Been at it for three weeks, done 2 jobs. Im ready to pull my hair out! I know none of you can remedy my problems, but at least if you don't mind go back too your early day's and think about your frustrations. What did you do different, who did you approach,what was your approach? Already plenty of prayer going on (could alway's use more), I would just enjoy (and learn) to hear about some of your experiences. _
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Check out this this free event.
frustration!!!!!!
- Thread starter mcelreaux
- Start date
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MARK W.
Guest
I would hand out flyers and wait for the phone to ring.
If I got no calls, I would hit another area with flyers.
Keep going!!
GOOD LUCK!
If I got no calls, I would hit another area with flyers.
Keep going!!
GOOD LUCK!
When I started 2 1/2 years ago, the first thing I did was find nice - dirty upscale neighborhoods and put flyers on every house that looked like it needed cleaning. Eventually, I put out almost 500 flyers...and got NO calls! Along the way, I tried re-wording, added pics, color...nothing.
Talk about being frustrated. I found that by following a few rules, you can build your pressure washing business:
1. Ring door bells. Find a dirty house and ring the bell. Have a few before and after pics if you can, offering a few local references would help - but not required.
2. Price right. If you try to make enough to retire off of each customer, you are doomed. By pricing fairly, (what are other pw's charging for similar houses?) homeowners will be more likely to buy. Tell the customer that they don't pay until after the work is done - their guarantee that the work will be done right.
3. Treat the customers home as if it were your own. Don't stop cleaning until you would be satisfied - if it were your house. As I am rather picky, 99% of the time, I have no complaints.
4. Do the little extras. Wash the lawn furniture/picnic table and especially the mailbox. My goal is to have the customer thinking: "Wow, he did a great job and he even did _____ without being asked!" rather than "Why didn't he do the chairs? I would have paid extra...why didn't he mention it?"
5. Don't bite off more than you can chew. If you are not sure if you can do the job - don't take it or at least ask the customer is if you can do a test to "make sure that you'll be staisfied."
6. Ask satisfied customers for referrals. Always leave a few extra cards with a customer. People are always surprised when a contractor actually does what he says he will do, when he saiys he'll do it and for the price he says he'll do it. When someone finds a contractor like that, they'll WANT to spread your name around.
7. A classy yard sign. I debated for a few months about spending the $80 for my first. My parents bought me one as a gift because they saw the need. The FIRST time I put it out, it generated over $2,000 worth of business - within the first 2 weeks. Several neighbors saw it - did theirs, plus others that saw it on their lawn. I still get calls directly related to that first sign - 2 years later!
8. Look professional. From the beginning, I had my logo embroidered on my shirts, caps and jackets. (I found a local shop that charged $35 to scan the logo then charges $8 per item. I can bring my own stuff and there is no minimums.) Khaki pants (Dickies - they wear like iron) and work shoes/boots. Keep your rig/truck clean, with tasteful signage. Many of my customers - and my largest commercial account - called because they saw the signs or just liked the look of my set-up.
Well, there you have it...my recipe for success. Use it in good health.
Oh yeah, fervent prayer also helps!
Talk about being frustrated. I found that by following a few rules, you can build your pressure washing business:
1. Ring door bells. Find a dirty house and ring the bell. Have a few before and after pics if you can, offering a few local references would help - but not required.
2. Price right. If you try to make enough to retire off of each customer, you are doomed. By pricing fairly, (what are other pw's charging for similar houses?) homeowners will be more likely to buy. Tell the customer that they don't pay until after the work is done - their guarantee that the work will be done right.
3. Treat the customers home as if it were your own. Don't stop cleaning until you would be satisfied - if it were your house. As I am rather picky, 99% of the time, I have no complaints.
4. Do the little extras. Wash the lawn furniture/picnic table and especially the mailbox. My goal is to have the customer thinking: "Wow, he did a great job and he even did _____ without being asked!" rather than "Why didn't he do the chairs? I would have paid extra...why didn't he mention it?"
5. Don't bite off more than you can chew. If you are not sure if you can do the job - don't take it or at least ask the customer is if you can do a test to "make sure that you'll be staisfied."
6. Ask satisfied customers for referrals. Always leave a few extra cards with a customer. People are always surprised when a contractor actually does what he says he will do, when he saiys he'll do it and for the price he says he'll do it. When someone finds a contractor like that, they'll WANT to spread your name around.
7. A classy yard sign. I debated for a few months about spending the $80 for my first. My parents bought me one as a gift because they saw the need. The FIRST time I put it out, it generated over $2,000 worth of business - within the first 2 weeks. Several neighbors saw it - did theirs, plus others that saw it on their lawn. I still get calls directly related to that first sign - 2 years later!
8. Look professional. From the beginning, I had my logo embroidered on my shirts, caps and jackets. (I found a local shop that charged $35 to scan the logo then charges $8 per item. I can bring my own stuff and there is no minimums.) Khaki pants (Dickies - they wear like iron) and work shoes/boots. Keep your rig/truck clean, with tasteful signage. Many of my customers - and my largest commercial account - called because they saw the signs or just liked the look of my set-up.
Well, there you have it...my recipe for success. Use it in good health.
Oh yeah, fervent prayer also helps!
Everett
Member
Ssshhh,don't tell anybody!
True Stories
My first house I washed was a split-level.I was up on the roof when I realized I needed more hose, one good pull of the hose and there goes the ladder. I sat there for 20-30 minutes before the neighbor helped out.
The second house I did I was cleaning up and putting my ladder in the back of the van when the homeowner came up and said "here let me help", and the ladder went right through the windshield! Ironically I was scheduled to have a ladder rack put on the next day!
John's post is great! Hang in there and I believe sometimes you have to create your own luck.I'm sure glad I didn't let those first experiences of mine stop me!
True Stories
My first house I washed was a split-level.I was up on the roof when I realized I needed more hose, one good pull of the hose and there goes the ladder. I sat there for 20-30 minutes before the neighbor helped out.
The second house I did I was cleaning up and putting my ladder in the back of the van when the homeowner came up and said "here let me help", and the ladder went right through the windshield! Ironically I was scheduled to have a ladder rack put on the next day!
John's post is great! Hang in there and I believe sometimes you have to create your own luck.I'm sure glad I didn't let those first experiences of mine stop me!
melsmobile
New Member
Way to go John Orr , great post!
Mel
Mel
Great advice John I really appreciate the info. Like you I'm picky, I've only done 2 things so far but I was so excited when I got done with the work I couldnt wait to see the customers reaction to the before and after difference. Each customer said they were very pleased, so I know if I can just get something going word of mouth will kick in. Ron, as far customers go I seem to be leaning towards residential,but at this point will clean anything possible. As far as equipment goes I have a landa 21hp, 3500 psi, hot, 4.5 gpm,surface cleaner, 18ft. ext. wand, dual lance wand,500 gal. tank, 150 ft hose,and chemicals.
ron p /mc
if i were you i would look at truck washing or flat work.
If you invest say 10 hour's looking for residental work you might get 1 or two jobs.
If you invested 10 hrs. going after a fleet account you might end up with a job every week for a year from 1 customer,same goes for flatwork[maybe 12 times a year-more like 6]
Truck washing is not for everyone but it's the most frequent type of washing.
Get one or two small fleet's then do some other things.
Truck washing can be the bread and butter.
You have the equipment to wash darn near anything.
Find out who the larger property management co. that are in your area.
If you have a lot of condo's find out who is in charge and send them a letter introducing yourself.
What are you useing to haul your equipment?
That can be a huge advertisement.
You need to TARGET your customer's. You need BEFORE and AFTER pictures. Use the photo's in your ads.
Farm equipment maybe a good one for you?
Heavy equipment,post office[trucks],any co that has a small fleet,
New construction work,ect....
if i were you i would look at truck washing or flat work.
If you invest say 10 hour's looking for residental work you might get 1 or two jobs.
If you invested 10 hrs. going after a fleet account you might end up with a job every week for a year from 1 customer,same goes for flatwork[maybe 12 times a year-more like 6]
Truck washing is not for everyone but it's the most frequent type of washing.
Get one or two small fleet's then do some other things.
Truck washing can be the bread and butter.
You have the equipment to wash darn near anything.
Find out who the larger property management co. that are in your area.
If you have a lot of condo's find out who is in charge and send them a letter introducing yourself.
What are you useing to haul your equipment?
That can be a huge advertisement.
You need to TARGET your customer's. You need BEFORE and AFTER pictures. Use the photo's in your ads.
Farm equipment maybe a good one for you?
Heavy equipment,post office[trucks],any co that has a small fleet,
New construction work,ect....
Hey , Ron , I've contacted every listed property mgmnt. co. in my area. I've never encountered as many cold shoulders. I know banging on doors is the most important thing right now. What do you avg. per truck? I haven't pursued(spelling) trucking co. yet I chated with Dan S briefly about it but have no idea how to get it. I'm sure Bigboy can help with this, he's close enough to Texas to Know my market! I've been in contact with Mel from Mels Mobile quite a bit he's been a huge help, I really appreciate all your help in this. THANKS.
truck prices depend on your local market.
If you have a ton of new guy's all cutting each others throat's then it might not be worth it. If recovery is needed then you will need to invest a lot more money. There are a lot of variables that go into truck washing. Im still part time and the clock's getting moved will screw me, now i have to work 7 days a week. I turn down work regularly because of time restraint's.
I have been at this for 2 years and never put one thin dime in my pocket. The good news is when i do go full time this spring EVERYTHING i have will be paid off, including my insurances for the year. Then i saved all my deductions for after im married and to use on my first year. This will make my first real year a lot less stressfull. Plus i allready have my bread and butter account's set-up.
If you have a ton of new guy's all cutting each others throat's then it might not be worth it. If recovery is needed then you will need to invest a lot more money. There are a lot of variables that go into truck washing. Im still part time and the clock's getting moved will screw me, now i have to work 7 days a week. I turn down work regularly because of time restraint's.
I have been at this for 2 years and never put one thin dime in my pocket. The good news is when i do go full time this spring EVERYTHING i have will be paid off, including my insurances for the year. Then i saved all my deductions for after im married and to use on my first year. This will make my first real year a lot less stressfull. Plus i allready have my bread and butter account's set-up.
One of my biggest problems is getting my hands on the decision makers. Some of these places have better blockers than any NFL team. I know I have the ability to sell, that's what I did for the last ten years. I did business with car dealers, if you can sell those guys you can sell anyone. I considered doing dealer cars but these guys around here are getting $.80 per car avg. and I'm a one man show I wouldnt have the speed to make it very lucrative(spelling). Also these guys in Houston try to gank you on anything they can, not all but alot do, If a car had a pre-existing scratch it would still be my fault. I,m costing myself money every day driving around looking for business, for now I'm going to find other work and do my bus. on the side I know nothing in life worth having or doing is easy and takes time and patience I'm just ready to set the world on fire and feeling frustrated. I really appreciate the advice, Thanks.
doug mckenzie
New Member
16 yrs ago i contacted painters to do their power washing. some don't pay well and are slow to pay. i also went to the real estate people. take pictures right now so you can show before and after.
tell the painters you will wash the house while they are making money painting. when they finish a house anouther one will be dry and ready for them to go to work.for the realtor's tell them a clean house is more likely to sell faster (curb appeal).
suds mckenzie
quality housewashing
tell the painters you will wash the house while they are making money painting. when they finish a house anouther one will be dry and ready for them to go to work.for the realtor's tell them a clean house is more likely to sell faster (curb appeal).
suds mckenzie
quality housewashing
Jon
New Member
mcelreaux if Dan Flynn still has his business for sale contact him, it would put you right into the work force with ongoing accounts.
Other then that nothing happens overnight, it takes time and you need to go back weekly for several weeks.
How to get passed the palace guard, call and ask the operator for the name of the fleet maintence manager, or facilities manager.
Then wait a day and call back making an appointment or if you don't think they will make one show up asking by name for that person, more then likely once you know the name that sweet palace guard will let you in.
Take her flowers too!
Smile, don't call her honey, sweetie or any other name but her own and more then likely it is on her desk. The more prepared you are the better a chance you have to get a foot in the door.
Other then that nothing happens overnight, it takes time and you need to go back weekly for several weeks.
How to get passed the palace guard, call and ask the operator for the name of the fleet maintence manager, or facilities manager.
Then wait a day and call back making an appointment or if you don't think they will make one show up asking by name for that person, more then likely once you know the name that sweet palace guard will let you in.
Take her flowers too!
Smile, don't call her honey, sweetie or any other name but her own and more then likely it is on her desk. The more prepared you are the better a chance you have to get a foot in the door.
Doug , good idea about the painters. I painted my way thru high school. I would of loved to have had the house washed 1st. would of cut the time on site by a 3rd. I think my frustration has me unfocused. In this business there are endless possibilities I just need to get focus right I guess, Johnn Orr nailed it.
Jon, I spoke to Dan and would love to buy him out, bad thing is I put everything I have into what I have now. I will take your advice on calling 1st. That's classic sales strategy just been a little discomboobelated lately. Is that a word?
Jon, I spoke to Dan and would love to buy him out, bad thing is I put everything I have into what I have now. I will take your advice on calling 1st. That's classic sales strategy just been a little discomboobelated lately. Is that a word?