soluble solutions

This a question for all you "bosses" out there. You see, I wanted to see how we were measuring up with the rest of the contractors that have employees in regards to payment and responsiblies. We are a relatively small and young company. We officially have 3 employees that are going out most days and performing the services requested. This consists usually of the normal residential house wash, flat work, decks, etc. We also do quite a bit of commercial work. Given our size and longevity, we currently cannot provide any real benefits such as medical ins., paid vacations, paid sick time, etc....the normal stuff folks appreciate in a long term job. We do try to provide the best equipment possible and leave some flexability up to our employees as far as work hours go..when possible. We also have allowed them to use our equipment, cleaning agents, etc. for their personal use on their own homes or maybe a small "pet" project like maybe for their church or something like that. We usually start out at $10.00 per hour and go from there. In this area, this seems like an appropriate wage for this type of work. Some have though too low, while some others have thought considerably too high. I would rather pay someone well and retain a good employee, then pay them dirt and expect a good job. Afterall, I've always felt that your employees are your direct link to your customers when you can't be there yourself. I guess I'm trying to pay for that mentality. Now, we have had no complaints from our employees about payment, it's just that my partner and I were discussing raises, etc. and just thought that maybe we could hear from some of you to try to gage where we're at on the pay scale. I can say that we have been very blessed with who we have chosen to represent us and perform these various services. They have gone out of their way in a lot of areas over the years to ensure that same "customer value" feeling. For that we have been grateful and our business has grown substantially because of it. We just wondered what you all had to say.

Jim, I have had similar feelings in the past. In a short answer, we schedule much like Beth & Rod. We never just "drop in" unannounced, but give ourselves a little wiggle room for weather. But I started to look at rainy, stormy days a little different. Instead of looking at crumy weather as lost time or down time, wasted day, etc. I started to look at it more like...I didn't have to pay several guy's salary that day. I didn't break anything costing me more money that day. But the fact remains that you didn't bring in any money that day either. True..sort of. But it doesn't have to be that way. On rainy days, I bid jobs and make business calls both over the phone and in person. I'm armed with business cards, flyers, and my laptop with a video demo/slideshow that is very compelling. You may not bank any money initially that day, but you're planting seeds for tomorrow. Which in turn will make you money eventually. Anyone that knows me will tell you I am a type "A" personality all the way. Everything had to be done and done right away. I didn't have time to waste, etc. You know, I had a couple of things happen to me personally, that forced me to slow down a bit....and you know what. I'm busier, and my business is healthier than it's ever been...and I feel better. There is probably less wrong with how you schedule work, then your perspective of "wasted time". Use it to your advantage. Good Luck man, it took me a long time to really believe that, but I've found it to be true.

Is there a reason that you even have to use any chemicals? If it's just concrete, and we're talking about the usual dirt, mold and grime...wouldn't just plain water take care of it. We maintain alot of concrete flat work here in Ohio, and we usually only have to use water and a surface cleaner. We won't even have to heat it normally. Now if there is a petroleum based product or rust stains, etc. then we're talking about a little different approach, but for the plain old dirt and grunge...water should take care of it. Maybe I can learn something here.

Thanks for the input. Sounds like we're saying the same sorts of things. We carry all our MSDS sheets with us as well. I was just wondering what the rest of everyone was telling their clients. I noticed a couple of you mentioning using contracts. Is this for commercial clients only, or do you use contracts for residential clients as well? We utilize contracts for commercial jobs, but not for residential work unless it would be an extensive project or something ongoing...maybe something done in phases like new construction or alotments. Just curious. I could see using them residentially, but it always seemd to me that a contract would make some people sort of skeptical...as though you're trying to get them to agree to something that they don't want. I think older folks are the most cautious about this sort of thing. It's as though they think you're trying to trick them into something or they're agreeing to something that they don't see right off. Like the fine print sort of thing. I've had contractors come in here and work on various things at my home and I've never had anyone present a contract to me. These haven't been really large projects, but certainly more money than a standard house wash.

I agree, we like to use terms like solutions, cleaning detergents, soaping, cleaning agents. Things such as that. Our purpose is not to mis-lead anyone that's for sure, believe me, that is not our intension. We prefer to be upfront with folks (it doesn't pay not to be), but you're right. When they hear the word CHEMICAL...it's like they go looking for a fallout shelter sometimes. Not exactly the reaction you're looking for when giving an estimate.

I was wondering what some of you say to would-be clients when they inquire about the chemicals we use such as 12.5% or any other "mainstream" chemical we use on residential cleaning. This doesn't happen too often as our reputation speaks for itself most times.....but.... With all this environmental talk lately, has got people wondering more than ever about we're using and how it effects everything. Plants, pets, people, etc. We have some local guys around here that boast no chems or solely scrub brushing everything and then washing. Claiming to do a better job and being more environmentally conscious, etc., etc. I mean they honestly don't do a better job AND they take 5 times as long to get the it done. How do you guys sell the job using the big bad chemicals. How do you convince people that what you're doing is safe and effective? Excluding ref.'s and referrals...we already do that extensively. Does anyone have any stories to relay? Thanks, Steve Soluble Solutions, LLC (419) 651-2793