[Ged Renwick]

Maybe not,
but seriously, complete newbie starting up and would be grateful of any and all advice with regards to what i need.
i have been looking through the forums and this is what i think i need.

HWE Machine and tools

Bonnet system

Sebo vac?

Oreck orbiter/Sebo duo?

Sprayers

Dryers

If you think there is anything missing from this "starter package" or something on my list that i dont really need please let me know.
I want to provide a professional service from day one and be proud of my work.
Iam booked in for a 2 day training course on the 26th/27th of may after which i would like to get some hands on experience before taking the  NCCA course.
Any advice on marketing would also be appreciated.
I have looked on the internet and yell.com and as far as i can tell i would not be competing with anyone in my immediate area.

Thanks in advance, Ged

[Reno's Carpet Care]

Start by going to the course.  Meet with others who are in the class.  Ask them what equipment you should start with.

Spend about $300 or more for Joe Polish Piranha Marketing CD set.

In the search engine you put in <city name> carpet cleaning and got nothing?

[Mark Lawrence]

Ged

Do yourself a favour and have a look at Cleaners Mate. Starting off on the right foot is essential in this game.

Good luck with your equipment purchases - hope it works out as you seem to have the right attitude.

Mark

[Ged Renwick]

In the search engine you put in <city name> carpet cleaning and got nothing?

Hi Reno,
 In my town I got One hit and they were contract cleaners with carpet
cleaning well down on the list of services,once I am up and running i may offer my services 

[Ged Renwick]

Hi Mark,
Will do. Thanks.
Ged.

[Joe H]

Ged
You from N.Yorks.
Where abouts in N.Yorks?
York itself or further north.
I know a very good c/cleaner in Whitby - posts on here occassionally.
Not everyone has websites nor advertise on yell.com, so dont rely on those as 100% true reflection of whats what.
And even if you were the only one in your town then dont start rubbing your hands together yet. May surprise you to know the %age number of people who have there carpets cleaned on a regular basis is very low. any will never have them cleaned!

[oliver collins]

Hi Joe

Meet mic roper the other weekend at a meeting great guy knows his stuff has given me some good advice regarding rug cleaning.

He was telling me what a good guy you are, and that you keep the faith.

Regards Oliver Collins

PS sorry to hijack the topic

[Ged Renwick]

Hi Joe,
I,m in Richmond,aprox 4 miles from Scotch Corner on A1.
Any opinions on my equipment list?
I could use some feedback.
Regards Ged

[Joe H]

Hi Ged
A comprehensive list there. Dont know what you budget is but there is a few quid there.
HWE - get at least a 2 vac machine with a min of 135psi, preferably higher ie 400
A bonnet system may not be necessary straight off - depends if you going to target commercial with low profile. If not initially then you could save spending that money straight away. You will get a 2nd hand bonnet machine cheaply, but new pads cost a bit.
Whilst an aggitator like a Duo or Oreck may be good (I prefer a heavier machine like a Envirodri/Host) you could stick a brush on the bottom of a bonnet machine and use that. Or save money and buy a long handled carpet brush (you will need one anyway).
A good upholstery tool is needed.
A stair cleaning tool.

Advertising is going to need a good budget not only initially but for a good time after as well.
You will need public liability insurance. Lots of threads on this forum - do a search. Make sure you get "treatment risk" included, covers for the carpet/upholstery you working on. Best to have this, but you will need it if you want to join NCCA.

Glad to see you investing in training. NCCA is a good course - enjoy. Maybe you will get down to their Technical Day here in Warrington on 9th June. See another thread for more details.

[Andrew Briscoe]

Hi Ged, if you would like to spend a day with me you are welcome,
your just along the A66 from me, i could sort out a day when i can show you HWE,
bonneting and truckmount if you like.

You will be able to see the basics, and give you a beter idea of what you need to do.

andrewbriscoe@fsmail.net

Scotch corner is only 49 miles owert hill from me.

Andrew.

PS you will need a few quid to buy the bacon butties !!!   

[Ged Renwick]

Hi Andrew,
So, I have to work for free AND buy the butties!  .....

Ok I'm in!
I'll even stretch to bacon and egg butties (with brown sauce) 
Give me  a call to arrange 07990554889

Thanks Ged.