[chris sloan]

hello, im just starting out an wondering what is a decent machine to hire out.
i have bought the rugdoctor pro( i know what you think of these).
im sure ill be upgrading quickly from this . i have spent a lot on my van etc so cant lay out for a proper machine just yet. any advice greatly appreciated.
thanks for reading this. chris
p.s it cant be mounted as im in a transit connect unless there is one that fits

[from edge2edge]

Chris my advice is simple.Do not start until you have a half credible bit of kit you can pick up proper machines,prochem,craftex,extracta etc for around a grand on ebay(or here).You will get the Pxxx taking out of you on here if you try to start as a PROFESSIONAL carpet cleaner with a rugdoctor.The guys/gals on here will give you great advice if you at least take the basic steps i.e training machines marketing etc otherwise you will be looked upon by many as not really worth giving advise to  Hope this helps Alan (swindon)

[chris sloan]

thanks for advice, i totally understand what you have said.
does anyone know where i can rent a prochem cheyenne im happy to rent machines rather than spend loads on a machine that i dont really like or advise me what your happy with.

[Joe H]

The only machines I see for hire are the rug doctor type machines.
Not to say they are not out there - perhaps someone else knows, or contact the manufacturers themselves cause it is reasonable to think they will know who are in the hiring game with their machines.

Where you coming from Chris. By that I mean whats your background, whats bringing you into carpet cleaning, do you have a database of customers (ie from window cleaning) or are you starting from scratch.
Have you had any training? www.NCCA.co.uk is good, next course in a weeks time but then a couple months to wait.

If you can be sure of earning from carpet cleaning then leasing may be an option if you dont have cash available for everything (who does?)

[chris sloan]

thanks again, im based in st helens.
im talking about leasing i have been cleaning windows.
just thought it looks like a great avenue to go down carpet/cleaning as have been asked a few times if i know anyone
i am getting booked onto a course for training and have spent a few quid on leaflets etc
its leasing that i require i dont want some battered  rental machine going into peoples properties.
im not some cowboy going around trying to make a couple of quid, got to start to somewhere havent i
thanks for advice

[richy27]

Speak to matt at cleansmart they do some great start up packages.
Good price too     Bare in mind equipment gets results along with experience and training plus marketing any business takes time and MONEY and i expect i am not the only one on here that says there major expense by a long way is marketing. So dont max yourself out on equipment save some lolly for selling your services professionally. Your looking at a good couple of thou for the essential gear even at second hand.

[chris sloan]

thanks for the advice richard an joe.

[richy27]

To put blunt figures on bit of paper say tou have 10 k spend 5k on van and kit and leave 5k for working cap and advertising/ marketing baring in mind these are figures plucked out of head in my opinion more start up funding is required.

[Gary Webber]

Chris,
Have a look on e-bay for a decent second hand machine, or even on this site for anyone selling their kit. Its not the van that needs attention/expenditure, its the right equipment that makes you a professional (along with training). Ask if anyone would be wiling to take you out for a few days locally to give you a feel for the business

Gary

[chris sloan]

thanks gary, have been trawling about looking at some what the prochem cheyenne like?
thats a good idea asking if i can tag along with someone.
im sure ill do the same once im experienced

[Gary Webber]

Chris,

try asking if any other members on the Forum have a machine for sale close to you. Try and have a look at one as you dont want a machine on it's last legs!

Gary

[clinton]

Think jim neal had a good alltech twin vac for sale

[Aquakleen Restoration Services]

You could always lease a machine for next to nothing. That way you wont have to come up with the full amount, leasing is tax deductable and you will have the benefit of a pro piece of kit immediately.

[clinton]

John

what payments would he be looking at 

[Joe H]

Clinton
as an example
Solutions UK for their Scorpion - £19 per week plus VAT
How long for? doesnt say but got to be at least 36 months

[clinton]

Hi joe

Was thinking in that line not bad for a newbie to get into a decent set up,its ok buying used but lets just say the first week your pump or vac goes its going to cost a few hundred to replace

Think this newbie is in st helens

[Gary Webber]

Chris,

Swings & Roundabouts. What if you get into carpet cleaning & decide its not for you? You then have a leasing package hanging round your neck. I would only recommend leasing for established cleaners for the above reason

Regards

Gary

[spindle]

from my own experience..........i would buy a 2nd hand machine from one of the guys on this or another forum.......
but bear in mind that the machine will need to be serviced/repaired at intervals during your ownership.......no point owning a mchine that you have to drive miles and miles for service/parts......

and if it doesnt work out you can sell the machine/equipment for a small loss......as oppossed to having repayments to make for years

[chris sloan]

much appreciated advice lads, got a lot of thinking to do.
think leasing is the way forward as not risking buying old battered gear.
i am taking on board what is getting said.

[Mike Osbourne]

I agree with Spindle. How do you know a) you will like it b)you will make a go of it.

I got a refurb from Ashbys and did me proud for a year or so. If it had gone tits up I'd of lost about £300-400