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Brian Margettes · Guest

Marketing your Business

Craig Finney · Guest

I havent cleaned any roofs yet but my personal opinion would be to let the homeowner know your cost associated with the job and time put into organizing the cleaning. After a few jobs well done you will begin to develop a reputation that the 99.00 guy could only dream of. As the pros on this forum have said, "dont give your services away just to get the job." Good luck and be safe.

LPWash · Guest

Here's what my reply would be. Mr. Customer.....Ever hear that saying, if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is? Something doesn't sound right, because my cleaners alone cost me nearly that much to do your job. Then give your sales pitch.

Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Sep 19, 2010

That's an ssi or unemployment price. No legitimate company will survive with prices like that. There will be no printed ads or direct marketing w/ those prices. That guy will have to raise his prices once the unemployment checks stop rolling in. Next year he'll be legit competition or be outa there.

AC Lockyer · none

Brian Margettes wrote:

I think this is the way not to do if you ever want to make any money in this business.

Who ever this guy is he is put up tons of these signs and every customer I have talked in the past week says I seen a sign for $99.......... "All I tell them is I might not be the right cleaner for you because we do professional work and my cost are more than $99 to clean your home properly. Please keep my card handy in case you dont get the job you were expecting. Thank you for your time" Then I shut up and wait for the response.

Any Ideas how to handle different or better?

Yes report him to the state attny general or consumer affairs for the "bait and switch"

that is what he is doing..........drawing them in with the cheep price then upcharging them because they dont have the fantasy roof that fits the $99 price.

Jail for him!

AC

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX · Guest

How is that illegal?

Grizzly · Guest

AC, the sign is advertising pressure washing. But same idea.

WDE · Guest

If he's doing "bait and switch" it could be considered false advertisement. I would give the prospective customer a brochure or flyer explaining roof cleaning proper methods and what to avoid. Include your "guarantee" (if you offer one) in the brochure/flyer. Follow up in a few days or a week.

-- Edited by WDE on Sunday 19th of September 2010 04:12:44 PM

AC Lockyer · none

Confident Roof Cleaning Houston TX wrote:

How is that illegal?

you can not offer a service or product for a price and never honor that price. Car dealers have to have in thier ads how many cars on the lot are actually available at the price they are advertising. If there is a white elephant that doesnt exist it is illegal. You cant advertise $99 house washes and then the customer doesnt fit the definition of that dream house. The company will be forced by the authorities to show a propunderance of homes that were done at the $99 price that fit the advertisment.

does this help?

AC

Guest

I know in Virginia Beach here it is illegal to put up signs on city property, we have a zoning patrol that takes them up and after the second warning it cost 1000.00 fine. I do put put them in customers yards for a 1 or 2 week period once the roof has been cleaned and give them a percent off. I would report them too for that, it is not good for our industry.

NJ Roof Cleaner · Guest

I should do that to this guy!

Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Sep 20, 2010

Not for nuttin, this could be a clear sign of whats happening in this economy. There are real people out there that are very desperate and though its easy to beat these guys up at least they're doing something. The poor guy has to make a sign with his kids Crayons. I might even be inclined to call the guy and nudge him in the right direction. I was there before. It twas long ago and I was the kid washing houses for $99. It allowed me to get experience. I know I angered people but I didnt know any better or even what the real market price was. There will always be guys like this everywhere. There is a market for these guys. But you get what you pay for. Next year he'll either raise his prices or he'll be welcoming you at the Home Depot.

Shingle Shiner · Sep 20, 2010

Bait and switch is illegal just hard to prove and convict. Put a "bait and switch" sign in the ground next to his with an arrow pointing to the $99

Shingle Shiner · Sep 20, 2010

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bait-and-switch

Chowell77 · Guest

The sign says house and driveway. What's he doing wrong? Nothing on his sign mentions roof cleaning. I'm sure he's cranking the driveway out using a surface cleaner with no chem and probably shooting the house with a pressure washer and no chem also. He may not turn out great quality but he's certainly not violating any laws.

-- Edited by Chowell77 on Monday 20th of September 2010 06:37:55 PM

-- Edited by Chowell77 on Monday 20th of September 2010 06:39:00 PM

gutterdog · Sep 20, 2010

I thought I was the only one that had the $99 guy around, lol!! he delivers a house rinse not a wash, lol!!!

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"