Setting the right price for your carpet cleaning services is crucial to attracting customers and keeping your business profitable. The business can be lucrative, with some carpet cleaning companies making up to $200,000 per year—however, to achieve this, you must use a competitive pricing strategy that balances market demands with quality services.
Learn what to consider and which pricing structures can help you establish fair and competitive pricing that attracts loyal customers and boosts your business’s profitability.
1. Understand Your Costs
Profitability is an essential objective for any business, including carpet cleaning companies. Before deciding on prices and rates, you must first understand all your costs and ongoing expenses. These factors can help you determine how much it costs to run the business and calculate the basis for your profit margin.
Most of your business’s operating costs will fall into these four categories: equipment and supplies, wages and benefits, utilities and overhead, and marketing and advertising.
Equipment and Supplies | This category includes the costs of one-time purchases and recurring operational costs, including:
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Labor Costs |
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Utilities and Overhead |
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Marketing and Advertising |
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2. Research Competitors
After determining the costs of starting and running your business, the next step to accurate pricing is researching similar companies in your area. Understanding your competition lets you strategically tailor your pricing and services and position your business effectively. You’ll begin this process by thoroughly researching local market rates and service offerings.
- Local market rates. Research the prices set by other carpet cleaning businesses in your area. Visit their websites, call as a potential customer, or check advertised rates in local media. These steps help ensure your prices are in line with local expectations.For instance, if most businesses charge around $100 for a standard room, you might price yours at $95 to attract budget-conscious customers or justify a higher price with additional services.
- Service comparison. Analyze the services offered by your competitors, such as basic cleaning, deep cleaning, and specialized treatments like stain removal or pet odor removal. Detail these services to understand what extras they provide, which can influence how much they charge.For example, if a competitor offers deep cleaning at an additional cost, and you include it in your standard package, highlight this advantage in your pricing strategy to attract customers looking for more value.
3. Determine Your Pricing Model
After researching your competitors, you’re ready to hone in on an effective pricing model. You can use a few different pricing structures for your carpet cleaning business—the right choice depends on your business goals, the nature of the client base, and the typical size and type of properties you service.
- Per room pricing. This model is frequently used for residential services. Rates usually range from $25 to $75 per room. It’s straightforward and easy for homeowners to understand, which helps in quick decision-making.An example of this structure would be charging $50 per room to cover all standard cleaning tasks, making it a clear, uncomplicated choice for customers.
- Square food pricing. This method is more common for larger commercial spaces where the size can vary. Cost per square foot pricing typically averages between $0.25 and $0.50. This model allows you to scale the cost based on the area being cleaned, ensuring a fair price for you and the client.For instance, if you’re cleaning a 10,000-square-foot office, you might charge $0.30 per square foot. The total cost of $3,000 correlates with the size of the service area. You can then add additional fees for specialized products such as Out The Odor or MaxShield.
- Flat rate packages. Bundled services at a set price simplify the pricing structure and can provide considerable value to customers. This approach works well because it makes billing straightforward and allows customers to choose a package that best meets their needs without worrying about variable costs.An example might be a Spring Cleaning package that includes deep cleaning, stain treatment, and deodorizing for a flat rate of $200, regardless of room size or individual service costs.
4. Factor in Service Variables
After determining the ideal pricing for basic cleaning and add-on services, you can adjust your pricing to account for variables or different environments. Variables to consider in your prices include:
- Carpet type. The carpet materials and construction determine the tools, machines, and cleaning solutions you need to clean the surface fully. For example, wool and synthetic carpets require different solutions to clean efficiently. High-pile fibers, such as plush or shag carpets, may require more time and alternative tools and cleaning techniques than standard office carpets.
- Carpet condition. The more heavily soiled or damaged the carpet, the more time, effort, and resources are required to clean it and the more you can afford to charge. Consider the type and severity of the stains, the carpet’s general wear and tear, the presence of odors, and other complications, such as age, damage, or matting.
- Post-cleaning treatments. If you offer special treatments after cleaning, include them in the final service prices. Examples include odor and stain protection, spot treatment, color brighteners, and carpet grooming services.
- Frequency discounts. Offering discounts for repeat cleanings is an efficient way to build customer loyalty and encourage repeat business. A common model is to adjust your discount structure based on how often your customers schedule cleanings. For example, you can offer 5% off for semi-annual services, 10% for quarterly, and 15% for monthly cleanings.
5. Communicate Value
Once you’ve compiled a detailed list of your prices, make sure your customers understand what you offer and the value of your services. In the competitive carpet cleaning industry, you must effectively communicate what sets your business apart and why customers should choose you.
- Quality and reliability. Showcase your expertise, the number of years your team has worked in the field, and the type and quality of your company’s equipment. Use your experience and access to the best tools to demonstrate that your business is committed to providing the best service possible.
- Customer satisfaction. To build trust with your customers, showcase your company’s past work and success stories online. Display reviews on your site, publish positive testimonials and show pictures and examples of what your services can do. These testimonials demonstrate the value of your business and encourage others to book carpet cleaning services with you.
- Clear and transparent pricing. Be upfront about your services and how much your customers can expect to spend—it can help build trust and credibility. Provide a detailed breakdown of your pricing structure, including all add-on services, post-cleaning treatments, and other options. Include any discount programs in the price breakdown to entice repeat business.
Develop a Competitive Pricing Model to Boost Your Business’s Success
The ideal pricing model for your business should strike a balance between encouraging sustainability, reflecting the quality of your services, and remaining fair to attract and retain your customers. Taking the time to build the ideal pricing structure can help ensure your business grows and develops a loyal customer base.
If you are new to the carpet cleaning industry, consider becoming a DryMaster Affiliate. With DryMaster, your company benefits from our up-to-date training programs, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, and a wealth of knowledge and support. Contact us today and receive your free 30-page business guide.