Yes I'm new! Please be patient!

Hello, my name is Brandon and I'm new to the carpet cleaning industry, seriously looking hard at getting into this business and I'm really looking for advice from a lot of the pros on this forum! I'm going to go ahead and apologize because this post could be lengthy. 

I'm looking at this career path for several reasons 1.(probably why a lot of people look to this industry) the cost associated with startup can be pretty low 2. I can honestly not stand working for someone else anymore  3. after doing some research the past couple of months it is actually a pretty interesting field and 4. I really just have a gut feeling I should go for this.  But I have a lot to learn and a lot of questions I need answered.

I'm taking a 2 day carpet cleaning tech class next month so that will probably answer a lot of them.  I'm in the process of writing up a business plan and I really want to figure up potential expenses, and I'm really wondering what the chemicals will set me back per job. I was hoping some of you could fill me in on what you normally have wrapped up in chemical costs per 3-4 room job?

After some research I know I'm probably going to have to start out with a portable machine (money reasons) and the Rotovac company "seem" to have a good deal with a portable machine (its a Mytee Speedster), their powerwand, and a few other goodies for only $3000. Like I said seems like a good deal but I'm hoping you guys could help me out with that.

Marketing will be another bear!  I'm unfortuneatly gonna have to be one of the low price guys because initially I won't be able to compete with the guys that have TMs.  But as long as the equipment I have does a good job, I'm positive I can destoy competition around here in customer service. I plan on wearing a nice polo with my company name, a nice pair of slacks nice shoes (with boot covers), and I know being an owner/operator I'll have more enthusiasm for a job than some kid who's been trained for a few weeks and sent out at a hourly rate.  But I guess just any tips on marketing on a budget would be helpful too.

Thank you for your patience and reading this any other newbie tips are always welcome! Thanks guys.

Looks like you got a lot of answers! lol. I am in the same boat as you. I'm starting my own thing and purchased a start-up package from Rotovac. How has everything been going with you?

A start-up package?

Mine came with a free mop & a small bottle of soap.....

Actually Doug.....I remember cleaning a carpet in 1975 with an Electrolux machine, it had a solution tank and 3 brushes aggitating the carpet.....I remember I had an Orange yellow/ Shag carpet to clean , pile was about 3 0r 4 inches long........came out clean but I never figured out where the dirt went to........stayed clean for a long time.

CMaster.....I have since then figured it out.......... ( It was a Magic Carpet )

nightrider wrote: CMaster.....I have since then figured it out.......... ( It was a Magic Carpet )                                                      Nightrider