[rb4no]

Hi all,

First off I'm new to this so please excuse my ignorance on the subject.

I'm considering getting into this game as I work from home for a business that isn't doing too well at the moment, and therefore need to consider my options etc. I can work flexi hours or can cut them down as I build up the business so want to crack on.

My questions are as follows: Has the recession hit this business, has it effected prices, has it weeded out the cowboys making it easier for the more established / professional outfits? Also, what would you guys consider for a first timer, a good secondhand truck mount with van and all accessories or a new portable etc. Not sure if there's much in the price one versus the other etc.

Many thanks,

Richard

[Jim_77]

http://youtu.be/xAGT0GXERT4

[Jim_77]

First question - do you want to be a carpet cleaner or is there a market around you that needs a carpet cleaner?

No point setting up a fridge shop in the north pole

[rb4no]

From the research i've done there appears to be demand for carpet cleaning. I am not that naive, i've helped set up other businesses in the past and presently work as an operations manager.

[robert meldrum]

Well done if you've started correctly and from the little you've written you should have a fair idea of the marketing requirements, but your question was about .....what to buy and whether the recession is biting.

The recession is having an effect on how people spend their money and c/c is only seen as a necessity when there's an event taking place like a birthday or whatever, or when an advert appears in front of someone who's aware of their dirty carpets but just never got round to doing something about it.

Although a T/M is more powerful than a portable, modern portables have more than enough grunt for 99% of carpet cleaning and cost a lot less to run and don't need large vans .  If you search through previous posts you will find posts supporting several machines and if you google triple vacuum carpet cleaning machines I'm sure you will find loads to go on.

There are several T/M's in the FOR SALE SECTION and ebay some at very attractive  prices.

[wynne jones]

I agree with Robert, I wouldn't start off with a TM, there is no need and a second hand machine comes with more expensive risks than a portable.

Now is a very bad time for starting in carpet cleaning, even established players and going under and others having to resort to slashing prices. However this does not mean YOU can't make a go of it.

[jasonl]

I would say do it , but do not expect to make more than minimum wage for at least 2 years .

The machine is the easy bit , get the phone to ring and you are a success.

[Colin Day]

I know of a very successful new start who uses a Numatic CDT902. His sales technique is fantastic and he seems to be doing a good enough job for the money he charges, which by all accounts, could easily be a fair bit more more than some TM operators earn and even us "Plastic TMers" given the expence differences. (Fuel, upkeep etc)

I think you'll get many different replies as to what to buy. I'm happy with my set up [Jaguar and Zeta] but was more than happy when I had my Alltec and was happy when I had my Extracta machine too. Research is key and if you can get to have a go with another carpet cleaners kit, all the better.... Buy the best you can afford....

When I'm looking at buying something [second hand], I am always wary of what there is plenty of for sale, and avoid it like the plague....

[peter maybury]

unless you buy a 2nd hand machine from a reputable supplier, to get the guarantee and the help on the running and service of the machine, then I would advise against buying a used machine until you know what you are looking for.   Before you make any decision  see as much as you can.  The carpet cleaning market is large and diversified and if you want to cater for most sectors you will not need just one machine but other systems. If you would like a chat give me a ring on 07788621555.  What part of the country are you in? 
Peter
www.carpetcleaningcardiff.com

[Paul H]

I was in your shoes in march / april of this year..

You have to know your budget and be disciplined and stick to it regarding start up costs....

I think soemone mentioned earlier.... getting the phone to ring is the no1 aim...

If you have or have identified a niche market or area where there will be demand for your services good for you..

My budget for start up was probably way lower that yours if you're looking at T/m... i had a second hand portable which served me well (it is now my back up machine)....as it was within my budget....

So i guess what i'm trying to say stay within your means ... marketting is the key to success by whatever means you choose to ....

theres more than a machine to think of though... training , insurance , vehicle etc....

You you've got to be disciplined with what you take wage wise too ... that is if you're actually making any money...

recession wise..... yes money is tighter so you have to manage your costs / overheads etc.. accordingly..

Don't be put off i wasn't and haven't looked back.... yeah like all on here i take the rough with the smooth sometimes it was day to day... then week to week ... then month to month...then back to day to day...but like you i was about a change of direction in my life...you won't know till you try

Good luck i wish you well...

[rb4no]

hey guys,

amny thanks for your responses some of which are very encourging. Peter I'll give you a ring if OK with you sometime tomorrow, got the family round and the missus has a roastie on the go!

dickie.

[Peter Sweeney]

hi Richard

Thought someone else would have stated the obvious by now but look at the prowler thread. Knowing what I know now I would have snapped that up straight away. Peter is no mug though, sure he will advise appropriately.

Pete