INSIDE INFORMATION:
SPECIALISTS Make More Money !

A significant amount of consumer research indicates that notably more than half of American drivers find cleanliness inside their vehicles is more important than the outside condition. It seems as though, with more time spent inside their vehicles, auto interiors have evolved into a much higher cleaning priority for most consumers.

Inside, where the drivers themselves are, as well as where their kids ride and nap. Not to say that the outside cleanliness isn't meaningful, but rather that the INSIDE is simply more important. Studies support that premise, and further indicate that female drivers are most concerned with keeping their interior space clean. Of the women asked, most indicated a preference of having someone else perform the cleaning, as opposed to doing it themselves. Considering the numbers of female drivers that not only commute to work, but also car pool and drive the family taxi, it makes good sense to highlight an interior service that caters to their needs and desires.

Consequently, perform an exceptional job at cleaning interiors and you've found a powerful niche. Further distinguish yourself by becoming an "Interior Specialist" and you'll have customers for life!

We're not talking rocket science here, but merely applying common sense logic. If the consumer places a high value on clean interiors, do everything you can to deliver absolutely great interior cleaning.

Distinguish yourself by doing interior cleaning better than anyone else does in your marketplace. And then brag about it! Call particular attention to your extraordinary commitment of specialization with enhanced technology, advanced training and methodology and the use of professional-grade products unavailable to the mere novice.

Capitalize On "The Golden Age Of Specialists"

People who specialize in something usually call attention to their very focused skills by somehow distinguishing themselves from those. that don't. That credit can. and does speak volumes.

They call themselves "Specialists" because they have concentrated skills and exceptional capability in a given area or discipline. As a result, they are perceived to have a higher skill level and are acknowledged for their expertise by onlookers who accord them a higher degree of confidence.

It would be wise to proclaim yourself a "Specialist", too. Consumers who need interior services are continually seeking out professionals who conscientiously demonstrate expertise in that area. Accordingly, most are equally willing to pay for top performance because it's perceived as being worth it.

A Touchstone Of Information

One way consumers distinguish " Specialists" from the commonplace is by the knowledge demonstrated by the professional's exceptional level of expertise. As such, operators who seek to specialize must acquire and understand all that is available in state-of-the-art cleaning, as well as being prepared to share their information.

Essentially, you must become a touchstone for information about interior cleaning of all sizes and types of automobiles. In other words, be a walking, talking, veritable encyclopedia of interior cleaning; an honest-to-goodness "Specialist"!

Interior Excellence Personified

Once declaring yourself a "Specialist", you should be uniquely prepared to cope with most, if not all, of the cleaning and repair challenges required in the rejuvenation and maintenance of automotive interiors.

There are various training seminars and schools available in an allied industry, the contract cleaning business. These are the folks that perform commercial cleaning of office buildings and large commercial facilities. Their Industry association hosts a large number of educational activities as well as annual conventions for cleaning professionals. Tap into their products for even more diversified resources.

Interior Cleanliness Is Evaluated By 3 Key Sensory Criteria:

1. VISUAL perception - How does it LOOK?
2. TACTILE perception - How does it FEEL?
3. OLFACTORY perception - How does it SMELL?

How Does It LOOK?

Visual cleanliness refers to the perception of how the interior "looks". In other words, the surfaces should be clean and the color uniformly consistent. Upon closer inspection, are there telltale stains and subtle differences that suggest random dinginess or blotchy, uneven cleanliness? The commingling of the other two perceptions may greatly affect this conclusion.

How Does It FEEL?

Tactile cleanliness commonly refers to the sense of touch, and how the interior surfaces "feel". The goal for any interior clean-up is to restore the surfaces to original condition, which suggests soft, non-tacky upholstery, and hard surfaces free of oily residues as well as to render all surfaces to a smooth, non-sticky touch.

How Does It SMELL?

Aromatic cleanliness refers to the olfactory perception of cleanliness by way of the nose, through a simple "sniff test". We all have preconceived responses to many smells, and learned associations with various fragrances - triggering both favorable and negative feelings. The cleaning objective is to remove all malodors and stale air, and replace them with a fragrance that subliminally motivates a positive reaction or stimulates a feeling of well-being.

What Will You Be Cleaning?

Now that we've identified the three basic criteria used to evaluate the automobile's interior cleanliness, lets talk about the surface textures that require cleaning and maintenance of their appearance.

Most vehicles have glasswork in the form of windows and mirrors, padded seating, floor covering, instrument control panels housed in dashboards & consoles, including all semi-pliable & hard surfaces with washable coverings throughout the remaining interior surfaces.

Interior Surface Finishes And Their Typical Form:

Advanced Technology Provides The Needed Edge

The image you project as a Specialist will be greatly determined by the knowledge and capabilities you extend, as well as the size and quality of your arsenal of job-matched supplies and technology. Like it or not, today's society best responds to image, and finds comfort in dealing with well-equipped experts.

Special Stuff Provides Very Special Results

The recommended staples of an interior specialist's wares should include the following equipment:

Powerful vacuum system	Power-scrubber carpet brush
Wet-extraction shampoo unit	Ultraviolet inspection light
Turbo dryer (some with heat)	Light-stick for inspections
Ozone generator	Compressed air guns

When choosing a vacuum, seek one that is quiet and powerful. Central vacuums are ideal for locating the dirt collection and noise in a remote area, away from working staff. Inexpensive vacuums that fail to have super suction will cost you more money in the long run because it ultimately takes longer to do the task, and time is money.

Likewise, wet shampoo extractors that do not provide super-heated solutions as well as forceful lift will also make task completion extremely less efficient and wasteful. Invest in the best technology and it will quickly pay for any premium required for quality. Again, time is money and labor is the most costly overhead in the cleaning business.

Equally important is your ample supply of professional grade job-matched chemicals and supplies:

carpet & upholstery shampoo	leather cleaners
stain remover ki	leather conditioner
gum & residue remover kit	jumbo q-tip swabs
stain inhibitor for carpet & upholstery fibers	applicator pads & sponges
all-purpose cleaner	spray lubricant
rubber & vinyl dressings	glass cleaner
adhesive removing solvents	denatured alcohol
quaternary bactericides	paper & cloth towels
vinyl cleaner & dressing	detail brush assortment
plastic cleaners & polishes	scrub-brush assortment
metal polish	assorted adhesives
air fresheners	plastic & leather repair kits
aromatherapy selections

An important word about chemicals and their pricing. Do not shop for price when selecting chemicals. Instead, seek performance that reduces the process time. Once you find a quality product, then search out various sources and negotiate your best price. All too often, price gets in the way of a sensible selection of products.

There are new products in kit form that provide a very comprehensive system for cleaning and stain removal. One of the biggest challenges in interior cleaning is the removal and repair of stained or worn materials. Removing an interior stain can be likened to removing a door ding or micro-dent on the exterior of a vehicle. Your ability to service these needs make all the difference in the world in solidifying your image as an Interior Specialist.

Skills Have Their Rewards

Your specialty status will automatically generate more business volume. Distinguishing yourself with all the attributes of a specialized service earns you the ability to solve problems as an expert. As a result, you are empowered to price your services accordingly. Simply stated, Interior Specialists charge more money. because they can. In a supply versus demand world, specialization provides a very effective competitive edge.

In Conclusion. Do the research, obtain the skills, invest in the technology, project your ability, and rise above the rest. Distinguish yourself by promoting yourself and your services just as any other expert by developing a meaningful story and printing it on a flyer or in a media release. Brag about your capabilities on your cards and in your signage. Beat your drum, wave your flag, and tell your story. Given a choice, everyone wants to turn to an expert in time of need. When it comes to Interior Cleaning, step up and capture your rightful place as an Expert.