How to Get More Online Reviews for Your Carpet Cleaning Biz

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There’s no denying the impact the online realm has on your local carpet cleaning business. Continuing to ignore the benefits and harm the internet can potentially cause could be detrimental to your company. It’s better to take a proactive approach to this and find ways you can exploit the web and bring in more business. One way to effectively do this is with online reviews. If you have great carpet cleaning equipment and techniques, then you can potentially get raving reviews from current and past customers.

However, if you slack off, you could face a backlash that can run your business into the ground. Online reviews are that powerful. If you’re not too knowledgeable about how to go about managing your online reviews, then continue reading.

How to Get Customers to Review Your Business Online

There are various ways you can get customers to leave reviews for your business. Now, it’s important to note that it’s impossible to get 100% positive reviews, so expect a sprinkle of negative reviews here and there. The goal is to ensure your carpet cleaning equipment is on par, so that customers are satisfied with your services. Make sure your tile cleaning machines and truck mounted carpet cleaners are the best of the best. The better you and your equipment perform, the better the reviews people will leave.

In the restoration industry, when you ask customers to leave a review is crucial. This is why it’s a good idea to have your employees ask customers, since they are the ones who meet them face-to-face and provide the service. Train them on how to approach customers openly and honestly. Have them explain how their review can help your business to grow.

Other methods that can be used include calling, emails and apps (if you have one). Social media is another great platform you can use to encourage customers to leave testimonials. You can even offer something in return for their honest opinion. Refrain from paying customers for positive testimonials.

Managing Your Online Reputation

When your business has more positive reviews than negative reviews, it can help bring in new leads. It’s also important to look at bad reviews as opportunities to rectify any wrongs your brand did. Some of these complaints will have merit and should be attended to quickly to prevent further damage to your reputation.

If you can get a handle on maintaining your online reviews and reputation, then you can potentially grow your base of happy, loyal customers. If you need to upgrade your carpet cleaning equipment, you can go to Steam-Brite.com.

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Source by Jennifer Diaz

Steam Cleaning Vs Dry Cleaning – What To Know

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Commercial carpet cleaning can be either steam cleaned or dry-cleaned but which is the best to use. Both of these methods have their drawbacks and benefits.

Steam cleaning

Because steam is used to clean the carpet, it is the one most preferred. It is also an effective method for carpet cleaning. Steam cleaning will remove the dirt and help to increase the life of your carpet. This is also called hot water extraction. Commercial carpet cleaning using the steam cleaning method has two methods that you can use.

• Portable extraction-this is generally used in industries that are involved in the business of cleaning carpets. The suction machine is not as strong as the truck mount machine. Steam cleaning the carpet is used for big-scale carpet cleaning in hospitals, apartments and more

• Truck mount-the pressurized hot water is mixed with a carpet cleaning solution that is non-toxic to remove soil and dirt from the carpet. You can remove deep-settled dirt in the carpet also.

Drawbacks

• It takes a long time to dry

• While drying the dirt can resettle back down on the carpet

• If not dried properly it could lead to fungal or bacterial growth on the carpet

Dry-cleaned

Even though it states “dry-cleaned” this does not mean that you use no water at all but there is very little used. When using this method commercial carpet cleaning services have four methods to choose from.

• Dry compound-a dry compound is spread over your carpet and left to dry for a time. This mixture will absorb the dirt from the carpet. After the specified time for this compound to be left on the carpet, it is then removed with a vacuum cleaner.

• Dry chem-this is similar to the dry foam method with the difference being which machine to use. In this method, you would use the bonnet pad and not the vacuum cleaner. The bonnet pad will scrub your carpet and then absorb the dirt.

• Dry foam-shampoo is applied to the carpet and left to dry. While drying the shampoo will absorb the dirt. Use a vacuum to suck up the dried shampoo/

• Oscillating pad-the first step to spray a balanced pH spray onto the carpet and left for a certain period of time. Generally, this is from thirty to sixty minutes. This spray reacts with the dirt to loosen it so it can be removed with a cotton pad.

Drawbacks

• It is not as effective as steam cleaning

• Leaves residue in the carpet that does not completely go away

• Because of left over residue in the carpet, more dirt will settle into the carpet and slowly decrease the life of the carpet.

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Source by Lora Davis

Benefits of Hiring Truck Accident Lawyers After a Tractor Trailer Crash

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If you were injured after a tractor trailer collided with your car, you should start browsing truck accident lawyers serving your area. You should make sure to hire this type of attorney as opposed to legal professionals who mostly handle car accidents. Find out why this is.

In most cases, the drivers of tractor trailers are employees who are on the job. By contrast, when you are hit by another car, the driver is typically an individual who is not currently on his or her company’s clock. For this reason, different laws could apply to the case. Most good truck accident lawyers are aware of the laws governing cases of this type. For example, workers compensation may be a big factor in the case. In addition, you will be dealing with the insurance provider of the employer, not the provider of the typical driver. One major difference is the amount of coverage on the policy. You need a lawyer who knows how to handle a case of this magnitude.

Similarly, most experienced truck accident lawyers are well versed in tractor trailer malfunctions. For instance, there may be common problems with certain trucks that could have contributed to the crash. In such a case, you might need to include the manufacturer of the vehicle in your lawsuit. Your attorney should be able to research issues related to the brakes, tires, and other components of any trucks involved in the collision. Not all attorneys are adept at this, which is why you need to find one with experience with cases like yours.

Not surprisingly, many accidents involving large trucks are more serious than those involving only smaller cars. This means your injuries or property damage could be more severe or expensive than usual, and you need a lawyer who is prepared to deal with the results. For example, the compensation you seek could be greater than the typical collision case involving smaller vehicles. Make sure the lawyer you choose is ready to request the kind of compensation you need to pay for your property damage and medical bills, as well as those of any passengers who were also involved in the crash.

As you look for truck accident lawyers, you should find out if you can see a case history before making a decision. You deserve to know how many cases like yours the attorney in question has won. This can help you choose the right firm and have confidence as you proceed with your lawsuit.

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Source by Abraham Avotina

How to Avoid Damaging Potholes

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Potholes can cause a wide-range of problems for cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, semis, and more. Even though we all try to avoid them as best we can, there are still times we let our guards down and hit one. Fortunately, there are a few interesting and unique tricks that can help us drivers reduce the amount of potholes we come into contact with every day. Continue reading to learn how to better avoid destructive potholes, and where to go if your vehicle is damaged by them.

Pothole Damage in Vehicles

There are a few indications that point toward pothole damage in a vehicle. As a car or truck owner, you want to keep an eye for tire punctures, bent rims, scraped wheels, suspension troubles, exhaust system troubles, poor steering, and any other physical exterior damages. Strange noises from the engine, engine complications, and a bouncy ride can all be warning signs of pothole damage. If your vehicle is experiencing any of these signs and indication, you must seek professional diagnostic services from a licensed mechanic if you wish to keep your car for a long time.

Here are some helpful hints on how to avoid damaging potholes:

  • Always Stay Focused on the Road and Keep a Lookout for Holes, Cracks, Crevices, and other Road Obstructions
  • Keep a Legal and Safe Distance Between Your Vehicle and the Vehicle in Front of You
  • Never Swerve Away From a Pothole-Brake Gently and Ride Over It
  • Drive Slow on Damaged Roads
  • Watch Out for Hidden Potholes in Large Puddles of Water

Pothole Prevention

If you are a commercial property owner, it is in your best interest to maintain a safe and functional premises to avoid any liability, but also to attract more business with better curb appeal. Pothole prevention starts with accurate paving installation, and ends with on-going pavement maintenance. Be sure to choose a licensed and insured paving company for asphalt and concrete pavement installation. They can implement the proper paving strategies to protect your investment for years to come. As for routine maintenance, be sure you are providing regular debris removal, street sweeping, and annual sealcoating.

These are all effective methods towards protecting your commercial pavement from potholes and other types of damage. But if you already have potholes, you can benefit from pavement repair, which may include crack filling, patching, and sealcoating. If your pavement is extensively damaged, you would benefit the most from a complete demolition and repaving service. If it is still structurally sound, your pavement may be a good candidate for an overlay, which is cheaper and less invasive than a complete repaving project.

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Source by Sarahbeth Kluzinski

Demystifying Freight for Retail Startups

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As a new retail business owner, you have many concerns regarding your footprint and how you will not only get in front of customers but find a way to transport your products to them, as well as to your suppliers, distribution centers, manufacturers, partners and warehouses. That’s a lot of shipments to think about!

Not only do you have to coordinate those shipments with different people across different companies and different locations around the world, but now you have to navigate the freight and transportation industry. And industry that has been around since the 1950s in the United States. And, you have to find your niche so you’re not overpaying or losing money on damage claims.

As a startup, you won’t have the initial volume of shipments that a traditional freight carrier or common carrier requires in order to give you the best rate on shipping freight. Luckily for you, the industry has resolved that by creating brokers or third-party logistics providers (3PLs) that consolidate shipments with smaller-volume shippers so that they together get the buying power of a giant shipper. Sounds good, right?

In some cases, a 3PL has trucks or is considered “asset based”. That can be a benefit to some shippers who have identical shipments moving back and forth along the same highways on a frequent basis. But, not every logistics need is the same and it’s beneficial to work with a 3PL that can find you capacity (aka room on a truck) and that isn’t confined to working with their own trucks.

A 3PL can save you time and money by finding competitive freight rates and services instantly. Once they find a rate, they also handle everything else with the carrier from the date of pickup to delivery. By far the easiest way to save money, is working with a well-known 3PL that has the most carrier contracts. Chances are, they have the best negotiated rate.

Now that you know what type of partner you need to handle your logistics needs, here are the materials you need and four steps to packaging your shipments.

Materials You Will Need:

  • 70-gauge Shrink Wrap (stretchable plastic film)
  • Corrugated Cardboard Boxes
  • Strapping Tape
  • Wooden or Plastic Pallet
  • Wooden or Plastic Crate (included and delivered with our You Crate shipping partners)
  • Foam Padding or Bubble Wrap
  • Rope or Pallet Straps

Freight Packaging Steps

Step #1: Determine whether your freight is considered fragile or non-fragile.

Fragile

  • Glass
  • Computer Equipment
  • Electronics (all types)
  • Small Furniture
  • Household Goods (liquids, etc)
  • Personal Effects
  • Artwork/Fine Art/Sculptures

Non Fragile

  • Clothing and Footwear
  • Paper Items
  • Plastic Items
  • Canned Goods
  • Carpeting and Flooring
  • Tools and Hardware
  • Machinery

Step #2: Determine if your freight should be palletized.

Items That Need To Be Shipped On A Pallet:

  • Machinery
  • Heavy Equipment
  • Engines
  • Compressors
  • Lawn Mower
  • Motorcycle
  • Ovens/Stoves
  • Dishwashers
  • Washing Machines/ Dryer
  • Fridge
  • Sofa
  • Tables/Desks and Chairs
  • Large Furniture & Televisions

Step #3: Safely package the contents of your freight.

  • Safeguard against spills and stains by placing vulnerable items in individual plastic bags before packing inside a box or crate

Step #4: Secure and label the outside of your packaged freight.

  • Do not use household scotch tape or masking tape. Aim for commercial-grade, durable strapping tape at least two inches in width
  • Each box should require at least three pieces of tape along the open seams

After reading this, you should feel empowered to make smart decisions about shipping and logistics. And also know that there are many like you who are thinking about growth and scalability. After all, you won’t be able to call three carriers and wait on the line for freight quotes for every shipment forever.

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Source by Terese E Kerrigan

Movers – Know the Signs of a Superb Moving Company

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Many people use movers when they relocate from one house to another. If you are interested in going this route, it is helpful to know what makes a good moving company. This is especially important if you know anything about the agency you are considering, as having an idea of how a good moving company should work can allow you to see whether the one you have chosen is the best for you.

You should feel that the movers you chose are professional. Of course, this does not mean that they have to show up in business professional attire, but their attitude should be respectful. This means returning any phone calls, supplying you with the truck you asked for, and showing up on-time.

If you have boxes that are fragile and marked as such, the movers should treat them as if there were glass in each one, whether there is or not. You should be able to trust that your things are safe with them and will be treated carefully.

Mistakes and misunderstandings do occur sometimes, but a professional company should handle it well. Blaming you or getting defensive is a sign of an agency that does not treat its customers very well.

If the movers you select show up late due to unforeseen circumstances, or accidentally drop a box and break some items, most reputable companies will compensate you in some way. This may include free or discounted services, though an even apology and offering some other way to fix the issue is considered professional.

Some companies offer extra services free of charge to their customers, especially if you are buying one of their bigger service packages. For example, it is not unheard of for movers to provide moving boxes and duct tape free when you rent a truck and some employees to help you relocate.

If you are not offered such convenience, there is no harm in asking whether you get a discount on other products or services when you purchase a particular package.

Hopefully the company you choose is one that you will be proud to recommend to friends and family should they ever need help moving. When you do choose an agency, consider how you feel during the process, as good companies will make you feel like a valued customer.

Moving is never easy, so when you hire a service to help make the process run smoother, you should be able to get what you pay for.

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Source by Andrew Stratton

School Bus Donations

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A car donation is a courteous and easy way to contribute to a noble cause. People can sponsor a school bus or donate a used school bus to an organization or any charitable group that works for social services. Organizations either use the car for the society’s needs or may even sell it to raise funds for their activities.

Many non-profit organizations are now willing to donate buses to schools. It is true that a small group of thoughtful, dedicated individuals can change the world. This is possible only because of donors who go out of their way to provide help to the needy.

Some non-profit day care centers use donated school buses to get children back and forth. They must be sure that the buses are in total repair and have no problems. They do not accept old school buses, and they have to be equipped with seat safety belts for each occupant.

Online sites are available that provide details of various school bus non-profit charities. People can either purchase them at a low cost or can even hire them. The website will tell you how to go about donating school buses and also provide information on how to receive a school bus from a charitable organization. Individuals can also register for these buses online.

The organization that people donate their school bus to usually takes care of everything from transfer of ownership to towing the car. All donors need to do is call the organization. If people wish to donate a school bus, online forms are available through many auto donation sources. Donors may submit the form and receive an early reply, with most vehicles gladly excepted. It is advisable to have the bus title ready and other relevant paper work required.

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Source by Thomas Morva

A Guide To Recent Trends And Requisites For Growing Your Car Dealership Business

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Technology has changed the way consumers make their purchase decision. Earlier, customers walk into the stores and make their purchases. The product was inspected, viewed, and compared right from the stores. Everything seems pretty simple.

With the dawn of Internet age, consumers have access to huge amount of information regarding the product they are looking for and, Mobile devices enabled them to research, view, compare and make purchases on the go. Even though some customers still prefer to buy from a physical store, they all do their market research online before buying. Same is the case for luxury goods like Cars.

1. Smartphone

Now the market is starting a move toward yet an additional shopping source, the networked car. Cars with unlimited data plans for a charge are the next trend, making the cars a wifi hub spot for their smartphone devices. In-car advertising has also been introduced by manufacturers making cars a channel for advertising their complementary products. Thanks to smartphones; networked cars will allow companies to send targeted ads to customer’s phones.

2. Car Dealership Management Systems

DMS are widely used by automotive companies to improve their business management. Nowadays, marketing and analytics integrated Dealer Management Systems are gaining popularity along with those utilizing mobile devices.

Before choosing your DMS provider, you need to ask these questions.

• Will they meet dealership expectations?

• Does the DMS solution drive more business?

• Does the DMS solution connect with the customers today?

A DMS that doesn’t satisfy these questions will not be the appropriate one for your business. A good DMS solution will be closely connected with the customer and will be constantly evolving to the technological trends.

If you have already invested in a DMS system that is not fulfilling your business needs, you can bridge the gap by deploying a mobile app which will act as an extension to your present DMS solution.

One of the apps that can help is car dealership apps for Auto dealers especially designed with customer relation in mind.

A solution to your DMS problems

The future of dealer technology will be in the fully secure, real-time, and bi-directional integration with your dealership & customer. Don’t worry if you cannot afford a fully fledged DMS system, we got your back.

Small dealers can easily overcome this shortfall of not having a DMS solution by deploying a solution which could be deployed on the Web, totally secure, available 24 x 7, highly scalable, meets the demand of the entire dealership, etc..

All of this can be met by deploying car dealers app for dealerships.

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Source by Stephen James

Causes of Hip And Buttock Pain

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Hip buttock pain may be triggered by many different causes and conditions. The goal of this article is to briefly list and describe the most common causes of hip buttock pain, but only a doctor can diagnose the source of your discomfort and recommend ways to get relief.

Pain in the hip and buttocks areas are, more often than not, caused by issues related to the nerves, muscles and blood vessels.

Of all the possibilities, a condition known as sciatica is probably accounts for the most frequent complaints. The word sciatica comes from the sciatic nerve, which is one of the largest and longest nerves in the human body. The sciatic nerve travels from the spine all the way down to the feet. It passes through the buttocks and hips, and when there’s a problem with it, the result is hip buttock pain.

There are a number of ways this nerve can cause problems. Most often, it is damaged when you have to sit in the same position for a long time. Professional truck drivers and those who sit all day in cubicles or office settings are candidates for sciatica. When the sciatic nerve is compressed by an injury or by sitting too long, it causes stinging buttock and hip pain that can be intense and distressing.

A similar cause of hip buttock pain is a pinched nerve. This can happen anywhere in the body, of course, but when it happens in the hip and buttock area it can be especially uncomfortable. Sitting, standing, and walking can be difficult, and at times you may feel as if you can’t get comfortable.

Another type of nerve pain that affects the hips and buttocks is called referred pain. This happens when there’s damage to a nerve somewhere else in the body (usually the spine). The pain follows a nerve pathway and “hurts” in a location different from the origin of the problem.

Piriformis syndrome is another source of hip buttock pain. A muscle called the piriformis is located deep within the buttocks. When there is damage to this muscle, the pain can range from mild to intense.

Claudication is a problem involving blood vessels in the hip and buttock region. If these blood vessels don’t get an adequate supply of blood, pain will result. Claudication usually involves a blockage or obstruction in an artery, and the pain is worst when you’re walking or exercising. If the pain stops when you rest, you probably have a claudication problem somewhere.

Claudication can be a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is caused by a blockage or narrowing of arteries in the legs. Reduced blood flow to the muscles in the buttock region triggers pain in the hip.

Bone, joint and soft tissue problems are sometimes the cause of hip buttock pain. Arthritis causes inflammation of the joints, and since the hips are among the largest joints in the body, arthritis in the hip area can be especially unpleasant.

One of the most painful joint conditions is known as sacroiliitis. Sacroiliitis occurs due to inflammation in one or both of the sacroiliac joints, which are major joints in the lower back and pelvis. Sacroiliitis can be caused by many other illnesses and conditions, including injuries, arthritis, or an infection.

Bursitis pain comes from an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac between a tendon and bone. Several different kinds of bursitis can affect the buttocks and hips.

Osteoporosis is particularly common among the elderly, and it sometimes results in hip buttock pain. Osteoporosis causes the bones of the pelvis to become weak and brittle.

Other possible causes of hip buttock pain include a number of diseases involving organs of the abdomen. There are, unfortunately, several different kinds of cancer that can cause discomfort in the pelvic area. Cancer can occur in the bones of the pelvis themselves, as well as other bones nearby.

Colon cancer and rectal cancer don’t usually present symptoms at first. But when they advance to a later stage, hip and buttock pain are prominent signs.

Finally, pregnancy can be a cause of hip and buttock pain. Carrying the extra weight of an unborn child places a strain on the muscles of a woman’s lower back, hips and buttocks. This pain usually goes away after childbirth.

Once again, the intent of this article was to give you an overview of the most common causes of hip buttock pain. Your doctor, however, is always your best source for information about causes and treatment.

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Source by Neal Kennedy

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Used BMW 3?

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It’s is important to do some research and shop around if you are looking to buy a used BMW 3 Series. The BMW 3 Series has a combination of style, class, drivability and reliability. It is the reliability that can make the car a particularly good choice for a used vehicle. Having said this you should still do your homework to ensure you get a quality car for your money. So, what are the pros and cons of used BMW 3 Series?

The 3 series is definitely an enjoyable car to drive and also one of the best in its class. Road bumps and uneven surfaces can be noticed at slow speeds but the suspension is still of a good standard. This car is excellent for motorway driving as it is so quiet. Whilst driving on motorways you will hardly hear a thing from the road or suspension. Also, wind noise is only a slight problem whilst driving at high speeds.

In the vehicle there are plenty of adjustments to be made with regards to seating and the steering wheel. This increases the comfort factor. Controls are simple to use but higher spec models get the more complicated iDrive rotary control. The boot is one of the largest in its class and the back seats are comfortable unless you are over six feet tall, in which case the legroom will feel rather narrow.

From the range of BMW 3 Series every model comes with a powerful, silky engine. Basic models will come with air conditioning, a CD player and electric windows. You will find that main dealers have the best choice but if you are looking for a bargain a private seller may be a better choice.

The 3 Series can be an expensive car to run. You may have a shock when you see the costs for servicing and repairs. BMW dealers have some of the most expensive labour charges. The engines are fairly fuel efficient compared to its rivals. Insurance costs can be high if you are looking for a faster model and the crime rate tends to be high where you live.

There are some things to look at for if thinking about buying a used 3 Series. Side lamps can become lose from the bodywork and damage the wings. Make sure they are secure. A common fault with the 3 Series is with the heater blower fan. The switch often breaks but many dealers will repair it for free. The 3 Series is popular target for car thieves so it may be worth investing in a tracker and bumping up the security.

In many respects the BMW 3 Series is an ideal purchase if you are looking for a used car. It runs well, looks great and holds its value. It is built superbly and is therefore reliable. There are a few faults to look out for though and also consider the running costs can be high. Bare in mind the pros and cons of a used BMW 3.

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Source by Nick Willard