Editorial

THE SEARS NAME STANDS FOR VALUE, QUALITY AND DEPENDABILITY

Service Franchises are among the hottest and fastest growing companies around and Sears Carpet & Upholstery Care is one of the best, says Paul Petru, director of marketing and Franchise sales for the Columbus, Ohio-based company. Sears Carpet & Upholstery Care provides carpet and upholstery cleaning service to both residential and business locations as well as residential air duct cleaning services.

Franchising since 1999, there are about 65 Sears Carpet & Upholstery Care franchisees serving 118 territories. franchise locations are available throughout most of the US.

THE SEARS NAME STANDS FOR VALUE, QUALITY AND DEPENDABILITY

A major benefit of a Sears Carpet & Upholstery Care franchise, says Petru, is the strength of the brand. Sears is known everywhere and the name stands for value, quality and dependability. Franchisees have a much easier time selling their service to consumers than they would if they were, for example, “Bob's Carpet Cleaning,” because customers know they will receive quality service at a fair price with the Sears guarantee of satisfaction. The franchisees can even accept the Sears credit card as payment.

THE SEARS BRAND

Provides instant recognition

Means a value price
Is a name customers trust
Brings franchisees credibility
Means “Satisfaction Guaranteed!”
Gives franchisees high customer retention
Allows franchisees to take Sears credit card as payment

THE CLEANING PROCESS

Sears Carpet & Upholstery Care franchisees use a truck-mounted steam cleaning system. The advantage is there is much greater vacuum power than provided by a portable cleaner and the water can be made hotter for better cleaning. Only the hoses and wands are brought into the home.

“First we spray down the heated cleaning solution under pressure so it can filter down into the carpet fibers. The second step is to come back with a separate rinse, to pull out all dirt and solution.

Not every carpet cleaning company provides a separate rinse step rinse but Petru says it truly makes a difference. “You wouldn’t wash your clothes and then not rinse them,” says Petru. “It’s the same with carpeting. Rinsing removes the last of the dirt and all of the cleaning solution. Your carpet is left cleaner and softer and will stay cleaner for a longer period of time.”

This two-step process is the one recommended by America ’s largest carpet manufacturer. Manufactures often require carpeting be professional steam cleaned every 12-18 months to maintain the warranty, says Petru.

PICTURE YOURSELF IN A SEARS CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CARE BUSINESS

Franchisees are the heart of the company and Sears is committed to helping them with every aspect of sales development, marketing, record keeping, and operations. New franchisees often begin with one truck and work out of their home while the business ramps up.

The franchisee can provide carpet and upholstery cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, and water extraction all from one truck. As the business grows, technicians and trucks can be added and the franchisee will usually move the office to a corporate industrial park.

Franchise owners can now also offer air duct cleaning, which is becoming a great way to increase sales. This requires a different truck, says Petru, but no additional franchise fee. It is something you can offer your current client base and build on the reputation you’ve already established. “This is our fastest growing service,” says Petru, in part due to the greater emphasis these days on having cleaner air in the home.” Dust, dirt, pet dander and mold are removed, giving people cleaner indoor air and helping remove aggravating indoor contaminants.

“We are always looking to see what we can add to our business,” says Petru. “Right now we are testing a dustless hardwood floor refinishing service. Our goal is to keep adding value to the company for our franchisees.”

Sears helps franchisees with their marketing efforts by providing the necessary creative materials, listings on the top three Internet Yellow Pages, access to group rates for various direct-to-consumer advertising vehicles, and an internet website to inform customers and drive leads.

“On our website, searsclean.com, the consumer can find lots of information about the different services that we do, and they can find out what specials or promotions are being offered for their area,” adds Petru. “They can also get an estimate for the service they want, schedule a job and get a confirmation back for the service they’ve chosen. Our customers tell us they really like this feature. They can sit at their computer at anytime and get an estimate and book their carpet cleaning.”

Franchisee training is provided at company headquarters in Columbus . A franchisee can also bring a technician to training, if desired. After training is complete, a company trainer will come to your business as needed to help you as you begin your business.

SEARS CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CARE BENEFITS

The service business is steady, not affected by fads
Sears has been cleaning carpets since the 1980s
Sears Carpet & Upholstery Care franchise business will be yours to grow with the help of the company framework
As you grow your business you are building a valuable asset
Sears Carpet & Upholstery Care is always looking for new services to add – keeping franchisees successful is their number one goal