Newbee's everywhere

[Beth]

I wouldn't take them out and hand train them, which it almost sounds to me like you did. But I would answer questions and point them in helpful directions. Sharing the info they need to study in order to learn how isn't the same as handing it to them on a silver platter.

Studying (and research) is a big part of the learning process. If people don't they will not have a clue why they are doing what they are doing because the business fundementals will not be there.

There is alot to creating a true compeditor. We had a guy a couple years back steal from us and we were livid. Our marketing stuff showed up in his ads. Long story short, he's not around anymore. He had no idea why he was doing what he was doing. And, he failed miserably as a result.

Beth

 

[ron]

ron p

Just so people know what i ment as in "lowball". I just ment lowered MY reg. price to get more work.
I had a pressure wash guy stop by today to give me 2 house wash jobs. He is older and said that he has seen my work and "he dos'nt like to get on ladders anymore"
I offered to show him how to make some money but he said "no thanks"
He is going out of biz. soon because he is unwilling to learn. Also he buys everything from a HOTSY dealer. He rather go out of biz. then to learn from a "new guy" I just dont get it.
LOWBALLERS are not taking work from professionals, they are just picking up customers that would have never got anything washed unless the price was so low.
High pressure and no brains.
"I am a exterior cleaning specialist, trained in surface restoration with the use of pressurized water, combined with restoration cleaning chemicals". LOL
I have used this line when people say they can get it done cheaper then my price.

 

[Mike Hughes]

The only time I consider bidding lower then usual, is pre-season, and sometimes in August/September when we sometimes slow down.

When giving estimates for bigger jobs in September, I might include something like........!0% discount if booked before Sept 15th, 2002 or something like that......

 

[melsmobile]

HAY BIG BOY,

BY MY GUEST TA MA TION, YOUR A LOWBALLER TO THE TRUCK WASHES ON THE HIWAYS.

THERE CHARGING $83 TO , WASH TRUCK, TRAILER ,KNOK A LITTLE OIL OFF THE MOTOR AND CHASEY AND ALUMA BRITE THE TANKS, WHEELS .

SO IT TAKES THE DRIVER 3 HRS TO GET HIS OR HER TRUCK WASHER, WHAT DOSE IT COST FOR THIS TRUCK TO SET STILL FOR 3 HRS , i THANK ABOUT $75.OO OR MORE SO THAT =$158.00 TO STOP AT A TRUCK WASH.

AND THERE'S POWER WASHER CHARGING $35 BUCKS TO WASH TRUCK AND TRAILER.

I CHARGE $50 TO $60 I AM A LOWER BALLER .

YOU KNOW YOUR NOT A DRUNK IN TILL YOU START GOING TO AA MEETINGS.LOL.....

I THANK EVER ONE IS ON TRACK ON THIS SUBJECT, DONT LET SOME PISS ANT MESS UP YOUR DAY, JUST DO WHAT YOU KNOW BEST , POWER WASH EVERY DAY!

AND DIVERSIFY!

 

[Larry L.]

If these mobile guys would listen to me we wouldn't be lowballers but more than the truckwashes,it's took me several years to get the prices up here and now their going back to what was 10 years ago,my cost hasn't went down as in supplies.Really I'd like to go up more and have stated this to everybody around here,I'm already 20 dallors higher then most and can not understand what scares them from going up when they can get it which they have said it was worth more,,,,guess they scared of each other getting each others buss if going up on price.

Guess I need to hire a few employee's fire the other rigs back up and match their prices at their accounts,employee's can wash a 35 dallor rig but to get a higher rate it takes as Ron would say a "I am a fleet cleaning specialist, trained in paint restoration with the use of pressurized water, combined with restoration cleaning chemicals". hahahahahaha

 

[Larry L.]

you know what,the day I posted this thread none of the newbees(here)wants to know nothing anymore ha,see I know they read these bbs,I have nothing to hide,not even what I say on these boards.I'
m glad some of you posted what you did under the thread,it may open their eye's to see more clearly.They do not know yet but I'm fixen to start taking back what I give away 2 years ago at my prices I charge today.The first one will be a surprise to even me as it will be my first trick as to show them how the treats will taste.They can not afford to go up now b/c the tricks they thought they where pulling will cost them more than the treats they thought they where giving to the accounts ha.One of the other powerwashers(pro) here has already told one he'd kick his ass as putting him out of business haha,he also knows how to pull the trick or treats.I like these newbee's but when the truth is not in them and the stabs they say they want do starts showing its time to draw a line as in helping.

Jon its better to try to help the one's around home as it is to help them miles from you.Its better to try to teach them the right way and prices in your area,it's better to try to work with them as in teaching what its costing them in the over all cost,they do not figure everything in as they do not realize the true end cost until its to late,its the reason you see them come and go altime.I already know the accounts respects me b/c the newbee's have told me so but I have earned that respect as in being truthfull and helpfull to all until a line has been drawed.

Free Demo hahaha..got tell you this,I'm fixen to alumu'bright a 14ft. fishing boat for free,the owner of this boat has BLUE LIGHTS on top of his car,it's the least I can do for all the stop signs he see's me run on weekends,I still think rolling stops are legal hahaha

 

[rruuss]

Hey everybody alot of good reading on this thread so I thought I would put my short story on here and see what your input would be.I am one of those newbies that has just started in the business 4 months ago.My main focus is to clean roofs because there is alot of business and I have yet to find anyone in my area doing that type of work.I started by getting a license and insurance and printing flyers. Then I started researching procedures and chemicals and equipment.After spending 5000.00 I hadn't made a dime I did three roofs for free so I could get my procedures down and work with my equipment and have a chance to work any bugs out. After all said and done I had a good Idea on my pricing and what not to do [knowing that I will learn more each day].Now I've spent closer to 10000.00 and I have to work on my sales approach to get more customers. I have a long way to go before I don't see red ink and I'm really determined to make a go at this business.At a price of .15 per sq ft I'm wondering if you guys would consider me a lowballing newbie. If so I want to make some changes but I would also like to be on my way to make a profit some day. Your input would be helpful Thanks Russ