Rick G

It is very difficult to get to and maintain those types of numbers for most service business, not just pressure cleaning, in my opinion. I don’t think it has to do with the type of business, it has to do with the type of person behind that business. My suggestion to anyone trying to start a PW bizz is to learn more about sales, marketing, making contacts, referrals, profit/loss, etc, than learning about pressure cleaning. (obviously you still need to know your trade) You can be the best there ever was at pressure cleaning but if you can’t sell and run a business than you WILL NOT make it. Period. I see it all the time. How many people do you here about "going into" pressure cleaning? Where are they now? This industry is a revolving door. The ones that make it aren’t pressure cleaners, their businessmen and women, who happen to pressure clean. Just one mans opinion. Rick G

What is the soap?

I just talked to a friend in San Diago, what hell, you guys in Cali take care of yourself. We will keep you in mind. Rick G

Currently I have a direct drive set up. I would like to change over to a belt drive system. I was wondering, if I got a large enough engine could I run everything off that one motor, but not all at once, here's what I envision, a large motor with a longer shaft and that is belted into a high pressure pump, generator, a high volume low pressure chem. pump (to replace the shur flow) and a vac/blower for reclaiming. Now the blower, generator and the chem. pump I would like to be able to disengage the belts on them while not in use. Am I dreaming? I have seen skid units where it was set up to belt drive the generator and the pump so I based my theory around that. I start the motor, engage the chem. pump and put down chem., disengage that pump and engage the generator to start the burner, pressure clean with hot, disengage the gen and engage the blower to start reclaim process as I cold water rinse. As you can see the max load on the motor will only be two items at one time. I will keep my current machine the way it is for back up or to run a second gun. Tell me why this will or will not work please or suggestions you may have on how to engage/disengage the belts. Thanks Rick G

Amazing what you can learn by asking a question. My original thought was it would be less money, take up less space and save fuel. There is a lot to take into consideration. I currently use a sump pump to reclaim but as Alan said I am close to rebuilding my rig and am looking to go with a blower type set up. Alan, where would be a good place to purchase a good blower? And how much for a new one and a reconditioned one without the engine (I’m prepared; if it’s like everything else in this industry its not going to be cheep!) Thanks everyone for responding. Rick G

Beth, can you log onto the chat room and read what was said after the discussion is over? If so who long after and how? I have a job tonight but would like to read the chat when I get home. Also, while I have you attention do you sale a powder degreaser or just wood related products? Thanks Rick G

Im just looking for a good degreaser to do dumpsters and gas stations. Thanks

Thanks to Morgan an cchsnc for the copy's. Did Dale every send a copy of his to anyone? If so could you please foward it to me? www.claytonsbest@aol.com Thanks Rick G

Dale can I have a copy please? www.claytonsbest@aol.com

I would also like a copy please, www.claytonsbest@aol.com Fax- 561-691-4592 Thanks Rick G

Very good points, Rob and they all should be taken into account. I guess the lesson learned is that we are all different, like Alan said. Really we are all in very different circumstances. I already have money in savings from previous business, kids are enrolled in state sponsored collage Pre Pay Plan so by the time they are ready well be ready, dental is covered etc, etc. I think with some smart planning you don’t have to put the burden of all that directly on the price you charge. In this area I have made over 100 an hour on the occasional residential job. But every year my numbers always average out to be at around 50 per hr. And from what I can gather that is the going rate around here. I may be wrong and have been shooting myself in the foot this whole time, Which is why I asked the question that started all this disscussion. My accountant is a family friend and he agrees that my numbers have increased slowly every month and that my cost are in line. Who knows? Good discussion though…

Why did you edit you last post?

Rob, I guess you’re the type who’s ego needs a little stroking. You are smarter than me, oh wise one. Happy now?. I have been working full time in this bizz for three years and I have a very good idea what it takes to keep mine afloat. (afloat meaning making money so there goes your theory) I strive everyday to do better, offer a better product, and yes make more money. That is why I come here to these boards. I cannot help be curious when people claim to make three times what I do for basically the same service. I looked at your web site, very nice, but I see you doing nothing, offering nothing different from what I do. So if it is your area that allows you to command that price why the 'better than you' attitude? If it is your skills, selling, estimating or otherwise then why not share? Hell wright a book, make money off your knowledge. I asked the question in my earlier post because I always get very good, sound information on this board. I do not come here to be lectured; I get that from my wife! Also, for some reason it seems you where a little hurt over my new truck. I don’t know why. Someone that makes over 200 grand a year can afford to make payments like I do! 60 more EZ payments and that suckers mine! Seriously man, lighten up, its just water running through a hose. Rick G

I heard the national average for pressure cleaning is $50-75 per hr. I hear allot of people talking in the hundreds of dollars per hr and I can’t help but wonder what they could possibly be doing to command that kind of number. I understand different parts of the country can command a higher price but I have noticed in several post people referring to the $100 mark has being when they start to make money. I wonder why I can make a profit of my $50.00 per hour and others say it’s a waste of time. Yes I have liability insurance, license, marketing, storage on my trailer, etc, etc, hell even a new Dodge Ram. I’ve been doing this for three years, am I missing something?

I have a comet pump. I went to their web site and found step-by-step instructions and pictures on rebuilding. Maybe your pump builder offers the same? Rick G

Not In Florida!

Thanks for the links. I do have the time to tinker, as I sit at the desk, on the computer, watching TV! I have already gotten two 5 gal older Pepsi soda cans, pressure tested with a ball valve. Any tips on the best way to convert them? I have an idea of necessary parts and placement but before I make the first move any tips would be appreciated. Thanks, Rick

rfitz, can you post some pics and/or info about these soda kegs please? Thanks, Rick