[FRESHER]

Hi there, Ive used this forum on a number of occasions as for years Ive wanted to be my own boss, but as yet, Ive not started up anything.   That is all about to change, I never want to be employed by someone else again, well not on a perminant basis anyway.

I have been thinking about carpet cleaning for some time and done a lot of research on this forum before Ive decided to ask a few questions.

First off due to the sale of my previous property and moving into my girlfriends house I have more than enough money to set this up.  Im not saying money is no object, but im willing to pay for the best kit that will do the best job in the quickest possible time, but importantly at the right price.

I have recieved the Alltec start up information, and from what ive read they always seem to be mentioned when people are looking to start up, but I am willing to look at other packages.

What machine should I go with?

I definately want to get a Rotovac or similar machine, the videos on you tube do make it look good, would anyone like to ease my mind and confirm that it is a good choice or recommend a similar machine?

also does anyone know if the start up packages are good value, or would I save money sourcing the kit myself?

What about the marketing course is it as good as they say?


Thanks for reading.

[from edge2edge]

Mackenzie you will find by letting people know where you intend doing  business helps eg fill in the profile location etc.Buying the right equipment is important but primarily getting the work is the key so ask yourself how you will get and maintain a steady flow of customers.Regards Alan Turner(swindon)

[Simon@arenaclean]

3 Excellent tripple vac machines, The Alltec advance, The Scorpion (solutions in cornwall) and the Airflex (cleansmart). All very good. Plenty of twin vacs from the above and extracta, ashby's and CFR (amtech). Money no object Truck mount, the Prowler from Restormate or Hydramaster. The starter packages are ok and most suppliers will let you mix and match. Rotovacs are great on large commercials but domestically maybe a bit heavy handed. You might consider an envirodri or similar CRB or a good rotary. Shipping is not a problem these days so most suppliers will serve you well.

[Jamie Pearson]

Hi there, I am based in Lothian Scotland.

I am going to set aside a reasonable amount for advertising and also go door to door.  I am very confident that I can come across very well to anyone I speak with.  I am also going to get my van Fully wrapped in vinyl so that my van will be the very eye catching.  People will see it and remember it.

 It will be a very hard tough year, but I am confident that I can offer excellent customer service and my reputation will speak for itself,, as long as I get the right training I am confident I can offer a service and professionalism that is second to none.

I am in your area tomorrow and could meet up with you and go over a few things.

Jamie.

jamie@cleaningsystemsuk.com

[Jim_77]

The biggest mistake new starters make is talking about machines/tools/chemicals etc when really you should be talking marketing/marketing/marketing.

You can have the best kit in the world but if you can't sell your services you'll be putting some very good machinery onto the 2nd hand market in 12 months time.

[Simon Gerrard]

Jim makes a very good point.
Could I suggest you do some, or a lot  of market research by way of a first step? You need to eastablish a need for your service in your area and not just THINK there is a need because it suits your cause.

The next step is to do some training. and then do some more training. And then you can start to think about buying some equipment.
What on earth do you want a Rotovac for?
Persoanlly I'm not sure this is the time for anyone to be starting out in not just this business, but any small business, so if I were you I'd do some market research and do some training and then try and find a cc somewhere near you that will let you work with them for a few days so you get a solid grounding in what this business is all about. Having done all that you will have a far better picture of what it is you're getting into.

Simon

[robert meldrum]

Wise words from Jim Neal which you should heed.  It would also be worth your while meeting up with  " wee " Jamie from Coupar as he's in a position to offer a lot of help with starting up and progressing in this industry.

Your locality is pretty well served by carpet cleaners including a few regulars on here.

This industry can be as diverse or as specialised as you wish but it can be difficult to decide which way to go. You'll find many posts on here about training for endless " opportunities " but it can often be best to put your energy and focus on one thing, or at least one thing at a time. That way you MIGHT achieve your high aims of being being held in high esteem by your clients and you might gain an excellent reputation for quality work.  However.............you might NOT like carpet cleaning and having the best equipment, best marketing, etc, won't be worth a jot.

On the other hand...............you might be another Derek West, but there are'nt many with the self belief and focus that he has and.............he came from a proven background of sales and negotiating skills.

[benny d]

Dont get a Rotovac yet!
Just a good wand will do atm.

Save that money, and put it towards advertising.
Get leaflets printed and post them yourself whilst listening to your MP3 player. I quite enjoy it, but too busy atm to do that for a while 
Advertise in local FREE booklets, with your Office number and mobile number.
Best tip is put a nice photo of yourself on any advertising. Potential customers then know who they are talking too.

[Linds Russell]

I am also in the Lothians and Jamie set me off on the right foot with training, supplies and great support. I've been going for three years and it has been a hard slog as there are many well established carpet cleaning companies in the area. I have seen some disappear during that time too.

I would echo what has already been said about marketing and would like to add that you should be prepared to not make any profit for a while. Speak to Jamie and follow his advice.

[Colin Day]

The biggest mistake new starters make is talking about machines/tools/chemicals etc when really you should be talking marketing/marketing/marketing.

You can have the best kit in the world but if you can't sell your services you'll be putting some very good machinery onto the 2nd hand market in 12 months time.

Be careful how you market your services though... Give Yell.com, Yellow pages and Thomson a wide berth... That should save you at least £2k's worth of money...

[clinton]

Maybe one of the lads not to far from you will take you out on a job and give you an idea mate before buying machines etc..

The above posts are spot on with the marketing and getting work mate.

Good luck

[Mike Halliday]

if i lived in Scotland i wouldn't buy any truckmount from companies in the south of England. buy a prowler from JK if you out grow it in 2 years fine then get a big one from HM or prochem. but don't spend big bucks at first, a prowler will hold its value and be easily sold in a couple of years, you can't say the same for a big £18-20k machine

forget about marketing for now, if you live within working distance of 60k homes then you have a potential market. maybe get a website sorted as they tend to take time to get ranked on google but everything else can be easily put in place in weeks so for now think about equipment.

be carefull of salesmen disguised as helpful advisers, people after your money tend not to give the best advice

[Simon Gerrard]

Wise words indeed from Mr Halliday.

Simon