Raise in gas prices vs. raise in service charge

[tmoore]

With the fast rise in gas prices, people are being forced to raise the prices of their services and products. I recently talked to my business partner about this. We have a contract coming up for renewal the end of June, we bid this contract very low because it was our first contract and we went with what they were willing to pay which barely pays for our time and supplies. I mentioned sending a letter with the renewal that we are forced to raise our prices due to the gas increase. Has this been an issue with any other janitorial services? If so how did it work out? My partner is worried this will cause us to lose the account.

[Linda]

I recently went through this and I did lose one account. She was my first account. I bid her low so I could get started immediately. I had several lined up, but no starting date. I raised her 5 bucks and the sales tax. I knew I would lose her, before I ever gave her the update. This lady refused an initial clean and was constantly leaving me notes wanting certain things done that was a part of an initial, but I did it anyway. If she is able to find someone to do everything I did at a cheaper price then good luck to her. She also demanded insurance and bonding. I didn't want to lose her account, but I wasn't making anything the way it was going so I was willing to let her go if I had to. Who knows, she may call me in the future and she may not. I am not going to let this get me down. I know my business will grow the way I want it to

Linda

[executive1]

That's why i'm very careful not to low bid jobs even if it means losing the bid sometimes its
better.

[Linda]

I could have actually dealt with the price, it was all the extras that made me up it. She expected alot for nothing

Linda

[Pages Personal Cleaning]

Linda
You are better off without these kinds of clients. I don't think people realize sometimes how hard this work is. We worked 7 days straight last week and by Sunday my help told me to go ahead and fire her because she couldn't take anymore. She was just kidding of course, but this is very hard physical work and you should be paid what you are worth.
Just hang in there Linda, you will get good quality clients that won't mind a bit paying for good service. It just takes some time.
Patti

[Kevin]

Nicely said Patti . People cannot assume that prices will not go up, its just common sense that if you pay more for gasoline you will pay more for services and products. The companies that ship the cleaning chemicals have to pay more of a fuel surcharge, so in turn they raise the prices on the chemical, which in turn raises the price of service.