[jim etchells]

Hi there. This is my 1st post.
I am planning on setting up as a carpet and upholstery cleaner and would be very greatful for any advice. I knew somebody who bought a carpet cleaner, put an advert in the paper and started. No training or insurance and he did fairly well out of it.
This isnt the way im wanting to start. Ive booked myself onto a training course and have been inquiring about insurance. I am not looking at doing this as a full time job is yet as am employed already. I was hoping to start slowly, part time, is this possible to do?
I was hoping to maybe make yearly profits of about £5000-6000. I am dedicated even if it isnt full time I will put all I can into this and see where it goes. The main questions I have are.
What machine should I be looking to buy. Mainly for domestic use. Ihave about £1000?
Who and what do I get insured with and for?
Can I do this without spending many thousands on machines and a van?
Is advertising in The paper a good use of money or a waste of time?
And can this work or do I have no chance as a new starter?
any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[from edge2edge]

James the first bit of advise i would give is to fill in your profile fully so people know where you are.Regards Alan(swindon)

[Colin Day]

Hello James....

For a kick off, where are you from? People tend to hold their cards close to their chest and help and advice will not be forthcoming if your profile isn't fully filled out.

Also, I would suggest you use the "Search" button above.... All your question will be answered I can assure you!

I'll be honest with you, £1k is a 10th of what you need if you are to take up carpet cleaning seriously. It's an expensive business to start and maintain when you consider I started my successful oven cleaning business with £1200. If I was starting up all over again, I think I'd have leave the carpet cleaning until I'd built the oven cleaning business up!

[jim etchells]

Sorry bout that. Will update it. I live in manchester

[Doctor Carpet (Ret'd)]

Another cc starting in the carpet cleaning capital

James. I'm down the road from you in Stockport. Give me a ring if you want. I might be able to take you out for a day and then you can get a real feel for what is involved and you will see how all your questions fit in.

I can't promise you that though until I've had a natter with you on the phone.

Roger
07979 911 321

[derek west]

i personally don't think a £1000 is enough to start a cc business, even if there wasn't a recession.

advertising doesn't work.
for instance, if you spend a £1000 on advertising, you'll get a £1000 of work back, the repeats and referals (if you do a good job)that come from that work is where the profit is,

so the key from my experience is to work hard for your client and treat every client with the utmost respect. do an amazing job even if it means working longer than you thought. and spend time getting to know them.

maybe its different in manchester but round here advertising doesn't work.

good luck

[JandS]

Got to agree with Derek.
When I started out I thought about £3 grand would be enough but no way.
Even as an humble porty user I bet I've spent around £12 grand in 2 years on equipment, materials, marketing and advertising.
Advertising in local papers seems to work round here.
And I could have spent more if I'd had it spare.
Or you could go down Derek's route and go straight into top end with new TM etc.
Don't know what it cost him but wish I could have afforded to do it that way.
Would imagine not much change from £25 grand for just the start up with van.

John

[happy mondays]

so the key from my experience is to work hard for your client and treat every client with the utmost respect. do an amazing job even if it means working longer than you thought. and spend time getting to know them.
good luck

Well said Derek, my sentiments exactly!

If you do this you should do well in any business.

Paul

[Carpet Dawg]

Great opportunity given to you by Roger there! Grab it with both hands i'd say!

Tony

[jim etchells]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Hope I can make this work. Need some job satisfaction as I get non in my regular job.

[steve horne]

If your not getting job satisfaction then you will make it work!!!! With hard graft mind you, but your starting out in an exspensive trade you'll have to dig a little deeper in your pocket to buy the best you can, but you'll get the best results back out, and probably like i think everyone else who does it for a living total job satisfaction!!!!