[Steve H]

Hi guys,
I am considering switching to wfp in the next few months and was wondering what other peoples views were on that.
My situation is that I only have around 100 customers, many of which are bungalows, so can do by trad for most of them without ladders etc.
My reasons for switching would be mainly to save time and earn more money (Hopefully) however, the cost of setting up the wfp may be too expensive for the number of customers I have, they are all domestic.

So....
1) Is it worth it for me at this point or do you need more customers, then jump in.
2) Can you earn that much more doing domestic by wfp or is it geared up to commercial due to costs.
3) Would you go with a van mount system or garage system (if that makes sense) I have a VW Transporter.

I have more questions, but initially wondered which guys out there jumped in or waited to build up their round or have decided to stay trad for whatever reason.
Thanks in advance guys.
Steve

[Sean Kelly]

I started trad, then when my round grew I went to water fed but the back pack system, no I'm buying bits at a time to go van mounted, it's defiantly quicker. Prob not to much quicker on a bungalow though

[CleanClear]

Hi guys,
I am considering switching to wfp in the next few months and was wondering what other peoples views were on that.
My situation is that I only have around 100 customers, many of which are bungalows, so can do by trad for most of them without ladders etc.
My reasons for switching would be mainly to save time and earn more money (Hopefully) however, the cost of setting up the wfp may be too expensive for the number of customers I have, they are all domestic.

If thats all the customers you've got then going the wfp route is an expensive way to save time if you've nothing else to do. Its probably largley uneccesary if you're doing bungalows too.Infact if i done mainly bungalows there would be no switch at all.
 I'd say you're right, setting up wfp would be too expensive for the amount of customers and the type of work you have.

[Total shine cleaning services]

I think it all depends on the direction you want to take your business, if you're in it for the long haul then you should actively reinvest any spare money straight back into the business for a while until you're fully equipped for most situations

Graham

[dave f]

its a no brainer WFP if you value your life want to increese your income then its got to be wfp sounds dramatic but once youve come off a ladder and survived youll know what i mean if you aint got the funds for a van system start with a trolly etc build up. you only get out what you put in i started trad and would not consider wfp but soon changed my mind best thing i ever did work wise good look with what ever path you choose

[Steve H]

Thanks for all your view fellas, they are all valid points.

I agree that 100 customers (and mainly bungalows) is probably not enough to justify wfp, however, I am wanting to increase this number and look at bigger properties (houses in particular) going forward if possible.

Saving time would help, as I do other work (property maintenance) so that's another reason I thought of. I also have had to turn some work down ie large conservatories (glass roofs) as I cant get the finish or reach the roof properly off a ladder.

I can afford the van mount system, that's not the issue really - how much would I realistically expect to pay for a decent system and pole for domestic work etc. My question there was, would it be best to put the whole system on the van (as some do) or have the filters etc. in the garage?

Many thanks in advance again fellas.

[PoleKing]

IME-go for a static system if you can.
More space in the van for a bigger tank.

[DG Cleaning]

I did the switch with not much more than 100 custies.
 I built my own van mount for around £500 including pole.
That was a year ago and nothings failed yet, you don't need to spend a fortune on a system because they're so simple to diy.
With your plans to build the business its a no brainer.

[CleanClear]

My question there was, would it be best to put the whole system on the van (as some do) or have the filters etc. in the garage?

I think thats going to come down to your van parking arrangements. If the whole system is in the van then when you need to fill you are going to park and run a hose to the vehicle for several hours. Not a problem maybe if you have your own drive and you don't need to use the van to go anywhere in. If the filters etc. are in the garage then you can make the water at your lesuire and usually only take minutes to fill the van up. There is no best way, its down to which one is going to suit you.

[Steve H]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice, I know its down to me, just wanted some feedback.

[Mitchell Jones]

Hi
I have used a 400 litre trailer system pulled by my transporter, been ideal for 3 years it is now for sale, would be perfect for you, £1500 ono
this is what I transferred to from traditional to wfp but now have a large contract so need a bigger van system.
07775 883055 if your interested, advertised on ebay if you would like to view.

[H20cleaning]

I bought a x reg partner van, with a 400ltr system, battery, filters etc i only had about 90 custys! 2 and a half years later i have a nissan primastar with the same tank in, just bought new pure system. I have about 140 well priced customer now and looking at 200customers by next summer fingers crossed.
So basically if you want to build up a strong round and see it as your future then go for van mounted system.
If you just want to get by every month stay as you are