New Marketing Scheme

[dpese]

Hello my name is David, I am starting my own cleaning business and have a rather unorthodox method of drumming up some new clients. I was wondering if anybody had tried something similar or if anyone had any thoughts on weather this would be worth the go.
Ok so here's the idea; I have no experience in the business of cleaning and need some references and somewhere to start so I plan on pretty much giving my services away to a few companies with a low promo pricing (enough to cover the expenses) for a limited time. And then after the promo deal is over adjusting the pricing to the industry standards.
I plan on doing this so that I have testimonials on my website and so I can have some experience under my belt. I am thinking of this promo ploy as somewhat of an internship with my own business.
Well tell me what you think I would be happy to hear from some experienced business owners already in the game. THANK YOU

[HBF]

Sounds like a good idea to get some practice and testimonials, but be careful, b/c they will want to stay at that promo rate. You may want to clean for some friends and family first then move on to regular pricing for actual clients.

[dpese]

But how about if I'm just trying to lock down commercial accounts. Do you think that will be a good way to get my foot in the door?

[strawbanana]

When I took over for dad, I decided I would bring back full janitorial...and you know, I just read every piece of information about commercial cleaning that was free, I even went to the Library and got a book about starting up I think it was called 'inside the janitorial business, and I read every post on this web page. made a plan, commercial job checklist, and faked it... I knew I could clean, and worked out the kinks.

You must be confident, they are right about the raising of price... customers won't like it, or will drop you after the intro period. You must ooze confidence, and don't let them know that you have never cleaned a commercial place before, most I think won't care. I started with small accounts.

[dpese]

You both are right about the chance of the clients feeling deceived after the promo pricing is over but I plan to make it very clear to the customers that this is a low test price. A price that they will have for trying us. I will give them an estimate before my business cleans for them so that they know how much the regular price will be then if they agree on my standard price they can use the promo pricing to hire my business and test us out.
I think that sounds like a good idea. Anyone see any problems with this marketing plan. I believe that as long as it is clear to the customer that they are receiving a promo price I do not think there will be any confrontations. And if they choose to use my services just for the dirt cheap promo price then decide to drop us for the price change then we can still list them as a reference. We will do a good job cleaning and they in return will give us a good reference.

[adixie]

Hello, I am starting a new company and I am wanting to know what the community thinks about hiring a salesperson to get contracts in this tight economy that we are in now. Any responses would be appreciated.

Thanks

[dpese]

Hello adixie I'm new to the industry too. The salesperson could work. How about if you told anyone you run into that if they help you gain a customer that you would give them a reward. Something like a $50 finders bonus for helping you gain a contract.
That would save you money from hiring a full time salesperson. Just throwing out ideas tell me what you think.