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We still go door to door and hang door hangers. This is the first marketing we ever did and although we have grown from other sources we refuse to quit what work for us in the beginning. "Never forget where you come from" It is not easy but in my opinion it is a great source for new business! Internet is an excellent choice as well! We have NOT successful with EDDM, and for that reason have discontinued it. If you don't mind doing a little extra work take a look at sendjim, https://sendjim.io/home they have some great marketing ideas at affordable pricing.

Just a couple of pics of a project I am working on, this was some really old shakes that needed two fat coats of amber. you can see on the front where i left off on the second coat.

Support local charities and help people in your community who need it. Keep it between you, them, and God.

There is no drawback from doing the right thing. The drawbacks come from when people want to do the right thing for the wrong reason. Personally I think it goes against what god wants people to do to brag about how you donate or help out a service organization and expect to get positive exposure or a tax credit. Do it because you want to and be done with it. If you recieve a donation letter from them so be it but don't go looking for it.

My only "guarantee" is to turn up & do my best (results as explained)

I find that customers like you described are often ones that have been either taken by another contractor or were given unreasonable expectations. I have won these types over by setting the expectations and when possible over delivering. Then there are ones that just can't be pleased no matter what and they expect miracles. These often have conditions that can't be reversed and likely induced by either the homeowner/diyer or a hack. Some people are so difficult that I will intentionally bid it high to deter their acceptance but in the case they become desparate set a very low expectation. In the case of excessive questions, I find it that they are insecure and often a bit squirrelley to begin with. I try to be patient but sometimes find I have to control the narrative and leave them with either yes or no responses because they don't understand aspects about the project/scope/technology/chemistry etc. This helps them to find a path to a decision but I often have to leave a comfort line at the end, something to the effect of....if you have any further questions you can call me at... Guarantees. What is to guarantee in our line of work? That the dirt will come off? That the results will last 'X' years? I offer none where this is concerned even if I am the first one on the job because there are things I have no control over. I don't make the sealers, chemicals, stains etc. that are being applied. I didn't get the substrate dirty and have no idea of what it has been subject to and no way to tell until AFTER the work begins to reveal what was hidden or obstructed/disguised. What are your thoughts on Guarantees? Rod

New or return customers? If new customers, how did they hear about you? Referral? You'll likely have several different figures depending upon how they got your info. New customers who just found me online I'm about 40%, but that's only because I try and pre-qualify them before ever considering a site visit. I get a description from them over the phone or email, then I'll provide a brief explanation of the service I'm proposing as well as a price range. I let them know if the price range sounds reasonable to them, then we could meet to discuss & finalize the details. New customers who were referred to me from someone I've serviced in the past would be about 65%. Return customers about 90-95% When I first started my own biz in 1998, I thought I was killing it because I got most of the jobs I went and bid on. Come to find out it was only because I was offering my services way too cheap, (that's typically because many of us don't truly understand our total operating costs when starting a business). Although situations vary, I'd say that if you're closing % is much more than 50% from people who don't know you and just found your info online or in print, then you need to reevaluate your pricing.

We use both M5 X-Jet for House washing and we use a 12 volt 7gpm Fatboy or Shureflow Pump for Roofcleaning. We like the X-jet because you can reach upwards of 3 stories. You can apply chemical without ladders and can also clean most vertical surfaces without ladders. The roof setup gets the right chemical on the roof surface at low pressure.

I also have done quiet a bit of work for Real Estate agents in my area. What has worked for me personally is developing a good working relationship with those top sales agents and reward them with small gifts after a few jobs that goes a long way especially when you do excellent work.

I will expound on what Guy was saying. There is a sliding scale that many contractor use towards pricing and it is representative of the time, labor and materials it takes to complete a job. Higher price/sqft for smaller jobs and a reductively lower price/sqft as the job gets bigger. ie; 1.00/sqft - up to 200 sqsft. .75/sqft - up to 500sqft. .50/sqft - up to 1000sqft.....etc. Find out what it takes to do jobs of various types and look into your costs. How much fuel does your machine consume in an hour? Factor that into the price. What is your travel distance and factor costs for ass time in the vehicle for each person and a service area radius to base your rates on. Compute for larger distances as an additional charge upon the regular area. What are your overhead costs you have to meet each month? Divide that total by the number of days you work to come up with a minimum per day you need to meet those expenses and learn to factor that into your hourly costs overall. Many companies here have stated that they have certain minimums they will need to make before accepting any job. That is another thing to consider but beware, it is also market driven and demographically sensitive. You can price yourself out of business if your area of business can't support your costs if they are too high. Let me know if you have any questions... Rod

We used to do Ice Damn removal as well. Cold work and a bit treacherous in the snow of yards you have not been on before and are trying to find good footing for ladders. God I hate getting snow down the back of my jacket... Rod

Thad, Nonsense. You and many others not mentioned in my post deserve credit. Going back in time, if I can remember, Mark Smith, Ken Fenner, Greg R., Jim B., Diamond Jim Foley, and others used this website and the old Delco board to get the wood restoration business recognised by the general public. It helped my small business and many others. So take a bow!

Okay I have a few.....

Va is actually very fair about the issue. On contracting work when they pull a permit for a job they put your contractors licence number in the system and if it pops as inactive,completely fraudulent, or registered to someone else they make the contractor obtain a valid licence before they will sign off on the work.

The big 4-0 was this past September. I spent the morning of my 40th birthday in the Emergency Room with a kidney stone. That went away after some convincing, and all is well. My boys are 14 and 9 now........which is hard to believe. I stopped pressure washing in 2005 and switched to the HVAC business. I am in sales of residential HVAC and doing very well. For a couple of years I was a technician as well, but I enjoy sales more. Jim, I recognize your photo.......I hope all is well with you.

Doing it for nothing is something I won't do. You are performing on someone else's property and if you aren't charging for it and it is not disclosed in a proposal, bid or estimate, you are liable for any and all damages that result. Hourly rates are for employee's and lawyers. Even plumbers and electricians don't give hourly anymore. They charge by the service. We don't give out an 'hourly' rate either. Due to the varying factors many projects will have, there is no way to really put an hourly rate on it considering there is so much more that go into costs. Rod

Tim , I take care of a lot of furniture . Teak , cedar , pt, redwood, something that begins with a J. All furniture that ends up with people like us has gotten out of control and sticky . Over application of product is the biggest issue. So knowing what you put on and how to care for the finish is the biggest issue with outdoor furniture and when to start over again. Last year I did about 20 pieces of teak at the end of the year as a trial for he next 20 pieces in spring ( I think more). The tables could not be extended and the chairs couldn't be sat on when the temps hit 90. What a freaking mess but they new it . It went beyond there painter, local hardware store , paint store, handy man, advice from the product they put on,. The estate manager went to a dinner at one of my clients and ate / sat on the furniture I have cared for the last ten years. What a great new client I have and estate to work on . All because of something that couldn't be sat on ! Who wood of thunk ? With furniture less is best.... What ever is used don't over apply . Wipe off anything that doesn't sink in in 30 minutes . Don't allow much on the undersides at all . Just enhance the wood. With furniture the first finish and when to do the second finish is the trickiest . You cannot treat outside furniture like inside furniture.

If the coating is not permeable.....RUN. Beth

I like forums better because there is much less politics and more networking and civil discussion by contrast. Rod

I have done work at a reduced rate for the Salvation Army, a women's shelter, and a Food Bank. Neither group cares who you are or what you do. Their only concern is if you need help. But if I am told that I owe a freebie, if they tell me I can take a tax deduction, if they pull the guilt trip, we are done. The other thing, is I do not help for free advertising or other b/s. I help because I like the org or their goals.

The fishing part is not important. The being together is the important part. Just as important, is his little friends who do not have a good father figure in their lives. You have a chance to make a real difference in some kids life. Don't screw it up.

Someone hook me up with a frubal, thanks.

Frubals Have you ever heard the phrase 'instant karma'? Frubals (sometimes known as 'reputation') are are a very close equivalent. Let's say, for example, you see a post that you really like. You can validate that person by clicking on the little square green icon (if using The Grime Scene skin) or the scale icon (if using TGS Lite skin) that appears in that post. (It's toward the right-hand side, up top). A pop-up message will come up, asking what you thought of the post and will have a blank space where you can write your thoughts on that post. The other member will have it noted in their "User CP" that someone thought that that post was worth "frubals", and if you enclosed a note, that will appear next to the notation. Sending Frubals with a note is also a nice way to say thank you to someone who helped you. In your posts you will notice little squares under your user name. Mouse over them, and it will give you a message based upon your number of frubals. This changes as you get to new levels. There are many terms used on the forums that denote giving someone frubals. Among them are "frubaling a post," "frubalizing someone," and "fruballed." Here are some configuration numbers for you: Register Date Factor: For every 365 number of days, users gain 1 point of reputation-altering power. Post Count Factor: For every 100 number of posts, users gain 1 point of reputation-altering power. Reputation Point Factor: For every 100 points of reputation, users gain 1 point of reputation-altering power. Minimum Post Count: How many posts must a user have before his reputation hits count on others? 10 Minimum Reputation Count: How much reputation must a user have before his reputation hits count on others? 10 Daily Reputation Clicks Limit: How many reputation clicks can a user give over each 24 hour period? Administrators are exempt from this limit. 15 Reputation User Spread: How many different users must you give reputation to before you can hit the same person again? (Administrators are exempt from this limit.) 5

Hi all New to the forum I joined specifically because of COVID 19. I am building a 120k furniture warehouse in nor cal, I am looking for tips to keep my crew members safe. Currently we are staggering shifts so everyone is not in our job trailer at the same time and in our warehouse we are practicing social distancing. We are spraying bleach on all tools, gang boxes, entrances etc. I am reaching out to the cleaning pros for any helpful tips and ideas. Thanks in advance. Steve

Wow those are some wonderful lessons could not agree with you guys more. As far far guarantees I do not offer because As Rod implied there are those customers who will never be satisfied no matter how hard you try to please them. I always vouch to do the best job possible and yield the best results. I wish every one a prosperous 2019. Happy Spraying Mike

I’m 55, been in this business for 25+ years. Climbing ladders hurts a little more than it used to but I’m still rolling along. Busy most days of the week.

Well I'm 51 going on 20 at 6:00 A.M. And 51 going on intention at 6:00 P.M. Lol Feel it in the hands and knees these days but otherwise no to bad.

I built my own as well and learned some SEO. It's starting to get some organic traffic.

Graco 395 or Titan 440 is pretty standard. I've been a painting contractor for 28 years so I have quite a few smaller pumps. They also sell a Graco 390 and Titan 400, both of which are good little pumps, and cost a little less than the 395/440 respectively. .

With new power washing season around the corner I am interested in seeing how others are attracting new business this year.

Hey Dave a matter of fact you can clean both with 12v but run one tank for your roof mix an a seperate tank house wash doing only residential ! Just doing roofs your leaving a lot of cash on the table! It's a pain in the but using 2 tanks but depends on your cash! A small investment in a pressure washer an DS is the way to go .But for roof cleaning you would still need a tank an designated pump.Not to knock Xjeting. Do a little research on this forum an you decide whats best for you.

We have always done Home Advisor, Local advertising and all the usual door hangers etc. We have been lacking with our internet presence so we have a new website and are working on our visibility on line. John

A person can drive themselves crazy worrying if they got a good deal. Some will say it is a good deal and some will say it is a bad deal, All that matters is that you are happy with it. And if that's the case then it doesn't matter what anyone says.

Hydraulic oil is not necessarily a lubricating oil. It is designed with a density factor for the purpose of limiting compression differential. Made to displace air which compresses so easily in order to provide a safe hydraulic fluid. ND (non-detergent) oil is typical for pumps because of the sealed compartment they operate in. I would stick with oil designated for use in pumps and change them based upon the operations manuals specifications. Rod

I'll see you guys there.....John T....1st beer is on me Brother!

I have been blessed being within an hour's drive of ACR Products. Aside from a few odd chemicals, they have supplied all my needs for the past 13 years. Custom equipment, repairs, advice, Tom, Barbara, and crew have kept me in business.

Jack Kramer deserves an award. He is a natural MC. The incipient PW Industry should recognize his ability and contributions. Same goes for you Thad. Also, Beth & Rod must be recognized as the foremost leader in online education and content. In addition, Tom and Barbara Vogel of ACR products deserve mucho kudos. Along with Everret Abrams, they put roundtables on the map many years ago. They have pulled many contractors feet out of the fire for many years, and continue to do so. I would not be in business without their help and support. Carlos Gonzalez deserves a much needed recognition for his spunk, accumen, and downright efforts in trying to steer this service business to another level. Last, but not least, Peirce Fitchette of Ready Seal stains and Jake Clark of Armstrong-Clark stains have supported this small service "industry" to the hilt. To one and all, you are friends. Valuable friends.

Ok it's official !!!! PWNA just landed another Billion dollar Vendor ! Yap you heard me right....BILLION with a B Since I was put in charge as chairman for the Benefit committee, we got Health Insurance Program at ridiculous pricing for the small contractor. One contractor saved 9,786 dollars a year another saved over $4,800 ! Dental insurance Sherwin Williams Paints at 30% discount, not just on special occasions, but Everyday ! Life Insurance Business Insurance discounts. One member saved $2,100 dollars a year Business Auto insurance Marketing with a real life person...just pick up the phone and call ! These are REAL Savings on products that you need to use for your family and your business. NO OTHER ORG is offering these benefits....NO ONE ! Now we just signed a major Mulit State Billion dollar company that most every contractor will use at one time or another. Can't say who it is until it is signed which should be in a week or so. Corp has to sign off on the discounted pricing to the PWNA members. And for the FIRST TIME.....OSHA CERTIFICATIONS for our members. Valid in ALL 50 States ! NO OTHER PRESSURE WASHING ORG is offering these benefits....NO ONE. GO PWNA !!!

Having a license actually puts contractors in a better position over the others in this region. People are actively looking for credibility. Rod

This post is SPAM. If you want to dialog with other professionals, that is fine otherwise this sort of post will be removed in the future. Beth

Shane, I really have to thank you. I have added butyl based degreasers to my mix, but its always a premixed product. Thanks a million times for posting that. I have it bookmarked and will be ordering next week. I have to say that your advice, both in forums and on the phone, have made me money. I truly appreciate your help.

Good thread John. Kudos to Beth & Rod for starting The Grime Scene. Back in those days, there were few internet resources focused on pressure washing, especially information on exterior wood care. This site has educated and helped an entire generation of contractors.

A big thanks to Shane for coming in and helping me with a pretty good sized wood project. It's been a stellar week and still am going strong. But I needed a little hudspa on this one. Suddenly my helper realized he forgot to insert his anal suppository and couldn't work, at the very last minute. So I reach a little farther into the abyss of contractors that have offered ( lets just say) their services in times of slower than usual prosperity, to no avail. Helpers think I take on some projects that are too big for my little company. I do just fine. However my work load has been uncomfortable to say the least with really weird weather lately. Whatever.... back to Shane. Made the call to Shane and he was just wrapping up his morning. He made the crappy drive to my customers house through our murderous Houston traffic, worked for an hour and helped me finish up. He knocked out around 60 remaining ft. and the gate return. You are a really good dude to help me get the wheels back on the rails. Right on!!!!

Jim's points are exactly what anyone should be considering. Wood at 50* or lower begins to tighten up as a response to the temperatures and won't absorb well. Also, oils are like bacon grease, they begin to congeal at that temp and don't penetrate. Combining these two factors makes it a difficult assessment for when to start. Getting temps during the day is fine but remember overnight temps can literally squeeze out the sealer that hasn't dried/cured by then. This leads to tacky finishes which will never set right and leads to a premature failing of the product. Acrylics have a little better performance ability but again need to have consistent temps above their application range to ensure proper curing. Some can be applied as low as 40* but keep in mind the substrate. If it is a hardwood. Forget it. Wait for warmer temps. I acknowledge Jim's predicament over the years and that he has had it very difficult where temps AND rain have been concerned. He and other in the northeast corridor have been hit with some unfortunate weather which has impacted their businesses and complicated their ability to do quality work without having to resort to alternate measures to get the job done. Here's to hoping all have a decent weather year. Rod

I have tried 3 electric hose reels for roof cleaning, and every one of them failed soon. In fact, hose reels themselves soon fail, when faced with the roof cleaning chemicals. We eliminated hose reels nearly 5 years ago, and never looked back. But then, we are roof cleaners, not pressure washers. We don't pull and reel up our hoses 10 times a day! Hose Reels restrict flow, unless they have large internal manifolds, and they rob pressure. Not a big deal with a PW, but it can be a big deal with a low pressure roof cleaning pump. SH is both a liquid and a Gas, and the fumes are very corrosive. Once these fumes find their way into your electric motor, bye bye electric hose reel. In a SH delivery system, the LESS connections you have, the better! Less to fail, less chance of leaks.

Static electricity is more common on cold, clear days. Possible factor? I think the cause is most likely the explosive language used because the code-compliant fuel cans leak fuel all over the equipment.

Ideally, people will just give back out of the goodness of their hearts. And if the press picks it up, all the better. But, I guess even if you're only doing the good thing for the free publicity, at least something good is being done for someone else -- which is better than nothing being done at all.

^ Well that is real positive. Fishing should be fun when first starting out at a very young age. Ryan's suggestion of simple bluegills or sunny's is a great idea. Little fish, usually bite on most anything, and easy and fun to catch for a little guy. Don't remember being quite that young and never had children. But would imagine a few hours without a catch or action would be a bit of a boring stretch for a youngster. Time spent with a small child is important. Fun time spent is more valuable and ingrained. Back to the thread about hunting. Long story, will try and be short. 2 Thanksgiving's ago, we spent some time with my (inlaw) nephew and family in central NY state. Arrived on Wednesday afternoon, and as soon as out of the truck, my nephew declares, "We're going deer hunting early tomorrow morning". Well OK, I'm up for something new and unusual. Problem is, I've never hunted and the last time I shot a gun was around the age of 12 with a 22 long at YMCA camp. He takes me out on his property, hands me a 30 ought(?) 6 rifle, and gives me 5 rounds to hit a target at ~ 80 yards. I did manage to hit it around the edges with 2 rounds, and thought my right shoulder was permanently damaged. Next morning, at friggin' 5:00 AM, we up and at it. Private property of a friend of his. Sit in a tree stand and gaze over the woods. See a few white tails running out of range, and after 4 hours go back to the house. Beer time. Next morning, drags me out of bed before the sunrise. "Let's go again!" Cracks a big smile, hands me a beer. People do not act like this in suburbia. Same place, different tree stand. Quiet. lovely morning, warm when the sun comes up. Peaceful, almost meditative., but I'm watchful. I swear that this deer appeared right in front of me, like it was "transported" from space. Maybe 70 or 80 yards away. Never saw it browsing through the field right in front of me. Took a shot. Went down to the ground, struggled up, and ran like a bat out of hell. We tracked the blood for about 300 yards and it was down. Never heard the report of the rifle, or felt the recoil. Maybe an instinctive genetic memory when man really had to hunt for food or starve.

Works great, looks great. and it has the little dudes again...... :rugby: :orange: :onthego: :offended: :numbness: :nonchalance: :nightmare: :nevreness: :panda: