trying to get started with used equipment . help!

Most of us started under the same restrictions, that is how you start out.

Here is what you need to look at. You only make money if the wand is moving, so you need to focus on that over all else. That means finding work and working efficiently to provide yourself the most profit possible.

Portables can clean....no doubt about it, but it is the truckmount that gets you more work and allows you to work more efficiently. Getting to the point where you can make that leap will be important for your business and your future in this industry.

That doesn't mean going out and getting a second mortgage or something, but it should be on your radar and it will always be a risky move unless you win the lottery. You just have to find out if this business is a good fit for you and then follow your instincts.

Baby steps.

Don't quit your day job.

Learning to clean efficiently with a portable is one of the best ways to master the fundamentals of cleaning and will pay of in the future and will help you avoid overextending yourself financially which is a common pitfall.

There is a lot to be said about the IICRC, but at a few hundred bucks, a 3 day class may be of benefit towards building a solid foundation and learning the fundamentals.

At the least, obtaining a copy of the IICRC's S100 clening standards and reference guide offers a good read.

Consider any business "partner" as being equivalent to 2 wives.

A blank 50/50 agreement without a clearly contracted exit strategy or buyout/buy-down terms which are well in your favor is a risky proposition which warrants clear safeguards against the very likelihood of it going sour, which should be expected in drafting contract terms.

I chose this business specifically because of my previous financial complications with so-called "partners" involving several different businesses, and to isolate myself from it happening again in the future.

I haven't been on in a while. Been battling kidney stones and haven't done much of anything. I have a applebees to clean the carpets in. My mytee is down . I have the whittaker going. Would it be a good idea to try to clean restaurant carpet with just the whittaker? I'm hesitant because of the grease and food stains. the carpet is a year old and hasn't been touched. They recently had the parking lot resurfaced and the tracking has done its toll on the carpet also.

Sorry to hear about the kidney stones....reduce the protein and increase the water and you should not have any more problems. I went through a period like that due to chronic dehydration, always carry a bottle with me now.

It doesn't sound like a great situation for the Whittaker solo....might work, but you will have to work hard to do it and that means wasting a lot of time. Do you have someone who can loan you a unit?

i can borrow that brand new truck mount on a 50/50 split. might be worth while just to get the account.

its still sitting in the guys driveway with 3 hrs on it

Well, 50% beats 0% everytime. If you need the tm to get the account, then that would be the right move.

I still would try for 60/40 in your favor as he isn't out there using it and the more contracts you can find, they better chance he has of selling you that unit.

yea. i want to get a good cleaning on it and sale a maintenance program with the whittaker.

You have the right plan then.....go in fully loaded, and DRINK MORE.

milspec6 wrote:You have the right plan then.....go in fully loaded, and DRINK MORE.

Water that is.....

Will do!!! I drink like a camel now.. thanks

I would tell him youll work off the TM at a 50/50.

basically any TM you try and sell on craigslist or wherever you can expect a 60-70% loss.

30k TM youll probably get 13/14k for it all said and done if your lucky and thats not going to sell in the first week, I still see TMs on CL that were posted 3 years ago.. price slowly drops but it never sells until it gets really low and they accept the loss.


so maybe you could work a deal with him so he gets a much better price for his lightly used equipment but paid off slowly over a few years

partners arent bad as long as you both trust each other.

however many carpet cleaners are untrustworthy

I highly doubt a crb will do the job on a greasy pit restaurant even as an in between high heat TM maintenance program

Yeah, I agree with Mo, it will need TM to clean restaurant properly, unless if it's cleaned very frequently, like once a month, which I doubt they will do that often.
I also agree with AC on making him an offer on the TM, however I would definitely put everything in writing and sign in front of a notary, let him know that's to protect both of you.