[Michael Moss]

Hi, son is trying to aquire knowledge of carpet cleaning equipment, he's based nr bury st edmonds, has been recommender the Prowler 315, but not sure if this is OTT for domestic use? can anyone advise?

                 Mike

[Joe H]

I have a Prowler 315 and use it 99 of the time for domestic work, and I dont think it is over the top. You naturally want the best you can afford to do a good job for the people paying your wages - the customer.

However, the 315 is not being imported to the UK at moment, as I understand.
But the 13hp Honda engined Prowler is very good too, more compact but packs a punch very similar to the 315, and at a less cost.

Restormate are the importer/distributor.

[Michael Moss]

Thanks Joe, will look into it and pass the info on,  thanks for the source to

                            Mike

[davep]

Where on Merseyside are you?   I have the 13hp Prowler 

[Michael Moss]

Hi davep, I'm nr prescot, son lives nr Bury St Edmonds, still in army but leaving soon and looking to get self employed in this area, as he's in the Army he dosent get to much time to investigate whats on offer and has asked me to help. Would you recomend this machine, Joe Hatton has mentioned it being a decent machine for most cases, think my son would rather have something thats up for the job in case he can aquire some commercial or industrial work at a later date as he develops the buisiness, he's due out in Sept and can afford a little extra.

                                    Mike

[Ian Gourlay]

Mike

If army offers resettlement courses and finnancial assistance for training etc might be worth him contacting Alltec.co.uk

For Training

I personally would love a Prowler


But do not spend all money on equipment Marketing can be expensive and you need to have a good Marketing Plan

Plus money to live on until you move to profit

[davep]

Great machine, I can clean your carpets and see for yourself 

[Michael Moss]

Thanks lads, for all your support, and yes Ian, he can get some training advice and an allowance which goes a long way to helping, the advice on marketing is greatly needed to as none of us have ever being self employed, think we dont realise how important this side of a business can be, maybe a Business course could help whilst in Army which is also provided I think. Thanks for your recommendation also Davey, seems we arnt to far out with the machine anyway, sorry wont be needing you for a while as carpets replaced just a few yrs back, but will keep you in mind, thanks again lads.

                              Mike

[davep]

Replcaed a few years back?  They are due a clean then 

[Michael Moss]

davep, how you find te machine, is training to operate it given at time of purchase by Restormate?

                                 Mike

[davep]

Its easy enough, you dont get training but you do get great after sales support from Restormate.  You can get training at ncca and Prochem, but after that you really need to go out on the job with someone.

[Joe H]

Michael
You will get training how to operate your new Prowler off John Kelly

but as for becoming a good carpet cleaning operative, that takes a little longer.

I would get your son to do a carpet and upholstery cleaning course.

National Carpet Cleaners do them at various times of the year. They are in Leicester.
http://ncca.co.uk/training.php

Alltec, Prochem, Cleansmart and others will do training.

I recommend he does some training course before he buys a machine, takes in the knowledge, and then builds on this with further training. Its all an investment, and of course tax deductable as a business expense.

[Michael Moss]

Thanks for your advice lads, never really thought that theres so many people around who freely give their time and knowledge to strangers who look to do something similar and try to look to making an honest living. Theres still some very decent people out there, thanks again.

                                       Mike