[Justen Uff]

I've hired a rug doctor sometimes and done a bit of carpet cleaning for some of my customers
Window cleaner mainly
Word has got out, a bit, and I am getting a few inquiries.  Not many but I am wondering if I should get into it a bit more.  Just so I'm ready for the next one.

My question is- Is Rug Doctor a good enough entry machine?  Or is ther a better starting point?
I'm probably just going to be cleaning up the odd room or small office.

Advice always appreciated

[AshWhite]

You'd probably be better off getting a used portable unit off fleabay for a little bit more. If only for the fact it's more likely to be something the customer hasn't seen for rent in B&Q.

Oh, and don't forget your training, insurance yadda yadda yadda...

[Jamie Pearson]

There are similar spec machines in the sub £1000 bracket.

If you fancy that system of cleaning without the Grocery Store/DIY Hire Machine image.

[Neil Williams]

I've hired a rug doctor sometimes and done a bit of carpet cleaning for some of my customers
Window cleaner mainly

Stick with the business model you are currently using because it's clearly working a treat.
Just ignore all the big heads on here with their petrol driven truckmounts, high spec 3 x 3stage portables and those with floor buffers and dare I mention those who think using shake and vac machines are the answer.

[AshWhite]

Neil, did you see I repleid to your 'Wanted' post on tacca forum?

[derek west]

Neil, did you see I repleid to your 'Wanted' post on tacca forum?

good way of getting round the charges

[wynne jones]

Neil, did you see I repleid to your 'Wanted' post on tacca forum?

good way of getting round the charges

Is this post wise?

[AshWhite]

It wasn't me being a smart ar$e. I just posted because obviously Neil was reading this thread. And besides, the charges are not due for 3 months yet.

So when I post similar in June then yes, I am being a smart ar$e 

[wynne jones]

Ash I mean Derek's comment. After all I think CIU has been very helpful for TACCA don't you?

[Justen Uff]

Thanks for replies.
Sorry guys you've lost me with the politics, I just wanted help with buying a simple entry level machine.  They're not cheap, for me, and I wondered if I might be missing a beter one?

Thanks for your advice

[Jim_77]

If I bought a cheap, entry level bucket and rag.. .would it make me a window cleaner?

I could spit on the windows, rub it off with the rag and use the bucket to stand on if they were a bit high.

This is the equivalent of what you're proposing with your carpet cleaning enterprise.  Good luck

[Justen Uff]

Thanks for reply Jim.  So, what you are saying is that Rug Doctor is rubbish.  What would you suggest as a proper start up machine please?

[Mark Lane-Matthews]

Hi Justin
You need to give us an idea what your budget is for a machine

[Justen Uff]

I thought about £500? 

[Russ Chadd]

Stick to cleaning the windows, make friends with a local carpet cleaner and "buddy up" in other words promote each others business's and pay each other a drink for every successful job gained.
No point investing £500 on a machine because it doesn't stop there (if only it did!!)
You will be buying materiel s  and the training and the insurance before you know it you are spending loads more!

Save your self the hassle... if a customer asked me if i cleaned windows i would simply direct them to a friend.

[jim mca]

Justen

I take it you are in nothern ireland if so I would book a carpet cleaning cource at cleansmart and a cheap flight to east midlands airport but first check the search facility for shrinkage and other problems you may create when cleaning a carpet if your also going to do upholstery then its easier to cause damage and you would be liable
there are good machines second hand but expect to pay 1k minimum twin 3 stage vac motors 130psi pump heat is your preference and would depend on the chemicals if I were in your shoes do a cource get some formula 90 and do what your doing put the money aside for your own machine.

[Justen Uff]

Thanks guys.  I think the last comment is the one I'm looking for

[simbo]

rug doctor, pile of s**t, why would anyone pay someone to clean a carpet and leave it damp for days when they could hire the rubbish and do it themselves. I had a look at  one the other day had been wet for 3 days and i got water out still with dry passes.

[Neil Williams]

I thought about £500? 

Think you missed a zero out somewhere and it's not before the 5
Ok perhaps that wasn't very helpful but even at £1k you will only be scratching the surface when all the extra things that allows you to do a half decent job are included, wands, hand tools, sprayers, brushes, various spotters, actual cleaning solutions, dust sheets, vacuums, a means of agitation, drying equipment, advertising, training, insurances and there's plenty more.

[JUST GUTTERS]

justen cfr carpet cleaning machine on gumtree £1000...400psi..wonder wand and hand tool..and other bits and bobs.... Its in newry