Craig

Call Delco. They sell Oxalic in powder, you mix it 2-8 oz/gallon. Costs you less than a penny per square foot to put down.

My minimum is $125.00. If a customer catches me while I'm doing another job and I can do theirs in succession, it's $85 min. This includes (if they ask) up to an hour of washing. If they have a small oil spot or something I know will only take 30 minutes or so, and they also have a problem with the $125 minimum I'll tell them to find a couple of other things to wash to get their full 1 hours worth.

Chris, If you're looking to add something like this to your business, check out CCI (Concrete Coatings Incorporated). They are based out of Ogden, Utah and I went to their class 6 weeks ago. There I learned the art of decorative acrylic coatings, 2-part epoxies (several different looks) and acid staining. This is THE business to get into as far as I'm concerned, especially because we already have the equipment to do the prep work! Check out their website at www.concretecoatingsinc.com Craig

Dan, You'll be doing yourself a favor by getting the 5 gpm machine. In the last three years I've only come across 3 jobs that the water couldn't keep up, and one of them was because I was pulling water 30 feet up to where I needed it. I think your best bet if you're worried about it would be to get a "float" tank. They are a small tank (that come and fit right on the Hydrotek machines) that hold approx 5+ gallons of water and feed your machine. The purpose is to fill up and hold the water when you slow down the wand, and when you use water faster than the spicket can feed your machine you have 5 extra gallons (or more) to help keep up in your float. Or you could just get a small water tank and use that as your float!

Anyone use them or know anything about them? I'm looking at a 5 gpm 3000psi machine for sale, looks like a good deal for a backup unit.

Because that's where I'm from.. 22 years there to be exact. I was born in Madison and we moved to Boulder Jct (25 miles N. of Minocqua) when I was 2 years old. After weathering 22 years of below 0 temps and only 3 months of summer I came out to Palm Springs, CA on vacation. Needless to say I've been back twice since I left! I always liked Racine and Milwaukee though. Good college parties and Summerfest is GREAT!

Hey Charlie from Racine... Does Minocqua sound like someplace you've heard of?

Wes, My advertising costs are $650+,- per month.

Yep, working hard is the only thing that comes easy in this business. 16 hour days are very common! Another reason I posted this is to check out how I am doing compared to some of the rest of you. With one rig after 6 months Full-Time power washing, we're generating $10,000 to 15,000/month. If we land a couple of really good jobs we can do as much as $24,000/month. I guess I'm looking at what's a max on rigs across the nation and when it is time to expand. There comes a point when you're losing money if your doing around $15,000/month. Time to really get my butt in gear and roll. There's a lot to do these days, not to mention starting a coatings business!

No, Alan, THANK YOU! A second machine is in the back of my mind but I'm holding off as long as I can. When I feel I'm losing money by only having one machine I'll give you a call for #2.. I may be interested in a setup like you have, this time.. Thanks CRaig

What I was taught is that if you leave the hot water in the coil, scale is more likely to form more quickly. Hot water won't damage anything but the Potassium, lime, calcium, magnesium, vanadium etc (hard water salts) are more active and will stick much better when they are left hot inside your burner. Cooling down the machine slows down the process of scale.

Actually I posted the poll. I want to compare different geographical locations and generally how most people who post on the board are doing in their venture. Henry, is that with one unit or more? I am asking not for gross income as a business but for one rig with two people running it. At what time in your business did you start expanding and buy another rig?

Just to let you know, Tim, Alan put mine together and it's great. I've been using it now full time since November 2004. I'd say it gets about 3 to 7 running hours a day, 5 days a week (Vac and surface cleaner combo). It's the best thing EVER to help make you more successful. I can eliminate the need for rinsing on almost every job if I prep it right, which can save me hours. Plus, I can do restaurant interiors, garages, etc with no overspray and almost complete recovery. What you don't recover with it typically dries within the hour. Just stick with what Alan suggests... it works.

Steve, Our going rate for apt's is well below that. As far as recovery it's an EPA issue. I do it because it saves me so much time it's unbelievable. Most jobs require no rinsing AND they come out cleaner because you pick the dirt straight up out of the pores and it doesn't get a chance to spread out. I return the water back into a holding tank where I have an oil absorbant floating filter, filter sock, and another smaller filter for the smallest particles of dirt. I then discharge to the Sanitary Sewer via sump pump out of holding tank. Any other questions, ask Alan. He's the man and has helped me out immensly in this area!

Actually I think one can make more in the commercial sector. Yes, your price per piece drops, but volume make millions. Also, costs are cheaper since you don't have to drive to 4 residential houses to make the same amount of money you could doing 6 hours of commercial work. Oh, and I almost forgot... get the monthly contract! Recovery is VERY important in the commercial sector. Professionalism number one, EPA number two (or vice versa), and three... it's so much quicker to use a recovery surface cleaner that cleans, rinses and sends the water to your tank. Some jobs I don't even have to rinse it turns out so nice.

Let's see... I've used mine for these purposes: Paint Stripping Sealer Removal Epoxy removal Silicone removal off of "Screenmobile" diamond plating (monthly) Misc. coatings removal I use mine a couple of times a month. It's great when you need it and definately serves it's purpose in the arsenol. Do you need it when you're just starting out? Not really. When you get a job that requires it, then buy it.

It is fact that more people buy if the like, trust and respect you. They will even pay a premium if you've done your job correctly. If you get to a point where a customer is in a postition where he's taking a defensive stance before you give him numbers, lighten him up a little! Gain repoire and find common ground. Build your case and build his confidence. Then give him the breakdown of your pricing. It's normal to have to peel some people off the ceiling. It's a natural reflex reaction for them because they feel uncomfortable about something. It's your job to find that "something." Ask questions... Ask questions that you already know the answer to, ask questions that have a "yes" or "no" response. Ask questions that will find his hot buttons, build your credibility and will lead to a close. Price is rarely the true objection. Here's a quick sample that can come from when you are at the WAY end of losing a sale and you get the objection of "I still need to think about it." You say: Mr. Johnson, do you think a couple days or a couple of weeks would be long enough for you? You see, it really doesn't matter how long you think about it because you'll still be faced with the same couple of questions.. do you mind if I share those questions with you? ...he'll say "OK." Number one, do you have a need for my service. You have clients coming over to your house every day. As a home based CPA, do you believe you have a second chance to make a first impression to your clients? Do you believe that having a brand new-looking house, deck and sparkling place of business can have an effect on them wanting to do business with you? ..he'll say "yes." But of course you need to repaint the picture for him. Press hot buttons! 2nd question) Are my services affordable. I have the knowledge, experience and qualifications to do everything you'd like and you are in the position to obtain the best services available. IS THIS SOMETHING YOU'D LIKE TO HAVE DONE EITHER NOW OR IN THE FUTURE? ..he'll say yes. Then you say, LET'S DO IT NOW! I have my equipment and men ready to go.. we can be done in a few hours, your clients can enjoy your atmosphere and you won't have to waste any more of your precious time trying to find another contractor. We'll be out of here by 2:00, OK? Or if he says that price is REALLY the issue it's up to you do work out a deal or leave the job. Like I said, this is just a sample and can be changed any way to fit your individual situation and is a pretty simple close. And it works! Always smile and don't be to pushy.. but sometimes a push and a reason to do business is all they really need.

All skids that I have come across are pretty big. If you order the hydrotek on wheels it comes a little narrower. Servicing the machine is also an important thing to consider, which is why I bought a hydrotek first. It is true that there's more to buying a machine than just the price. The Water Cannon looks to be an awesome machine at a great price, but sooner or later you'll have to service it too. I guess my advice to you would be to buy one that you can get readily available help if something goes wrong. After you learn the machine and get familiarized with general repairs, then that will be the time you don't concern yourself so much with servicing, but with getting the best deal on your next unit.

Vegas is good. LA- too much crime. I'll just throw in Palm Springs for good luck. Group golfing is always popular! Again, Vegas is good.

I agreewith Bob. I also carry a tennis ball with me. But no matter what you use whether it be the tennis ball, the harness etc. They all suck. There's no easy way to use the "Heavy Duty" extension wands without the use of plain old muscle. I'm looking into the Coress wand as we speak.

Sorry to hear that, guys. The weather's miserable here too. Today is was a balmy 78 degrees and without any clouds that darn sun kept shining all day. I was forced to go to our T-Time at 7:45 this morning and with the couple in front of us we could only finish 18 holes in 3 hours. What a drag! Then to make matters worse I shot an 80 with only one birdy! I hope the weather changes here soon too......................... NOT! LOL...

http://www.replacementpumps.com/hotwater3_new.asp www.1800333wash.com Watercannon I've bought lots of stuff from them but never a skid before. Good prices.

My take on this poll would be completion of 100 jobs. Most people are in this business part time from what I understand, and being so may only do 5(+-) jobs a month. Once you've completed that many projects I'd say you are either in your second year now or are getting good enough to not be called a "newbie" anymore.

Has anyone heard and have experience with Envirosafe Products? www.envirosafemfg.com I spoke with the VP today about some of his products. They claim to have a sealer with a 10 year waterproofing warranty that you can use on a variety of substrates. Any input is appreciated! They also have a product to remove efflorescence from stucco and rust from colored concrete!

Another website with the same product is www.eco-wares.com Any help would be appreciated.