[drive surgeon]

i aint got hot water and there is just a bit og chewing gum in places too, can anyone suggest any chemical to remove the gum that is there other than steam?  this is my first big commercial job, bit worried whether my quote was either too cheap or too dear, either way it could put them off, there was no vat on my price tho!
its not easy knowing first time.

[Kwackers]

I've got most chewing gum up with a Cold washer, and then used to Water Down Brick acid to move the markings, I know of a Hotwash System for sale if you interested.

[drive surgeon]

might try the brick acid watered down, cheers.  any other ideas?

[mark.laycock1@ntlw]

hi kwackers have you any infro on gum removal? on how to get jobs etc.

[drive surgeon]

arnt they bringing out a new gum that just disintegrates? it was on the news, maybe you could get busy doing it then bang they bring this new gum out which just dissolves on the ground so the business could dry up, just a thought??   or maybe it wont? any ideas on this subject?

[Kwackers]

I havn't done 'Gum removal' as such, just a few jobs that have a few pieces kicking around.

[Kwackers]

try company called oil technics i've got their information pack and they have some forecourt cleaning products

[drive surgeon]

hi again, gave two quotes out for two forecourts, two different companys,. as im new to the commercial side of pressure washing ( 90% of my work is domestic drives )  shall i chase my quotes up  they have not got back to me after a week,. well one was a week today and the other one i gave them last friday,  im panicking incase my quote is too high or to low ( they might think im crap with a cheap quote).  how long do you guys wait till you start worrying as i need the work now!?  as i said im new to the commercial field been doing domestic for 3 years. 

any help or ideas much appreciated. thankyou guys!

[steve doyle]

I try to get a feel for when they want the work doing whan i am arranging to quote so i can follow up at the right time.

I dont quote much for commercial stuff cos i have a couple of big customers who i have long term understandings with, but when i have quoted blind as it were i have followed up after about 1 week to "confirm they have recieved the quote  and that its in the correct format for them". Once i have broken the ice  i just ask if they had reached a decision and if they could give me any feedback on my quote. From what the feedback is i then try to verbally plug any gaps. What i want to do is get myself in a position where i can say,

"so if i can do x y and z at this price you would give me the work"
 
  If they say yes You then decide if you can. if they dont say yes i leave well alone cos you just end up driving the quote price down with no guarantees.

I wouldent always do it this way, it would depend on how formal the process is and how desperate for the work you are but in my experience it doesnt hurt to ask for the business but try to do it based on value and not just price.

just my thoughts hih,

out of interest how did you get to quote for these jobs and what sort of stuff are they? also where abouts are you based?

[drive surgeon]

they phoned me up from the bt phonebook!  iwill ring the places after a week and ask them for response on the quotes.  its not easy knowing first time arouns mind you some places are just never happy with any prices.    cheers steve, oh yeah im in the north west, were are you based?

[steve doyle]

ooh er, im just outside bury. Are we neighbours?

[drive surgeon]

no im just not far from chester 

[dandandan]

i am starting up and am looking at equipment,i have looked at a 24-30 inch whirlaway with skirt or wheels and a minimum 200 bar cold water washer,i need to know the best generator,petrol or diesel and were to purchase and get best advice etc,2 friends have offered me their large driveways to start off on and get some paid practice,i already have a mercedes van,what is the best set up,is it worth getting a water tank,i`ve read a flat one is most stable,i might get a good chunk of my start up costs from these jobs as they are 50 feet wide by 100 feet long and are just covered in dirt and moss,i have told them not to expect too much and to be patient as i am learning,they are in a well off area so if i get the right gear and impress the well healed neighbours i might get a few good jobs out of it,cheers

[mark.laycock1@ntlw]

drive surgeon how far are you from chester? could you send me your details

[dandandan]

just checking this works.no one must want to earn a few quid and sell some equipment,any enthusiastic companies out there looking for a sale,chrimbo`s coming,ha ha