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Dan Stapleton

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Posts posted by Dan Stapleton

  1. Posted · Report reply

    Yes. Develop your sales abilities. Take seminars on closing a sale and how to market your business effectively. Target people whom choose quality work over price. Build your reputation one job at a time. Be the highest level proffesional. Get logo'd gear. Be on time. Build your knowlege and prepare a presentation based upon key terms.

    The list goes on and on. What you can't do is sit home and worry about what the next bonehead is out there doing. If you do, you soon will drop your pants on price and you will be yet another set of bones in a field of pressure washing business failure.

    I'm pretty good at selling myself most of the time. There is room for improvement for sure. I am really working on the marketing end. Good point on whom to target. My reputation is good, just need more people to know it. My first 5-6 years were part-time and the last 5 have been full-time but I have always slowed down in the summer months so I am working on a new, more intense marketing campaign.

    No way will I drop my pants on price and visit that cemetary......God willing.

    Dan Stapleton

    All Clean Pro Wash

    Tavares, Fl

    352-343-2811

  2. Posted · Report reply

    Bringin it back up. Was talking to a hoa prez. yesterday. Nice subdivision on a lake. Houses avg around 2500 sq. ft. After explaining my process,materials, attention to detail, experience etc. He asked me my price, when I told him and it was reasonable, he said: See that guy on that mower down there? He does it for 40-45 dollars. You might price yourself out. I wanted to break into a full sprint and tackle the dude off of his mower! The Homeowner/prez said that HE knows that you get what you pay for and that he would never have him do his house. Man, there down here in droves.

    I am in the process of creating a cover letter/business statement that I can give to customers as I look over the property(I know, I should already have one) that explains my company's professional practices being careful not to bash. Just inform. I've got some good info gathered but anyone that has something similiar already done would be welcome via e-mail or mail and not copied. Thanks in advance.

    Dan Stapleton

    All Clean Pro Wash

    Tavares Fl.

    352-343-2811

  4. Posted · Report reply

    I don't have any pic's at the present time. The only "labor" involved is screwing on the barbs and cutting some 3/8 tubing for the intake line. Like T.W said, the intake filter will be just off the bottom of the container. The extra 2 gallons is nice , the thick molded in handle makes it easy to carry and it has a vent hole with a plug. Thanks again, Alan.

    Dan Stapleton

    All Clean Pro Wash

    Tavares Fl

    352-343-2811

  6. Posted · Report reply

    Hey Ken,

    4.5 gpm, For rinsing up high I usually use a 0 degree size 10 orifice which at the tip with 200 ft. of hose is about 1100-1200 psi. It is streamlined but as it reaches the surface has enough width to cover some area, Is soft enough to prevent damage but strong enough to release webs and debri that soap hasn't completely loosened. I prefer the spraying systems quick connect's for their shape (round) plus they make an I-meg that is more impact resistant. Check out Dultmeier. Good Prices and selection.

    Dan Stapleton

    All Clean Pro Wash

    Tavares, Fl.

    352-343-2811

  8. Posted · Report reply

    In case you missed the thread, I wanted to share something that I clipped from Preferred Pressure.(Thanks!)

    Wal-Mart carries a 7 gallon water container that has a cap with a threaded hole in the center for the reversible spigot that comes with it. Fit that baby on both sides with some nylon barbs (90 degree elbow on top) and you have a large, convenient, spill proof x-jet container.It's blue and in the camping/sports section. 7 or 8 bucks!

    Dan Stapleton

    All Clean Pro Wash

    Tavares, Fl.

    352-343-2811

  9. Posted · Report reply

    For those interested in downstreaming but unfamiliar, you can do it without turning the downstreamer on/off. Ken mentioned that and my guess is that he likes to rinse with real low pressure(soap tip or similiar orifice size). In that case you would need to shut the injector off. But you can rinse with a relatively low pressure tip without having to turn on/off. Find out what psi you stop drawing soap and go from there. That way your only trip back to your equipment is when you are done!

    Ken's second paragraph is true and listed are some of the same reason's why I prefer downstreaming most of the time. Hope this helps.

    Dan Stapleton

    All Clean Pro Wash

    Tavares, Fl.

    352-343-2811

  11. Posted · Report reply

    Barry,

    If you weaken your mix you would have to have several batches placed around the house. If you downstreamed, you would have one batch at your vehicle, you would only be trailing one hose, rinsing one line etc.

    I posted to help the newcomers or those unsure of different techniques . The x-jet is a useful tool but not neccessary all of the time. I think a lot of the more experienced pro's feel the same. The key is a good downstream injector, and a good housewash mix used at the proper ratio.

    Dan Stapleton

    All Clean Pro Wash

    352-343-2811

  16. Posted · Report reply

    I met a guy about a year ago that was working for the lowballinest company in my area. They have alot of commercial accounts and residentials. They use dish soap and chlorine on everything, downstream roofs and blast away, do very poor quality work. You get the picture.

    I ran into him about 6 months ago and when he told me he was going into business for himself I tried to give him some pointers about work quality and PRICE, that his employers were not a good representation of either. I spoke to him the other day at our local p.w. shop, he told me he was in the yellow pages ( I knew ), and the local coupon book. When I left I picked up a coupon book out of curiosity. Any house up to 1700 sq. ft. 47.95. No hidden charges. There were other assanine prices I won't go into. When I quizzed him on what chems he is using, get this- 2 gallons of chlorine to 23 gallons of water and dawn. Downstreamed. Needless to say, he is wailing away with the pressure. We use the same chlorine supplier and when I was there today was told he is buying 25-30 2-1/2's a week.

    It is pretty hard for this not to affect me. No matter how much you try to educate the customer his prices are out there and he is getting work. I guess in the long haul he'll burn out or wake up but in the meantime it is frustrating to say the least. My wife talked me out of calling him and telling him he is an idiot. Sorry for the long post. Anybody have any suggestions?

  17. Posted · Report reply

    I'd like to second what John mentioned. I used a Suttner 2600 anti-fatigue gun for the first time today. Man, big difference. It is so easy to hold open. I wish I had tried one sooner and hope they hold up.

    Phil, I can relate. Been at this 11 years and just in the last month or so developed a problem elbow. Advil, Sports cream and rest helps. I might try an elbow brace if it keeps up.

    Dan Stapleton

    All Clean Pro Wash

    Tavares Fl.

    352-343-2811

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