My SOLUS 500R story

Oh God help me- another blowhard newbie, gonna lowball some poor bastard to the poorhouse that's worked for years to build a business on price.
Anyone else ever watch that show?


Edited by Just Ol' Willy - 25/May/2008 at 9:38pm

Don't go knockin Captain Morgan now... best rum on the market.

Ken_Is_OK wrote: screw or get screwed. you think Captain Morgan cares that he just took all that food off another mans plate?

No- but I thought I could do the same thing, went broke and learned a lot of lessons. However, carry on by all means. In 6 months the equipment will be for sale, glorious plans all asunder, broke and the bitter taste that just won't wash out.
Or, it might be a major success story. It's just been my experience that you don't charge enough to do the job, pay yourself and leave a bit for profit and upkeep, than good luck.12.5 a square at 250  - 300 square an hour, max for a porty to do a good job and prep = 31.25 to 37.50 an hour. Now let's say there's a tail wind and he hits 400- he's at 50 an hour- BUT ONLY ON THE JOB SITE. Add employees at that rate? Don't make me laugh. Ok- let's pay for chems, gas and vehicle maintenance , insurances (2 mil liability, workers comp, vehicle) time not earning driving and setting up on jobs, tearing down, etc. How about time spent banking . billing and keeping the books? Paying an accountant?Now the good man deserves to pay himself a wage, but it sure isn't going to be much.


"I am a retired Naval officer with 25 years of management experience and logistics. I know how to get things done. My contracts speak for themselves. They fired the TM guy at the base so what does that tell me? You paid way too much for a TM. And yes, I find your reply just a bit arrogant and insulting."

Well little buddy- you're our plebe now and I might suggest you sit back and listen to General CMaster and Admiral Willy and to come here with 30 seconds of experience and 50 years of arrogance is damned insulting, and deserves a good ol' fashioned keel hauling. As you were sailor.15 days in the brig!


Edited by Just Ol' Willy - 26/May/2008 at 1:39am

But how long will he last when all his "subsidy/pension"  go into his business to keep it afloat when reality sets in? What prep for the lean months? He's got more holes in that plan than a screen door.

I may seem to be a hardass on the guy, but the combination of utter ignorance and breathtaking arrogance needs some cold water on it. If he has any smarts, he'd do well to listen to a few of us that went through all the hoops and dances before. However, gathering by the posts, he's working for U.S. Products or is completely brainwashed or just plain old STUPID.

You Can't Handle The Truth

Willy wrote:   [/QUOTE] It's just been my experience that you don't charge enough to do the job, pay yourself and leave a bit for profit and upkeep, than good luck.12.5 a square at 250  - 300 square an hour, max for a porty.... to do a good job and prep = 31.25 to 37.50 an hour. Now let's say there's a tail wind and he hits 400- he's at 50 an hour- BUT ONLY ON THE JOB SITE. Add employees at that rate? Don't make me laugh...., insurances (2 mil liability, workers comp, vehicle) time not earning driving and setting up on jobs, tearing down, etc. How about time spent banking . billing and keeping the books? Paying an accountant?Now the good man deserves to pay himself a wage, but it sure isn't going to be much. [/QUOTE]

Willy, The problem with your reply is it shows that you blew right through my posting, as in you didn't bother to read it. If you had you would have learned that I operate under a sole proprietorship. Solo. No payroll.
I do my own billing. No accountant. After Cleaning costs, taxes, insurance (3 types: Liability / Auto / Workers comp), misc operating costs (gas, office supplies & maintenance) my profit margin is 64% on every dollar. Thats not low balling. It's all about business Volume.   

And where do you get 300 square an hour? With 20 minute breaks maybe. For 1000 SF it takes me 2.5 hours. That includes vacuuming; performing a black light inspection for urine / fecal stains; taking digital pictures of carpet condition (both before & after); applying spotters / or shampooing; applying pre-spray; 10 minute machine set-up; deep extraction at 1 foot per second; 10 minute machine/materials stow; enzyme spray and carpet rake.    If you do the math... after operating costs... thats an easy 30 dollars an hour.   

Edited by MBCC - 28/May/2008 at 9:33pm

That depends on the cause. There is a few products on the market, such as red relief that work in some circumstances. I bought a gallon of 30 volume peroxide from the beauty supply store and boost it in the stain with a steamer. Some products are two part and are walk on. Check with Ted or your local supplier. When I have more time I'll give you some info on spot dyeing.

How was that sailor?