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Post by Kay Andrews on May 1, 2009 1:02:08 GMT -5
I lost 4 accounts over the last 40 days, due to economy. Anyone else in the same boat?  |
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Post by andrew on May 1, 2009 9:58:47 GMT -5
Kay: You are not alone. I have also lost my fair share of accounts due to the present economy. I just keep going and pray that it will get better. Best of luck to you and just remember DON'T GIVE UP.  |
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Post by Kevin on May 1, 2009 14:02:50 GMT -5
We are pretty much in the same boat, I would say we lost 30% of our residential and special cleanings! Thank the Lord the foreclosures and commercial end is still very steady!
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Post by Grizzly on May 1, 2009 14:04:19 GMT -5
Take heart, things are getting better. Consumer spending was up in the States and the banks are apparently getting on more solid footing. I am lucky, the "glitch" as we call it here in Ontario was no where near as bad . We have not lost any accounts, are getting calls almost every day and have managed to expand our services to present clients by offerring new services. THIS IS A KEY AREA TO EXPLOIT. It costs MUCH, MUCH, MUCH less money and time to solicit new business or add ons from a present client. Look at window washing, garden maintenance, gutter cleaning, blind cleaning, any and everything you think you could do and solicit from them. You have their trust already, make sure and offer them all the services you can, THEY MIGHT JUST ACCEPT THEM AND YOU HAVE GROWN AGAIN.
Bill ;D ;D
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Post by Silver City Cleaning on May 1, 2009 21:08:39 GMT -5
We haven't lost any accounts. Actually, I've been getting several calls weekly for bid requests. It does seem, though, that price is much more of a concern with potential clients.
I agree with Bill that looking for more ways to solve problems for existing customers is a smart move for generating more business. I offer customers a discount on bundled services. It's a win-win situation. We get more work and they save time, money, and reduce their headaches since they can deal with fewer service providers. And, they have peace of mind since we have already proven our trustworthiness and professionalism.
Michael
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Post by Maria on May 5, 2009 9:15:22 GMT -5
We have lost a couple customers. The ones that were only getting quick general cleanings of their home. Our high end detailed residential base is currently strong, and were getting new refferals and calls each week.
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Post by Kathleen on May 6, 2009 14:08:13 GMT -5
We have lost about 45% of our revenue since the 1st of the yr. I had several clients who just plain lost their great paying jobs at G.E. and two manufacturing business owners cut half their work force or more, including us. While our housing market has steadied a bit for the time being the job market is terrible. Since the 1st of the yr over 4% of workers laid off in a town of 105,000 - small but a mighty percentage. Too many people for few decent paying jobs= low pay and minus the luxuries.
I have ended up getting a part-time job 3-4 days a week at night to help offset a small portion of the losses and have laid off my last employee.
Come on Power-ball Lotto. Come on something- I still believe.
-Kat
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Post by perfecttouchteam on May 7, 2009 19:01:30 GMT -5
We have been very fortunate, since starting our business in November 2008 we have three new residential contracts and one commercial. I am meeting with a potential second commercial client on Wednesday to do a walk through of their new medical facility and give them a bid. Whatever you do, don't give up. Keep marketing your strong points, be reliable and honest and you will pull through
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Post by FANTASTIC CLEANING SERVICE on Jun 16, 2009 21:24:02 GMT -5
HI, WE ALSO HAVE LOST ONE OF OUR BEST ACCOUNTS.
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Post by naturesessence on Sept 3, 2009 19:05:26 GMT -5
Keep your heads up. Believe in the pride you have in your business. 1 Customer service 2 Quality 3 Detail 4 Marketing, never stop marketing this will just shut all your doors . Good luck everyone. I have lost a few but have gained right back were known for the quality detailed work we offer. |
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Post by twomaids on Feb 16, 2010 9:59:07 GMT -5
It's a tough market. Think about it. We're selling luxury services in a recession - not the most ideal thing in the world. But make no mistake about it - people need our services and people are purchasing our services. Now is the time to solidify your presence in your market. Now is the time to use a bad economy to your advantage. There is no one answer and the answer isn't easy - but it's doable. In my market, the major residential cleaning service still grosses over $2 million per year!! Two Maids & A Mop of Birmingham www.twomaidsbirmingham.com |
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