Some clients gives me headache:(

[Amazin]

Some advice or tips would be useful. Basically I started a domestic cleaning business 2.5 months ago and its going well. Been getting clients primarily through door to door sales. I got few regular clients at moment once or twice per week. here is what happened:

client A invited me to her house to clean, then she told me that she need wait and see what happens because she might loss her job or something. Since then, she never got in touch.

Client B who i followed up called many times before he finally decided to let me clean his house never got in touch again. It was difficult to even get hold of him because he always busy and always on the move.

ClientC was very enthusiastic when i knocked on his door, he invited me in and showed me around the house and said he was going to call me in few days. I trusted him and forgot to ask for his number. After 2 weeks of waitinging, i knocked on his door again and it turned out that he's been getting stomach pain and spent lot of time sleeping. I got his number and after 4 weeks of waiting, i called him and it was his wife called back (maybe she's worried that he might be cheating). She told me she will get him to call me but he never did. Now i really don' know what to do:s

Should i call them again? Or is it going to be pestering people? I don't think its to do with the quality of my work even though clientA might be picky. I always ask them if they are happy with my work or not and so far i haven't had any unhappy customers.

What do you think? Im confused:S

 

[deniser]

Did they pay for the first clean or was it a free trial clean?

 

[Amazin]

they did pay and first hour was for free.

 

[deniser]

Door to door seems an odd way to get customers. I wouldn't let a stranger come into my house to clean.

Can't you get some personal recommendations through your existing customers or drop some leaflets through doors?

 

[WaterCoolersDirect]

The very nature of your business suggests that primarily your customers are going to be very busy people - which is why they want a cleaner in the first place!

If I was you I would try not to let these 3 scenarios drag you down, businesses are full of ups and downs - especially at the beginning .

Get some leaflets produced that have clear contact details and a few lines about what you do and go leaflet dropping. I should imagine that that's a good way of getting some business....

 

[iArtist]

No offence but good cleaners are like gold dust

If they paid you to clean and didn't invite you back then it's likely you're not up to their standard.

These days 'cleaning' means removing all dirt and dust from 'everywhere' aside from out of reach places and inside cooking appliances unless you include that etc.

I've seen cleaners who miss bits and if a customer has to go around themselves after the cleaner what's the point? People want their homes cleaned to a showhome standard.

 

[surgery_cards]

Recommendations & references are a must when you are inviting a stranger in your home.

Can you ask your regular clients for a reference?

 

[Igneous D]

did you get any committment on leaving? what was the "next step"? - you could have left a pre-paid post card which rated the service. This would give you a testimonial/quote and it is a bit more anonomous so people may be more honest.

Igneous Marketing

 

[Amazin]

I do have references and I wrote on my business card that "reference available upon request.

Leadprint: I think you're right. Its also important to chase things up bit a bit as well.

I do need to get some leaflets printed. For a business like cleaning, I just can't see myself produce like a takeaway menu like leaflets with lots of text. I don't even know what to include. I guess I just have to find out

 

[IanG]

I would instead invest the time in people who are not messers.

 

[LetterBox Angels]

I suggest you should always get contact details first from the clients before dealing with them.

 

[Evans Graphics]

Clients can be very fickle, always ask if your work has been satisfactory or if there is anything else they would like help with, this can lead to an open and frank conversation. Get to the nitty gritty.

 

[Smallbusinessman]

A person that I know (female) has started up in the same business as you. She leafletted large houses with a home-printed leaflet. Then it grew with recommendations from existing clients. If you are male, it will be a bit harder to get a foot in the door with strangers. Some of the her clients are just unrealistic and impossible to work for - she has parted company with them. Keep leafletting and grow by recommendation from existing clients - ask them if they will give you a reference. Sometimes 'prospects' have to be written off because they will never give a straight answer or make a decision. Good luck.