Month 1 strategy. Good or Bad? TY

[Metzgerhound]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Phil and new to the forums. First post and I’m sure I’m missing a lot of information for this question. Research experience LOL!

I’m in the researching and business planning process of starting my carpet and tile cleaning services. I love this forum and the professional content available at my fingertips.

I’m looking to do residential and small commercial offices (5 to 20 employees)
I want to hit the ground running.

I am thinking of posting on my Nextdoor/door hangers where I live that fellow neighbor is stating a new business and running a start up special “all carpet $89.99 for the month of January” or the winter (BTW I’m in Central Florida)

My thought is to generate close to home customers and be honest about the intent behind the special which is hands on training.

My experience, I worked for Stanley Steamer (5 years) in Dublin, Ohio as a crew Chief back when they were paying commissions only.

Do you all think this is a good idea? The homes range from 1800sf to 4000 around 800 doors. I would work on adding tile, protection and furniture, but most importantly experience, referrals, repeat business and ratings. My concern is they may refer me for cheap pricing or want the same in the future.

Thank you for any input good and bad.

 

[PistolPete]

Well, a couple of thoughts;
1) If your goal is to scale the business then you have to invest in marketing side of the business.
Not sure what your start up capital is, but $1000 a month is a good low end start point for marketing budget.
Then spend 20% of revenue for the foreseeable future.
2) You want to sell something other than cheap.
The customers you really want are middle to higher end because they generally want value and quality from someone they like & trust.
These customers take time to find.
Sell reliability, quality and make your coupons a free add on service like tile & grout cleaning, or free sofa with any $200 job.
Free protector or deodorizer etc.
When you price your work always show the full price less any special discounts.
People love to feel like they're getting a deal but they need to see the full price.

3) Don't ever say you're using a customer as a training class! If anyone asks you then tell them you worked for a national franchise in Ohio and you're starting your own business.
People appreciate entrepreneurs but are leery of rookies.

4) Focus on quality and customer referrals on every job.
Take your time and do great work.
Be an expert. No BS, learn the craft.
It builds confidence that will make your sales pitch easier and will command higher pricing.

5) If you don't have a significant start up budget, then realize it's going to take several years to build up to a second truck, let alone 20 employees.

It's going to be hard work, for several years to be successful.
Anyone can clean carpets, few can figure out the marketing and business management skills to be really successful.

Keep trolling the forum.
Most if not all your questions have been answered here.

Good luck!

 

[mrotto]

I second the above

My first reaction to your post is that your starting your business based on price. is that really the customers you want? so you get customers that want that price, then what?

Your thinking SS mentality.

Think outside the box. be different

 

[OxiFreshGuy]

I'll share my experience as I recently started my own 5 months ago.

I had 5 years experience in the industry already working for other companies and built a loyal following of realtors and commercial accounts...or so I thought.

Partnered up with a guy I've worked with for a long time and we trust each other implicitly.

Naively thought I had my three biggest commercial accounts locked in. I was wrong. The commercial accounts would've made up $150,000 in business easily.

Invested $50,000 for a brand new truck, mount, website, business cards, insurance, accountant, business license, attorney etc.

None of the three commercial accounts would go with me. Basically their line of reasoning was, "We don't know if you'll make it long enough in business"

Ouch. However - what has saved me so far is the marketing. We are doing way above our target goal for residential. 5 months in and the business is paying for itself and 10% of the initial investment we've already paid back to ourselves.

If I didn't have the initial marketing experience and drive we could've easily been one of those companies that goes out of business just as quickly as we opened.

 

[rob allen]

Great advice in replies above. Just remember Rome wasn't built in a day.

 

[rob allen]

And welcome to TMF Phil.

 

[Metzgerhound]

Great information, Thank everyone!

 

[Spazznout]

Great information, Thank everyone!

What city/state do you live in now???

Never mind, I see now, you are in Florida.

I am here in Columbus Ohio............I had some empty apartments I could have thrown your way for your to "practice" on.

 

[Touchpoint Pro]

I'll share my experience as I recently started my own 5 months ago.

I had 5 years experience in the industry already working for other companies and built a loyal following of realtors and commercial accounts...or so I thought.

Partnered up with a guy I've worked with for a long time and we trust each other implicitly.

Naively thought I had my three biggest commercial accounts locked in. I was wrong. The commercial accounts would've made up $150,000 in business easily.

Invested $50,000 for a brand new truck, mount, website, business cards, insurance, accountant, business license, attorney etc.

None of the three commercial accounts would go with me. Basically their line of reasoning was, "We don't know if you'll make it long enough in business"

Ouch. However - what has saved me so far is the marketing. We are doing way above our target goal for residential. 5 months in and the business is paying for itself and 10% of the initial investment we've already paid back to ourselves.

If I didn't have the initial marketing experience and drive we could've easily been one of those companies that goes out of business just as quickly as we opened.

Glad to see your marketing is paying dividends! Would you be ok sharing what your doing?