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We just see it from different views Muduck, It doesn't take me all day to brush wash a house, it takes approximately 3-4 hours on a two story house, as I said the chemicals is still doing the real work, so it's not like back breaking scrubbing. I'm not cutting my profits in half when I get most of the work in my area, due to method. It gains me in profit by shear volume alone. And guys who are having difficulty getting work can do as they please, I offered up real World information from actual feedback. But it's not comparable to a lowballer, lowballers have a reputation for doing poor work, not just beating price. My quality doesn't suffer from my "tactics". Lowballers cut corners and usually give the customer what they paid for. I guess we will agree to disagree. Cause we could go round and round. Jeff

If you have an LCD screen, tilt it around a little,...but it is there. And yes it is motion sensitive. In the picture it would be to the right of the tree and back some, by another tree. Jeff

A stronger butyl based mix applied evenly will (should) melt the oxidation off fairly easily. The word melt sounds like a bad word in this business. Do small sections while it's warm out. Be careful not getting the stronger mix on any painted aluminum window trim. After your done apply a wax of some kind to finish the evening out. I read on here somewhere that the wax was used before removing the oxidation, that may work also, but I don't know,...never tried it that way. Jeff

Muduck, I don't perceive your view as "ugly",...but anyhow, if you go back and read some of my first postings in this thread you will see I didn't start this topic saying my way is a better method,...in fact I've said it a few times through this discussion that it's not about methods directly,...the point here is that for ME and my work zone brush washing has kept me in business and it raised the bar in MY zone,..simply because customers perceive brushing to be a better job,...it keeps me busy and the other guys here coming and going. Everyone do it how they please, I was just offering up personal experience for anyone interested, not intending to get an argument going. There may be someone actually interested in changing their game plan, because this can be a tough business and you have to give the customer a reason to call you,....and I do not care about the other guy one single bit, if I take his work because I have the customer believing my service is "better" than theirs,.... well then good, mission accomplished. I could see an argument here if my method would be sacrificing the quality but it's not lowering the quality,... it's all about SELLING!! And I really don't have to "sell" brushing around here any longer people just expect it now and they know who to call!! I haven't had a discussion with a customer comparing the two methods for a very long time now. Jeff

That's right Jeff, doing what you're comfortable with is what's really important here. Don't ever allow the crowd to sway your thinking, as everyone's market can be different. I changed the market in my zone by brush washing, now that's what customers seem to expect. That's what this thread is about, separating yourself from the crowd. Jeff

Hi Bil, good to hear. It is simply called putting your business on a different level by offering an alternate method than the crowd around you. Getting people talking is what will get you work, and getting out of the "norm" can do that. Jeff

Hey that is pretty cool, has the look of an exotic wood or something, nice and even also. That has to be the preferred method of preparation for log homes when removing old products. Very nice!! Jeff

Man Matt, I remember when I first started this business,... I have to say my story is similar to yours on the brushing experience. It was taking all day along with alot of frustration, but the people I was working for really liked the different approach I was taking and felt obligated from that point on to "deliver". But I knew I'd never survive this business if I continued on the path I was on when I began in 1996. To make a long story short..... I've since then made brushing easy, (mostly due to the proper chemical), efficient application and proper brushes,... I was able cut the time waaaaaay back and the level of frustration has been knocked way back as well . We all have our frustrating days though. I may also add that I didn't have the internet to refer to for learning tricks, techniques and chemicals. Learning chemicals is key in this business. I like the idea of better quality cards and other literature, That seems to reiterate my stand on brush washing; You can get away with cheaper cards and brochures but the customers like to see what they perceive as better quality, and maybe more professional. Seems to coincide with my view on brush washing and selling. It's all about getting out of the crowd and giving the customer a reason to call YOU, instead of the other guy(s). Jeff

I've set a presidense Dan, and I don't mind living with it. Others in this business are struggling, I'm glad to be moving forward. Selling what the customers are buying is what it's all about. Jeff

The chemicals do the work for me to, brushing just finishes it up real nice and the customers love it!! Jeff

Yea, I see where you guys are coming from, but I really don't have to "bid" on work anymore, there isn't anyone else to call other than me around here, I just give a cost and they say "come do it" and that is what I'm trying to get across. I don't even have to advertise brush washing, people here just expect it now, and I'm the only game in town. And that IS raising the bar not lowering it,... when you've shoved every other business out the door and you're the only guy worth calling!! And getting the edge is what it's all about. Jeff

Yea James, I believe this is maybe why customer perceive it as a little better service. This is what I'm trying to say to those who may be having a difficult time picking up work, gotta' change and get out of the crowd. If you only brush around the windows, that is still raising the bar to a degree. Jeff

The other thing we need to look at here is what rates are being charged. I've seen some rates down in Florida that are ridiculous, Like $75.00 or $100.00 for a ranch home. Yea, I wouldn't brush for that price, But my market allows me to charge $200.00 plus for the same house. Two story homes bring me $300.00-$1,000.00. I would rather make more money by doing more work, this is what sets my work apart from all of the local fellas. If it doesn't suit your particular business plan then this thread isn't for you. Jeff

That's ok Dan, you're not the one I'm referring to who said they lean a brush against the house for the customer to see. It was in a post here somewhere the other day, but it wasn't you. Jeff

Yea Dan, I have a great customer base, because of brushing,...if I start doing what they see as less quality work, they will maybe look at my business a little different. Not really interested in pulling the rug out from loyal customers. They like them cleaned the way I do it.... period. It takes me approximately 3-4 hours average on a two story house, so keeping up isn't hard. Plus I get roofs, decks and concrete cleaning. Jeff

This post was directed at those who don't have alot of work and are looking for options, NOT established businesses. And I'm done by 12-1 every day. And I' don't work my butt off. Your making insinuations about my work hours and effort and you have nothing to base it on. Brushing gets me more work because my customers have told me they go with me because of it. That's good enough for me. Just trying to pass it on is all, not here to argue. This is about public perception, not methods. Did you see where guys posted in here some where that they lean a brush visible to the customer so the customer thinks they're brushing. Jeff

No problem Larry, I knew you'd figure it out. You even had me thinking there for a second,...but then I remembered, I don't play golf!! Jeff

First off I don't have to justify anything, I feel good about my pricing! I don't remember saying I wanted more time to fish or play golf. I don't even play golf, not sure where you read that Larry. I'm not retired. I don't mind giving some work for some pay. You are right about one thing, brushing does sell, and I am working every day, at least you got the point of this post!!. And I wouldn't be happier using an alternate method, I've been at it for 12 years Larry, I know what works. Not sure where the perception is coming from that brushing is hard. Jeff

This is right Dan, this thread is about selling, public perception and raising the bar,..... not which method is better. Jeff

I'm not gonna answer that here Al, it will just start the debate about methods. Jeff

Yes, this thinking is why I have my work zone basically to myself. Because my phone rings and the other guys aren't willing to put forth the little extra effort. This is EXACTLY what I'm trying to convey to anyone scratching for options. The other guy simply won't do it, it's an easy way to get their head above the crowd. When you start generating more house washing because of method, the other work will come as well, like roof cleaning, concrete and deck cleaning. The point is, brush washing will generate more work. Jeff

If the demand is there then great, no matter what the method!! Those in this business who are doing only one or two houses a week and doing it the same way the "other" guys in their zone do it are the businesses this post was meant for. They may want to get more detailed in their work and make their business look better to their potential customers, and it may get them more work, with just a little more effort. Jeff

The reason I'm not gonna debate methods is because we would just go round and round, and the post would get cloudy real fast. Now, with that being said: Yes it does work for me, and it's part of my job,... and for me it's kept the competition virtually non-existent around here. What it comes down to is seeing so many fail in this business simply because they thought it was gonna be "retirement" work. That's great for me, I get plenty of work because I set the bar higher and those around me just fizzle out. It's the end of the week or month or year that matters, not how much you can make per hour. I'm dedicated to my work, I'm not trying to go real fast to get to the next one. For those who don't brush and have success, then great,...but this post is me sharing my experiences of a particular method and what it has done for me with those who may be struggling getting work,.... NOT ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES.... You either want to work or not. People who need an option though may be interested in the importance of public perception and what it can do for them. And if they're struggling and still won't raise the bar for their competitors by simply brushing then I don't think they're that interested in this business and can go back to a regular 9-5. Jeff

Hey Dan, for artillery fungus you don't need any chemicals at all. Use melamine and it will come right off every time. Takes about 5 seconds per spot. Very simple. But you need to tell the customer to rethink the use of mulch if they have this done, or they will be doing it again within a year most likely!! Jeff

Yea Anthony, I added to my post,...I was a little slow in getting your point. Jeff