Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: kevin James on November 29, 2008, 03:52:54 pm

Title: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: kevin James on November 29, 2008, 03:52:54 pm
If we are to invest £25k plus, I'd want to make sure the kit lasts a min of 10 years so I make some proper returns.
Whats the experience out there?

Kevin J
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: Kevin R on November 29, 2008, 07:17:21 pm
10 years your having a laugh aren't you?

If your van looks cheap so does your business. Cost in a good replacement factor and you will never have to worry about rust or tatty vans.

There are some amazing lease deals out there up to 5 years! Every payment tax deductible too!
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: matt on November 29, 2008, 07:24:31 pm
forget the loss every year

image is everything, a new van every year is a must  ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: matt on November 29, 2008, 07:26:00 pm
on a serious note kevin James

protecacote your floors and a few inches up the sides of the van, that should help alot, my concearn is for the amount of water in the vans, you allways get loads of condensation and its on the roof and running down the sides of the van
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: geefree on November 29, 2008, 07:50:09 pm
i have started leaving two windows open very slighlty... the windscreen is now clear in the mornings... and no condensation inside....

but its too cold at the moment.

brrrrrrrrrrrrr  ;D
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: Alex Gardiner on November 29, 2008, 07:51:46 pm
Two steps will help with these issues.

Buy a VW T5 Transporter and enjoy a corrosion free galvanised body shell.

Put a de-humidifier in the van overnight during the winter, it will prevent excess moisture and prevent freezing.
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: Sir Squeaky on November 29, 2008, 08:16:22 pm
If you change the van every 3 years you don't need to bother with messy coating painted all over the inside of your van.

I clean the inside of mine out regularly and it still looks like new after 18 months.
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: kevin James on November 29, 2008, 08:34:15 pm
10 years your having a laugh aren't you?

If your van looks cheap so does your business. Cost in a good replacement factor and you will never have to worry about rust or tatty vans.

There are some amazing lease deals out there up to 5 years! Every payment tax deductible too!

Not keen on the "throw away" idea. Like to look after stuff, improve it, get the gear just how you want. Having to start again every year or even 3 years seems to me to be a backward step & a waste of valuable time.
99% of me work is domestic & yes , they don't want to see a tatty van, but if they see you looking after your gear, then thats encouraging for them. If I had a new vehicle every other year, they'd make snide comments about earning too much!
It's got to be about profit & that might mean some pretty drastic cost cutting measures in the next year. I charge £7.50 for a 3 bed, how does this compare,?

Cheers kevin j
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: dd on November 29, 2008, 08:57:48 pm
I bought brand new Dispatch 2.0hdi for £11,500 and it cost about £2500 to kit it out with 600l tank etc in 2006. Total spend approx £14,000. (I have separate static sytem in garage). I plan to keep it 7 years then buy another new van.

If your round is mainly domestic I can't see how you need to spend 25k or so on your van.
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: ftp on November 29, 2008, 09:00:18 pm
 ::) Kevin, you haven't been on here very long have you? If you've got a shiney van, embroidered uniform and good looks then you can charge at least £30.00 for a three bed, £200 for a conservatory roof and £10.00 for a garage door!
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: WCE on November 29, 2008, 09:02:05 pm
i have started leaving two windows open very slighlty... the windscreen is now clear in the mornings... and no condensation inside....

but its too cold at the moment.

brrrrrrrrrrrrr  ;D
God thats a risk, talk about making it easy for someone to break in to your van!
You should think yourself lucky you just get condensation I have had an iced up inside window quite a few times!!!
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: matt on November 29, 2008, 09:03:47 pm
::) Kevin, you haven't been on here very long have you? If you've got a shiney van, embroidered uniform and good looks then you can charge at least £30.00 for a three bed, £200 for a conservatory roof and £10.00 for a garage door!

ive told you, your prices are sooooooo last year, you need to increase them by 15 % EVERY YEAR, you must have forgotten that

oh and its 20 quid for a garage door
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: matt on November 29, 2008, 09:04:40 pm
ref condensation, you could just fit a mushroom roof vent

Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: WCE on November 29, 2008, 09:05:35 pm
I charge £7.50 for a 3 bed, how does this compare,?

Cheers kevin j
Depends on the area up north they charge that but where I am window cleaners range from £10-15. I'll give you a serious answer as apposed to ftp!!! The braggers have got to him ;) ;) ;) ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: How long before these vans have corrosion problems?
Post by: kevin James on November 29, 2008, 09:10:40 pm
I bought brand new Dispatch 2.0hdi for £11,500 and it cost about £2500 to kit it out with 600l tank etc in 2006. Total spend approx £14,000. (I have separate static sytem in garage). I plan to keep it 7 years then buy another new van.

If your round is mainly domestic I can't see how you need to spend 25k or so on your van.

Well, if you're gonna 'ave a new van, 'ave the fullworks, go camping in it( no arguemenrs for at least 2 weeks who fetches the water!)

Kevin j