[Deep Cleaning Solutions]

I have been asked to quote for the scotch guarding of a wool carpet at about 66sqm.

The customer owns a wool carpet manufacturer and the carpet will be in the factory to do so nice and easy job.

He says this will be a regular thing as he keeps turning down customers who want this add on service and he wants to push it to all of his customers. The thing is I have no idea on pricing as I only normally only protect upholstery after cleaning!

Any ideas on what you would charge for 66qms and also I want to give him a Sqm price so he can work out his price for his customers in future. Also worth pointing out he said all the jobs will be done in his warehouse at a time suited to me

[Raymondo]

I used to do this for Allied Carpets. Just remember that 66 sq meters is a lot of carpet to lay out and spray.

Even though they say that an area will be set aside it soon get filled with stuff.

We ended up doing 5 stores nice and easy.

[Deep Cleaning Solutions]

Thanks Raymondo. Can you remember the sqm price you used to charge them?

I have had a quick look on Google and have seen prices from 0.50p per sqm up to £1.50 per sqm. Looking at it, £1.50 per sqm will probably work out as it's not that local but after he has put his cut on top the customer is going to be paying probably over £150 for one carpet to be protected which I'm not sure is going to be an easy add on to sell!

[Paul Wisdom]

I used to do this for Allied Carpets. Just remember that 66 sq meters is a lot of carpet to lay out and spray.

Even though they say that an area will be set aside it soon get filled with stuff.

We ended up doing 5 stores nice and easy.

We did the Allied Scotchgarding as well, when the Scotchcare Network was running. The car park was used on good days hahaha or a late call to shop the night before fitting and do it. NOT IDEAL I KNOW.

We used to charge £1.30 a yard if I remember rightly. But then we diluted it ourselves and the price of the protector was not that bad. I think now you have to buy it already diluted and its a scandalous price these days. You gotta be £2 a yard now I reckon.

[Kev Loomes]

Will you be using genuine scotchgard - or 'scotchgard' i.e. any other protector? I say this because the word is normally used to describe a protector service, just like the word 'hoover' is used to describe vacuuming. Unless he has specified scotchgard directly? There are other alternatives and one for example which we use is, Chemspec's concentrated Stainshield (water based) which comes in 5ltrs but makes 25ltrs. Available from John at Restormate: http://www.restormate.co.uk/epages/15094.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/15094/Products/UKSSPR15/SubProducts/UKSSPR15

John also does a solvent protector from Craftex if required for certain carpets (ignore the fact that it says fabric as it can do both depending on what it's going on): http://www.restormate.co.uk/epages/15094.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/15094/Products/0031

The bit I don't understand is why doesn't he just make all the profit from applying it himself? I used to think that it was because they don't want the hassle from customers if it doesn't retard everything that's thrown at it. But they would still get the hassle anyway because that's where the customer bought it from. So I tend to show a bit of scepticism towards carpet retailers, so don't go in too cheap as it may just be a one off regardless of what he suggests? About 8 months ago I visited approx 25 carpet retailers and lets just say it was interesting!

[christ6008]

Kev,

You cant say it was intersting and then leave us hanging! Tell us more

[Kev Loomes]

Ha ha Chris!

Basically they are all hardened veterans who take no bull. Some of them are sick to death of salesmen and instantly mistrust everyone with a sales patter or introduction. Don't get me wrong some are really nice, and even seem helpful - but they just hide it better and don't get back to you!  I remember one who was adamant that a wool carpet didn't need scotchgarding at all because of its 'natural properties' - and would never recommend to a customer to have it done! Even though I tried to explain otherwise it was his complete refusal that was shall we say very forthcoming!

I have a couple of carpet shops who we do deal with, but tbh I wouldn't go out of my way again (I did this a few years ago too) as they often think they know better - and don't want to deal with you because 'your in it for some sort of financial gain'. I've tried maint plans, scothgarding and more recently the WOW warranty scheme. Basically they just can't be arsed with it all and don't particularly want to push something that is 'out of their control', with things they don't quite understand.

[Mike Roper]

As already said go for Stainshield professional by chemspec. I have been charging the retailers I deal with the same for years £1.50 sq m.
They will either Chuck it in to get the job or charge £4- £5 sq m.
It takes along time to get a good mutual working relationship with retailers and some will still get rid of you to save a few quid not taking into account the backup you give and potentially how you could get them out of trouble with customers.
Don't do anything on the promise of loads of work in the future, it rarely happens.
Mike