Should I even try at this age?

[jmccalip]

First of all, let me start off by saying I am 16.

I live in an older neighborhood where all the homes need to be pressure washed. I have the money to buy a decent washer, but not a trailer. I was thinking without a trailer and being only 16, people wouldn't take me seriously. I've been talking with some friends who did this at my age, and one of them made enough money to buy a new z71 pickup... All he had was a small HD washer, maybe 3000psi.


I was thinking about getting a 3.5-4gpm washer with a surface cleaner, chemicals, extended wand...ect. Would that be sufficient?


The thing that worries me is insurance. I don't know if I could afford it if I didn't get some business in a hurry. I am probably too young to start, but I enjoy pressure washing and I need a new job. I have some money to start if I could just get some business.


Thanks

 

[James S]

You've got to start somewhere....it's nice to see that you're young and willing to work. It seems that's hard to come by these days. It's also nice to see you're thinking about insurance and the right way to do business.

 

[jmccalip]

Ha, yeah actually I've already been working for a year at Chick-Fil-A since they hired at 15. I just now quit since I couldn't stand the job and was having some trouble with the boss...


Anyways, I was thinking about the Dewalt DP3750
http://www.tylertool.com/dewalt170.html

3750psi
4.0gpm

Seems like a good choice with the Honda engine and a CAT pump(on half of them). Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[Larry L.]

"some friends" "and one" "made enough" "new z71" "small HD washerget" "get some business in a hurry."

lol just think I could had a z71 back when I was 16 ifen I had powerwashing friends to listen to,that is ifen I was the lucky one.

 

[5 Star Johnny]

Not sure about your state, but I don't believe you could get insurance for this type of business at 16. In fact, we can't even allow anyone under 18 to operate motorized equipment. The only exception is if it were one of our children, and they don't work for us. Good to see you have ambition though. Good Luck!

 

[jmccalip]

Huh, oh well.


I guess my best bet would be to try and find someone that needs a helper. It would probably help to have some more knowledge down the road. Although I doubt anyone would want to hire a highschooler...

Thanks for the replies.

 

[DPProWash]

Yeah...I don't know how insurance works as far as age goes, but sounds like this is something you might want to do what you're thinking, which is get someone that needs a helper. Most of the guys I know that have a helper pay decent money, much more than most 'kids' make at chik-fil-a or circuit city, etc...

Plus, with 2 years under you're belt, you'll know exactly what you need to get started, and hopefully have enough put away to get it.

--

Stick with it though for sure...I just saw a younger kid (16 or so) walking up the street today pushing his mower along, stopping at all the houses with long grass...All the other kids are out riding bikes, skateboards, or playing tag football (nothing wrong with these things of course). I bet that kid makes it far in life if he keeps his work ethic where it is now.

If you have a plan, stick with it, adapt, and make it happen.

 

[MR ALAN]

Try this out, http://www.powerwashnetwork.com/showthread.php?t=8838


Anyway, my insurance company never asked how old I was, just how long the business has been in operation. If you are serious about this, wouldn't your parents offer to help you out on insurance? Maybe the down payment and you could make the payments yourself.

 

[jmccalip]

Wow, that insurance is a bit steep. More than I expected, that's for sure...

Any ideas on how/where I go about trying to find someone that needs a helper?

 

[MR ALAN]

Wow, that insurance is a bit steep. More than I expected, that's for sure...

Any ideas on how/where I go about trying to find someone that needs a helper?

The classifieds would be a good start. What happened to the guy that bought the Z71? Is he still washing?

 

[jmccalip]

The classifieds would be a good start. What happened to the guy that bought the Z71? Is he still washing?

No, he doesn't have time anymore since he's moving off to college. He's too far away(about 30min) for me to take over his customers though. He started when he was 14 and just pushed it around the neighborhood for 3 years.

I guess I'll give Craigslist a try.

 

[roxette123]

I can tell you from experience that there would be plenty of people willing to hire a 16 year old. If you lived in Florida I would give you a try myself. Trouble is most 16 year olds don't seem to be reliable and keen enough but you sound as though you would be a great asset and you'd learn so much that you could utilize in your own business. Don't give up - it can be a very rewarding business.