Chat transcript from 3/4/05

[Beth n Rod]

03/4/05 12:37:13 testing Logs in [63.159.48.145]
03/4/05 12:37:22 testing Logs Out
03/4/05 19:52:10 Bob_ Logs in [172.144.50.65]
03/4/05 19:52:54 Bob_ Logs Out
03/4/05 20:04:48 Bob_ Logs in [172.144.50.65]
03/4/05 20:05:14 Bob_ Joins Subroom Town Meeting
03/4/05 20:05:57 Bob_: Nobody at home
03/4/05 20:06:44 Bob_ Logs Out
03/4/05 20:10:26 Bob_ Logs in [172.144.50.65]
03/4/05 20:13:26 BethnRod Logs in [63.159.88.65]
03/4/05 20:13:37 BethnRod: Hi Bob
03/4/05 20:13:49 Bob_: Hello
03/4/05 20:13:56 BethnRod: Where is everyone ton ight?
03/4/05 20:14:01 BarryM Logs in [207.43.155.227]
03/4/05 20:14:07 BethnRod: Hi Barry
03/4/05 20:14:19 BarryM: hello all
03/4/05 20:15:11 BarryM: what's the topic?
03/4/05 20:15:17 BethnRod: I just posted in the shout box. Maybe others will join too
03/4/05 20:15:42 BethnRod: it's open topic. we can talk about any topic you like
03/4/05 20:16:19 Bob_ Logs in [172.144.50.65]
03/4/05 20:16:41 BethnRod: Hows the weather there
03/4/05 20:16:56 Bob_: great here in Ms.
03/4/05 20:16:59 BarryM: not bad today it hit 40
03/4/05 20:17:13 BethnRod: I heard it was warm in MO today. It's cold here.
03/4/05 20:17:24 Bob_: gonna be 70 tomorrow
03/4/05 20:17:32 BethnRod: lucky.
03/4/05 20:17:46 BethnRod: it's 38 here.
03/4/05 20:17:46 BarryM: shirts off
03/4/05 20:17:51 BethnRod: whoops!
03/4/05 20:18:14 BethnRod:
03/4/05 20:18:29 BarryM: so is this beth or rod?
03/4/05 20:18:30 BethnRod: well it's 38 but the water is 100
03/4/05 20:18:34 BethnRod: this is beth
03/4/05 20:18:43 BarryM: thats what I thought
03/4/05 20:18:53 Bob_: Beth the tip on allowing pop-ups allowed me to regester
03/4/05 20:18:56 BethnRod: he logs in as Rod
03/4/05 20:19:07 BethnRod: cool glad it helped
03/4/05 20:19:22 Bob_: yep..was kinda frustrating
03/4/05 20:19:33 BethnRod: um....I am gonna leave you tow to talk pumps and stuff.
03/4/05 20:19:47 BarryM: k
03/4/05 20:19:52 Bob_: where you goin?
03/4/05 20:19:59 BethnRod: catch you later. Gonna go get in the Hot Tub.
03/4/05 20:20:04 BethnRod: Rod made drinks...
03/4/05 20:20:13 BarryM: have fun
03/4/05 20:20:15 BethnRod:
03/4/05 20:20:17 BethnRod: will do
03/4/05 20:20:21 Bob_:
03/4/05 20:20:25 BethnRod: enjoy your chat.
03/4/05 20:20:29 BethnRod: nite guys
03/4/05 20:20:38 BarryM: nite
03/4/05 20:20:40 BethnRod Logs Out
03/4/05 20:20:44 Bob_: so Barry ....where are you?
03/4/05 20:20:48 BarryM: IN
03/4/05 20:20:58 Bob_: Mississippi here
03/4/05 20:20:58 BarryM: north central
03/4/05 20:21:20 BarryM: i'm just starting up
03/4/05 20:21:23 Bob_: so how is business?
03/4/05 20:21:42 BarryM: in the process of buying equipment still
03/4/05 20:21:52 Bob_: neat
03/4/05 20:22:08 Bob_: have you bought machine yet?
03/4/05 20:22:16 BarryM: nope
03/4/05 20:22:37 BarryM: looking at a cold water 4gpm
03/4/05 20:22:47 BarryM: gas, honda
03/4/05 20:23:05 Bob_: Home Depot machine?
03/4/05 20:23:18 BarryM: trying to decide betw. direct or belt drive
03/4/05 20:23:39 Bob_: belt hands down
03/4/05 20:23:48 BarryM: about $500 more though
03/4/05 20:24:01 Bob_: yes but worth it.....
03/4/05 20:24:16 Bob_: will you be in business full time or part time?
03/4/05 20:24:34 BarryM: part time at first
03/4/05 20:24:44 Bob_: most start that way
03/4/05 20:24:59 BarryM: putting all back into the business
03/4/05 20:25:02 Bob_: what type of cleaning are you interested in ?
03/4/05 20:25:12 BarryM: residential
03/4/05 20:25:22 BarryM: houses, decks, maybe roofs
03/4/05 20:25:58 BarryM: trying to get started for around $3500
03/4/05 20:26:14 Bob_: that include a trailer of some kind?
03/4/05 20:26:34 BarryM: just my pickup for now
03/4/05 20:26:52 BarryM: but I will need a trailer soon i can see that already
03/4/05 20:27:01 Bob_: are you looking at a surface cleaner?
03/4/05 20:27:28 BarryM: not right away but i will be yes
03/4/05 20:28:03 Bob_: so what is the gjoing rate for a belt drive 4 gal machine...1500.00?
03/4/05 20:28:18 BarryM: yes
03/4/05 20:28:43 Bob_: so what eslw are you looking at for start up
03/4/05 20:28:48 BarryM: i can find it cheaper on the internet but by the time i pay shipping its the same
03/4/05 20:29:50 BarryM: well really not the much, i want an x jet
03/4/05 20:29:55 BarryM: that
03/4/05 20:29:56 Bob_: well there are advantages buy a machine locally
03/4/05 20:30:26 Bob_: X-jet is a great tool!!!
03/4/05 20:30:40 BarryM: what type of work or you in
03/4/05 20:31:03 Bob_: I do mostly residential...some commercial
03/4/05 20:31:26 Bob_: not into fleets or hoods
03/4/05 20:31:35 BarryM: how long in the bus?
03/4/05 20:31:56 Bob_: starting my 5th year
03/4/05 20:32:16 BarryM: what did you do before
03/4/05 20:33:09 Bob_: worked for a local retail grocery chain...200 stores...was a district mgr. was with them 29 years
03/4/05 20:33:25 BarryM: wow
03/4/05 20:33:37 Bob_: yep. am an old dude
03/4/05 20:33:49 BarryM: your only as old as you feel
03/4/05 20:34:08 BarryM: I'm 33
03/4/05 20:34:21 Bob_: well I feel very good most of the time..but sometimes I feel my age
03/4/05 20:34:41 BarryM: so is this power washing stuff worth it?
03/4/05 20:34:54 Bob_: doing this type work helps to keep one in shape
03/4/05 20:35:34 BarryM: i really want to make this business work in the worst way
03/4/05 20:35:34 Bob_: well...like everything..to some it is worth it..to other it is not
03/4/05 20:36:13 Bob_: well you are well on your way with kind of an attitude!!!
03/4/05 20:36:35 BarryM: i hope
03/4/05 20:36:47 Bob_: it takes time...hard work...
03/4/05 20:37:07 Bob_: what do you do now?
03/4/05 20:37:17 BarryM: utility construction
03/4/05 20:37:36 BarryM: I dig in the dirt
03/4/05 20:37:52 Bob_: well is a good job...good benefits
03/4/05 20:38:01 Bob_: insurance
03/4/05 20:38:16 BarryM: no benies, no insurance, just a nice check
03/4/05 20:38:29 BarryM: not good for the future
03/4/05 20:38:33 Bob_: wife work?
03/4/05 20:38:38 BarryM: she'
03/4/05 20:38:47 BarryM: she is a realitor
03/4/05 20:39:29 Bob_: I see...have a friend whose wife is a realtor...she makes serious bucks...
03/4/05 20:39:50 BarryM: reality is hit and miss you can't depend on a check every week
03/4/05 20:40:36 Bob_: you are right...kinda like the PW business...you gotta hustle if you wanna a check each week
03/4/05 20:41:06 BarryM: did you start part or full time
03/4/05 20:41:49 Bob_: part time briefly...then semi-retired...then went full time...
03/4/05 20:42:02 BarryM: employees?
03/4/05 20:42:17 Bob_: just me....my son helps at times
03/4/05 20:42:35 BarryM: cool, that would be the best
03/4/05 20:42:55 Bob_: I am not a big operator...
03/4/05 20:43:16 BarryM: I have a 12 and 11 year old boys and a 6 year old girl
03/4/05 20:43:25 BarryM: they will help me someday
03/4/05 20:43:31 Bob_: I have lived in the fast lane...this is relaxing
03/4/05 20:43:44 Bob_: wow!
03/4/05 20:43:49 Bob_: nice family
03/4/05 20:44:22 BarryM: so what do you seem to wash most, houses, decks, what?
03/4/05 20:45:12 Bob_: houses...up sell drives, walks, patios etc. some decks
03/4/05 20:45:36 Bob_: some commercial flat work
03/4/05 20:45:43 BarryM: so the x-jet is the way to go on houses?
03/4/05 20:46:16 Bob_: yes...
03/4/05 20:46:25 BarryM: k, let me ask you this
03/4/05 20:46:33 Bob_: k
03/4/05 20:47:38 BarryM: so i could have a 25 gal tank on my truck with a 100 ft of chem hose or more with the x on my wand and that's it?
03/4/05 20:48:28 Bob_: well you gotta have a Pressure washer...
03/4/05 20:48:34 BarryM: yes
03/4/05 20:48:48 BarryM: I'm just trying to picture how it works
03/4/05 20:49:03 Bob_: you mean the X-jet?
03/4/05 20:49:10 BarryM: yes
03/4/05 20:50:14 Bob_: well it functions like a downstream injector..in that it picks up "soap" and applys it to the surface
03/4/05 20:50:40 Bob_: it is a nozzle..that goes on the end of your wand
03/4/05 20:51:08 BarryM: and it will pull through a 100 ft of hose or more
03/4/05 20:51:45 Bob_: well I think that it would..but you only need 30 feet or so..maybe 50
03/4/05 20:52:52 Bob_: understand?
03/4/05 20:52:55 BarryM: the chem goes straigh to the x-jet right? the chems dont go through the wand.
03/4/05 20:53:10 Bob_: thats right...
03/4/05 20:53:17 BarryM: got it
03/4/05 20:53:45 Bob_: the chem line goes from the bucket/tank straight to the X-jet
03/4/05 20:54:12 BarryM: I understand now
03/4/05 20:54:25 BarryM: i hate having to ask dumb questions
03/4/05 20:54:33 Bob_: no chem goes through the high pressure hose..gun..or wand...
03/4/05 20:54:46 BarryM: thanks
03/4/05 20:54:48 Bob_: no question is dumb
03/4/05 20:55:13 Bob_: at one time everybody..didn't know how it worked..we all have to learn
03/4/05 20:55:37 BarryM: do you use the x-jet for every application or do you have a shur flo too?
03/4/05 20:56:17 Bob_: I also use a shur flow set up..mostly for applying deck chems
03/4/05 20:56:48 BarryM: i think that's what i'm gonna do
03/4/05 20:56:54 Bob_: and on occasion I downstream
03/4/05 20:57:31 BarryM: so the chem run through your pump
03/4/05 20:57:40 Bob_: buy the model M5 X-jet rather than the older model
03/4/05 20:57:49 BarryM: k
03/4/05 20:57:55 Bob_: no no not when you downstream
03/4/05 20:58:30 Bob_: chems are injected after the pump when you downstream
03/4/05 20:58:54 BarryM: got it i was thinking upstream then
03/4/05 20:59:06 Bob_: thats right
03/4/05 20:59:24 BarryM: so you can also rinse a house with x-jet
03/4/05 20:59:35 Bob_: you bet!!
03/4/05 21:00:11 BarryM: but what kind of pressure do you get from the ground
03/4/05 21:01:25 Bob_: you get enough distance to clean 2-story house with no problem
03/4/05 21:01:51 BarryM: so it eliminates a ladder
03/4/05 21:02:06 Bob_: in most cases....
03/4/05 21:02:27 BarryM: i'm sold, wheres the best place to buy one online?
03/4/05 21:02:38 BarryM: tgs?
03/4/05 21:02:47 Bob_: well right here......
03/4/05 21:02:51 BarryM: cool
03/4/05 21:03:37 Bob_: call Beth or Rod..they will fix you up and ansewer any ??? you have
03/4/05 21:04:08 BarryM: good deal, maybe you get a commission
03/4/05 21:04:22 Bob_: ha ha.....I wish!!!
03/4/05 21:04:36 BarryM: lol
03/4/05 21:05:02 BarryM: how do you apply your sealer on decks
03/4/05 21:05:39 Bob_: shurflo..roller..brush..pads...squirt bottle...pump up
03/4/05 21:06:14 BarryM: whatever it takes, huh?
03/4/05 21:06:44 Bob_: thats the idea....
03/4/05 21:07:45 BarryM: let me know when you have to go, i always feel like i'm keeping people prisoner with all my questions
03/4/05 21:08:06 Bob_: not a prob...
03/4/05 21:08:17 BarryM: good lol
03/4/05 21:08:20 Bob_: I do not mind
03/4/05 21:08:59 BarryM: what the best way you've found to advertise
03/4/05 21:09:49 Bob_: for me...I get the best results from local newspapers..and of course referrals
03/4/05 21:10:44 BarryM: have you ever done any direct mailing or door hangers
03/4/05 21:11:56 Bob_: No...I have considered direct mail but have not gone there yet...It is my next ad project
03/4/05 21:12:48 BarryM: i was thinking post cards
03/4/05 21:13:23 Bob_: direct mail works great in some markets...not so good in others..you never know till you try...
03/4/05 21:13:35 BarryM: true
03/4/05 21:13:47 BarryM: its not cheap either
03/4/05 21:14:15 Bob_: no advertising is!
03/4/05 21:14:23 BarryM: ya
03/4/05 21:14:46 Bob_: but you gotta do it
03/4/05 21:15:09 Bob_: have you thought of insurance?
03/4/05 21:15:37 BarryM: yes but i haven't been quoted anything yet
03/4/05 21:16:06 Bob_: don't leave home without it!
03/4/05 21:16:18 BarryM: i agree
03/4/05 21:16:44 Bob_: does your state/county require a license?
03/4/05 21:16:57 BarryM: no, nothing
03/4/05 21:17:16 Bob_: nor does my state...some do however
03/4/05 21:17:16 BarryM: i have filed a DBA at the recorders office
03/4/05 21:17:56 Bob_: thats good...just do whatever it takes to make yourself legal in your area
03/4/05 21:19:04 BarryM: what is an average yearly premium for liability ins.
03/4/05 21:20:51 Bob_: well I dunno...I would think...$800.00 plus depending on location etc.
03/4/05 21:21:04 Bob_: for 1 Million...
03/4/05 21:22:03 BarryM: is there a lot of competition in your area
03/4/05 21:23:12 Bob_: Not what I would call a lot..but some. Mostly low-ballers/fly by nighters/etc.
03/4/05 21:23:30 Bob_: They come and go...
03/4/05 21:24:32 BarryM: same here. I think educating the customer will be my challenge
03/4/05 21:25:29 Bob_: yes...my biggest challenge was/is educating myself first!
03/4/05 21:26:00 BarryM: I was gonna ask you if you had any PW experience before you started up
03/4/05 21:26:26 Bob_: no..
03/4/05 21:26:49 Bob_: in that I did not work for anyone else...
03/4/05 21:27:05 Bob_: no one does....
03/4/05 21:27:35 Bob_: get the best education you can and go slow
03/4/05 21:27:43 BarryM: I plan to practice on friends and family and my own stuff too
03/4/05 21:27:54 Bob_: great idea!!
03/4/05 21:28:26 BarryM: I guess i'll do it for free besides chems just to gain experience
03/4/05 21:29:10 Bob_: experience is a great teacher...and confidence builder
03/4/05 21:29:57 BarryM: off the subject for a second, my 6 year old daughter says hi her name is Cameron
03/4/05 21:30:39 Bob_: pretty name.....HI Cameron!!!
03/4/05 21:31:03 BarryM: she laughed, kids are funny
03/4/05 21:31:22 Bob_: nothing in the world like them.....
03/4/05 21:32:54 Bob_: do you read a lot on the bbs?
03/4/05 21:33:41 BarryM: almost daily, i've been researching since the middle of October
03/4/05 21:34:19 BarryM: I've also read a few books on business start up and accouting and taxes
03/4/05 21:34:24 Bob_: thats great...the boards are a great resource for information
03/4/05 21:34:37 BarryM: they are, yes
03/4/05 21:34:49 Bob_: I have spent countless hours reading and making notes...
03/4/05 21:35:18 BarryM: same here, i had to start to filing stuff
03/4/05 21:35:25 Bob_: and I continue to read....
03/4/05 21:36:00 BarryM: do you keep your own books
03/4/05 21:36:14 Bob_: it seems I learn a little something on every job
03/4/05 21:36:40 BarryM: i was thinking of quickbooks
03/4/05 21:37:05 Bob_: I critique myself..what I did right..what I did wrong...what I could have done better...faster etc.
03/4/05 21:37:53 BarryM: sounds like your always trying to better yourself, that's good
03/4/05 21:38:03 Bob_: Quickbooks is a good tool...I do not use it but I know others who highly reccomend it.
03/4/05 21:38:31 Bob_: never get complacent!!
03/4/05 21:38:52 BarryM: i like your thinkin bob
03/4/05 21:39:26 Bob_: thanks...Am an old injun...been around many council fires
03/4/05 21:39:32 Bob_: ha ha
03/4/05 21:39:51 BarryM: lol
03/4/05 21:40:25 Bob_: drink much fire water..... *)
03/4/05 21:40:35 Bob_: not really!
03/4/05 21:40:44 BarryM: well Bob from Mississippi thank you so much but I must put the rug rats to bed
03/4/05 21:40:55 BarryM: nice meeting you
03/4/05 21:41:29 Bob_: ok....enjoyed chatting with you...
03/4/05 21:41:39 Bob_: best wishes....
03/4/05 21:41:44 BarryM: hope to chat again, thank you
03/4/05 21:41:53 Bob_: you bet..
03/4/05 21:41:57 Bob_: nite..
03/4/05 21:42:00 BarryM Logs Out
03/4/05 21:42:14 Bob_ Logs Out