APRIL 2003

WOOLS OF NEW ZEALAND TURNS SPRING CLEANING INTO OPPORTUNITY FOR RETAILERS

Every year, at about the same time, the cleaning mood strikes. Warm weather and blooming flowers seem to unearth the urge to wash windows, organize closets, and deep clean carpets.
     Consumers seeking advice on carpet cleaning often refer to Wools of New Zealand’s Web site at www.woolcarpet.com where in-depth information on regular, interim, and periodic maintenance is available. Our site is also a great resource for retailers seeking to align themselves with professional ASCR certified cleaners or to obtain a list of products approved as safe and effective for cleaning wool carpets.

  ASCR
To ensure the proper cleaning of wool carpets, Wools of New Zealand—in conjunction with the Association of Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR)—developed a training program for the care of wool carpets. Professional cleaners passing the qualifying tests are classified as Wool Care Specialists. Consumers and retailers can locate their nearest Wool Care Specialist by calling ASCR’s Referral Service at 1-800-272-7012 or by visiting the Wools of New Zealand Web site.
     Wools of New Zealand encourages retailers and manufacturers to participate in the ASCR program by getting their cleaners certified and by making the ASCR referral number available to consumers.


The WoolSafe logo is a registered trademark owned by the WoolSafe Organization www.woolsafe.org
  WOOLSAFE
Wools of New Zealand supports the efforts of WoolSafe—an organization under which cleaning agents are scientifically tested and approved (or rejected) as being safe and effective on wool carpets. This accreditation program is acknowledged worldwide, with approved products identified by the WoolSafe logo. A complete list of WoolSafe products is available on the Wools of New Zealand Web site.

  WOOLCLEAN
For regular spot cleaning, the best WoolSafe product on the market is WoolClean—a spot removal kit created in cooperation with a supplier for the professional carpet cleaning industry. The products were designed specifically for wool carpets and rugs, but perform equally as well on floor coverings of other fibers.
     The WoolClean Spot Removal Kit consists of three components plus an instruction guide and a white absorbent cloth.
     The elements of the kit are:

  • WoolClean Spot RemoverTM #1 Cleans water-based spills and spots.
  • WoolClean Spot Dry RemoverTM #2 Takes on grease and oil-based spots.
  • Absorb-itTM is an extremely absorbent compound used to absorb spills initially or to use as a final step in spot removal to absorb any residual material as the carpet dries.

WoolClean kits are available to retailers for individual sale or can be used to build customer goodwill when offered as a gift with purchase. Each WoolClean element can also be purchased in large quantities by mills, making it easy and affordable to clean spots that occur during manufacturing. For prices and to place orders, contact Sandy McClain at 1-800-367-0462.

  A GOOD OPPORTUNITY
Consumers rely on retailers for more than just product. Building good customer relationships goes a long way in fostering future business. By aligning yourself with a qualified cleaner, and by carrying WoolClean in your store, you provide a service your customers need. Here are some ways to let your customers know that you are a partner in the care of their wool carpets and rugs.

  • Mail your customers a “Spring Cleaning” reminder offering a discount on WoolClean.
  • Give a free kit of WoolClean with every wool carpet or rug purchase. Once a customer tries it, she is sure to come back for more.
  • Include the business card of, and possibly a coupon from, a local Wool Care Specialist with every wool sale.
  • Answer customers’ questions about cleaning wool by keeping Wools of New Zealand’s “How to Keep Your Wool Carpet Looking Great” pamphlet on hand.
http://www.woolsnz.com/

 EVENTS

Wool Carpet Education Seminar

May 13, 2003
San Diego, CA

May 14, 2003
Los Angeles, CA

For information, call Wools of New Zealand
1-800-367-0462

June 16-18, 2003
NeoCon® World
Trade Fair

Chicago

July 13-16, 2003
Atlanta Rug Market
Atlanta

October 16-22, 2003
International Home Furnishings Market
High Point, NC





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