PAD DIVA NORTH

Why are you trying so hard to sell this op system.....

why wouldn't y'all wanna keep this a secret if it's so damn good...

If I where you I'd buy every OP and pad that came across the boarder... I would want no one to have the technology...

.38 cents and up per sq foot is a lot of money, man I'd be doing everything in my power to keep this hush hush... 600 to $700 is a killing on a house

becareful you don't want to get arrested for murder.....lol

If I wasn't out in the in the cleaning world everyday.... I might believe the hype....

I do well over 200 commercial calls a year and at least 1500 homes... where are these .38 cent a sq ft for bonnet??? where are these 600 to 700 buck a house cleanings....

I run from niagra to Uxbridge from Tottenham to the lake shore... my eyes have seen soooo much

good question Doug

Actually,I have had cotton bonnets look that dirty.

I haven't a clue as to why customers would pay MORE to have their carpet cleaned with a floor buffer.

Now the rag spinners will say different,but a large percent of my customers would kick me out of their home if I drug in an OP or bonnet machine to clean their carpets.

It's not neccessarily my view point but theirs.

believe it or not many of my new customers DO ask what I'm going to use to clean their carpets.

That OP must be hard on upholstery eh?

doug wrote: Mr. Steamer:  Looking at that bonnet all I can think of is that is half of the dirt the other is where?

ITS ON THE NEXT DAMP PAD THAT FOLLOWED IT!! LOL

THEN IT WENT INTO THE WASHING MACHINE

BUT NO WORRIES ...

IT'S NOT ON THE CARPET!!

PAD DIVA NORTH

Actually Steaminpile

we have an OP machine that is just for stairs and upholstery and it does a beautiful job..

The only thing its hard on ...

is DIRT!!

PAD DIVA NORTH!

It is another tool and a real pro cleaner should have more than one way to clean. Try this system on a poly berber and you will be surprised at the results, and no wick backs that can happen with a TM ON THE SAME CARPET.

With the cost of fuel and equipment going through the roof, maybe we should open our eyes to other systems that are available, I do agree that I don't think pad cleaning deserves more money per sq ft than a TM cleaning, but if you can get it so be it! I base this on your cost of operations, and applying a reasonable profit margin.

The one thing about most VLM systems is they consume a lot more detergent than a HWE cleaning system, up to 4 times more detergent, so I suggest you better be using a properly formulated product that is as residual free as possible.

Steaminpile wrote:   good question Doug   Actually,I have had cotton bonnets look that dirty. I haven't a clue as to why customers would pay MORE to have their carpet cleaned with a floor buffer. Now the rag spinners will say different,but a large percent of my customers would kick me out of their home if I drug in an OP or bonnet machine to clean their carpets. It's not neccessarily my view point but theirs. believe it or not many of my new customers DO ask what I'm going to use to clean their carpets.   That OP must be hard on upholstery eh?

even a porty won't cut it with the customers when they are use to truck mount

Residue free is here and has been for a while. the new Clean-N-Vac products leave NO residue and leave the carpet soft and dry.

I expect HWE guys to frown and give us a hard time, but reality is that, "ignorance is bliss". And they may be why you appear happy..LOL

"Padding for Profit"

I think OP needs it's own section..... The one thing I don't like is the fact that the rag spinners(new name for OP thanks steamin) Just keep talking about how great it is...how good a job it does...

I DON'T CARE!!!!!

I'll stick with my piece of crap 70,000 dollar truck mount, that leaves residue, over wets the carpet, can't get the dirt out, wicks and browns,costs loads in gas

and what ever else bad you want to say about it

Thank you very much

When I was young and new to this business I was very enthusiastic about seeing dirt come out of carpet. It became a passionate thing for me. In later years some of my friends confided in me and said we thought you were nuts and losing it when you bored us to tears about dirt removal.

Their is so much more to life than dirt removal. But wow it is so refreshing to hear the enthusiasm from Diva regardless of whatever system she chooses.

Go for it Diva!

Steamer,

"Ignorance really is bliss".  If you do clean that amount of carpet and cannot get 30 cents/ square foot with all of your supposed experience then you just may qualify for the gmoney school of carpet cleaning sales!  

You know establishing rapport (shooting the sh*t), educating the customer on your method etc.  No more suck and run.  What's your rush buddy.  No need to run around like a chicken with its head cut off.  Definitely not duplicatable. 

We were running a two week special (30% off) in a certain area of the city and can you believe when I was finished the lady had the audacity to tell me I should really be charging more for my services.  The nerve of that lady.  You would have thought she could at least try and bicker with me and 'hmm and ha' as I told her the final price.  Go figure.  This rag spinner was truly amazed!! And by the way, OP is not bonnet cleaning.  One day you'll learn.  Ted might be able to deliver you on one of his upcoming sermons.

Am I tooting my own horn.  Hell no.  Just taken aback by the comment on how many homes you do and your disbelief that people won't pay for a good job and a personable cleaner. You also need to take into account the market you are targeting.  Yes, there is that dreaded concept you hate.  Successful businesses target certain markets.  You need to fire customers that are willing to hire you on price alone.  That one step alone will increase your referall and loyalty rate 100%.

Let's say there is 1000 square feet of carpet to be cleaned.  Since 30 cents is a price you believe clients won't pay we'll arbitrarily say you and your company charge 20 cents.  So you get $200 for the job and I get $300.  In our quest to achieve $50,000 in sales at this average price per job I would do 167 jobs  and you would do 250 jobs.  Which is more attractive? 

Will I spend an extra 30 min to get that extra $100?  You bet.  Will I spend a little bit extra time on a stain and vacuum their carpets when I'm done?  You bet.  It's not rocket science.  Will I spend an extra five, ten minutes talking about US election?  You bet.  Will this person refer me?  YOU BET.  The IICRC does not even teach this.  Go figure, you can be a master without ever touching a wand or OP.  Scary.  But that is a seperate issue altogether.

$70,000 Truckmount??  I didn't know you were operating a Vortex.

You need to be venting your anger or concerns in this industry to the cleaners that cut throat every job they do to make money and or do not act professional or do a professional job.  If I'm  charging 30 cents you should be HAPPY.  It raises the level of our industry as a whole.  Or would you rather TRY and undercut me and offer the customer 15 cents, run to you next job and keep the rates low?  Enquiring minds want to know.  

Cleanex I am using way less chemical than when I steam clean.  Very simply, when you are using agitation the heat and strength of the chemical can be of a lower magnitude to achieve the same results.

Steamer what is with this about OP needing its own section?  We have already decided that pushing of a product can occur within a post (ie. Ken) and 'ask Doug' has turned into a running dialogue between you and Doug on every possible worldly issue.  I'll tell you what Steamer;  come out on a couple of OP jobs and you might just become ENLIGHTENED.  LOL We can even do half the house or office in each of our methods and see how the customer reacts to both.  And if you are lucky I'll let you use the BEAST!!  

Mr. Steamer will not talk about OP... and actually 70,000 is just a truck and a basic unit if you buy brand new.

You say your getting .30?? or .38 cents.... wow you must have nice legs too Gmoney...lol

Actually he does... but thats not getting him these jobs.

Quality work and great service is!!!

Oh and the OP machine helps too LOL

BTW Thanks Ted I think I weird people out when I talk shop too!!

PAD DIVA NORTH

BTW... I really have nothing against rag spinners... but why do all these op people feel the need to convert me.???

I have already invested too much in HWE and I refuse to look back....

If pulling an OP machine out of your van..floats your boat then fine

pulling a wand out of my truck floats my boat...and at the end of the day it's what makes the individual happy that counts

NO need to convert Steamer, but at least equal standing, when smart ass comments about padding are made, then we get defensive as we SEE goes both ways.

It is the attitude of some that THEY have the method of choice, but my question is, WHOSE CHOICE? The Customers choice is more my concern than whether set in their way cleaners BELIEVE or care about what I do.

So this is not SELLING but it IS about not having to take any crap for being a PADDER otherwise most ANY padder it willing to go out and embarrass you on a job.

Not trying to convert you steamer, I know I can't teach this old dog new tricks.  Was only pulling your chain about being enlightened.  I guess the more a piece of equipment costs, the better it does the job.  Saving up for that $150,000 truckmount that will suck the dirt from the bottom of the underpadding and clean the world's tallest restaurant (CN Tower) with its 5000 foot hose run 

You say you have invested too much.  Think long term my friend.

Anyways, my post had nothing to do about converting a tried and true HWE guy.  No time to waste.  Only mentioned a situation to introduce some customer service and pricing comments I had to make. 

It would have been nice to hear your comments on the pricing structure in our industry and your opinions on the 'low ballers' who drive prices down, and the issue of customer service in our industry.  I would love to get all of the 'professional' cleaners together and decide on the lowest price point that we all go in at.  Just like when you call a plumber or electrician and know you will be paying a healthy rate for his expertise.  Yeah, Yeah, I know that will never happen so that leaves the select few that try to raise the bar and get ostracised for doing so.

Since you continue to focus on OP and what we are charging, 30 cents is our basic rate.  One of our commercial accounts pays 38 cents. 

 And by the way price becomes less of an issue when the client views you as an expert, educator, and upbeat customer service rep than a suck and run specialist (no slight on HWE, it applies to all cleaning methods).  You said you view your truckmount as a Cadillac, then I hope you are charging accordingly. My customers view my oscillating red ferrari as a Formula One soil and stain remover--that makes them happy. And they know it will cost more than if they purchase the Hyundai model.  

Work smarter not harder

What the hell is the point of this thread??

We do 6 methods of carpet cleaning, is that wrong too??

Lee:  There is nothing wrong with it as long as it is 6 differernt methods of either bonett or op??

Doug

I believe it is the great debate that keeps it alive and spinning out of control.

Doug

Knock it off I feel like rinsing my hair. 

LilNiteRidrhood wrote: What the hell is the point of this thread?? We do 6 methods of carpet cleaning, is that wrong too??

you OP'ers have taken the wrong approach.....OP should be sold as another weapon in the fight to get dirty carpet clean.

Lee has 6 different weapons at his disposal

PadMan wrote: NO need to convert Steamer, but at least equal standing, when smart ass comments about padding are made, then we get defensive as we SEE goes both ways.   It is the attitude of some that THEY have the method of choice, but my question is, WHOSE CHOICE? The Customers choice is more my concern than whether set in their way cleaners BELIEVE or care about what I do. So this is not SELLING but it IS about not having to take any crap for being a PADDER otherwise most ANY padder it willing to go out and embarrass you on a job.

You can come with your OP, you  can come with a bonnet machine, you can use a Porty.. you can bring another Truck mount... Hell you can pray for devine intervention

MY JOB WILL STAND UP AGAINST ANYONES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MR. STEAMER "THE STEAM CLEANER"

Seems like deja vu to me.  No one is ragging on HWE and questions are not being answered again.  And it was said a long time ago that OP was one more tool that you could add to your arsenal and it was dismissed and ridiculed by CERTAIN individuals for the longest time.  Now the shoe is on the other foot.  Doesn't feel too good does it.

In the words of Rodney King "can't we all just get along?"

It is curious that I raised some interesting questions about our industry and all the elders want to focus on are their hurt feelings.  It is evident where your prioirities lie.  You would rather fight than talk constructively.

Oh well, let the games begin!!!!!!!!

GGGGGGGGGG

I'm sure some of the posts are read out of context... I'm never fighting, I'm for OP...Always have been for OP ...Will purchase an OP... But don't Tell me it's gonna do a better job than what ever method I'm using now...

Let me run my truck mount over some OP'd carpet I'm sure I'll still get soil... Let me run my truck mount over carpet I just truck mounted ...I'm sure I'll get soil

Sorry if you feel that I'm picking on you...but this is just my point of view.. and if I didn't have one I'd be a mindless sheep

baaa baaa

padman what good do you have to say about HWE????

I need to hear padman say something good about HWE

I own a TM and a portable, don't use them much, but once upon a time I found them the only way to deal with heavy urine situations, now we have created products to do the job with padding.

I used my portable to clean furniture for 23 years, but now the new products make that unneccessary.

I clean carpet, furniture, wood, concrete, grout and tile, vinyl tile, vct, brick and do it all with the OP. Because I build them? Nope, because of the ease of use and the quality of the job.

I am not some guy who doens't KNOW HWE , I just don't prefer it.

With that said, a good HWE guy does GREAT work, but there are FEW great HWE guys around.

So there you have both, positive and negative.. now we got balance..LOL

Ebony and Ivory...live together in perfect Harmony...

Padman no need to fight evil with evil, it's best to fight evil with good..

by the sweat of your brow you'll eat bread... your a hard working man and I can see you and your family are truly blessed