Retail gift cards is an ever
ballooning industry and with each passing year one
sees further growth especially during the holidays.
And this is one aspect of the maid service business
than remains untapped. Gift certificates for maid’s
services may seem to be a far fetched idea but one
can actually earn a lot for this kind of marketing.
This may not be a well explored option because of
the lack of a high density area where people can
mingle about and discuss cleaning services. But the
bigger reason is the non use of this untapped market
with the lack of knowledge in making this marketing
avenue a cash cow for the service.
The business of cleaning bases its model on being
able to repeat the service over and over again for
considerations. Many players are able to perform
well, but having a one time unseen job scares many
service providers. Services falter after the first
try, and this result makes the option of making gift
certificates as an option unappealing to many
service providers. There are two avenues which have
a little issue. Both the service provider and the
gift certificate holder do not know how to value the
gift certificate. Expectations differences occur
with the value printed on the certificate because
the business operates on the work place condition
contingency. One hundred dollar certificates would
provide different amounts of services depending upon
the condition of the home and the size of the
cleaning area. When expectations are not met, the
holder becomes disappointed and even irate. This
would end up losing more than gaining on the work,
thus the tendency to be lackadaisical in exploring
this option.
But this dilemma can be remedied. Here are some
of the ways this can be addressed.
1) Ask questions. By inquiring about the
buyer as to the recipients circumstances, one can
gauge the services to be rendered for that
particular gift certificate. This would help in
making an adequate presentation as to the service to
be provided once the certificate would be redeemed.
2) Make suggestions. A realistic advice on
what the cost of the gift certificate would purchase
in services would bridge the gap between
expectations and deliverables. People would
generally accept their limitations once they have
been apprised of it. What is key is managing one’s
expectations so that there would be lesser hassle in
the long run.
3) Communication. Being clear and specific
about the services to be provided would help create
a rapport between the service provider and the would
be client. By seeking out to find what the immediate
priority is and one would be able to address their
needs within the budget specifications. By informing
them clearly of what would be included in the
certificate would help in making the client better
understand their options in the limited value that
they have in possession.
These are the ways people may realize the potential
for this marketing tool. By asking questions, making
suggestions and communicating with the gift
certificate holder, one would be able to make more
in this area. What is more important is that once in
their door, one can make the gift certificate holder
a repeat client.
