Clean It Up

UK Floor Cleaning Forum => Carpet Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: chris sloan on January 22, 2009, 11:24:35 am

Title: just starting out
Post by: chris sloan on January 22, 2009, 11:24:35 am
hello, im just starting out an wondering what is a decent machine to hire out.
i have bought the rugdoctor pro( i know what you think of these).
im sure ill be upgrading quickly from this . i have spent a lot on my van etc so cant lay out for a proper machine just yet. any advice greatly appreciated.
thanks for reading this. chris
p.s it cant be mounted as im in a transit connect unless there is one that fits
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: from edge2edge on January 22, 2009, 12:07:39 pm
Chris my advice is simple.Do not start until you have a half credible bit of kit you can pick up proper machines,prochem,craftex,extracta etc for around a grand on ebay(or here).You will get the Pxxx taking out of you on here if you try to start as a PROFESSIONAL carpet cleaner with a rugdoctor.The guys/gals on here will give you great advice if you at least take the basic steps i.e training machines marketing etc otherwise you will be looked upon by many as not really worth giving advise to  Hope this helps Alan (swindon)
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: chris sloan on January 22, 2009, 12:46:58 pm
thanks for advice, i totally understand what you have said.
does anyone know where i can rent a prochem cheyenne im happy to rent machines rather than spend loads on a machine that i dont really like or advise me what your happy with.
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: Joe H on January 22, 2009, 12:59:33 pm
The only machines I see for hire are the rug doctor type machines.
Not to say they are not out there - perhaps someone else knows, or contact the manufacturers themselves cause it is reasonable to think they will know who are in the hiring game with their machines.

Where you coming from Chris. By that I mean whats your background, whats bringing you into carpet cleaning, do you have a database of customers (ie from window cleaning) or are you starting from scratch.
Have you had any training? www.NCCA.co.uk is good, next course in a weeks time but then a couple months to wait.

If you can be sure of earning from carpet cleaning then leasing may be an option if you dont have cash available for everything (who does?)
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: chris sloan on January 22, 2009, 01:12:18 pm
thanks again, im based in st helens.
im talking about leasing i have been cleaning windows.
just thought it looks like a great avenue to go down carpet/cleaning as have been asked a few times if i know anyone
i am getting booked onto a course for training and have spent a few quid on leaflets etc
its leasing that i require i dont want some battered  rental machine going into peoples properties.
im not some cowboy going around trying to make a couple of quid, got to start to somewhere havent i
thanks for advice
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: richy27 on January 22, 2009, 01:20:19 pm
Speak to matt at cleansmart they do some great start up packages.
Good price too     Bare in mind equipment gets results along with experience and training plus marketing any business takes time and MONEY and i expect i am not the only one on here that says there major expense by a long way is marketing. So dont max yourself out on equipment save some lolly for selling your services professionally. Your looking at a good couple of thou for the essential gear even at second hand.
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: chris sloan on January 22, 2009, 01:23:28 pm
thanks for the advice richard an joe.
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: richy27 on January 22, 2009, 02:31:12 pm
To put blunt figures on bit of paper say tou have 10 k spend 5k on van and kit and leave 5k for working cap and advertising/ marketing baring in mind these are figures plucked out of head in my opinion more start up funding is required.
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: Gary Webber on January 22, 2009, 08:23:58 pm
Chris,
Have a look on e-bay for a decent second hand machine, or even on this site for anyone selling their kit. Its not the van that needs attention/expenditure, its the right equipment that makes you a professional (along with training). Ask if anyone would be wiling to take you out for a few days locally to give you a feel for the business

Gary
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: chris sloan on January 22, 2009, 09:58:36 pm
thanks gary, have been trawling about looking at some what the prochem cheyenne like?
thats a good idea asking if i can tag along with someone.
im sure ill do the same once im experienced
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: Gary Webber on January 23, 2009, 07:40:56 am
Chris,

try asking if any other members on the Forum have a machine for sale close to you. Try and have a look at one as you dont want a machine on it's last legs!

Gary
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: clinton on January 23, 2009, 08:16:04 am
Think jim neal had a good alltech twin vac for sale ???
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: Aquakleen Restoration Services on January 23, 2009, 01:16:15 pm
You could always lease a machine for next to nothing. That way you wont have to come up with the full amount, leasing is tax deductable and you will have the benefit of a pro piece of kit immediately.
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: clinton on January 23, 2009, 01:46:42 pm
John

what payments would he be looking at  ???

Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: Joe H on January 23, 2009, 02:12:51 pm
Clinton
as an example
Solutions UK for their Scorpion - £19 per week plus VAT
How long for? doesnt say but got to be at least 36 months
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: clinton on January 23, 2009, 02:59:00 pm
Hi joe

Was thinking in that line not bad for a newbie to get into a decent set up,its ok buying used but lets just say the first week your pump or vac goes its going to cost a few hundred to replace ???

Think this newbie is in st helens ???
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: Gary Webber on January 23, 2009, 04:00:20 pm
Chris,

Swings & Roundabouts. What if you get into carpet cleaning & decide its not for you? You then have a leasing package hanging round your neck. I would only recommend leasing for established cleaners for the above reason

Regards

Gary
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: spindle on January 23, 2009, 04:13:30 pm
from my own experience..........i would buy a 2nd hand machine from one of the guys on this or another forum.......
but bear in mind that the machine will need to be serviced/repaired at intervals during your ownership.......no point owning a mchine that you have to drive miles and miles for service/parts......

and if it doesnt work out you can sell the machine/equipment for a small loss......as oppossed to having repayments to make for years
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: chris sloan on January 23, 2009, 06:35:23 pm
much appreciated advice lads, got a lot of thinking to do.
think leasing is the way forward as not risking buying old battered gear.
i am taking on board what is getting said.
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: Mike Osbourne on January 23, 2009, 06:36:12 pm
I agree with Spindle. How do you know a) you will like it b)you will make a go of it.

I got a refurb from Ashbys and did me proud for a year or so. If it had gone tits up I'd of lost about £300-400
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: cardo on January 23, 2009, 06:39:29 pm
from my own experience..........i would buy a 2nd hand machine from one of the guys on this or another forum.......
but bear in mind that the machine will need to be serviced/repaired at intervals during your ownership.......no point owning a mchine that you have to drive miles and miles for service/parts......

and if it doesnt work out you can sell the machine/equipment for a small loss......as oppossed to having repayments to make for years

Hi guys,

this is something i had not thought about when considering buying a m/c !! I have the work in place i just need the training and decent equipment. I already have a small carpet cleaning m/c which i have used to do my own carpets and friends, but i need to step up to the mark and get serious for this new work... sorry for hyjacking this thread but thought it better than starting a new one... i already work self-employed in cleaning industry and find this site extremely good for info.
I live in Scotland so could anyone suggest somewhere to purchase a good m/c.
thanks again lads..keep up the good work
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: chris sloan on January 27, 2009, 11:17:15 am
got myself on a 2 day course with cleansmart in nottingham.
hopefully will gain some usefull experience.
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: spindle on January 27, 2009, 07:11:46 pm
matt is a nice guy

he will look after you..........take a pen and plenty of paper!!!!!!!
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: robert meldrum on January 27, 2009, 09:28:54 pm
Cardo

Scotland's a pretty big place ! Where are you based ?
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: daysdeepclean on January 27, 2009, 09:48:17 pm
Contact me, I might be able to sort you out!

Cheers, Col, Haps, Day!

 
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: CFS Cleaning on January 28, 2009, 11:32:13 pm
Cardo

Scotland's a pretty big place ! Where are you based ?

Hi Robert,

I have logged back on as my business name.... sorry for the delay. I'm in Edinburgh.

Thanks
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: chris sloan on February 07, 2009, 11:15:12 am
just been on the cleansmart two day course, hey derek knows his stuff.
I have learnt a lot from him
Time to pick which machine to buy.
Done a bit of leafleting and managed to get the phone to ring.
thanks for advice lads going on that course was priceless to see what damage you could cause.
any more tips greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: robert meldrum on February 07, 2009, 09:45:32 pm
CDF

Sorry for the late reply..................there's a dealer in Coupar www.cleaning-systems-uk.com not too far from you, further South in Newcastle is Restoremate

Both have multi dealerships, there's a Prochem dealer in Greenock, but he's purely Prochem
Title: Re: just starting out
Post by: CFS Cleaning on February 09, 2009, 09:15:09 pm
ok mate , thanks for the reply,willcheck it out. :)