They have actually spent MILLIONS on branding & advertising, Don't try to compete on the same level,you will not win this battle. Unless you wan't to DOMINATE your market, (and think about how many that would be) pick your target market and work that to the fullest. I have been on both sides of the spectrum, therefore I can speak from some experience!!

i worked for SS for 10 years in NJ..Jack Bates started this co back in the late 40's..so the name has been out there for a long ass time. nationwide advertising, local advertising, low-mid level pricing, huge up selling and jobs based quanity not quality...most not all focus on..get it done and get paid NOW, and worry about the complaint later. most employees are young kids that are woring for beer money, but some are genuine employees that do a good job and make good money..a female tech from the Atlanta area would turn a $750 day into a $3000 day with ease.. they are def the the biggest but far from the best.. $99 gets you 3 rooms here or 300 sq ft of tile. if a SS tech really took his time the carpets will come out nice..but only if its nylon..their chem didnt do **** on olefin.

in my opinion ss gets one shot at my customers rug!! they advertise that $99 whole house special and do up sell when they get there, ive heard many of my customers complain to me that they were tricked. to bad for me that most customers only clean about once a year. now i wait a year to get my customer back and make there money, i have to be able to sleep at night, i run my business like i would like to be treated, show up on time ,good price, friendly attitude, im an owner operator and take pride in my work, sure im not booked over 5 jobs a day rolling in the cash but im happy. ive always said: work to live not live to work. take care.

If you have crews that are from day one.Seriously trained to be the best.With somewhat of a explanation.Of the companies long term mission.Kept to the highest standards.

Follwed with a sound growth plan.A truck here,an there.Syetems followed.Sales tracked.
Low volume days.With great prices,time for item/vehicle maintence.

Yes,other companies have attempted.An did very well with there franchise's.Service Master,Serv-Pro,Sear's,etc. All have there share of the market in the stanley areas.Along with the smaller(us) types.

We reap higher rewards,due to the fact.People see the difference.But yes,They could be toppled,along with a few more.If properly done.But it would be a lifetime commitment,an few care to try...

I worked with SS in Michigan for almost 7 years. Our ave turnover rate was about 9 months as winter is long and hard on employees. Our ave tech was making 40 with a few techs making mid 70s.

Repeat and referals ave about 60-65%. I dont know where you all are getting your figures from.

Originally Posted by D.Smith

I worked with SS in Michigan for almost 7 years. Our ave turnover rate was about 9 months as winter is long and hard on employees. Our ave tech was making 40 with a few techs making mid 70s.

Repeat and referals ave about 60-65%. I dont know where you all are getting your figures from.

I don't have any figures, I just know that an awful lot of my customers call me because Stanley Reemer couldn't do a good enough job. Oh, and there is absolutely no way their techs are making $40k to $70k a year. We aren't dummies here, just so you know.

Great post Mike.


Mark

I worked fot them for a few years. There system is very streamlined and simple. Just like what Bill Gates preach, "keep business simple". I like the statement about them that they are a marketing company that cleans carpet. They have such a high turn over rate that of course you are gonna get bad apple here and there.

They show the rest of us that this is a business that the sky is the limit on how successful we can be.

Brent
Go Green

i love them... and one day i plan to have my bizness just as big as them...

I think after 10 years with them, I can honestly say Billy Yeadon is DEAD ON!
And the Compensation plan does depend on how motivated you are!

They are busy here in the Minneapolis area. I think that they have some pretty crappy workers because their customers end up calling me to fix what they messed up or didn't do. They are doing duct cleaning here too. Their tile cleaning special for $99 is 200 sq. ft.

Rob,
It really doesn't matter what they are cleaning. They are selling the brand. The brand is about trust and my goodness is that in short supply now.
As mentioned in earlier posts do you really want to compete in Stanleys ballpark?

Its all about marketing with them and that 99.00 special ..

I am amazed this post is still going LOL!!

Stanley Steemer is a franchise. If a ninny buys a SS it will suck. If an ethical cleaner buys a SS it will do OK.

Not all franchise owners are bad guys, a lot of them just made a mistake of thinking paying dues was a good idea.