[Phillips_cleaning]

First of all let me just introduce myself.  My name is Damian Barber and I have recently decided to start a carpet cleaning company.  I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone on this forum for posting such useful information.  It has saved me alot of unwanted expense and given me the confidence to go out and get started.
I now have my first two confirmed bookings for early November so please be ready to expect lots of stupid questions from me as my nerves start to giveway.
Regards
Damian Barber

[lee_gundry]

welcome to the world of carpet cleaning.

where are you from.

have you any exsperiance in the cleaning industry

get ready for the xmas rush

Lee G

[Phillips_cleaning]

I'm based in Derby.  No experience in the carpet cleaning industry. I've been a School teacher for the past 2 years so quite a change.

I have the equipment, insurance and enthusiasm.  What could go wrong?!? 

Regards
Damian

[lee_gundry]

have you done a training course.

if you require any info at all reguarding carpet cleaning,this forum will help you out.

what equipment are you using


Lee G

[Phillips_cleaning]

yep,  done a training course - got the certificates but then again so did Harold Shipman. I've also been out with a carpet cleaner but the nerves are still on edge.  I suppose they'll settle when I've cleaned a few myself.

With regards to equipment It was a toss up between the Ashby Ninja and a prochem Steampro 2000 Powerplus.
I chose the Prochem one due to the fact that I prefered the colour. (how's that for a bit of business acumen)
Regards
Damian

[Ken Wainwright]

Hi Damian

And welcome to the world of carpet and upholstery cleaning. You are entering into a world of untold riches, where fortunes and reputations can be earnt in mere days. It's a pity that the riches are not necessarily £SD

When (not if) you have a query, no matter how trivial you may think it is, always ask. You may find one or two members with a warped sense of humour, but even they don't bite (usually)

Enjoy your path to financial independance and, as always

Safe and happy cleaning
Ken

[lee_gundry]

DAMIAN

even after 12 yrs i still get nervous,this is a good thing.

always feel free to ask whatever you wish,even the weatherd pros need a littel advice sometimes,its good just to get a little reasurance.

lee G

[Dave_Lee]

Well put Lee.
Dave.

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Stage fright happens to us all even when you've been cleaning the same carpet as Mr.&Mr.Bolton but one thing I would strongly advise DO NOT go cheap, you will not last long, although a cheap cleaner will get calls immediately he or she will not make it pay and you will end up going back to your original job.

Read a few marketing books from the library.

Shaun

[Ian Gourlay]

While you are waiting for your first job in Nov spend all your free time putting out leaflets and contacting your friends offering your services.

Do not forget to ask them to refer you to other people.

If you got the nerve get them to phone their friend while you are there and introduce you.

The only thing that can go wrong as you are insured is not charging enough and not having any customers.

Apart from that less stressful ,and if you are like Lee  Shuan and Dave more lucrative than teaching. Good Luck

[Derek]

Damien

Forgive me....I have to ask...it's this enquiring mind I have.... 'The Governor' says I am just plain nosey! 

Why are you giving up a safe teaching job?

...All the hours/years of training, the superb pension, the long holidays, the delight of teaching the Nation's angelic little darlings.

Giving up 'all' this to work all hours on someones grotty carpets and upholstery. Dog mess, urine, vomit, unreasonable customers, nutty colleagues in the business, unsociable hours, few holidays, the quiet telephone (we all have 'em at times)

As you no doubt have gathered by now this is a tongue in cheek post....enjoy your new business, have fun and I wish you every success

Derek