Who is cleaning all those carpets?
The carpet cleaning business should belong to the drycleaner! It’s a steady business and it’s simple to promote, especially with the new steam extraction equipment. It’s really just hot water, but the system can work wonders because you witness the
results immediately and the carpet is dry just as quickly.
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Some years back I introduced a company called Steamex that had a simple method
for cleaning carpet and offered the homeowner a modest cost to rent the unit.
It came at the time of wash
‘n wear that reduced the shirt laundry business by 50 percent, so it was a means
of survival for many a struggling cleaning plant. The equipment could be
operated by the cleaner as a professional and when it was not in use revenue
could be supplemented by rental.
What was unusual was that it cleaned the carpet from the bottom up by simply
injecting the cleaning solution and at the same time a strong vacuum
immediately brought the solution and the dirt to a holding tank.
This dramatic system showed results and permitted the carpet fibers to be
cleaned in an upright position. This new method was somewhat revolutionary from
any previous method and was greatly appreciated. All former methods cleaned
from the top down and imbedded the soap, only to attract new dirt after drying.
At present, most major supermarkets offer similar equipment for rental and the
labor is the only item which is furnished by the person doing the renting, plus
the chemicals for spot removal or cleaning heavy traffic lanes.
How can you promote the system, be it rental or offering to have the carpet
cleaned by a professional? Want to make a
“traffic stopper” for attention?
Steam clean the sidewalk in front of your store and paint the question, “Is it time to have your carpet cleaned?”
That’s where you the drycleaner comes in, gaining another method of diversification.
Need more methods for diversifying? What else can you offer your customers?
Remember, if you don
’t offer multiple services your competitor just might! And there goes a new
customer. Or maybe even an old one.
Think of the most successful supermarkets or department stores and you realize
they are successful because they are so diversified. A drycleaner can do the
same, if not on his premises, then outsourced to a reliable specialist.
Start with an attractive tailoring and alterations department. All it takes is a
well-lit three-sided mirror, a convenient fitting room and a small platform for
marking hem lengths. There is at present a huge market for experienced
alterations specialists anxious for part-time employment who are conveniently
located in your neighborhood.
With the drapery business, you can offer ”We will remove, dryclean and finish your draperies to look like new and re-hang
to your convenience.
”
Offer leather cleaning or even shoe repair. There are many specialists anxious
for business. A reasonable mark-up and service is guaranteed.
Have you considered doing wedding gown cleaning? The work is easy and the profit
more than compensating. It also lends prestige if you simply display a finished
gown in your window at night with a changing colored light on a revolving
mannequin. Talk about traffic stopping! All brides are beautiful, young or old,
and they have to stop for a
“look see.”
Can you ask for more attention?
