tidyjet

Rocco, How about setting up a PC with a power point presentation rolling in slideshow mode? Nice pics in it will get people to stop and look. Might help to reel 'em in. paul

Thanks Celeste, I think that's what I trying to say.

Unfortunately many of us newbies' don't have $36k in venture capital lying around (like you evidently had) to launch your business. For many, sound fiscal responsibility is to not go into debt. I believe it's possible to launch a competitive pressure wash business with a good clean used vehicle and pressure washer. I don't know what all the fuss is with all the fancy equipment. I know of a gentleman very successful at this, been in the business for 13 yrs. He used to have a big trailer with w/what have you in it. Through the years he's learned to become very efficient and now operates out of a 1-ton pu. Less equip to monkey around with has meant more money for him because he's able to focus more on washing and not on equipment. my 2 cents, paul

Beth, I'm interested and willing to help get it organized in any way I ably can. paul

What neck of the area did you live? I'm in the county on the east side of the city. You're referring to the "Apple Blossom" parade every spring. Yeah, they feature a celebrity every year amongst other things. Thanks for your very kind and gracious offer. paul

I greatly appreciate the invitation and intend to take you up on it. I'm also looking forward to meeting everyone at our area "roundtable". thanks, paul

I was pondering the value of membership in PWNA myself today. I'm working towards spooling up my own PW business. From the little knowledge I have so far, I don't see much to be gained [for me] in handing over $200 of the precious little cash I have towards this organization. The juncture where I'm at finds me having to acquire professional knowledge, skill, equipment and what have you so that I can productively compete in this market. I don't see the value of joining the PWNA, for me there is little return. Maybe I'm wrong or maybe that will change in time as I practice the trade. On the other hand it could be a question of priorties for the little money I have [due to unemployment]. I am looking forward to our local roundtable indeed however, and the valuable associations, education and direction it will provide. On the subject of get togethers: The National Convention. I'm suffering from sticker shock at the cost of the "Wood Cert" $650.00 for class & test on top of the $500 odd cost for the convention plus lodging! Whew! I guess it's just part of the cost of tools and equip, the cost of doing business as it were. The certs, are they really this expensive? Whew! A college education is by contrast cheaper seeminly hour for hour. paul newbie in training

I'm preparing to start [my] pressure wash venture. My 'lil 4-banger Ranger will be definitely inadequate to pull any kind of substantial rig (eg. 12' trailer w/hot and cold unit, 250 gl tank, ladders and tools). I'd appreciate any feed back on what you guys are using. Everyone has their brand/make preferences of course. Regardless: Which full size truck is the most reliable and economical? Should I consider diesel or gas? 1/2 ton or 3/4? 4 WD or will 2 be sufficient? (Winters are not harsh here so snow not really an issue but getting in and out of constructions sites could be I suppose.) What are you guys using? My price cap is around $7k and I'm hoping to find something w/low mileage and wear in that ballpark. thanks, paul

Tony, you're telling me that a PU works better for you than a Van. I'm leaning towards a pu from the ease of working w/equip standpoint however, securing my equip will become an issue. Tool box arrangements will be very essential. My situation differs from you in that I'm just starting out, a lease is out of the question. In comparison, the old 1-ton dually might not be a bad way to go for me even at $4800. Maybe it's the biggest bang for the buck. pmg

Gezzz, the prices on PU's are out the roof! Comparable vans are much cheaper. I'm still undecided however what will suit me the best, a PU or a van. Mind you, I'm trying to start this business on a budget yet practicing business properly and competitively. It's important to me to get started with the proper equipment. I've only got about 15k cash to work with for everything (wash equip included). I came across a clean 1-ton '84 Silverado C-30 Dually, reg cab & 8' bed, tow pkg. New 7.4 (454) and very low mileage T400 trans. This thing will pull enough water for a week and be able to stop to. But for 4800 bucks for a truck that old???? I'm just trying to get something reliable so I can focus on building my business without tying up a lot of money in it. Decisions, Decisions. pmg

I knew I'd get great feedback. Thanks guys. paul

no fax #. If you can't email it (gainsback@yahoo.com), let me know and I'll get my wife's # at her work. thanks, paul

HERE, HERE as well. I'm out of work. What I have proven is that by doing the same thing over and over again I've gotten the same results, out of work. So I've been researching this "service sector" thing for awhile now and I think I can sink my teeth into it. I've been in the aviation/airline industry for over 25 years doing everthing from ops, cust service, mechanic and finally pilot). I've been laid off since May and I'm NOT going back. I tried retail after my furlough (major home improvement store, management) and worked my ass off for often 55 hrs a week. It was sucking the life out of me. The thing I loved the most at "major home improvent store" however was providing great customer service (at least I did). What would be the harm in me putting 55 hrs a week into my own venture doing essentially customer service. It's got to be more rewarding. paul "success is not guaranteed but death is"