To run a highly profitable carpet cleaning business, the real secret to boosting your profits isn’t just booking more jobs—it’s learning how to upsell your carpet cleaning services and increasing the value of each job you already have!
Upselling additional services is one of the most effective ways to grow your average sale.
Upselling additional services isn’t just about making more money—it’s about providing a better, more complete service to your customers. By offering solutions that genuinely benefit your clients, you’ll build trust, increase your average ticket size, and grow your business faster.
Here are some proven strategies for upselling in your carpet cleaning business, including which add-on services to offer, how to present them, and tips for making upselling a natural part of your business.
Why Upselling Matters in Carpet Cleaning
Upselling isn’t about being pushy or selling something your customer doesn’t need. It’s about offering genuine value—solutions that improve results, extend the life of their carpets, and make their homes healthier. When done right, upselling:
Maximizes your marketing and travel efforts
Increases your revenue per job (sometimes by 20-50% or more)
Improves customer satisfaction and loyalty
Differentiates your business from “budget” competitors
Add-On Services to Upsell
Here are some of the most popular and profitable upsells in the carpet cleaning industry:
1. Stain Protection Treatments
After cleaning, offer to apply a professional-grade stain protector (like Scotchgard). Explain how it helps prevent future stains and makes carpets easier to clean.
2. Deodorizing Treatments
Pet odours, smoke, and general mustiness are common concerns. Offer a deodorizing service to leave carpets smelling fresh and clean.
3. Pet Stain and Odour Removal
Specialized treatments for pet accidents are highly valued by pet owners. Use enzyme-based solutions and explain the difference from standard cleaning.
4. Upholstery Cleaning
While you’re already in the home, offer to clean sofas, chairs, or mattresses. Many customers don’t realize you offer this service!
5. Area Rug Cleaning
Offer to clean area rugs on-site or take them for specialized cleaning.
6. Tile and Grout Cleaning
If you have the equipment, upsell tile and grout cleaning in kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways.
7. Carpet Repair and Stretching
Small repairs, patching, or stretching can be offered if you have the skills.
8. Allergen Treatments
Offer hypoallergenic or anti-microbial treatments for families with allergies or asthma.
How to Successfully Upsell: Proven Tips
Here are some of the most popular and profitable items to upsell your carpet cleaning industry:
1. Stain Protection Treatments
After cleaning, offer to apply a professional-grade stain protector (like Scotchgard). Explain how it helps prevent future stains and makes carpets easier to clean.
2. Deodorizing Treatments
Pet odors, smoke, and general mustiness are common concerns. Offer a deodorizing service to leave carpets smelling fresh and clean.
3. Pet Stain and Odor Removal
Specialized treatments for pet accidents are highly valued by pet owners. Use enzyme-based solutions and explain the difference from standard cleaning.
4. Upholstery Cleaning
While you’re already in the home, offer to clean sofas, chairs, or mattresses. Many customers don’t realize you offer this service!
5. Area Rug Cleaning
Offer to clean area rugs on-site or take them for specialized cleaning.
6. Make It Easy to Say Yes
Keep pricing clear and simple. Offer contactless payment options and quick add-on approvals.
7. Follow Up
After the job, send a thank-you email with a reminder of the add-ons they purchased and a coupon for their next service.
Sample Upsell Script
Here’s a simple script you or your team can use:
“We’ve finished cleaning your carpets, and they look fantastic! Many of our customers choose to add a stain protection treatment at this stage. It helps prevent future stains and keeps your carpets looking great for longer. Would you like me to apply it for you today?”
