1 man jobs
Printed From: Carpet Cleaning Forum
Category: Carpet Cleaners Discussion
Forum Name: Portable Carpet Steam Cleaning Machines
Forum Description: Discuss anything relating to portable carpet cleaning machines
URL: https://www.kleenkuip.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2857
Printed Date: 28/April/2024 at 11:45pm
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Topic: 1 man jobs
Posted By: Britches
Subject: 1 man jobs
Date Posted: 30/August/2006 at 10:29pm
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I'm still in the planning stage of starting my carpet cleaning company and consider myself fortunate to have found this group. I have spent a good bit of time studing the portable machines and figure this is the best way for me to start out without going deep into debt on equipement.
Question 1
.....I have never seen a portable system in operation so I question the "professional" look. Have you guy had problems with customers when it comes to hauling your portable system in the house? What about plugging into electricity and water?
Question 2
.....What is the longest hose I can use on the portable system?
Question 3
.......Any problems with portable units being moved by one person? What about stairs?
THANKS
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Replies:
Posted By: G&M Cleaning
Date Posted: 30/August/2006 at 11:25pm
| A portable is a great starter, I would go with the 25 ' hose and no more than that. With at least a 2 stage vacuum. If doing it yourself they are going to be heavy no matter what you get , but to help some get one with big back wheels it helps. I have never had a customer say anything about the water and electric. Oh heat does help on getting them clean. Hope this helps. I don't plan on getting a TM . I only do carpet Cleaning part time and 2nd it's way tooooo much for me . Greg |
Posted By: pilediver
Date Posted: 31/August/2006 at 12:50am
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Buy a rotovac as it will make up for performance of a truckmount as well as give you a professional look and excellent cleaning power.
Arrive on time Pre vac even if they just vacuumed - buy a good vacuum. Post groom Use corner guards Wear a shirt with your company name and your name and don't wear blue jeans Have a clean van with good paint and your sign on it so people from across the street can clearly read you phone number and name front sides and back - open doors on a van often hide your signs so think of that when you get your van lettered. Thank them for the business and follow up the day after to make sure everything came out good after complete dry Get IICRC certified in carpet and upholstery Use only good chemicals. Make sure you support your local supplier and bug them every chance you can get for their advice. Welcome aboard and good luck. ------------- http://www.expertcarpetcare.ca>Carpet Cleaning in Victoria BC |
Posted By: Britches
Date Posted: 31/August/2006 at 10:28am
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Thanks for your help guys...I'm signed up to take the IICRC class next month....Sept13-14.
I know there is lots to learn but....I'm up for the challenge...THANKS
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Posted By: Michael
Date Posted: 31/August/2006 at 1:34pm
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Nice advice from Piledriver. I haven't had much of an issue with looking professional using a porty. I'd feel more professional with a tm, but that's just me. If you feel like a shlub, then you'll project that on your customer, and they'll feel uncomfortable. If you feel like a professional and project that, they'll see you as one. The electrical thing is only really an issue if you start tripping breakers repeatedly. I've only ever used a portable. A lot of people say to only use 25' of hose, but I've never had a problem running 50' on my Ninja. I only run 50' feet if I feel it's necessary though. I think you'll find that a shorter hose is easier to manage--you just have to pull your porty around. 50' is a nice option when you don't want to haul that thing up a flight of stairs. With large back wheels, you can pull a porty upstairs, but it's not much fun. Having a powered wand will help make up for the performance limitations of a portable unit. Rotovac, Rotovac 360, RX-20, etc. I use an RX-20, but I would've gotten the Rotovac 360 if it were available at the time. Customers are really impressed with seemingly little things like corner guards and booties. Pay 10.00 for 50 pairs of booties and give your customer a pair when you finish the job. Even if they don't need to use them, they feel like you just solved a potential problem for them, and they didn't even have to ask. I don't know if you're buying a van that will eventually house a tm. If not, a Ford Freestar cargo van is a very clean looking alternative to the more boxy styles out there. |
Posted By: carpetologist
Date Posted: 06/September/2006 at 8:10pm
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Pilediver,
There are volumes of books on how to succeed in business and marketing.
You summed it all up within 200 words or less. The info is appreciated.
 I think I will move this post over to the marketing forum. ------------- Kleen Kuip Supply Mart Inc. http://www.kleenkuip.com - New & Used Professional Carpet Cleaning Machines, Restoration Equipment, Training, Service and Supplies |
Posted By: jtuseo
Date Posted: 19/November/2006 at 9:19pm
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Swing it over burt ------------- WWW.PREFERREDCARPETCLEANING.COM |