Beth n Rod

I've heard of Tim Cross, but he's not in Maryland. Might be another Germantown. I believe Russ knows Tim Cross. Beth

I can understand where CCPC is coming from and under those circumstances may fall prey to his reasoning if that were the case. I think I would examine why quality is not being welcomed and price (lowest) is. You say that you never see decks of quality in your area...thats interesting. If everyones always looks like crap, then you cant expect anyone to pay for it either. Maybe there is an opportunity here for you to set yourself apart? It comes back to this...the one customer who does let you put a quality job in place and the neighbors who will see it. The photos you can take and show to others of the difference you can make...and the longevity it may impart on their deck. Take what these people have as reason to not pay for a better job and turn it into why are they paying more often and letting it deteriorate in between times. I think you have an opportunity there and have not found its advantages. Keep an open mind and dont give up. Rod~

HD-80 is what I suggest to strip the floor with. Then brighten it. I would not think the tarps would work well simply because you are restricting air flow, which is important. Beth

Everyone here has some good advice on how to get 'in' with the contractors doing the remodeling or construction. This is where pounding the pavement comes into play. We have gone on drives specifically into areas that were noted on other occasions as we went through them and basically and introduced ourselves with literature and all. This is a very important thing. Meeting face to face is better than a phone call. These contractors have little time and will respect someone who 'shows up!' to get a job over someone who is taking up their air time on the phone. Rod~

You should never have to use HD-80 on a Ready Seal deck. It can be removed easily with EFC-38. No need for a stronger product with RS. Beth

Now theres a man of convictions! Rod~

It never ceases to amaze me that there is a double edged sword where agreeing on lesser quality products just to get the job is concerned. Alot of us have done it. These customers that want the least expensive solution have not ever referred us nor have they called us back for additional services once they moved (if locally moving) Yes! We all want the work, but at what cost? This is what I have learned; The lesser quality product with a short term duration will be seen by others in the neighborhood and watched as the product degrades and develop opinions from there. The better quality ones will derive opinions based on the duration and look that is evident for a longer period of time. So, what does that mean? Perception is the paramount. Patience is our friend, Get the job and lose the neighborhood. or...be the next in line who gets several of the neighbors as well. I keep this in mind, "Whats your reputation worth?" When I did apply the lesser products in the past, the best that I could hope for was that the structure is secluded enough that the neighbors wont be able to see it. I knew it wouldnt last long. On price; Discounts can only go so far before you start to discount your service if you get the meaning. I have seen the results of highly discounted services and had to clean up after them as well. Those clients that our company has had to perform restoration services for end up referring our company and speak highly about their experience. Stick to your guns folks. We are here to become more knowledgable and skilled at our chosen profession. We spend the time and energy doing research, self educating, practicing, and developing what will become the pride we know can be in every job done afterwards. Your reputation is riding on it :) Rod~

Bill is probably right when it comes to just cleaning and reapplying. I've had the same success with other products we use in relation to reapplying. Otherwise, you are definately looking at 2 coats ( perhaps 3 or more in some situations) Rod~

One of the things we do is make sure that the customer is aware that THEY are responsible for controlling the condition present on their property. We ask that they have an exterminator come out to take care of the problem so that our employees can work unabated. This does not fall under the workmans compensation clause as a covered expense. It falls under the homeowners liability for maintaining a safe environment for anyone they may bring onto their property. They are liable for it if you get stung and especially if you are allergic. At least if the homeowner calls someone to come out and take care of the problem, they can control those costs. Since the vast majority of powerwashing companies dont have an license to purchase or apply exterminator chemicals (save Everett) it makes sense to leave that part to those who know how to do it. (I hate cleaning up the oil stains that come from the typical can of wasp and hornet killers on the market)(and I sometimes have to use it once the wash has already been done!) Hope this helps others of those whom may be allergic to stings from these territorially imposing winged nuisances! Rod~

Excellent point have been made here. It goes back to this very basic marketing point...you are either leading with price, or with quality, but you CAN NOT lead with both. If you don't draw the line and stand by your price and promote quality you lead with price. You can say you are quality, but if you are promoting price, you are leading with price. If you are leading with quality you don't care if you are the high bidder. You know the work is the best, and you will still get plenty of work and not have to worry about leaving money on the table. I can't tell you how hard this point is to convey to people. If you are going to negotiate with someone or offer a discount that's fine, but why would you use a lesser product and what does this say about how much you care about the property? Do you think maybe the homeowner will leave behind the info for a new owner? Do you think that the new owner (who is an unknown - remember that) just MAY have a company that they too did business with before and that it might be a good idea for your job to be able to outshine what the unknown new owner's company is capable of doing? What if the unknown new owner had a really top notch excellent company, and they didn't cut corners, and that new owner believed in using the very best and expected nothing but excellent products and service that lasts? Would you be a shoe in, or would they not even bother with you and call the company that provided service to them before? We move WITH our cusomers, and whoever handled the property before well.... We lead with quality. Period. Beth :groovy3:

Alan, I think the imagination tells you what color it is. For example, booger isn't just always green. There could be a tint of brown or red in it. I don't want to limit myself. Also you could have a color that could be like one of those crayons that has several colors blended in it. One might be corn poopies. That could be several colors. Rod and I came up with a whole list of these things trying to stay awake on a long road trip. I can't remember half of them now, but they were truly gross.

morning breath yellow

Litterbox newborn diaper outhouse slime

If you are looking for additional help on a job you have won, post it here. If you have a specific skill and are looking for work, post it here. This forum is here to help those who are: 1. looking for someone to do a job, either the customer or as a subcontractor 2. looking for work in a specific capacity as a subcontractor or for an individual or company. This time of year lots of folks have availability in their schedules. It's also the time of year when at times we could all use extra help when we least expect it. Qualified leads and requests will be emailed to our users, so post them here. Beth :groovy: :coffee:

KJ it's good seeing you online again. Where have you been hiding or are you just super busy?

moldy cheese moldy bread pond scum still water sludge post nasal drip festering puss zit cheese

Hot water and chlorine bleach are not good for the wood. I would suggest another method..... Beth:groovy:

Hi Brian, Got your order. Thanks. :) We have it in stock and it will be shipping out today. Beth

When the bleed water is gone and it will withstand the weight of a man, typically 2-3 hours, you can apply v-seal. Then since you are in a cold weather state you will want to come back in 30 days after it has had time to cure, and apply a light mist again. Beth

You could run over the spots that are furry with the defurring/defuzzing pads. That is what we have done to get a nice finish on boards and also on logs. How strong was the EFC? Beth

Hi all, Paul, thanks for letting me know this was here. Rod and I just got back from a trip to see our new warehouse space in St. Louis. Regarding V-Seal, I'll have to ask how long after it is poured you need to wait until you seal it. I can tell you that it is applied to damp concrete, so you will give it a light wash first, then you will make sure there are no puddles, and then apply to damp concrete. I'll post again today later regarding the age of the surface prior to first sealing. Beth

I can see where this is going... Rod~

Anyone interested in hosting a chat or moderating on the PWNA BBS should contact me directly. Beth :groovy3:

I would stand behind Nick, in reference to a sprayer for applying sealant. A Shurflo is great for applying chems. Rod~

Today, PWNA's BBS moved to a new hosting company and we upgraded the BBS's software. The arcade is now completely installed, and more games will be added. Once the name server propagates, you will be able to get to the forums. Some servers propagate faster than others do. It takes anywhere from 6-48 hours for this to happen. We look forward to seeing you on the newly updated PWNA BBS! Beth