Try to be understanding. The caller who vents excessive anger is usually remorseful, repentant and may become one of your best customers in the future. If there is some validity to their complaint, and there may be, tell them what you intend to do for them and give them a definite timetable of events. Even if the current action is only in making an appointment to inspect the complaint. Try not to put the caller on hold or to transfer them unnecessarily. Definitely do not hang up or disconnect them. Let them talk until they are finished. If they raise their voice, then lower yours. Speak very softly, slowly and distinctly and always with a tone of respect for their problem. If the caller continues to speak in harsh and loud tones then politely say, “I can’t help you at all if you speak to me like that.” Most importantly of all, after action is taken to rectify the problem, follow up to be sure the customer is satisfied. Why do customers complain? Because they have had either a bad experience or are fed up with being ignored when they have a problem. Related Articles and Information: Customer Complaints - How Professional Carpet Cleaners Should Handle Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry Mistakes Professional Carpet Cleaners Make Too Often The Customer Is Always Right Twenty Steps to Success in the Carpet Cleaning Business 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

TRUTH

In Business, it is important to know and practice the Truth. Truth normally leads to success; therefore, Truth has value. Put your Customers first; this will set you apart from most competitors. Small companies unfortunately many times do not have a marketing plan! Other times these businesses have a plan and then do not follow it. Customers will never see the benefits of a service unless they’re told about them. Sellers ask! Buyers answer! A sale is the result of a buyer with a need meeting a seller who can satisfy that need. Potential Customers buy benefits, they don’t buy features. If you’re not getting a commitment, are you just not selling hard enough? In sales, “YES” means you stop selling. Don’t “Buy” it back. The Truth cannot be bought, sold or borrowed. But it definitely can be practiced. Related Articles and Information: Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business Tips for Increasing Your Carpet Cleaning Business Twenty Steps to Success What Makes a Company Successful in the Carpet Cleaning Business? 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

COMPETITORS

Our Competitors will do more for us than our family or friends. Our Family and Friends are too polite to point out any weaknesses or deficiencies but our Competitors will go to great lengths to broadcast them and take advantage of them. If our Competitors are efficient, diligent, hard working and attentive, then we will strive to seek ways to improve our products and or services. Our Competitors would take our business if they could. This keeps us diligent and alert to work to hold onto what we have. If we had no Competitors, we would be lazy, incompetent and sloppy. Thus our Competitors challenge us to always do better. We salute our Competitors, like our Customers they keep us working hard. Related Articles and Information: Competitors in the Carpet Cleaning Industry The Competitive Edge 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

CREATE VALUE

Customer Loyalty may be a fleeting concept at best. The consumer buys a service based on two factors… the quality level of the service and its perceived value to them. A service company may have a large number of customers in a small geographic area and that may make them feel very comfortable. Unfortunately, many of these customers would buy their service from someone else if they could got a better deal (price). Because they may think all Carpet Cleaning Companies are the same. So how does a Company attain Customer Loyalty? The best way is to Create Value. In order to Create Value, there are several factors that come into play: Work to keep overhead as low as possible. Practice Prudent Purchasing for chemicals, supplies and other necessities. Use only high quality products … they may seem to cost more initially but they don’t because less is used and high quality results are attained. Advertising should represent the Company as one that provides high quality service at a reasonable price. Maintain equipment and vehicles properly to avoid a major expense or breakdown. Technicians should be well groomed and uniformed. Technicians should be paid a competitive wage which assists in employee retention. Repeat customers appreciate seeing the same people in their home or office. Phones should be answered promptly and by representatives that can answer inquiries properly and decisively. All this can be done while still maintaining profitability. Keep the quality above a level that the customer can readily see. Keep the price at a level that will Create Value and then Customer Loyalty will follow. Related Articles and Information: ABCs of Advertising Advertising - the Essential Element Advertising the Bane-Clene Way Competitive Edge Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry Eleven Commandments of Good Business - What is a Customer? Image in Carpet Cleaning Telephone Etiquette in the Carpet Cleaning Business The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business The Customer Is (Still) Always Right There Is No Substitute for Service Tips for Increasing Your Carpet Cleaning Business Twenty Steps to Success What Makes a Company Successful in the Carpet Cleaning Business? Why Doesn’t My Advertising Work? 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner