Intro / seeking feedback

Newbie Questions
1

Long time listener, first time caller. I would like to say thank you for all the awesome info on this site, I have been lurking here for some time, reading, learning, and trying to gauge the viability of a start up business centered around residential/commercial exterior cleaning, with some light handyman type work to help diversify and provide a stable flow of work while I get established. I’ve spent 18 years working for a large corporation while flipping houses on the side (2-3 per year for the last 3 years) and believe I am ready to make the leap into owning a business Q2 2019. I have some experience pressure washing, but learned here I was doing it wrong. I used a consumer grade machine to clean vinyl siding, driveways, and decks. No chems, just pressure and a lot of time. I was ignorant, but it worked, and I didn’t destroy anything, other than some marks I left on a wood deck from too much pressure.

I have a start up budget of no more than $15k to build out a open trailer rig to tow behind a truck I already own (1/2 ton 4x4). I want to be able to do everything from commercial flat work, to house washing, roofs, maybe some fleet or equipment washing/degreasing. It will just be me starting out, no employees until I can build some bookings, so I am thinking a 8GPM 3000psi hot skid, with a buffer tank in the 200-300 gallon range, chem tank, a decent size surface cleaner, and all the accessories, nozzles, ladders, buckets, hoses, reels etc.

Here is a proposed timeline:

Keep in mind, I still have a full time job at this point.

Jan 2019: Establish LLC / Local business license / website / Facebook
Feb 2019: Begin purchasing equipment
Mar 2019: Build trailer, test equipment on property I own. Possibly take some online certifications, opinions on this?
April: Activate insurance and begin marketing blitz, burn my vacation days. Tender resignation.
May: World Domination! Or get another job, either way.

Am I crazy? What did I miss? I am starting to get serious about this, I would appreciate any advise from those of you that would offer it. You all had a first day in business, what would you change?

Thank you,

Player_1

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2

Welcome

Get a 8gpm 3500 machine. You’re going to lose 600psi with 200’ of hose and then another 200 running it thru your heater. Starting at 3000psi you’re going to be down to 2200 psi which may work for residential but no so well on some commercial. Cost difference is not much.

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Where are you located?

4

Springfield Missouri

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5

My dad always said "When you start a new business, don’t expect to make a dime for 6 months. If your budget can’t handle that, don’t start the business.

You will likely be working a lot of weekends while you try to make this profitable.

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I can appreciate that. We’ve been debt free for some time, and my wife works full time. I’d go on her insurance and her income covers our bills. She’s going to expect me to give this 100% but understand it may take some time to become profitable.

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This is so huge. The thought of owing someone more money than something is worth for years on end boggles my mind. My dad always said if you can’t pay for it in cash you can’t afford it.

Being debt free is going to make it wayyyy easier to handle the initial decrease in income. I’m no expert in the matter, but I’d be willing to bet a vital organ unable to cover debt is in the top 3 reasons why people fail out of business.

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Sounds like a solid plan. 15k is manageable but close. You’re probably looking at 13k just for equipment but 2k should cover the rest. You’re going to start out on better footing then most. I’d say you’re golden. Just keep reading and don’t skip out on reading about marketing and aquiring customers.

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I agree with @squidskc. If you have no debt and can pay out of pocket to get your site setup and a little marketing, think you may surprise yourself at how quickly you can become profitable. Solo operator should pull down about 60-65% of gross before taxes.

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The 15k is just a placeholder. If I need equipment, software, marketing I won’t skimp. As far as acquiring clients, I work in sales B2B now so pursuing business owner/decision makers isn’t a new thing for me. I plan to get the truck lettered and buy some logo polo shirts. I want to set myself apart by appearance.

I’m hoping to net out 50% of revenue.

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11

I see success in your future.

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12

Best of luck to you! I only do this part time (full-time teacher) and my biggest advantage in being set apart from the $99 guys is my “appearance”. They are willing to pay 4x as much when I pull up without a cigarette hanging from my mouth lol. Most of my business has come from word of mouth due to my ability to talk to my customers, explain what will happen during their house wash, and following up afterwards to make sure they are 100% satisfied. The peace of mind they get knowing that I’m not there just to make money has gone a long way in building the business. You’ll do great!

Also, look into dye sublimation on polyester shirts for your polo shirts, that way they don’t get destroyed by the bleach.

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You already have a business plan in place along with a time line which is huge. Follow this and set small goals for your self through out the year and you will be successful. Great start and welcome to the biz!

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I see success in your future!

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16

I’m reading and learning a lot here. Also watching a few different folks vlog on YouTube window cleaning and pressure cleaning.

I’ve ran several business name searches through the SOS and looked for domain names on GoDaddy. I think I’ve settle on the name “Awesome Wash LLC”. What do you guys think?

Merry Christmas

PS, I’m bilingual. I speak English and sarcasm.

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17

Lmbo :sunglasses: @Innocentbystander

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18

Is this a joke. :joy:

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19

About a year ago there was a very argumentative poster here by the name Awesome wash. I think eventually he chilled out but it took a while! :grin:

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Pretty funny…everyone got trolled by Awesome Wash again. Or is it a awesome wash impersonator? Lol

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Everytime the government shuts down awsomewash shows up!

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