Treating Carpets for Ice Melt "stains"

Winter time is obviously upon us. Copious amounts of Ice Melt or other ice melting products are being used. When tracked in, they either leave a white sticky residue or can turn a carpet yellow. These problems can be easily resolved. Vacuum up as much of the powder as possible. Use a applicator or brush to apply undiluted Brown Out®. Leave the Brown Out on the area to be treated for at least 15 minutes or until the stain has disappeared. Flush with water using one (1) wet and two (2) dry strokes with the cleaning head. It is important to thoroughly remove all the Brown Out. Repeat the process if necessary. After you are done, clean the carpet using PCA™ and Booster™. Apply Sta-Clene® or Bane-Guard™ Carpet Protector! 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 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

WHAT WE WANT

The Beatles wrote “All You Need Is Love” - that expression is certainly enough in many aspects of our lives. With that thought, in mind let’s explore some other wants that will give us what we need People normally want to do the right thing. To treat others with respect and courtesy and in turn to be treated the same way. To find better ways of doing things and accomplishing tasks. This makes people feel more important and needed. To achieve goals of which they can feel proud. While all the time including others trying to achieve the same goal, thus encouraging team building and accomplishment To earn respect and recognition for what they are and for what they achieve either individually or part of a group. Many times What We Want may not be attainable the first time we try. But the goal should be to achieve as many as possible and then to keep trying. 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 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

EXTRAS

Using service Extras when working for a customer not only builds good will but will assist in making them a long term customer. We have all read and seen articles about the large number of customers who are dissatisfied with the service and or products they receive. Beyond implementing the obvious practicesx Showing up on time. Employing prompt and clear communications. Being courteous and thoughtful. Being attentive to the customers needs. Beyond presuming the above and other standard business practices are employed, what else can be done? Using service Extras when working for a customer not only builds good will but will assist in making them a long term customer. Offer additional services at a discount if done during this service trip. Clean door mats at no additional charge. If the customer lives alone or lacks the ability to remove furniture tabs, offer to return and remove them. These are but a few of the Extras that will allow you to stand out and above your competition. Certainly there are others based upon clientele, geographic area and other statistical factors. Ultimately learning to use Extras to your advantage will add to your success and profits. Related Articles and Information: Add-On Carpet Cleaning ‘Plus Sales’ Building Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business Competitive Edge Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry Eleven Commandments of Good Business - What is a Customer? Furniture Tabs How to Sell Carpet Protectors Make More Money with Carpet and Upholstery Protectors! 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? 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 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

ANNIVERSARY

Bane-Clene Corp.® will celebrate our 63rd Anniversary - February 4th, 2025 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: An invaluable staff, without whom we did not and will not continue to grow. Customers that compliment us for doing a good job. Customers that point out our mistakes. We correct those mistakes, which makes us better. Good Vendors that keep our supply lines full. Expert Accounting, Advertising, Financial, Insurance, Legal and Technology Advisors. Lastly, we are thankful that 63 years ago, Wm. F. Bane had a vision and we at Bane-Clene® strive everyday to promote and build on his vision. 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

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

When trying to close a sale it obviously is important to Ask the Right Questions. The objective is diagnose the customer’s issues and or needs. Here are some suggested do’s and don’ts. Don’t ask why they called, do ask “How May I Help You”. Do ask, if they are a previous customer, if so prior records can be accessed providing a more efficient and quicker customer experience. If the business provides products, do ask which products they are wanting to order. If the business provides services, do ask which services they wish to have provided. Allow the customer time to explain what they want, don’t interrupt them. If the customer is having trouble explaining what they want, do try to interject ideas or suggestions. When the conversation seem concluded, do ask if there is anything else the customer needs. If you sell products, do provide the customer the date their order will be ready for pick-up or shipped. If a service is being provided, do provide for their selection, potential dates when the service can be performed. If you Ask The Right Questions and provide service and or products that satisfy the customer, your profits will increase and so will the success of your business. Related Articles and Information: Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry Eleven Commandments of Good Business - What is a Customer? The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business The Customer Is (Still) Always Right There Is No Substitute for Service 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

IT TAKES ALL KINDS

The customers that a business comes in contact with on a daily basis come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. Some are very easy to deal with and others can be difficult. No matter their temperament, without them a business would be less profitable and possibly even fail. Customers are just like us, every day they encounter influences good, bad or indifferent that may shape the way they react in different situations. If things go badly, then people may become irritable and short tempered. Others may project a gruffness and toughness bordering on rude. Still others become indecisive, questioning and even skeptical. If you suspect or unfortunately it’s obvious that the customer is not having a good day, then do your best to turn that around. Most people are basically kind and considerate. Develop the mindset that you have the ability and confidence to change a difficult situation into a positive and successful outcome. Remember, It Takes All Kinds; don’t allow a difficult customer to alter your approach and the way you do business. Related Articles and Information: Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry The Customer Is (Still) Always Right 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

GOOD MOMENTS

Interaction with customers can be short or long; what is done with that time is extremely important. There are opportunities during the interaction to make the interactions Good Moments. A comment or two when finishing your business will help solidify your interaction. Before engaging in any “small talk,” it’s important to know your customer’s viewpoints. You don’t want to engage in topics that alienate your customer. For example, Politics and Religion are definitely not something to be brought up in casual conversation. Stick to topics that are relative to your area. For example the weather, the opening of a new restaurant or the completion of an infrastructure improvement. Customer small talk should never be considered as an irritant or a time-waster for you or them. Keep the exchange short and sweet and have it end on a positive note. Making brief moments stand out as Good Moments will enhance and solidify in building long term customer relationships. Related Articles and Information: Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry The Customer Is (Still) Always Right 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

Is the Customer Always Right?

Customers are human like the rest of us and may be wrong, even though they feel they are 100% right. However, there’s a good reason the “customer is always right” precept has been drilled into us. The reason being it is not a prudent business practice to antagonize and possibly lose a customer who believes they are right. Every successful sales or service business will proclaim that maintaining good customer relations is paramount to the growth and profitability of a company. The caveat to “Is the Customer Always Right" depends on the amount of the adjustment, refund or other compensation. If the amount is insignificant, by all means settle quickly. However, what if the the customer’s erroneous belief will cost the company an absurd amount or unjust compensation? This is where management has to weigh the consequences of losing the customer and or the blow back it will cause in refuting the customer’s claim. Winning the argument and losing the customer is never an ideal situation. Neither does capitulating, if it means a large settlement will translate to a BIG loss. So the bottom line is this - “Is the Customer Always Right”? Yes, if the amount is small, a simple refund or can be negotiated to a reasonable dollar amount or just compensation. Related Articles and Information: Building Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business Complaints Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry Eleven Commandments of Good Business - What is a Customer? There Is No Substitute for 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