just got an email groupon offer, funniest one yet

This is the offer,  word for word--       $45.00 for 3 rooms  

"Techs start each service with an inspection before capturing dry dirt particles with a HEPA vacuum cleaner. After they pre-spray carpets with conditioner, techs use a Rotovac machine to scrub fibers and extract grime. They finish the session—which can last up to three hours—with a grooming tool and a final inspection. This deal is valid for rooms measuring up to 300 square feet each"

that is the price before groupon takes half    =   22.50    minus gas, employee, pre spray, vac bags    

heres the funny part lol,    they sold 700+      

 We cleaned 2 sofas, 2 small runners,  a flight of stairs and a large den which equals 14.5 jobs for them and I did it before lunch at one location.     Our afternoon job today equals another 13 jobs for them.    


I guess it could be a total bait and switch or super high pressure upsell    

I think the only way this deal would work out for them is if they took the  15k and left town

Ouch! I hope they can work fast during their "session" of cleaning.

There is no way that I could match price with these guys, be out of biz pretty quick.

u mean the 3hr session?>

I dont think I could afford to drive to peoples homes,  hawk a lugi on the carpet and rub it in with my shoe for that rate,     the gas and drive time would be too much.

should I buy it and hide a camera in my house? would be worth the 45 bucks

Do it! Yes!

Actually, AC, that would be a great idea!

Just might save many new cleaners from the same fate.

That is the winner for March video contest if you can pull it off. I promise I will block all other entries.   

The sad part of that is 700 people plus will think thats how we all are!

Also if you have some carpet in your house you want to replace have them clean that.

900 sq. ft. for 22.50 should be if done right $315.00

well see, I feel like its kind of an A hole move. He can charge whatever he wants, if he wants to give it away free thats fine but hell be super busy all the time.

You would think its a no pre vac, no pre treat just blast steam and go job

but they claim to do most all of the steps, so I am just curious as to where to missing link is

is it up sell, or complete bait and switch

Supposedly only half will actually call and schedule on time.. but still that's just too low. I've heard of people running those ads, collecting the check and dumping the company. Not a bad idea if your about to be homeless I guess  

Definitely using the old bait and switch. Probably up selling. Lets see.....
1. Conditioner ( read:Water) works well but to really clean your carpets we should use Pre-spray ( read: soap) only $15.95
2. We can also move the furniture for only $29.95
3.Deodorizer is highly recommended-only $39.95
4. Were having a special on ScotchGard only $49.95 per room!

Scam artists to be sure! All 700 people deserve what they are about to get, KY jelly only $9.99 with each cleaning......

keep an eye on yelp for reviews

that joy of the 15k will soon be gone.

I once made the mistake of doing the Joe polish free room offer
I was so convinced that my superior service and skills every one with the free room offer would have the rest of the house done.

NOPE!

I'll offer a free demo. Nothing more.
Clean a cushion on your couch. Clean a 4x4 square in a room of your choice. Clean the arm of your leather furniture. I am not giving a whole area away for free. Scam artists are not just bait and switchers.

As to the groupon guy. I'm sure pretty sure there is a hook SOMEPLACE in it. If he is making bank, good for him. I just can't see HOW you can at that price. groupon groupies are not usually loyal, and everyone that runs one seems to end up regretting it.

Sure seems like our industry is in a race to the bottom. I just can't see why. Are people that ignorant, value themselves that little, or think working like a dog to end up making more at McD's is a good idea?

http://www.yelp.com/biz/gonsalves-cleaning-and-restoration-new-york-2

http://www.pissedconsumer.com/reviews-by-company/south-of-the-river-carpet-cleaning/scammed-and-took-advantage-20120224299812.html

just two if found, im sure its the same thing

A year's worth of work for one van for $15k - Priceless   

Customers thinking it's a real deal - Sad   
Paying an additional $200-$500 more for shotty service - Plain Stupid   

This is EXACTLY I stopped doing business with Groupon, they wanted me to match or get close to that kind of price without compromising quality, even if Groupon doesn't take any percentage off of that deal, I still won't be able to do it without losing $$, especially with the gas price right now, I just filled up my tank and it costed me $ 120.
And then they're saying you can benefit from repeat businesses, I call bull sh!t because in 3 runs, I probably retains about 3 customers ( out of approximately 300+ customers.
so for those honest cleaners out there, if you want to stay in business, please listen to me, stay out of Groupon deals, unless they're willing to adjust the split and raise the price point to a number you're comfortable with, you have to look at ALL your running costs, including service radius, wear and tear on your equipment and yourself, etc.

Rarely our customers ask about these type of companies that offer crazy low prices.

I just keep it simple and say "anyone can buy a machine that sprays water and sucks some of it up, just like anyone can buy a set of wrenches, or a saw and hammer... but here we are still in business and growing"