tony szabo

good post! In the last 16.5 years I have never required money up front or money down for any size project. I feel this is part of my creditability as a business owner to do as I promise to my customer. "I don't get paid until your happy with our work" that is what I tell every customer. I want all my customers to feel at ease with me and my business. If I were to tell my customers that I need money down to buy supplies,labor cost, etc they would think that times must be rough for our business, because we need money up front to operate. If I was to ask for money up front I would not use that excusse. It all works out sometimes we get no checks in the mail for a week and the following week we can count the $$ fast enough. Keeping the cash flow going is very important and that is what you guys are doing to help run your business, and that is very smart. I sometimes wonder if I should ask for the % down. I just perefer to gain 110% trust when meeting a new customer and that way they will not call someone else for a bid, and they will wait for our quality service we will provide. This has always worked for us. Every area is different and everyone' s customer's are different which also effects this type of dission.

All of my guys are laid off and getting unemployment since November. This business is kinda like construction work, and that is what I tell everyone when I do hire. We will not start back up until March, but I do have my lead guys go to conventions and shows for education and sales to start the new season during January and February. I enjoy the slow time because it gives you a chance to regroup all you thoughts, advertising, equipment maintenance, and work on new target customers and add on services. Also throw in a few warm vacations. About 14 years back, find a job.

Carlos, Nice car and all, but man your garage looks like a living room. Nice drywall and pictures hanging, all you need is a TV and a sofa. Sweet..... Are you sure you did not park the car in the living room?

Ken, bring them to St. Louis Rt and I will give you $12 for them. You will have just doubled your MONEY, now that is a good ROI. LOL, Tony Serious, they sound like nice pieces if you fine out the real value we may never see or here from you again!

Randy, If you do go with a van or a type of box truck. I would make sure you engine exhaust from you pressure washer is piped thru the floor. We go to a auto exhaust place that has pipe benders to make a custom fit. If you don't do this the exhaust soot will build up over time and it helps keep the heat out of the unit as well. Don't forget you are now in a confined space and you must have excellent ventalation to prevent fires. After we buy these type of vehicles I usually have extra doors (small) installed for more ventalation. Heat and gas tanks, and engines are not a good mix in a confined space. They can be safe if you do your homework.

How do we qualify who is suiitable for teaching the Trade ? Ok, after my beating please understand there is no motive here just trying to help. I may not be a active BBS person, because I'm old school. Someone that has a commendable industry trade background because of : 1. long term involvement in the industry 2. Proven research in the certain field 3. Proven success in the certain field 4. Positive effect on guiding people in the correct direction Again, guys no motive here. I'm just protecting my best interest and that is my industry. I have been around for years (16) but just not on the computer too much. Thanks for the chance.

10-4 Ken But now things are moving in the right direction of speakers and educators that are giving advice at these RT's. I had a round table about two years ago and had three well know vendors speak, because of the professional ethics and long term and knowledge of their profession, I knew they would be respected. We also had a Forrest Products Lab speaker of over 25 years of research speak also. The event had 43 or 45? attendees from three different states. One thing I did wrong was not focusing on more topics. We had some Hood cleaners that lost some intrest in the speakers. Don, What about trying to brand your RT with a name for your RT for the future. A name that will establish a calling, if you will..... The St. Louis wash Zone or The big River guys, etc.... This may help for future noterarity with vendors and newbe's. Ok, everyone this is just a thought with NO motive just a idea? Don't tare me up on this one now. Trying to help here. Tony

There is got to be

Thanks everyone, because this is slowly getting somewhere but Slow. The 10 years is just a example, it does not have to be 10 years. Lets all help here and get anwsers, the hot air is starting to cool down finally.

Ok Positive input This is my point ! Someone with lesser square footage, lesser years in business, and a proven track record not a Muddler. Does not Qualify them in you books Celeste to be a educator.

I was not trying for the drama, but its go me on the edge of my seat know. OK with the 10 year thing already it was just a example. Lets do this list and answer Barry's Question about 35 post back.

Thanks Carlos a nice comment, I guess some are not looking at this like I thought. Like I said why can't we start a list instead, of who and what is qualified to educate. I currently have no ties with any org. and have not for the last two years besides memberships.

My list is just some ideas to help kick start other thoughts. And 10 years is a place to start

Berry, That is a great question. This is where the industry is unsettled, Who's Qualified? Instead of people trying to drag me down because I have not been on the board for a year or so lets do this. Time for everyone to go to work here, Instead of the drama lets ALL awnser Barry's Question and get something done here, its apperant that people are interested in this issue. Who is Qualified to educate the Pressure Washing Profession? 1. Vendors of their products 2. Proven Marketing experts by there peers or industry. 3. Successful pressure washing companies of more than 10yrs by their peers or industry. Now keep this list going and ad to it

With the efforts of 55 post and 912 views and a ton of opinions, there could have be several classes started by now. I'm not trying to guide at all, Just stating That there are to many trying to guide with very little experience. This is great traffic for Beth.