Author Topic: How do you deal with competitors? (Read 554 times)

Mike M · « **on:** February 22, 2012, 09:14:33 PM »

We've had some rather "spirited" posts between competitors here recently.

It points out something I was told very early on in my working career. Saying a lot of negative things about competitors only makes YOU look bad and turns people off to doing business with you. I learned this from a very successful businessman in another industry. It applies to cleaners as well.

Think about it.

ChemBright · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2012, 10:09:17 PM »

I am friends with a couple of my competitors. I really don't have issues with other cleaners out here. Joel and I help each other out when we can.

Infamousdave · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2012, 10:34:36 PM »

I agree completely Mike.

Cleantech · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2012, 11:34:17 PM »

when i take work from competition I make sure to never cut them down

My results speak much louder words

One cant help though having a small smile

Nick · « **Reply #4 on:** February 23, 2012, 05:45:25 AM »

I agree, I never cut down my competition. I wish everyone good fortune.

micky navarro · « **Reply #5 on:** February 23, 2012, 08:21:35 AM »

cut down my competition?

if i had all the money i have given away thru my helping other cleaners, over the 35+yrs i been in this business, i'd be a very wealthy man!

like mike, i was given that same advice, many years ago!

George Barnett · « **Reply #6 on:** February 23, 2012, 08:53:55 AM »

I let the newly converted patrons bash my competition.

Bonnet Pro · « **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2012, 11:16:02 AM »

I agree with your positions, but do they change when you are attacked ( justified or not) how do you handle it then? If a competitor placed an ad in your local paper and trashed your method and maybe even your hard work in front of your customers how would you respond, if at all? In others words how would/ do you handle it when it gets personal. I especially want to hear your response if you are very competitive. Thanks

Mike M · « **Reply #8 on:** February 23, 2012, 11:39:29 AM »

NO, my position would not change.

Do you have any idea how that looks to prospective customers? People don't like it.

Mike M · « **Reply #9 on:** February 23, 2012, 01:40:56 PM »

This board has probably been attacked?

I wouldn't know since I visit only a few others that are industry related.

Yes, I have a thick skin. Its still a free country and people can voice their opinions as they wish.

We continue to do what we do.

Concentrate on the positives/benefits of your product or service.

John Geurkink · « **Reply #10 on:** February 23, 2012, 02:30:14 PM »

When I moved to Kentucky I made a point of stopping and getting to know my competitors, we are all pretty much freinds, if they flipped me off, I simply followed them and then when they stopped I told them I was happy they thought I was number 1 and that I was new to the state and we would go to lunch etc and got to know them. Heck i haev 14 cleaners in my town that I draw from to do work for me on large jobs.

jtmellon · « **Reply #11 on:** February 23, 2012, 05:16:52 PM »

John G, I just flipped you off now come to NJ and by me lunch. Applebees is 2 for 20

John Geurkink · « **Reply #12 on:** February 23, 2012, 07:02:39 PM »

I will make a point of it when I head that direction...

Yeah... number 1 again!!!!!!!!!!!

Infamousdave · « **Reply #13 on:** February 23, 2012, 09:37:12 PM »

I would always rather work WITH competitors than AGAINST them if at all possible. Makes for a much easier life.

Mike M · « **Reply #14 on:** February 24, 2012, 10:44:22 AM »

We also worked with many competitors over the years.

Good to have someone to cover or help when needed.

CACBServices · « **Reply #15 on:** February 24, 2012, 08:18:25 PM »

I've tried to befriend a couple competitors and it just seems to go no where. Maybe it's me. Maybe its the method I'm using. One accused me of being a kitty litter cleaner, referring to powder based systems. He mentioned this when I mentioned that I use low moisture systems. As I started to explain he pointed to his 10 year old truck mount and 10 year old training he got in Boston (and this was 5 years ago), told me he never heard of anything like an OP and waved me off, "Ahhh, this is all I've ever needed." Last time I tried to refer a job to another window cleaner in the area the call was screened by her mother. I asked to speak directly to the owner. I was told "she doesn't work that way." I asked what "work that way means." She says "I take her messages." So I told her I have a decent size account I can pass her way, no strings attached. Five minutes later he Mom calls back, "She's not interested."

So, I've kind of given up on working directly with folks. I do send business on now and again.

G Kleen · « **Reply #16 on:** February 24, 2012, 10:04:47 PM »

I don't work with or against competitors. I just go on like they aren't even there.

Mike Charles · « **Reply #17 on:** April 28, 2012, 09:45:58 AM »

I don't have any competitors....
There's guys around here that are in the same business, but they're not competition...

jeffvanburen · « **Reply #18 on:** April 28, 2012, 12:38:53 PM »

I don't worry about my competitors, when a customer trys to put me on the spot, I simply say "I deal in results not insults or inuindos its a sign of weakness."

Ray Branch · « **Reply #19 on:** April 28, 2012, 07:20:02 PM »

I dont really worry about the competition. I'm not aware of anyone speaking bad about me or my process, (OP), but if I did hear some bad comments I would try to, (as much as possible), ignore them. I think if you stoop to their level, you won't look any better than them. If it's coming from a customer, I would rather clean a room for free and let them judge me on that!

Burtonblue75 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 28, 2012, 08:25:28 PM »

Kill em with kindness!
Get flipped so many times and I would get pizzed.. then one day I just decided to wave after I received the finger.. since then I always wave now!

Tim M · « **Reply #21 on:** April 29, 2012, 08:58:03 AM »

I do not worry about my competition. I have been pretty lucky were most of the guys in my town are pretty cool. I have several that I will send work to if I am out of town, or they call me if they have problems and need help. Just last week I forgot to get my order in for my prespray and I went to one of my competitors and he gave me a jar of his and just told me to fill it up when I get mine in.
I do have a few that will not wave or look at me when I drive by but I really do not care.

Nick · « **Reply #22 on:** April 29, 2012, 05:18:26 PM »

It sounds like we all are doing much of the same thing when it comes to the other guys!

ChemBright · « **Reply #23 on:** April 29, 2012, 08:28:52 PM »

Quote from: Tim M on April 29, 2012, 08:58:03 AM

I do not worry about my competition. I have been pretty lucky were most of the guys in my town are pretty cool. I have several that I will send work to if I am out of town, or they call me if they have problems and need help. Just last week I forgot to get my order in for my prespray and I went to one of my competitors and he gave me a jar of his and just told me to fill it up when I get mine in.
I do have a few that will not wave or look at me when I drive by but I really do not care.

Same thing here with me. KingJoelKing and I go back and forth with chem all the time. He either forgets to order or I do but usually one of us has a gallon to spar until an order comes in. There are literally THOUSANDS of carpet cleaners in the valley here. Basically we are a dime a dozon.

Nick · « **Reply #24 on:** April 30, 2012, 06:10:14 AM »

Yeah, I'm not worried about the com pition either. I have enough work to keep me as busy as I want to be.

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Author Topic: How do you deal with competitors? (Read 554 times)