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Branching off from the boss!

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Eaglemania2k View Drop Down
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    Posted: 01/August/2006 at 10:00pm
Hey guys,
 
 first, I have been reading these forums and I don't know if i've gained more knowledge or laughed more! You guys really make learning fun!
 
Anyway, I've been cleaning carpets here in Atlanta, Goegia for about two years. I am looking to branch out on my own because quite frankly, 30% aint cuttin it anymore. I swing a mean wand! (had to, most of my work was apartment communities so you have to hustle to make any money, and lets not forget the 30%). I know how to do all major repairs (seams,spot dyes,etc) know how to identify stains, and I LOVE THE BUSINESS. I THINK I'M READY TO GO OUT ON MY OWN.
 
Here's the problem,my funds are extremly tight. I really need to start off by using a porty and possibly a buffer or something similar. I know that the chemicals do most of the work but I really need some dependable equipment untill I can afford a truck mount (I've actually only used tm all of my career and have never used a tm). I actually went thru training with kiwi only to see how the buffer process worked. Two days of free labor only to find out that they use some of the cheapest buffers money can buy.
 
I need it straight up, what porty and what buffer (and any other machinery) should I invest in. My hot buttons are:
 
Dependability- I really don't won't equipment flipping breakers and cutting off on me.  Should I really invest in a generator.
 
Heat- Key component in the cleaning process (you guys know that). 
 
A good clean- Most of my business will be real high end homes and high end apartment communities. The only commercial work that I may pick up will be doctor offices and a few Gold's gym. My goal is to offer the best of both worlds, a good wet steam clean with a buffer finish using an acidic rinse. Believe it or not I have people that will actually pay for it.
 
    I've checked out both cross-american.com and www.kleenkuip.com  and they both have great equipment. I'm just really confused on which way to go.
 
The salesmanship is there. I have sold cars and i'm currently a licensed real estate agent. I love to talk, but most importantly, I want to be able to offer a quality job that will EARN me repeat business and plenty of refferals. I TAKE PRIDE IN MY WORK.  
 
Help me out guys!
 
 
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jtuseo View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jtuseo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01/August/2006 at 11:32pm
Tell your boss to suck your ass with a crazy straw
WWW.PREFERREDCARPETCLEANING.COM
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Eaglemania2k View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Eaglemania2k Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02/August/2006 at 1:12pm
lol-That's what i'm trying to do big guy! Any advise on equipment (porty and buffer clean) would be greatly appreciated. I did read a couple of forums where some guys said money was'nt an object. Thats not my case. I think right now I have more balls than dough. 
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Michael View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Michael Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02/August/2006 at 1:46pm
Eaglemania: I'd first recommend going to your local distributors and seeing what kind of stuff they have available. The reason being, if you're going to be using them for servicing your equipment sometimes--diy is great, but sometimes you need to think of the warranty--you'll probably want to get something they distribute. If nothing else, that trip will shorten your list, so instead of having the world (according to the Internet) to choose from, you have a just a few. I'll bet you can get feedback on those few.

In any case, if you've been reading here a lot, then you know that a lot of people here seem to really like the Recoil 3. I use a Ninja, which also gets good press here. I haven't heard much positive about other brands on this forum.

There are so many buffers out there, it's ridiculous. The price range is even more ridiculous. I got the Hawk buffer, because it's dual speed (175/300), and it has a 5-year warranty that specifically greenlights its use on carpet. So, I'd listen to what the distributor says about different buffers he can get for you, and then look carefully at the warranties for each. Get the one that disty likes and has a warranty that makes the most sense for your application. Much more over $1000 is pretty pricey.

If DIY is really your thing, then there's always Ebay.
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carpetologist View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote carpetologist Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02/August/2006 at 2:17pm
Sounds like you need a lot of hand-holding and advise.
 
If you were in Toronto Kleen Kuip would be your answer. Suggest you find a local carpet cleaning specialty store in your area, not necessarily a janitorial store. Pay the difference, it's cheaper in the long run.
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Eaglemania2k View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Eaglemania2k Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02/August/2006 at 5:53pm
Thanks guys for the advise. I have been looking on ebay a lot lately as well as your website Carpetologist. The reason being, there's only two real carpet cleaning distibuters in my area, so the selection is limited as well as OVER PRICED!  I'm going to keep my eye on your website in the meantime carpetologist. OH DECISIONS, DECISIONS!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kennyp2112 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05/August/2006 at 10:09pm
Hi,
 
I have a nice TMI Rhino for sale. Comes with 3-2 stage vacs...heat...and 150 psi pump. Used 3 times at my house. My back can't take it anymore.
 
I'd take $1550.00 ...if you were interested.
 
 
 
 
Ken
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duckcountry View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote duckcountry Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15/August/2006 at 12:23pm
I live in Oregon and have done exactly as you recommended.  My supplier is CRS in Portland and I drive the 110 miles each way to learn more about techniques, the latest chemicals and what is out there in the way of new technologies.  I took my IICRC training there as well. 

I am sure that Kleenkuip is AT LEAST as good at holding its customer's hands as my 'partner' is.  I feel confident in saying that because I learn from the vast knowledge Carpetologist provides on this board.


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Ed Valentine View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ed Valentine Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15/August/2006 at 12:42pm
Gentlemen;
 
I believe that any product is only as good as the people (sales company) who stand behind it. That has been a proven fact.
 
You can't go wrong with either Kleen Kwip Supply, or Cross-American Corp., period.
 
And, that is also a proven fact.
 
 
Good Fortune to all;
Ed Valentine
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Steamy View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steamy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15/August/2006 at 5:25pm
Hey Eaglemania2k,
I'm about 70 miles north of you in North GA.  I know of a decent distributor in Ala. that is fairly helpful. As far as portys go, I like the Ninja units. As for bufffers, I use a Viper brand for scrubbing and bonnet stuff and I like it. I used to clean carpets in the ATL area too. I would not want to say the nameof the company here, but it does start with a "V". Have you ever used a portable? It will feel a lot different than what you are used to. Let me know if you want to know the name of the dist. in Ala., or if you need anything. I'm always willing to help a fellow cleaner.
 
Matt
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Superglide Ken View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Superglide Ken Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15/August/2006 at 9:45pm
Since you are in the Atlanta area, I would suggest you go and see Duane at Accellerated. He sells mostly TM's and chemicals, but would know where you could get a good deal on a Ninja machine. I use them myself and know the can be found for as little as $500 used in good condition in your area.


Ken
Inventor of the Teflon Wand Glide and the Turboteck Rotary Air Duct Cleaners for TMs.
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Eaglemania2k View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Eaglemania2k Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27/August/2006 at 11:16pm
Hey guys thanks for all the advise, i actually found a good deal on a recoil-2 with a heater. paid $300.00 with shipping. Seems like a nice machine to start with. Can you beef this baby up? I'm still on the lookout for a good buffer. Hopefully I can upgrade my equipment in about 6 months. I think i've already landed my 1st commercial job with Gold's gym, was'nt too hard considering i work out there daily. You guys are really great,thanks sooo much for all of your expertise. May God continually bless each and every one of you
 
Oh yeah! Take a look at my poll on the chemstractor! There are so many experts on this website I hope the inventor of this machine  is'nt one of them!
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jpv65 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jpv65 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21/December/2006 at 4:40pm
how did you find a recoil 2 for $300?
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doug View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote doug Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21/December/2006 at 4:48pm
It's hot?? I don't mean the water either?Guitar
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