TL;DR
In short: Peter Karaoglanis has spent 20+ years in Jim’s Carpet Cleaning and learned that clarity wins better clients than discounting. He uses three quote tiers and a short walkthrough video to set expectations before the work starts.
BLUF: In this episode of Jim’s Podcast, Jim’s Carpet Cleaning franchisee Peter Karaoglanis shares how he moved from commercial cleaning into residential carpet cleaning across Melbourne suburbs like Sandringham and Toorak, using a three-tier quote system plus a quick iPhone video (edited in iMovie and shared via YouTube) to set expectations and protect the relationship.
A Jim’s Carpet Cleaning franchise wins better clients by making the scope obvious before anyone agrees on price. Peter points to 20+ years in the division and says clear options cut misunderstandings. This article covers his three-tier quoting, his low-moisture encapsulation option, and the Jim’s system that backs consistent delivery.
Watch the full episode below, or keep reading for the key takeaways.
Why Did Peter Leave Commercial Cleaning For Jim’s?
Peter started in commercial cleaning, then moved into carpet cleaning because he wanted a cleaner way to run a service business.
He keeps the lesson simple: “Business is about relationships.”
He adds the warning most people learn too late: “If you look after the relationship, the money will take care of itself. But if you chase money, soon you won’t have any relationships, and you’re not going to have any money.”
That relationship-first mindset matters in residential work. Peter says customers invite you into their most personal space, including bedrooms. He treats that access as a trust test, not just a job.
How Does A Jim’s Carpet Cleaning Franchise Use Three Quote Tiers?
Peter remembers the early pricing traps.
In 2001, he saw carpet cleaning sold as “five rooms for $50”. In downturns, it dropped to “five rooms for 41” and “five rooms for 39”. Customers learned to shop on price, and cleaners got stuck delivering premium effort for bargain money.
Peter changed the game with three levels of service.
The idea came from a family dinner in Dingley around 1999 or 2000. Peter planned to spend “$15 a head”. He spent “$25 a head” because the menu offered three packages, including a “poverty pack” at “14.95”. The middle option matched what he liked, so he chose it.
He took that structure into quoting. Each tier spells out what happens on site. Customers can choose the level that fits their budget and expectations.
Peter also sees an unexpected win. Some customers start low, read the higher tier, and choose the better option. He says he has “more people move up than they do go the other way”.
Peter also makes the tiers easier to accept by showing the job before he starts. He films a quick walkthrough, edits it in iMovie, uploads it to YouTube, and then sends the link with the quote. He says, “probably less than 5% of the marketplace is even doing that”. He even records in 4K because it plays smoothly once it sits on YouTube.
What Is Encapsulation Carpet Cleaning And When Does It Fit?
Peter does not treat every carpet the same. He matches the method to the job and the promise made in the quote tier.
One option he uses is encapsulation. He calls it “very low moisture” and “like a dry cleaning”. He uses it as a base option because “we can get through it quite quickly” and “our labour time isn’t very high”, even though “the chemical itself is actually quite expensive”.
Encapsulation uses a polymer-based solution designed to surround soil in carpet fibres. As it dries, it forms brittle residue that can be removed through vacuuming. That gives a low-moisture option when speed and access matter, such as rentals and vacates.
Pro tips from Peter’s approach:
- Match the method to the tier. Do not promise a premium outcome on a base scope.
- Explain what the customer will see. Peter’s best defence against complaints is expectation-setting.
- Keep scope in writing. The quote tiers exist so the job stays clear weeks later.
What Does Jim’s Add Beyond Going Independent?
Peter has seen plenty of independents win on price and lose on trust. He says it usually starts with a vague quote and ends with a dispute.
He uses systems to stop that.
Peter did training and says he was “certified by the ICRC” because he wanted to be good at the work, not just good at selling it.
See how Jim’s franchisee training is structured here.
He also makes a straight point about franchising: “It’s never about guarantees and pulling out of it doesn’t guarantee you success. Being in it doesn’t guarantee you success either. It provides opportunity.”
If you want a clear breakdown of how the fees work, click this.
For him, the Jim’s advantage looks like this:
- Clear standards and training that lift consistency.
- Systems for quoting, follow-up, and documentation.
- Brand recognition plus a national call line (131 546) that gives customers a quick trust check.
- Support when issues escalate. In one complaint, Jim Penman, founder of Jim’s Group, took the call and then rang Peter to confirm the facts.
Peter backs that up with a story from Wantirna. A mowing franchisee had only been in Jim’s for 10 months and built a watering service during restrictions. He ran two vehicles with water tanks, watered gardens at night, then mowed during the day. One satisfied customer happened to be a PA, which led to a major garden quote off St George’s Road in Toorak. Peter’s point: the system gives you a base, but you still need initiative.
For a straight numbers-based look at earning potential, see this.
Why Does Carpet Cleaning Change From Suburb To Suburb?
Peter’s stories land in real Melbourne suburbs because that is where expectations shift.
He mentions Sandringham, Port Melbourne, and Toorak. He also talks about a two-bedroom townhouse job in Bayswater. These areas have different houses and different customers, but the same risk: unclear scope turns into a complaint.
Peter’s “absolute cracker” complaint story shows it. A Sandringham customer paid by credit card, then complained “three, four weeks later” after a vacate. The issue was not the carpet. The issue was the credit card bill.
That story matters because it proves the point: many complaints are really expectation problems. Clear scope, clear tiers, and clear communication protect the relationship.
| Feature | Standard Independent Contractor | Jim’s Professional Standard |
| Quoting | One price, vague inclusions | Three tiers with clear scope and steps |
| Proof of scope | Verbal promises | Written scope plus optional walkthrough video |
| Method choice | Same method every time | Method matched to tier, including encapsulation option |
| Complaints | Often reactive and solo | Support through Jim’s systems and escalation pathways |
| Trust | Unknown operator | Local owner-operator backed by Jim’s standards |
“Peter Karaoglanis, Jim’s Carpet Cleaning franchisee in Melbourne: ‘If you look after the relationship, the money will take care of itself.’“
FAQ: Jim’s Carpet Cleaning Franchise Questions
Peter saw “five rooms for $50” in 2001 and even cheaper during downturns. He recommends pricing by scope and value, not one blanket deal.
Vague quoting creates room to argue. Peter’s tiered scope and written steps reduce surprises for both sides.
Peter describes it as “very low moisture” and “like dry cleaning”. It uses a polymer-based solution designed for efficient maintenance cleaning when speed matters.
Peter says no. He calls the franchise an opportunity, not a guarantee, and ties results to standards, systems, and follow-through.
Peter had a complaint, “three, four weeks later,” where the real issue was a credit card bill. Clear scope, written tiers, and upfront explanation reduce that risk.
Key Takeaways
- Stop chasing price shoppers. Build clarity and trust.
- Three tiers help customers self-select the right scope.
- Encapsulation offers a low-moisture option when speed matters.
- Written scope and a simple video walkthrough prevent disputes.
- The Jim’s system supports consistency and escalation handling.
Take The Next Step
Book A Local Carpet Cleaner Who Quotes Clearly
Choose a local owner-operator who explains the scope, uses clear tiers, and sticks to the promised process. Expect Jim’s professional standards backed by the Jim’s National Guarantee.
Request your free quote from Jim’s Carpet Cleaning today.
Explore A Jim’s Franchise Built On Systems And Support
Peter’s 20+ years show what happens when you combine relationship-first thinking with repeatable systems and support. If you want a structured path into service business ownership, start with the Jim’s franchise information.
If you want the structure behind that, click here.
Learn more about joining Jim’s Group at jims.net or call 131 546 today.