New to Your Board...

[Paul Freeman]

Hi/Hey!

I’m new to this board. I’ve been thinking about investing around 40-60k into starting a PW business.

If you had 40 – 60K hanging around and wanted to get into PW, what kind of equipment would you buy?

We’re also willing to invest in a truck, and perhaps a trailer as a backup.

We just moved to central Florida and I can’t believe how much dirt is on everything… yes I do realize that we’re having a drought.

However, I spoke to the County Licensing people today and they say “I’m exempt†as a licensed PW (If I were one)…

Regards,
Paul

PS: Great board. Been lurking around for awhile now. !!!

 

[Mark]

Paul,
WELCOME TO THE BOARD!


My opinion may be kind of biased but being as you asked, here are a few of my suggestions:

http://store.yahoo.com/pressurewasherzone/allamstreami.html


http://store.yahoo.com/pressurewasherzone/50psihothigp.html

I would be happy to assist you with your selection.

 

[Mike Hughes]

Paul,

Welcome to the board. Use the search function, it will prove to be very helpful for you.

Drought conditions are murder for residential business........yeah, the state may say its OK........but it doesnt mean anything, because the customers simply do not call! No one wants their neighbors looking over and seeing some guy using 500 gallons of water to wash the house next door, when they don't even flush their toilet every time......

If I had $40 to $60 K to start with, first off I would save alot of it for working capital. You will be amazed how much money gets spent on things you didnt even think about or plan for.

I would suggest a 3000 psi, 5 or 5.5 GPM hot water machine, and maybe a cold water machine as a back up. Get set up with hose reels and a water tank........but be really careful, because all of this stuff weights quite a bit. You have to make sure your vehicle can handle the weight. Here is a picture of my rig:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1471628&a=11073115&p=45852259



I don't pull the trailer with the van in the picture anymore, because it was too much for it........blew the rear out. Pull it with a F-250 Super Duty now.

I encourage you to read old posts on this board, do searches on topics of interest, and post any questions you might have.......no matter how small or dumb they might seem.

 

[David Saulque]

Buying good equipment is very important without question. However the next step is the killer and that being lack of customers or simple cash flow. Building a company takes time and it can be overwhelming. I would consider buying a small size biz. with a good reputation and build from that base.

David

 

[Schaeffer]

Hi, I too am new to this Biz and agree we Mike. Save some cash for the unknow. This morning I was all set to go to were I work 2nd shift to clean up our two picnic tables and the truck died half way up my street. Theres $200 of the window.

Moral of the story: make sure your vehicle is running good too.

ps, I've read most of the post from Dec to date and have found tons of info. Yes, I'll still have many ?'s for all. Hopfully answers too.

pps I wish I had 40-60 Grand to play with

 

[Dan Flynn]

Welcome Scott

We look forward to hearing from you.

 

[Mobile Master]

Welcome

Paul, I to I'm new the business, The first thing I did is asked and learned as much as i could, then i purchased a ford 350 diesel dually, Because of the weight i can carry, then i shop around for a pressure wash rig and chemical, i purchase one from Marchman chemical out of GA. Then i hook up with another pressure washing out fit to Learn as much as i could, and help each other out because good help is hard to find. If there's anything i can help with just ask. My e-mail address is [e-mail]rwh@kimbanet.com good luck. Randy PS. The guys are right save as much as you can because its hard at First, be real tight with your money because there is alot of eqiupment that can make your job go easy, you will find as you go along all the neat stuff you can get.

 

[Barry Loy]

[green][red] [wow] Hi Paul, Welcome to this board. These are wonderful and helpful folks here. They are truly professionals looking to be of help anywhere they can.
[wow][red][green]
Barry Loy

 

[David Saulque]

Welcome, save your money hard times are coming-just look at this BB - 500 plus members and only 15 people have an extra $50 to support this BB. No problem- I am somewhat shocked by the lack of real support-.075%

Some people (me included) have no problem sending PWMA $250 per year - with limited gain. With this Network all gain and no junk mail. Ask a question-anything and you will get a answer. Ask PWNA and you get a discount on Fedex-outgoing. Who uses Fedex so much as to see a gain?

Put your money in a T Bill.

David