[billozz]

hey guys,
i have been window cleaning for the last 6years or so and am thinking about adding carpet cleaning as a service to my customers any help or advise with regard to equipment etc greatly appreciated
thanks
Bill

[Mike Halliday]

how much money have you got to spend?

it's not a cheap biz to get into, you need 2-3K for a decent machine and then there's all the training & tools you'll need.

Mike

[AquaMagic]

Mike, are you back home yet or still at the hotel?

Dene

[Joe H]

Re Mike Halliday
"it's not a cheap biz to get into, you need 2-3K for a decent machine and then there's all the training & tools you'll need."

Obviously double the 2-3k to start right BUT that is a cheap business start up pack.
Just consider starting up a shop - rent, rates, stock, massive insurance, security, etc and you are talking a lot more then 6k...... and still no surity it will all work.

It is tough starting up no matter what business one goes into BUT the rewards are there if you put the effort in and other things go well with you.

Joe H

[maxcarpets]

Plus the 20K at least for the first years advertising. Its not like window cleaning, you clean a carpet then you might not see that person for another two - three years. you need alot of customers, work it out for yourself. its not cheap.

cheers

justin

[Cleaning Resource]

why is everyone on here always so negative, if it was so terrible none of us would be doing it, it`s a cheap, easy to get into business and seeing as you already have window cleaning customers you could pitch, I`d say your of to a good start.

2K for machine
300 for training
1k for 100 thousand leaflets
600 for insurance

of you go..................................

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Who delivers the 100 000 leaflets? even if you did 500 a day every day that would be 2000 days thats about 6 years of delivery or if you paid for selivery an estimate cost would be £2500.

Shaun

[ollie]

Who delivers the 100 000 leaflets? even if you did 500 a day every day that would be 2000 days thats about 6 years of delivery or if you paid for selivery an estimate cost would be £2500.

Shaun

Isnt it more like 10 months rather than 6 years?? I deliver 300 per day and thats 6000 a month.

[Mike Osbourne]

Plus the 20K at least for the first years advertising. Its not like window cleaning, you clean a carpet then you might not see that person for another two - three years. you need alot of customers, work it out for yourself. its not cheap.

cheers

justin

20k worth of advertising in your first year? 

[Steve Chapman]

Bill,

I was window cleaning for 12 years and made a slow transition to carpet cleaning, with them overlapping by about two years.

This gave me a good time to build a good customer base and still have a steady income, which is what keeps you going.

I intended to keep both businesses going but you soon realise that you dont have time for both if working alone, plus i was making double c/c than windows !

You are in a good position to start c/c as you are already self employed, obviously have transport and use to being your own boss, also as stated have a good customer base to market to.

I would say go for it  -  the only thing i regret not doing at the start is  getting some good training, as not only does it point you in the right direction but gives you the confidence to do the job as well.


regards
steve

[Matt Lindus]

Plus the 20K at least for the first years advertising. Its not like window cleaning, you clean a carpet then you might not see that person for another two - three years. you need alot of customers, work it out for yourself. its not cheap.

cheers

justin

I think 20k is a bit steep, I know a lot of cleaners who made a good living from around 15K a year on advertising.

[AquaMagic]

I think in most cases advetising is a waste of time, i monitor my advertising and find that only the local parish mags bring in much, local press is crap YP and thompsons is ok.  I would say that apart from the Website direct markettig is the way to build as the costsare very little, ive had loads of business some of which is regular repeat business just from sending out marketting letters or picking up the phone and contacting my prospects, i dont like it or enjoy it but it sure as hell works.

Dene

[Matt Lindus]

i monitor my advertising and find that only the local parish mags bring in much

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA OHHH HA HA HA OHHH, that really made me laugh, good one. Parish mags work - good one mate. Keep em comming!!

[mark_roberts]

How do window cleaners make money.

My cleaner has two helpers charges £5 and takes around 10mins.

Mark

[AquaMagic]

Whats so unbeliveable about that Matt?

I get most of my leads from Web, Leaflets and Direct responce marketting.

Local press, YP have been crap since i started the only advertising that has had a good ROI is the Parish mags.

Believe it or not i couldnt give a toss!

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Believe me YP is cr@p I've advertised in it for 14 years and this year it has nosed dived don't let the rep tell you otherwise.

Shaun

[billozz]

guys,
i really appreciate all the replies seems like you guys on here are just as helpful and willing to give advice as the people on the window cleaning site, it was with their help that we went over to water fed poles and that was the best decision we ever made. i think looking at the replies above we would be mad not to go for it, as has already been said we were hoping to offer the service to our existing customers initially.
would there be any point in asking for advice on what equipment to buy or is it a case of "each to his own" even knowing what equipment we need would help
thanks again
Bill

[Joe H]

I reckon you are opening another can of worms here by asking what machine you should consider. You are going to get so many answers.

My machine, which I personally think is a belter, is a Powerflite Pureheat CFR500 with a Wonderwand. Costs a few bob but worth it - in my opinion.
You need a good vacuum cleaner and I reckon the most popular is going to be a Sebo BS36.
and of course a variety of fluids ie presprays, cleaners, spotters - just keep reading these postings to learn more on them.

What you could do is keep an eye on whats going on Ebay and get opinions on here before you jump and buy.

So here goes - what does every one else think.

[gwrightson]

We also have an introductory offer on the Truvox Valet Commercial Upright Vacuum-Cleaner at only £79.
 
All prices quoted exclude VAT, but include delivery, subject to a minimum order value of £75.
 

I have been making a few enquires about a machine, and I recieved an offer from a company for a decent vac, as you can see above . Now I do need to confirm their are no strings attached to this offer, so I will confirm later

Geoff

[Ian Gourlay]

If you buy on EBAy be prepared to replace parts, so its worth knowing the price of spares for anything you are considering and do not over bid.