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john@AEC

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  1. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in How old is to old to be in cleaning restoration business   
    I'm a '64 model (if you want to know how old that is you can work it out yourself - I don't want to know) and this is definitely a young persons game, especially in summer. I've had a few injuries over the years and am not 100%, so only a couple of years left for me - but I do love working for myself, being outdoors & doing stuff for people.
  2. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in Obtaining Residential Work In Affluent Areas? Help from someone with experience!!   
    If you've got that much work in only a few months then "Well done" & give yourself a pat on the back.
    As Mike said, it takes time to get a reputation, personal referrals & repeats. With time you will get to know customer concerns & be able to address them calmly. 
  3. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in Lessons Learned in 2018   
    My only "guarantee" is to turn up & do my best (results as explained)
  4. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in Lessons Learned in 2018   
    My only "guarantee" is to turn up & do my best (results as explained)
  5. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in Obtaining Residential Work In Affluent Areas? Help from someone with experience!!   
    If you've got that much work in only a few months then "Well done" & give yourself a pat on the back.
    As Mike said, it takes time to get a reputation, personal referrals & repeats. With time you will get to know customer concerns & be able to address them calmly. 
  6. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in Lessons Learned in 2018   
    My only "guarantee" is to turn up & do my best (results as explained)
  7. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in Sometimes...   
    G'day Rod, no I haven't seen that type of brush, thanks I'll have a look if I can find one.
    I use this one  https://www.busybee.com.au/product/wash-brush-quad-4-side/  (the 13 inch quad) as it's super soft, plus dense and has good edges for getting into corners.
  8. Like
    john@AEC reacted to Beth n Rod in Lessons Learned in 2018   
    I find that customers like you described are often ones that have been either taken by another contractor or were given
    unreasonable expectations.
    I have won these types over by setting the expectations and when possible over delivering.
    Then there are ones that just can't be pleased no matter what and they expect miracles. These often have conditions that can't
    be reversed and likely induced by either the homeowner/diyer or a hack.
    Some people are so difficult that I will intentionally bid it high to deter their acceptance but in the case they become desparate
    set a very low expectation.

    In the case of excessive questions, I find it that they are insecure and often a bit squirrelley to begin with. I try to be patient but
    sometimes find I have to control the narrative and leave them with either yes or no responses because they don't understand
    aspects about the project/scope/technology/chemistry etc. This helps them to find a path to a decision but I often have to leave
    a comfort line at the end, something to the effect of....if you have any further questions you can call me at...

    Guarantees. What is to guarantee in our line of work? That the dirt will come off? That the results will last 'X' years?
    I offer none where this is concerned even if I am the first one on the job because there are things I have no control over.
    I don't make the sealers, chemicals, stains etc. that are being applied. I didn't get the substrate dirty and have no idea of
    what it has been subject to and no way to tell until AFTER the work begins to reveal what was hidden or obstructed/disguised.
    What are your thoughts on Guarantees?

    Rod
     
  9. Like
    john@AEC reacted to Beth n Rod in How old is to old to be in cleaning restoration business   
    Good on you for making it all this time never the less John.

    Rod
  10. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in Sometimes...   
    Oops, I've forgotten how to insert the video, rather than just the link.... I'll get onto it right now
  11. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in Sometimes...   
    Sometimes "Softwashing" just isn't enough, so it's out with the brush. 
    https://youtu.be/wWYIyxbKAcE
     
     
    And sometimes you just feel like showing off
  12. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in How old is to old to be in cleaning restoration business   
    I'm a '64 model (if you want to know how old that is you can work it out yourself - I don't want to know) and this is definitely a young persons game, especially in summer. I've had a few injuries over the years and am not 100%, so only a couple of years left for me - but I do love working for myself, being outdoors & doing stuff for people.
  13. Haha
    john@AEC reacted to blizzy in How old is to old to be in cleaning restoration business   
    Well I'm 51 going on 20 at 6:00 A.M.
    And 51 going on intention at 6:00 P.M.
    Lol
    Feel it in the hands and knees these days but otherwise no to bad.
     
  14. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in Downstreaming - injector "operating pressure" vs pump "max pressure"   
    G'day All, I'm setting up another downstreamer and see that the "operating pressure" is, in this case, 5500psi (pressure in system upstream of injector created by the small orifice inside the injector). So, as my pump is only rated at 3600psi, this particular injector is not suitable. An "operating pressure" of 3600psi or less is needed. I have got this correct, haven't I? I've been looking at specs and comments too long & my head hurts. Will more beer help? http://www.generalpump.com/PDFs/100874-Injector.pdf
  15. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Beth n Rod in Tennis Court Cleaning   
    Hi Rob
    Bleach is your friend as most of the problem is mould - If very dirty I'll use a strong mix (about 6%), if not I'll start at about 3%. Your s/cleaner needs to be between 1000 & max of 1500psi - don't be afraid of the overlap. Then rinse a lot, sometimes twice to get rid of all the dirt & paint (I use a 2540 at 7gpm)
    https://youtu.be/Dn73yq9V0-c sorry about the link, I can't remember how to embed - i really need to get back here more often
  16. Like
    john@AEC got a reaction from Ryan556 in How's the view from your office   
    Every month I have to clean this boat ramp - worse than the view is being interrupted by people wanting to use the ramp, I just have to stare wistfully as they sail off into the sunset. I should charge more for the pain and suffering  :playful:
     
    John

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