Gentlemen (and any other ladies out there),
Part of me wishes I had not stumbled across this thread. Many of you know me, I tell it like it is. I am also quick to help the newbies, which makes what I am about to write, difficult to draft and post. But, I too have something to say about the posts and their tone. So, before I begin I'll simply say I apologize if I offend anyone, for it will most certainly not be my intention. (but could be read that way)
There are many hard working people on this board with a variety of work experiences. You might even be surprised to learn that the number you so liberally and proudly toss around, is not ( or has not been) an uncommon accomplishment for many folks on this board. We know what mission statements are. We know what business plans are. We know what marketing plans are. We are not uneducated redneck moron idiots without the benefit of an education or a brain tucked neatly inside our cramium. You obviously do have a background to be proud of. And yes, you can translate much of it into what you are now beginning to embark upon, provided you understand how. You really did come across the wrong way.
It would be wise to not alienate those who have more experience in this particular industry at a time when you may well need their advice. When you are new to this business, you will encounter things on jobs you accept and you won't know how to handle them. It happens to everyone. No one, is perfect, and no one, starts out with all the answers. Additionally, no one, knows exactly which jobs to accept and to turn down with 100% accuracy or knowledge of what they will face out in the field.
When we began, we didn't have the $1000.00 machine. We bought them refurbished on an auction site. But you know what? It's what we could afford.
When customers change to another company it's not always about the PW company going after them, it can be about the customer seeking a new vendor. PW Companies don't always intentionally go after each others business. But if one out performs another, well, may the best cleaner win.
We have an account now due to lack of responsiveness and poor job quality on the part of the other company. We responded when someone needed help right away.
Sorry about being off topic. Now about house washing.... there are some companies here too that have standard rates which seem low. But we don't seemto have any problem selling a job for more than what they advertise for. Many consumers are leary of low prices, and you may actually find an increase in your sales if you raise your prices...that's right, an increase in sales at higher prices. There is a whole psychology to pricing and what consumers will respond to and what they won't. From what we have seen, it seems to be true. Figure out what the high and low is in your area, and aim for the middle of the bell curve. You'll see a dramatic increase in sales!
Welcome one and all!
Beth
p.s. One thing you said makes no sense to me......please clarify...
"I have turned down about 4-6 jobs because of complaints about the price."
One would thing that if the prospect was complaining about the price, they would not hire you for the job, so how could you turn it down if it was not your to begin with? Also, if you mean that when you presented the price they complained and you simply backed off, well, then surely you know that they were opening up negotiations and looking for a discount. Surely after sales such as the one you shared with us you know when someone flinches....right? At that point if you walk away you have decided not to counter, which is fine.
