[Steve Chapman]

Just your thoughts please on how you get your customers to wait for their cleaning when you get really booked up? - I normally get booked solid for two weeks during the summer constantly but find customers get really grouchy if they have to wait any longer than that!
I do work alone and there's only so many carpets you can clean in a week and sometimes find myself working at night aswell as the days, but would really like to spread the work out a bit more?

Any thoughts appreciated,
steve

[therapist]

Steve

Sometimes you have to  ' make hay  '  while the sun shines, also, maybe you should consider you method of working and think of ways to improve your productivity.

rob m

[Steve Chapman]

I've thought about employing someone else but worry about the quiet times, would it be better to sub contract when i'm really busy or is this not a good idea?
steve

[therapist]

If you really have a problem, with too much work, the best solution might be the classic answer..............increase your prices and make more money for less work.

rob m

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I agree with Rob about the prices.

I send out a newsletter in traditionally quieter times so to get my customers to buy when I want them to so it leaves naturally busier times for new customers. I have got a 2 week waiting list most of the year but Xmas may be 2 months.

I usually tell them that I get so busy for a reason and that is a thought provoking moment for them to say "I better book now" but remember you can't win them all.

Shaun

[andrew chrysler]

If a regular customer wants you when you are booked up, why not book them at some point in the future and offer them a discount for that clean, promising a similar discount for "booking ahead" next time.

Alternatively, how about different prices for "peak" and "off peak"

Shaun makes some very good points in the last post.

[PaulKing]

Just mention the competion has bird flu! And a wonky eye!
Works every time

[Steve Chapman]

Andrew,
Good suggestion about booking later and offering a discount, would be a nice incentive for them cheers

Paul,
May try the bird flu if i get really desperate
regards
steve