Question about sq feet pricing

[Travis.James]

Im interested in getting into this business and was wondering do you actually go into the house and measure the rooms to get the sq ft or do you just have a sq ft number you use for bedrooms and or other rooms? Also where can I get good info on all types of carpet and the best way to clean the different types. Also if you have some heavy soiled carpets and you want to aggitate the carpet first before you use say a powerwand even though it aggitates as well wouldit be a good idea to get say a rotary carpet scrubber? Just to help make sure it gets clean? Sorry for all the questions here but I want to get as much info as I can.

[bjump003]

I am considering getting into the business for myself as well. I am looking to do it part time because I am in the Army. I worked for Servpro for 4 years and we always did residential by the number of rooms and would charge by the square foot for commercial carpet. As far as the different types of carpet there are many resources online but, I think the best way is to attend an IICRC CCT course to get a good basic knowledge of the different types of carpet. When we cleaned heavily soiled carpet it was pretty much the same method as lightly soiled carpet. Vacuum, Rake, Pre Spray, Rake again, Let set a few minutes, and proceed to clean. This never failed us. I hope that was helpful.

Brad

[E Wenger]

I agree with Brad about IICRC courses. I prefer charging by the sq ft. I know many people charge by the room, but I think you are leaving money on the table, plus it makes it fair for each of your clients if you are charging them for exactly what they have. I go out and look at each of my jobs before quoting a price over the phone. I am no where near the cheapest priced carpet cleaner nor do I want to be. but to sell my service they need to see what I have to offer, other then just a phone call and a price. Your clients don't know what to ask for other then price. let them know that before you can give them a price you will need to do a FREE inspection. When there, you want to WOW! them with the best audit or inspection they have ever received. This will give them an idea of the quality of cleaning they will also receive. Wear a uniform, put on white booties as you go into their home, show them testimonials, etc. If you are new and have none... do a couple of free cleanings for testimonials. believe me this will be more valuable then charging them for the carpet cleaning.