Layers?

[josie67]

Hi Everyone,

How does a person constitute layers of dirt? I have heard people use the term one layer, two layers, four layers, and six layers of dirt. How do you determine what is four layers of dirt to one layer of dirt? I was just curious as to how I would explain that to a future customer.

Thanks once again,

Josie

[logan5127]

We use categories: Light soil-Medium soil- Heavy soil.I use my on discretion as to which category it fits.We use these on insurance jobs; carpet cleaning; upholstery cleaning; window cleaning; construction clean up. When I talk to a customer I might say this job will cost a little more because it falls in the heavy soil category or I can give you a little break because this falls in the light soil category.
An example would be , if I where bidding on a carpet clean. All with 600 sq feet same type carpet and moving only minimal amount of furniture and all at same distance, say 5 miles from office.
1. Fairly new; vacuumed regular, no spots - light soil> .20 sq. foot
2. A carpet that has not been cleaned for a year but has been vacuumed some and has minimal spots- medium soil >.25 square foot.
3. A carpet that has not been cleaned for a year; doesn't look like it has been vacuumed much at all; has several spots including some urine stains- heavy soil >.28 to.30 square foot.

[josie67]

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the info given here. It is very much appreciated.

Thanks to everyone here who gives their time to give an answer to the questions we all put on here.

Thanks so much,

Josie and Chris

[gailm]

Layers - if you're dealing with a residential prospect, forget about explainng about layers. They won't get it and most of them don't want to hear it! Most get defensive.

I found a better way is to take notes when you're doing an in-home bid. Then when you present your offer, you can back it up with those items you found that will take extra time.

"Mrs. Jones, we'll need to spend extra time on the hall bathroom to remove the mold that has adhered to the tile, grout and toilet rim. And we'll be using our step stool to get to the entry lights; once cleaned, they'll really sparkle."

In this example, you're not telling them about their dirty house (remember, they get defensive), you're just stating the facts and throwing in a benefit. When you do this they forget about being defensive.

Most prospects will not make an appointment when they are defending their home!

[josie67]

Thanks for all of the excellent info, Gail. It is very much appreciated.

Josie