This is one of the dirtiest houses we have cleaned in a very long time. It blows my mind how anyone could let their house get this dirty and then live with it, walking up to it every single day. Some people think I'm crazy for quoting remotely, especially for houses like this, but today I'm going to share how I did it, how the homeowner tried to screw us over, and how we got paid in the end.
The Challenges of Remote Quoting
I understand why many exterior cleaning business owners think it’s madness to quote remotely. When you’re new to the business, it’s crucial to get out there, meet customers, and understand their needs. This helps you gather valuable data that will guide your pricing, cost, and profit models. But as you gain experience and efficiency, quoting remotely can save a lot of time and effort.
So, tell me in the comment section: how long have you been in business, and do you quote remotely?
The Power of Remote Quoting
Despite what you might think, most homeowners don’t want to meet you in person. They just want a price quickly. Speed to the lead is essential. The faster I can get a quote to the customer, the more likely I am to get the job. This dirty house was no exception.
This house hadn’t been cleaned in five years. The homeowner found us via Google, ranked at the top, and clicked the quote form on our website. This isn’t your usual quote form where you submit details and wait. Instead, it’s an instant quote system, powered by Quote IQ.
Using Quote IQ for Accurate Estimates
When setting up the services in Quote IQ, we consider various factors such as the property size, number of stories, and additional details like a separate garage. These details help build an accurate price, ensuring we quote correctly every time.
For extremely dirty houses like this one, we ask how long it has been since the last wash. Each year adds to the price, and in this case, there was a 20% upcharge for the five-year gap. The homeowner got an instant quote, approved it, and scheduled the appointment through Quote IQ.
Dealing with Difficult Customers
The house was filthy, and the homeowner likely faced pressure from the HOA to clean it. Mac, our technician, did a fantastic job, transforming the house. However, after we sent the invoice, the homeowner claimed we did a terrible job and refused to pay.
We document every job thoroughly with pre-inspection forms and before-and-after pictures. When she complained, I sent her the pictures and reminded her to check her email for the inspection form. I also offered to send her the video of the job. Shortly after, I received a notification that the invoice was paid.
The Bottom Line
Remote quoting isn’t just a timesaver; it’s a game-changer for closing more jobs quickly. It’s all about speed to the lead. Our experience with this dirty house showcases the power of remote quoting and the importance of thorough documentation to handle difficult customers.
Thank you for reading! If you made it this far, comment "Milo" in the comment section down below. See you next time, and don’t forget to check out Quote IQ and the $100 discount with promo code WASH for your ECP certification.
Interested in mastering the art of softwashing? Check out the SESW Softwash 101 class. It's a fantastic resource to improve your skills and knowledge in exterior cleaning. Visit their website for more information and take your cleaning business to the next level!
