[ekps]

I have been cleaning carpets and worked up a bit of a customer base. Been using the rug doctor that you hire to do them. They have all been very happy with the results - I thought that if I buy my own gear I will make a bit more for each job. Problem is I have hardly any caash and want to build up equipment as I go. I was looking at the numatic cl470 but would I be sacraficing quality for extra cash? Can someone advise on what I should buy to get me going? Thanks




MY REPLY!

Thanks to all so far.

I have been using the rug doctor and sweating like a beast. The carpets i have cleaned were spotless and some were mega filthy to start with. The reason they were happy was - i didnt leave their house until i had finished the job TOTALLY.

I was just wondering if any1 could help me to get a start on the ladder so to speak - I just need an entry level machine to get me on my way. I am not in the position to lay out thousands and could probably stretch to a few hundred. ANY FURTHER ADVICE APPRECIATED

[richy27]

speak yo matt flewwit at cleansmart he is very good

[simbo]

if you are gonna do it do it properly, rug doctor won't touch a proper machine for quality cleaning but to set up properly you will need up to 5 grand for equiptment advertising "training" and other bits and bobs prob more. I can't understand why anyone would pay you to clean their carpets with something they could hire themselves, you would not get in my door!!!
there aren't any biz i know of that require no capital to set up and this is def one that you do
paul

[from edge2edge]

Ekps i hire the cdt902 numatics out to people so the 470 is not what people would expect a professional to turn up with(probably  does an ok job on reasonably clean carpets though).There are always machines on ebay so get something that at least looks the business even if it is a little older.Regards Alan(swindon)

[daysdeepclean]

It pays dividends to get the right machine from the start and if you come accross one, ask for peoples opinions on this forum... But your best investment would be gaining as much knowledge as possible by attending carpet/upholstery courses with the likes of NCCA, IICRC etc...

I used a rug doctor a few years ago on my own carpets, when you get a real machine you'll really appreciate the difference....

Good luck!

Colin..

[sherco]

I did a carpet on Wednesday and the lady usually hires a rug doctor and does it herself, when i finished she could not believe the difference a professional machine could do, got a phone call to do her neighbours tmro as she was impressed how clean i got it. 

[Mike Osbourne]

When this happens I get a written testimonial. Next time anyone mentions the dreaded RD you can whip a few letters out. 

[derek west]

RD's are a joke.
like ive always said.
there good at keeping carpets clean, not getting them clean.
can't believe your customers were impressed, i'd of told you where to go if you'd turned up with one of them,
sorry, but i hate RD's with a passion.
you'll understand if you get round to getting a decent machine, in fact you'll laugh at how you got away with an RD.
derek

[Mike Osbourne]

2nd hand Ninja is a good starter, I got a refurb from Ashby's and I'm glad I did.

A very personal view, but, I'd even get it on a credit card if I didn't have the dosh and start working like a maniac.

[edward coller]

Well Ekps What your customers are happy with is you as much as the cleaning because thats what people always buy !st so well done, in fact you can clean the carpet with a sponge and bucket smile tell them its a new producct  called Microbusters non resalivating deluxe platinum Hand clean, and believe it, and your away....remember its not what you take its what you make  Ps buy a truckmount, or get into sales where you dont have to work your butt off,Happy Christmas Simon

[daysdeepclean]

Interest free credit cards up to six months are common... that's how I funded my little C/C business!

[Mike Osbourne]

Colin me too, I was sweating till i paid it off.

[clinton]

There is a set up on the for sale section on the c i u site