Hello Carpet Cleaners

I use a Prochem truck mount and prefer using Steam Cleaning to chemdry or bonnet. It may be personal opinion, but I would not necessarily settle on one system or another without checking out the options. Francises are good for getting started if you dont have a clue what you want to do, but the hardest thing for a new business is surviving the first year without starving to death. You might consider looking around for a going business and putting your money toward buying it. At least that way you already have some customers to build on while you build the business.

One advantage to franchise is someone else is doing some of the marketing.  I have a rotovac and I have learned to treat it as another tool in the toolbox, use it when needed and charge 2 to 3 times the charge of a wand.

I use VLM methods these days but I do keep the rotovac more as a rinsing tool if shampoo is required which is lately - never!

Well this should open a can of worms!

LOL

Many chem-franchises have taken on steam cleaning truck mounts and are now offering what is basically a "dryer steam cleaning" which is the same thing at lower pressures. So if that does not tell you something about the trends in carpet cleaning, what will. Homedepot just bought chem-something, so I don't know how the new franchises would work. I personally would not buy into a luxury-industry-franchise when we are in the middle of a recession. At least if you go out on your own and fail your only $20k-$30k in debt, not half a million.

The can of worms that he may be referring to is the way that chem-something advertises. Many people feel that they exaggerate and lie about their competitions cleaning systems, in order to make their inferior cleaning system seem like its the only one to use, or your house will be ruined.

The IICRC has listed the dry method of carpet cleaning as a good method of cleaning for lightly soiled carpets. They do recommend the truck mount method for dirtier carpets. I would take a few IICRC classes and learn the trade a little before I invested money. It might keep u from creating debt that u can't climb out of.

Best of luck!