I have just been asked to bid on a local store’s sidewalk and stucco cleaning. I’m going to look at the job with the manager next week. I’m planning on soft washing the stucco and using my soon-to-be-ordered WW Classic on the sidewalks.
Here’s the thing: I’m just at 4gpm, cold water right now. Is this a good idea, or should I go ahead and get the 8gpm, hot water setup I was planning on getting later this year or next year. Getting it now means going into serious debt, but the POTENTIAL is almost 50 stores if they like my work…but that is not guaranteed AT ALL. (PS, I don’t expect much gum, etc, as this is a pretty high-end store)
Jesse
Atlas Services
Exterior Cleaning Specialists
North Carolina
It is doable as long as you have the correct size tips. I personally dont like going into debt so my thought would be: get this job and if you can get the others keep saving till you can get the hot 8GPM. or if you need heat just rent one for the job
Thanks for the advice. I hadn’t thought about renting…that’s a great idea. [MENTION=8024]Innocentbystander[/MENTION] I particularly like the idea of working nights and weekends, but I’m not totally against it either. I really want to get into some commercial work, but I know that’s part of the deal, so I’m willing to do it.
Jesse
Atlas Services
Exterior Cleaning Specialists
North Carolina
I would go check it out before I meet with the manager this way you don’t get caught off guard if there’s gum all over the place. If gum is an issue see if you can rent a hot water unit for the job and price accordingly. Don’t rush on the 8gpm unless they give you a purchase order that will make it worth it.
Jesse, some love commercial work and do pretty good with it. There are draw backs, just a few stated above. As you have said “the work is not guaranteed”. If you’re not totally committed or uncertain you can pay for upgraded equipment…then wait until you can. If upgraded equipment cost is going to be a Financial Burden on you or your Family…again wait… Don’t make a Financial decision on “If” or “Maybe”.
A wise Man used to say…“Slow & Steady Wins The Race”
Good advice. Thank you guys! I’m looking at the job with a friend of mine who does concrete resurfacing for them before I talk to the manager, so I’ll be able to get a good look at it.
@ GuyB why do you hate commercial? (In addition the the nights and weekends aspect, that is)
This will be my first commercial job if I get it, so I really know nothing about the pros and cons, and I’m open to any and all thoughts.
Jesse
Atlas Services
Exterior Cleaning Specialists
North Carolina
I don’t like the mindset of “Most” Commercial clients…they don’t care who does the work, they just want it done at the lowest price, as soon as possible, and expect to pay when they feel like it…I.e. 30, 60, 90, 120 days net & rarely loyal to the vendor. We don’t do work for these type of customers, because they’re not our type of customers.
Another option is to just buy a hot box now. Save up for the higher volume sprayer later. A hot setup can be modular and doesn’t have to be one stand alone skid.
The payment terms should be contractual so there is no legal recourse. You’ll get your money with commercial, you just have to wait. Its part of the process.
In the inevitable event that one day, someone decides they don’t need to pay you, I would suggest that you Familiarize yourself with your state’s statutory protections for contractors and exactly what you are legally obligated to do and able to do to enforce unpaid claims.
Never hurts to be prepared, protected and educated.
All Clean Power Washing Solutions, LLC
813.528.2219
Sent from my iPhone using Pressure Washing Resource
I should clarify that…They tell you when they can or will pay, again most not all. You can have a contract that spells out when “You” expect payment but expect “The Check Is In The Mail” speech quite a bit…“Cash Flow” keeps your business running, disrupt that flow, or a series of disruptions, could cause quite a bit of problems for your business.
Don’t get me wrong…We do Commercial work and are equipped for it, we don’t chase it, it comes to us. We don’t take every Commercial job that comes our way…and by that I mean profitable. If it’s not profitable, there’s no reason to do it.
Understood… This is a topic that never even crossed my mind… Guess I just assumed people paid when work was done… this is helpful to know… I tend to be very serious when it comes to money… guess I will have to practice patience… I’ll be honest I have no experience with “sales”. It will be a learning curve for sure…
I agree Randy, but we both know that Contracts aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. Yes there are Legal avenues but what are the Legal costs verses the project costs? We just went through a similar situation.
I totally agree with being educated in Legal recourse.
My conversation about this is a “Worst Case Scenario” of Commercial work and not the “Norm”…but is very real.
Not many people that start out do understand this part of it and why this Industry is known as “The Easiest To Get Into, And The Fastest To Get Out Of” …LOL!
Hey Guy, i agree. Im sending this piece of advice out more for the contractor who runs into a residential customer who just decides to stop returning calls or emails and figures you'll eat the loss. Im sure you've encountered this before, i certainly have.
Here in Florida, a "Notice to Owner" sent certified mail for $3.00 lets customers know that you can legally enforce a claim against their property and usually resolves any issue i have had with collecting. Most of my clientele are good people who want to pay in a timely fashion. There are always a few that need a little legal "nudge".
Believe it or not, and certainly not bragging…We’ve never experienced this on the Residential side of our business…ever. Residential customers pay after service or shortly after…One of the reasons we like Residential over Commercial.
I guess we’re just lucky…or it’s my winning personality over the phone…Lol!!!
That’s not a bad idea. Thing is, U’m working with a 4gpm direct drive now. Wouldn’t I have to get another hot box when I upgrade to 8? I have to admit that I have not researched hot boxes AT ALL because I had planned on waiting at least a year and just getting a HW setup, so now I scrambling for info.
GuyB and All Clean, your points on commercial vs. residential are all very valid ones, and I really appreciate the knowledge you guys are sharing with me. I’ve never had any trouble getting paid by my resi customers either. Been pretty fortunate! My ultimate goal is to be 80% resi and 20% commercial.
I should have mentioned earlier, I’ve also been asked to bid this company’s window cleaning. In fact, that’s what lead to the PW bid. I asked my contact if they also needed power washing, by any chance, and he said “yeah, they REALLY want that done too” so now I’m playing catch-up!
Jesse
Atlas Services
Exterior Cleaning Specialists
North Carolina
