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    Question about Deadbeat customer

    That is the funniest thing I have heard all week !!! Deposit money in the deadbeat's account and present your check for payment. You have done nothing at all wrong, in fact you gave money away. I also like the advice given by others. We cannot do anything about the way people act, but we can...
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    New Rate Survey??? (long post)

    "As Dave Simpson stated what is wrong with trying to put them out of the buz." I think I see the problem. Reading is a skill, and what I said was that what is wrong is trying to put someone out of business through unfair trade practices. My friends, I support the concept of candid...
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    Ready Seal Odor??

    I have to say I love to apply READY SEAL, but it would be great if Chris would take a minute and provide direct and authoritative answers on this whole odor and mildewcide matter. I had already shared that mildewcide comment with many workers before this other info surfaced. 2nd hand and 3rd...
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    New Rate Survey??? (long post)

    I was rather amused by some of these posts. "Kill the messenger"? huh? From the posts I read the writers took issue with what you said, not aiming at you personally. After all these years I am leary of warnings without specific sources given. At seminars and trade shows, there are all sorts of...
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    A final thought on the PWNA, *LONG POST*

    Where is their web site? It doesn't take too long to sort through a site to see if the organization is progressive, informative, and accurate in the info it presents. Thanks. ------------------ Dave Simpson "90% of Customer Problems Can be Preempted by Excellent Communication and Organization."
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    What Can PWNA Do For Me? ...besides costing me $250.00.

    I am a member of other professional organizations, but not yet this one. I respectfully disagree...all trade organizations are NOT the same. Some are progressive, focused, and useful. Others are stagnant and self-serving, with little redeeming value. We do not join them to hope that bigger...
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    Advertizing

    Sounds good, Rick !! I figured you just wanted the guys to simmer down a bit... just stirring the pot for fun, eh? I love it !! ------------------ Dave Simpson "90% of Customer Problems Can be Preempted by Excellent Communication and Organization."
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    Advertizing

    I enjoyed this whole set of comments as the issue was explained and debated. The only time I winced was when I read the post, in all caps, that implied that the professionals with sincere questions were "crying" about something. The purpose of this forum is EXACTLY that, to discuss and...
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    Attention X-Jet owners of the World!

    I'm glad you noted that product problem, but, to be fair, give the vendor a chance to answer your questions or explain the situation. Who knows? Maybe he took a short vacation, or had an emergecy come up. Call the office and I'm sure someone will be able to deal with the situation. By the way...
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    Need insurance advice BAD!

    After 20 years in business, I have to ask the question a different way. If I hired a subcontractor or vendor, what would I think if they put me on their "Pay no mind list"? OR, if you took a customers money and didn't follow through, should you be surprised if they move on? And... are we all...
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    Question 'O The Day - "Typical Deck Pricing"

    Let's kick around some pricing issues.(Yes, this could be in the marketing area, I suppose.)Your 'typical' deck bid: - Whatis your routine? - What are the "red flag" concerns that you look for? - Do you just eyeball the job? Measure? Count spindles? - Surcharge for elevated decks? - How do you...
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    Surface cleaner on deacks????

    I agree with the above post. Under certain conditions it makes no difference, but then there are times when there can be a shadowing that blends MUCH better when we follow the grain. Just as with a wand, consistency, both in pattern and speed, is important. ------------------ Dave Simpson "90%...
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    Protecting against overspray?

    I like to use cardboard to hold back plants, and for railings. I also am going to try a 3' wide roll of kraft paper, used for protecting carpets after cleaning. I know one contractor that uses a 4 x 8 sheet of luan plywood, and it has about 50 coats of overspray. It is always wet and smudges all...
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    Surface cleaner on deacks????

    I also use the surface cleaner,but do agree that you MUST know what you are doing. The advantages are that you can create a more uniform result on the deck cleaning and is more efficient. I agree that you can't be greedy... leave the perimeter for the wand. The swirl marks can be from low...
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    Almost Free Asphault shingle job

    "I have learned a LONG time ago that people get defensive when you hit your mark." Or, people get bothered when we sometimes jump to conclusions. It's all subjective. It's like I heard a while back, when someone says, "I'm being brutally honest", sometimes they savor the 'brutal' more than they...
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    Chat Tonight 7pm Central Time

    Dan is correct. For me (and maybe many of us) it's not a lack of interest, but a lack of time in the busy spring/ summer season. ------------------ Dave Simpson "90% of Customer Problems Can be Preempted by Excellent Communication and Organization."
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    Mold Mildew and Fungas

    Hey, count me in. There were some excellent discussion in different formats. This also helps us to talk to customers in a more knowledgeable and authoritative manner. There is nothing wrong with admitting to a customer that we don't know, but will check, but... how much better if we DO know...
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    Seatbelts ( A Tragic Wake Up Call )

    I add my deepest sympathies to the above expressions. As a father, I also choked up to think that this could and does happen. I also agree that this is an extreme test of faith, and for a certainty God is not at fault. We look forward to that time when families will be reunited in joy and love...
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    Scared of anything over 2 story's, what to do....?

    Jeremy, Please get back to us with the details, time of job, profit (was it worth it?), difficulty, etc. After all is said and done, would you do it again? ------------------ Dave Simpson "90% of Customer Problems Can be Preempted by Excellent Communication and Organization."
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    Deisel fuel and hydraulic oil as a sealer

    I agree that owner can do as he wants, but I'd even have him sign a disclaimer that you are getting paid for washing only, and do not recommend his method of sealing. Thanks to Jim for his excellent history lesson as to this very risky method. ------------------ Dave Simpson "90% of Customer...
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