Aplus

Sounds like these nephews have great genetics. Are they from your side of the family, John? :)

I offer several models and styles, but I'm not going to mention them here. It's easy to do some research and determine what's best for your conditions.

I like that RLS !!

When I started part time in 1996, there were no bbs like this available to me. Research was much more difficult. I found some basic pricing from phoning competitors and getting prices from them. I didn't have to worry about overhead, because I didn't really have any. Like some in this business, I started out looking to make a few extra dollars. I had a good paying day job, that left plenty of time for other work. I'm not one to half-ass anything, so even in the very beginning, I knew I wanted to do every job to the best of my ability. I went to pressure washing shops, and paint stores, asking questions, and finding out as much as I could. Back then it was learn as you go, and of course, get burned on many jobs because it took alot longer to do the work than I thought it would. But since I didn't depend on the money for a living, I was generally happy with whatever I made. I don't think I was a low-baller, but I know I was cheaper priced than most of my competitors at the time. I'm not sure if the term low-baller carries an implication of poor workmanship, or a guarantee of getting sub-standard work, but that's something I never even considered. By about my fourth year, I had ideas that I was on to something good, and really focused on improving all aspects of the business and making more money. So the question is: What is the definition of a low-baller?

If anybody is thinking of switching to a K7-flow actuated unloader, consider this....they fail FAR more often than a pressure actuated unloader. I'd rather replace fittings.

I pay on average $2/gal for 10.5% from the local superstore (like Walmart). No deposit, disposable plastic jugs, four gallons in a cardboard case. The pool store sells 12.5% for $2.50/gal by the four gallon case, with a $5 deposit. I don't like to use bleach because 6% is too low of a concentration when mixed for xjetting. In a pinch, if I only need a couple gallons for stain removal on concrete, I'll pick it up at the local dollar store. I have not looked at buying drums because I don't have the shop space, and I don't want to have to deal with pumping into smaller containers. I usually buy the 10.5% from the superstore, 4-5 cases at a time to keep it fresh.

I prefer to use products that are formulated specifically for removal of black streaks. Home brews sometimes work, and sometimes do not. Most of the distributors that carry chems for the pressure wash industry carry such products.

One million. Most of my commercial work requires it.

I think it's espec.

Is it ok if the dog runs across it when I let him out? And this great one... I show up to stain a deck, and there's this huge soft pile of doggy doo right in the middle of the deck. It looked as if the dog may have been a little sick. Anyway, I say to the customer, "Why did you let the dog poop on the deck?" You should have at least cleaned it off before I got here, or phoned to let me know it happened. He says, "You didn't say anything about that" (not letting his dog poop on the deck) I told him "I didn't think I had too, who would leave a pile of runny dog crap on a freshly cleaned deck, for somebody else to clean up".

But it sure would be nice if they could be removed....even if they don't exist.

Property managers are usually ok. A nice poinsetta plant or basket of fruit is always nice for their office.

Maybe someone has an "Uncle Vinnie" who could straighten the matter out!!! :)

That's a good idea! I have bartered work in the past as well, and it can work very well as long as you have enough other work to keep bread on the table. I was working on a deal to clean a local carwash's large canopy, in exchange for carwashes, when a huge storm blew in and ripped their canopy to shreds. They decided to not replace it. I was bummed because I was looking forward to extra carwashes.

Don't sweat it Henry, my reply wasn't directed towards you. Just a general statement about how I handle cards during the holidays...:)

I send out "happy holiday" cards. No mention of religion is used. It should not be pertinant in a typical business relationship.No coupons, no business cards, just a personally signed Thank You card. It is surprising how few companies take the time to even send a card. Regardless what type of card you send, you're ahead of most other contractors, and keeping your name in their memory banks a little longer. Cards fall under marketing expenses, and are in their simplest sense, designed to keep your name in front of the customer in a tactful way. That's why we do it. I don't mean to sound cold about it, but it's true.

We did real trees for about ten years, then got tired of cleaning up the mess. We now have one of those prelit artificials. OK I guess, I prefer a real tree, but it's not really up to me anyway.

Although I hope it never has to be used.....I carry an emergency contact card in my wallet, and have one laying on the center console in my truck. If I did fall, I'd want information for people to know who I am and who to notify in the event of an accident.

Works best to pop rivit the parts together. Mastic sealer is often appropriate as well.

The 'ghost' left behind after gum is removed.

I guess the bottom line depends on the temperatures you operate in. Myself, I don't operate in low temp situations, so the ND 30W works well for me.

You know how you can tell if the "trailer trash" is successfull? They have two cars up on blocks in the drive....:)

That's too much to give. Something small, no problem, not $500 worth. Your truck & trailer should let people know you're there, and good results helps if people are really wanting your service.

About $600-650. The market here is good, but not that good. Being full time at this, I have to keep my volume up, and keep work for my guys. If I quoted 995 for a 400 s/f deck, I'd be lucky to sign up 1 in 10. Honestly I don't know what to think of the numbers I hear bantered around here. Even at $600, materials and labor would be under $150, so how much do I need to make on each deck? With two guys, we could strip/wash that deck in about 1.5 hours, and stain it.......by brush & roller in about 2.5 hours. I would feel like I was raping my customers to charge 995 for 4 hours work. Sometimes I feel like I'm hearing fish stories here....you know, I caught a fish 'this' big. Of course this is just my .02.

I would go hungry here if I tried to sell at that price. Few would pay it.