[Clare.w]

Anyone got any ideas on the best cc machine that will fit in an estate car? (if there are any)

We will go and look at some when (we get a chance) kids are back at school but just wanted some ideas at what to look for.

we have a Vauxhal Zaffira, 7 seats but is like an estate when the seats are put down.
We were going to start with a portable then thinking of buying a TM (and van) next year if it takes off (it will!)

We are just starting out with the carpet cleaning but want to look profesional, so should we just go buy a van?   

Clare

[paul searle]

I have a zafira & fit my portie in with plenty of room, it's a mytee speedster 200 it's a big machine also got a good deal from Woodbridge it has 200 psi online heater & cost £1800 Inc vat with hand tool, wand, and hoses

[Paul Heath]

A van is a good investment, looks proffesional, you get it sign written...free advertising. start small with a belingo or something like that with a steampro. once they see van and machine they will know you mean business and your around to stay.
I think un loading an estate car with all the gear somehow does not fill me with confidence.

[Clare.w]

Yes I do agree with you, but just wanted to try it out a bit before spending loads.
We could have the Zafeira sighned, we were going to actually because we allready have a domestic cleaning biz. Do you think that could work for a little while?

[paul searle]

We have our Zafira sign written and it does a good job marketing wise. We have 2 kids and can't afford 2 vehicles yet so the zafira is perfect for us. Loading & unloading is pretty easy aswell. Some custy's have commented that they don't feel intimidated when we turn up which is nice

[Clare.w]

Same here, we have 4 kids and don't really want to buy a van just yet.
Thank you for that you have made me feel loads more confident about going ahead.
The only probs I can see will be when we need to get all the kids in the car and will have to take everything out! 
But i'm sure we'll manage for a while.

[Clare.w]

Paul - could you post a pic of your Zafeira?

[paul searle]

I can post 1 tomorrow. People will have there own opinion on every issue on this site but I am over the moon with the zafira. Have u got a machine in mind?

[brianbarber]

Think about a transit connect crew van, 2 seats fromt
3 in rear.

Maybe if things go okay, part exchange the zafire?

Mr B

[Clare.w]

Paul, no I have no idea about machines yet. Will go and look at some when the kids are back at school. I liked the sound of the scorpion, because it sounded like we could stick with it for a while but someone said it wouldn't fit in our car.
Anyway any advice is very welcome 

[Clare.w]

Thanks Mr B, but we have 4 kids and there are 2 of us.....we wouldn't fit in!

[Clare.w]

Unless I put one on the roof!

[paul searle]

Amtech do a good machine there's the powerflight, you got prochem, ashbys ninja and the speedster from Woodbridge which is what we got bargain

[D Ingram]

Clare you'll do well using your people carrier with a Speedster and then if things go well which I'm sure they will then is the time to have another look at what you need.

[markpowell]

Its not just the machine you have to think about, you will have brushes, airmover, Chems , wands etc.
You might manage for few months but you will need to get a van within a few months.
I use our people carrier when the van is off the road and it is an absolute nightmare.
Mark

[D Ingram]

Mark I hate to say it but once you have used a van its hard to go back to an estate car.
I know I have used T/m equipement for over 15 yrs and i'd rather die than use a portable again.

But for our Clare she's used to her car and will handle what get thrown at her to start with.

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I agree with Dave's sentiments spend only on what is needed for now and focus on collecting customers then the customers will pay for the van.

Shaun

[jim mca]

Clare
 the airflex mini is a good little machine

Jim

[Clare.w]

The airflex minnie has been mentioned before, just to say though that it wont be me using it, will be my hubby -(just in case you thought the other machines too big for little me! )
So more important to get the best machine we can......

[Andy Hogarth]

I started with a speedster, wonderwand and sebo duo from my renault scenic, was a squeeze and I had to put all chems in to 1 litre bottles but I managed,

I did however feel a bit self concious in the car and parked where custy wouldn't see me, still have customers today from back then though