Chat transcript from 2/24/05

[Beth n Rod]

02/24/05 19:58:03 Russell_C Logs in [172.157.28.4]
02/24/05 19:59:19 Russell_C: Welcome to Thursday night chat at The Grime Scene. My name is Russell Cissell and I will be your host for the evening.
02/24/05 20:01:42 Mike_IN Logs in [4.252.64.41]
02/24/05 20:02:15 Russell_C: Welcome Mike. How are you this evening?
02/24/05 20:03:28 Mike_IN: Hey Russ, just finishing up some emails while waiting :) I'm good yourself?
02/24/05 20:03:46 Russell_C: Doing well
02/24/05 20:05:17 Brian_Sawyer Logs in [68.209.234.247]
02/24/05 20:05:28 BethnRod Logs in [63.159.12.24]
02/24/05 20:05:35 Russell_C: Welcome Brian
02/24/05 20:05:35 scottk Logs in [68.154.80.137]
02/24/05 20:05:37 Brian_Sawyer: Evening folks
02/24/05 20:05:42 scottk: waz up
02/24/05 20:05:52 BethnRod: evening all ;)
02/24/05 20:06:22 Russell_C: How are things going Scott?
02/24/05 20:06:36 scottk: not bad Russell ,how about you?
02/24/05 20:07:27 BethnRod: anyone else getting snow?
02/24/05 20:07:34 Russell_C: Going great, we've been gearing up for spring
02/24/05 20:07:48 Brian_Sawyer: not here. its been sunny and mid 50s today
02/24/05 20:07:48 Russell_C: We had the snow yesterday
02/24/05 20:07:58 Russell_C: was melted by 2 this afternoon
02/24/05 20:08:02 BethnRod: where are you brian?
02/24/05 20:08:09 Mike_IN: 2 inches today
02/24/05 20:08:10 scottk: we have been in teh upper 60's to low 80's this week
02/24/05 20:08:26 Brian_Sawyer: Tennessee
02/24/05 20:08:29 BethnRod: ugh. scott I want your weather!
02/24/05 20:08:45 scottk: it'll get cold once more before Easter
02/24/05 20:08:52 Brian_Sawyer: yeah
02/24/05 20:09:04 scottk: I wish the phone were ringing a little more but things are picking up
02/24/05 20:09:17 Brian_Sawyer: its been pleasent over the last couple of weeks
02/24/05 20:09:34 Russell_C: I predict a steady warming trend
02/24/05 20:09:41 Mike_IN: scott i got a ? do you use PP straight or dillute it?
02/24/05 20:10:06 scottk: we use it staight and rinse quickly
02/24/05 20:10:20 Mike_IN: ok thanks
02/24/05 20:10:30 Rod Logs in [63.159.12.24]
02/24/05 20:10:42 BethnRod: what's PP???
02/24/05 20:11:04 scottk: about 1/2" om the bottom of a bucket and wiped on with abrush works fine
02/24/05 20:11:09 scottk: Purple power
02/24/05 20:11:10 Mike_IN: i mixed 2:1 and it seemed to work fine with light brushing, but it might have been an easy gutter to clean
02/24/05 20:11:24 scottk: buytl based degreaser
02/24/05 20:11:30 BethnRod: ah...gutter stuff, right?
02/24/05 20:11:37 scottk: yep
02/24/05 20:12:17 scottk: a fair amount cheaper than cutter shock or gutter zap and it works just as good
02/24/05 20:12:19 Mike_IN: it can cause havoc on painted alluminum though, so rinsing quickly is a must, thanks for the info scott
02/24/05 20:12:25 scottk: oops gutter
02/24/05 20:12:37 Mike_IN: 5 bucks a gallon here
02/24/05 20:12:43 scottk: yeah it likes paint
02/24/05 20:12:52 scottk: Walmart has it for $3.98
02/24/05 20:13:09 Mike_IN: oh yeah? I know where i'm going next, i got it from auto zone.
02/24/05 20:13:24 scottk: i can catch 5 gallons at auto zone on occassion for $12
02/24/05 20:13:34 Mike_IN: sweet
02/24/05 20:14:59 Russell_C: How is it going for you Brian?
02/24/05 20:15:06 Brian_Sawyer: You guys mind if I shoot a couple of questions at you?
02/24/05 20:15:20 Mike_IN: thats what were here for :)
02/24/05 20:15:22 Russell_C: That is what we are waiting for
02/24/05 20:15:33 Brian_Sawyer: I'm still trying to make the decision to get into the game or not
02/24/05 20:16:13 Brian_Sawyer: insurance on your vehicles? what does coverage run>
02/24/05 20:16:14 Brian_Sawyer: ?
02/24/05 20:16:25 Russell_C: What type of vehicle?
02/24/05 20:16:29 Brian_Sawyer: ball park for a commercial vehicle
02/24/05 20:16:31 Brian_Sawyer: truck
02/24/05 20:16:44 Russell_C: how much $$ in equipment?
02/24/05 20:17:07 Brian_Sawyer: the equipment will not be in the truck except to go to a job
02/24/05 20:17:30 Brian_Sawyer: starting off, I'm think of just a cold water unit and accessories
02/24/05 20:18:13 Brian_Sawyer: I found out that my insurance company will not cover a commercial vehicle
02/24/05 20:18:23 Brian_Sawyer: so I'm going to call tomorrow about prices
02/24/05 20:18:43 Rod Logs Out
02/24/05 20:18:51 Russell_C: Well if your driving record is clean (and you are the only driver) it should be similar to the rates you have now
02/24/05 20:19:24 Brian_Sawyer: so its not that much different from normal auto rate
02/24/05 20:19:41 BethnRod: everyone have their spring marketing planned?
02/24/05 20:19:49 Russell_C: It will be more, but in MO it is within 20%
02/24/05 20:19:52 BethnRod: *bird*
02/24/05 20:19:52 Rod Logs in [63.159.12.24]
02/24/05 20:20:12 Mike_IN: Ad in the paper and mass mailer :)
02/24/05 20:20:19 Russell_C: There are several web sites that will give you a quote
02/24/05 20:20:42 Brian_Sawyer: thats still not bad
02/24/05 20:20:44 Russell_C: Brian, what other concerns do you have?
02/24/05 20:20:50 Brian_Sawyer: alot
02/24/05 20:20:51 Brian_Sawyer: lol
02/24/05 20:21:00 Russell_C: Lets look at them one at a time
02/24/05 20:21:09 Brian_Sawyer: well
02/24/05 20:21:22 Mike_IN: hows the e zine coming beth?
02/24/05 20:21:35 Brian_Sawyer: deciding on what type of business to have, Solo Proprieter of LLC
02/24/05 20:21:43 Brian_Sawyer: sole
02/24/05 20:21:45 Brian_Sawyer: lol
02/24/05 20:21:58 Brian_Sawyer: I'm worried about being taxed to death
02/24/05 20:22:06 Russell_C: How much work will you do?
02/24/05 20:22:12 Brian_Sawyer: part time
02/24/05 20:22:17 Brian_Sawyer: nights and weekends
02/24/05 20:22:22 Russell_C: Will you have other sources of income?
02/24/05 20:22:38 Brian_Sawyer: I have a fulltime job that is my priority
02/24/05 20:22:58 Brian_Sawyer: my fulltime job and a computer rapair business that I have on the side
02/24/05 20:23:48 BethnRod: slow. we have alot to do.
02/24/05 20:23:49 Russell_C: Then I would file a ficticious name registration, get limited liability contractors insurance, open a bank account in the company name and operate as a sole prop.
02/24/05 20:23:57 Brian_Sawyer: it will be just me and my girlfriend doing the PWing
02/24/05 20:24:18 Mike_IN: tossed a few suggestions in the thread at ya
02/24/05 20:24:31 BethnRod: need articles of course, but celeste and I are workin gon getting it set up an dit has to happen in our spare time.
02/24/05 20:24:49 BethnRod: thanks. you have had some great suggestions
02/24/05 20:25:03 Russell_C: Brian - as the business grows it will not be difficult to restructure
02/24/05 20:25:30 Russell_C: You accountant should be able to tell you when it is time to grow and change
02/24/05 20:25:43 Russell_C: forgive my typing/spelling this evening
02/24/05 20:26:44 Brian_Sawyer: I think most of the ppl here are either full time or looking to become full time pressure washers. That isn't my intent. Unless that the money is so good that I start making more than my fulltime job
02/24/05 20:27:39 BethnRod: what do you do full time Brian?
02/24/05 20:28:21 Brian_Sawyer: I work for architectural firm that specializes in high end log and timber frame homes
02/24/05 20:28:30 Brian_Sawyer: www.mosscreek.net
02/24/05 20:28:31 BethnRod: really?
02/24/05 20:28:37 Mike_IN: how much does shipping average on a tub of percarb cleaner?
02/24/05 20:28:38 Brian_Sawyer: thats where I work
02/24/05 20:28:41 Russell_C: Brian-contact your local SBA and ask to speak to a score rep.
02/24/05 20:28:55 Brian_Sawyer: score rep?
02/24/05 20:29:21 Russell_C: They are vol. business councelors
02/24/05 20:29:25 Brian_Sawyer: oh
02/24/05 20:29:31 BethnRod: www.sba.org
02/24/05 20:29:39 Mike_IN: Brian, I'll take a log cabine in the smokey mountains
02/24/05 20:29:50 Mike_IN: cabin**
02/24/05 20:30:10 Brian_Sawyer: we only do big ones
02/24/05 20:30:12 BethnRod: Brian, if you have any builder contacts I would love to talk with you offline.
02/24/05 20:30:22 Mike_IN: I'll take a big one
02/24/05 20:30:43 Brian_Sawyer: I really don't beth. I just drawing the construction docs
02/24/05 20:30:54 BethnRod: bummer
02/24/05 20:31:01 Brian_Sawyer: my boss is the one that rubs elbows with the builders
02/24/05 20:31:17 Brian_Sawyer: I just sit behind a computer all day
02/24/05 20:33:17 scottk: Brian are yopu still looking at the magnum rig?
02/24/05 20:33:24 scottk: you
02/24/05 20:34:42 Brian_Sawyer: not sure
02/24/05 20:36:28 scottk: nothing wrong with starting small...a lot of people start with cold water machines and build up
02/24/05 20:36:30 Mike_IN: i need a ladder rack :(
02/24/05 20:36:32 Brian_Sawyer: thing about starting out alittle smaller
02/24/05 20:37:37 Mike_IN: Beth whats the average shiiping on a tub cost?
02/24/05 20:37:55 Mike_IN: shipping even
02/24/05 20:38:31 BethnRod: there is not an averge. depends on weight and where it is shipping from and to.
02/24/05 20:38:54 Mike_IN: ok 20 pounds to indy?
02/24/05 20:39:11 BethnRod: shouldn't run more thatn 15 bucks
02/24/05 20:39:25 Mike_IN: so 60 pounds would be around 45?
02/24/05 20:39:33 BethnRod: depends.
02/24/05 20:39:44 BethnRod: depends on how many boxes.
02/24/05 20:39:48 Mike_IN: oh ok
02/24/05 20:40:04 BethnRod: one box is cheaper, but then you get into hazmat issues
02/24/05 20:40:22 Mike_IN: I've just never had chems shipped so I wasent sure
02/24/05 20:40:28 BethnRod: but given differnet boxes 45 could be right
02/24/05 20:41:09 Mike_IN: weighing cost versus driving for them 9which is not anywhere close either)
02/24/05 20:41:36 Mike_IN: sorry cant type tonight, must be the white stuff outside getting to me :)
02/24/05 20:41:52 scottk: hahahaha Mike has cabin fever
02/24/05 20:42:12 BethnRod: its more cost effective to get a powder shipped to you. save your time for being in the field
02/24/05 20:42:18 Mike_IN: hey we might hit 40 degrees for a high tomorrow, thats a heat wave
02/24/05 20:43:07 Mike_IN: true beth, I dont have anywhere within a few hours of me to buy anything anyways
02/24/05 20:43:23 BethnRod: bingo
02/24/05 20:43:49 BethnRod: catch you guys later. have a fun chat.
02/24/05 20:43:54 BethnRod Logs Out
02/24/05 20:43:58 scottk: night Beth'
02/24/05 20:44:03 Rod Logs Out
02/24/05 20:44:19 Mike_IN: but then shipping cost can add up too?
02/24/05 20:44:27 Mike_IN: oh she left
02/24/05 20:44:30 Mike_IN: oh well
02/24/05 20:44:40 Mike_IN: i type to slow
02/24/05 20:44:57 Mike_IN: it would probably help if i used more then 2 fingers
02/24/05 20:45:03 Russell_C: Mike, I will help you in a sec
02/24/05 20:45:44 scottk: I hunt and peck also...I just do it fast
02/24/05 20:45:48 Mike_IN: so hows business scott?
02/24/05 20:46:38 Mike_IN: if it doesnt warm up soon I'll come down there and work for food, feed me sonnys bbq and i'll work all day
02/24/05 20:47:22 scottk: it's picking up...we have cleaned 2 McDonalds this month....a few houses and we have window washing accounts monthy and bi-weekly
02/24/05 20:47:58 scottk: we have 2 sonny's within 20 minutes
02/24/05 20:48:08 Russell_C: Mike, dod Beth answer your questions?
02/24/05 20:48:18 Mike_IN: pretty much
02/24/05 20:48:32 Mike_IN: just weighing the cost of shipping chems or driving for them
02/24/05 20:48:35 Russell_C: Alright, I was on the phone
02/24/05 20:48:47 Russell_C: Ahh, understandable
02/24/05 20:49:13 Russell_C: what do you have to get most often?
02/24/05 20:49:22 Russell_C: I saw mention of HazMat
02/24/05 20:49:50 Mike_IN: i can get most of them with ease, except wood cleaners, cant find them locally
02/24/05 20:50:24 Russell_C: Gotcha
02/24/05 20:50:43 Mike_IN: so I was weighing the cost
02/24/05 20:51:02 Mike_IN: your with extreme right?
02/24/05 20:51:02 Russell_C: Well, I would be better able to talk about ESI products
02/24/05 20:51:26 Mike_IN: whats typical shipping on a tub of powder
02/24/05 20:51:29 Mike_IN: for you
02/24/05 20:52:02 Russell_C: 10lb tub to California $9.60
02/24/05 20:52:28 Mike_IN: ao about a dollar a pound?
02/24/05 20:52:37 Mike_IN: ao = so
02/24/05 20:52:38 Russell_C: 40 lbs to Cali $27.70
02/24/05 20:53:08 Russell_C: I've found the best way to move product is by LTL trucklines
02/24/05 20:53:23 Mike_IN: is there any other charges? hazmat or anything?
02/24/05 20:53:38 Russell_C: I can ship a pallet load for less than $100.00 in most cases
02/24/05 20:54:23 Russell_C: We only charge the customer for the actual shipping plus $2.00 handling. Any other charges are transparent
02/24/05 20:54:42 Mike_IN: oh ok, thanks for the info russell :)
02/24/05 20:54:59 Russell_C: No problem
02/24/05 20:55:24 Russell_C: Do you have a commercial address?
02/24/05 20:55:31 scottk: that is rare...most peopel slap extra $$$$ on the line their pockets with...i commend you Russell
02/24/05 20:55:33 Mike_IN: po box
02/24/05 20:56:03 Russell_C: Thanks Scott
02/24/05 20:56:32 Mike_IN: to be honest i try and buy local when I can, i just cant find certain things local
02/24/05 20:56:35 Russell_C: Mike if you can find a business to accept your shipments you can really save on freight
02/24/05 20:57:17 Russell_C: I understand that if you would like, I can call your local supplier and see if they will carry the product for you.
02/24/05 20:57:40 Russell_C: Are there many contractors in your area?
02/24/05 20:57:52 Mike_IN: not really i live in a small town
02/24/05 20:58:10 Mike_IN: i have to drive to indy or lousiville for most things
02/24/05 20:58:13 Russell_C: Well, I can certinly give it a shot.
02/24/05 20:58:30 Mike_IN: louisville (still cant type tonight)
02/24/05 20:59:35 Russell_C: Do you work full time?
02/24/05 21:03:54 Russell_C: Are there any other questions?
02/24/05 21:04:12 Brian_Sawyer: ummm
02/24/05 21:04:25 scottk Logs Out
02/24/05 21:04:30 Russell_C: yes?
02/24/05 21:04:34 Brian_Sawyer: I know I can come up with one or tow
02/24/05 21:04:36 Brian_Sawyer: two
02/24/05 21:04:47 Russell_C: Sure makes the time go faster
02/24/05 21:04:54 Brian_Sawyer: lol
02/24/05 21:05:07 Brian_Sawyer: sorry, I'm actaully working on some drawings right now.
02/24/05 21:05:22 Brian_Sawyer: I got one
02/24/05 21:05:56 Brian_Sawyer: the insurance you got for pressure washing. does it cover you incase you actaully do damage something?
02/24/05 21:06:24 Russell_C: Yes
02/24/05 21:07:01 Russell_C: But I should say that more than likely you will never need it
02/24/05 21:07:22 Russell_C: Any time that we have ever damaged anything it was less than the cost of the deductable
02/24/05 21:08:30 Mike_IN Logs Out
02/24/05 21:08:31 Brian_Sawyer: what is a good amount to have
02/24/05 21:08:39 Brian_Sawyer: most ppl say 1 mil
02/24/05 21:08:53 Russell_C: That is what I was going to say
02/24/05 21:09:30 Russell_C Logs Out
02/24/05 21:14:02 Russell_C Logs in [172.157.28.4]
02/24/05 21:14:08 Russell_C: sorry about that
02/24/05 21:14:13 Brian_Sawyer: no problem
02/24/05 21:15:03 Russell_C: did you get the link I just sent you?
02/24/05 21:15:04 Brian_Sawyer: I got a quote from him yesterday
02/24/05 21:15:14 Russell_C: Ok
02/24/05 21:15:24 Russell_C: so you are on the right track
02/24/05 21:15:33 Brian_Sawyer: General Liability Occurrence Limit............................................. ...........$ 1,000,000 The annual premium will be $ 898.00, plus a $ 75.00 brokers fee.
02/24/05 21:15:48 Russell_C: And there you go
02/24/05 21:16:17 Russell_C: You can expect that to drop significantly as you gain exp.
02/24/05 21:16:39 Brian_Sawyer: everone seams to say that 800 to 1200 per year is average
02/24/05 21:16:44 Brian_Sawyer: so I figure thats pretty good
02/24/05 21:17:01 Russell_C: Seems high to me
02/24/05 21:17:21 Russell_C: Does not suprise me for a new business
02/24/05 21:18:11 Russell_C: It is still well worth having
02/24/05 21:18:11 Brian_Sawyer: i've been invited to go out to Nashville to work with a guy thats be PWing for years. He said that I could work on a saturday with him to get some experince
02/24/05 21:18:25 Russell_C: Great
02/24/05 21:19:16 Brian_Sawyer: I've done some pressure washing around my house
02/24/05 21:19:24 Brian_Sawyer: nothing major
02/24/05 21:19:29 Russell_C: Did you have any other questions?
02/24/05 21:19:41 Brian_Sawyer: the big think is going to be learning the chems
02/24/05 21:20:05 Russell_C: Well, there you go. Now you are getting into my area
02/24/05 21:20:15 Russell_C: what would you like to know?
02/24/05 21:20:58 Brian_Sawyer: well just basics
02/24/05 21:21:11 Russell_C: What are you going to be cleaning?
02/24/05 21:21:30 Brian_Sawyer: like what type of chems would you use on vinyl siding
02/24/05 21:22:51 Russell_C: Many contractors will use car wash detergents
02/24/05 21:23:05 Russell_C: A lot of guys use bleach and dish soap
02/24/05 21:23:47 Brian_Sawyer: I would be alittle worried about using bleach
02/24/05 21:24:12 Russell_C: it's not the best thing to be slinging around
02/24/05 21:24:17 Brian_Sawyer: I've read the they use bleach when doing roofs
02/24/05 21:24:38 Russell_C: From what I understand that is not the best thing for the roof shingles
02/24/05 21:25:06 Russell_C: you would need to check with the manufacturer to see if there would be any warrenty issues
02/24/05 21:27:23 Russell_C: What else are you interested in?
02/24/05 21:28:55 Brian_Sawyer: right off the top of my head I can't think on anything. I'm working on a set of plans that have to be complete tomorrow. So my heads not 100% in it right now. lol
02/24/05 21:29:54 Brian_Sawyer: Thanks for the info, I was really wondering about the sole proprietor thing
02/24/05 21:30:00 Russell_C: Gotcha, well I am here
02/24/05 21:30:13 Russell_C: send me a bling or something to get my attention
02/24/05 21:30:29 Brian_Sawyer: I'll be posting more on the boards
02/24/05 21:31:04 Brian_Sawyer: this place gets quiet quik
02/24/05 21:34:48 Russell_C: It gets crowded some nights
02/24/05 21:35:19 Russell_C: Actually unless you've got any other questions, I think I am going to call it a night
02/24/05 21:36:34 Brian_Sawyer: no, can't think of any. Thanks of alot for the info. everything learn will help me
02/24/05 21:38:48 Russell_C: Alright Brian, best of luck to you. Feel free to give me a call any time.
02/24/05 21:39:04 Brian_Sawyer: thanks russell
02/24/05 21:39:12 Brian_Sawyer Logs Out
02/24/05 21:39:14 Russell_C: Have a good night
02/24/05 21:39:16 Russell_C Logs Out