Hey guys, been busy getting the business together and reading up on all the good stuff on here. I’ve got the business formed, ordered marketing material and bleach resistant shirts, a basic website is up, and I’m travelling a couple hours Monday afternoon in hopes of purchasing a trailer with 8 gpm hot pw, large water, bleach, and chem tank, plus separate pro portioner SW system. Supposed turn key setup. Still need to purchase insurance and plan on a FB account. Already partnered with some local realtors for a pay per referral setup.
I could use some guidance, due to time sensitivity on one matter. A week ago, a small local community had a once in 500 year flood. I plan on contacting their town hall, if I can get ahold of anyone, to help coordinate an efficient execution of free washing for the victims (figure out who needs it the most, let people know ahead of time, etc.) It’s a poor community with residential and businesses impacted and likely little if any had flood insurance. Lots of things pop into mind here. My plan was to not wear shirts or have signs and business cards of any type or anything else when offering these services because the purpose is for doing the right thing and not about marketing. However, does that open me up to any potential liability not executing services with my business insurance? Any guidance on the best way to handle logistics andnexecution would be greatly appreciated. Is there any do’s and dont’s? What’s the best value to be focusing on? This is not the first flood for some and some have stated they already may not return. The local businesses in the area have been under consistent decline since covid as well.
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I applaud your desire to help those impacted, I also applaud your cajones for trying to go out and do something without even having your rig and having it dialed in.
There is a phrase you might need to keep in the back of your mind if you do this: No good deed shall go unpunished. Think about that.
I would not wash anything without a contract, even if it says free at the bottom of it. For every 10 people you help, there will be one or two who hate you for it or are going to try and get you. Just my entire life’s work experience there, but you do you.
If you are planning on deducting this for taxes there are a whole bunch of rules to follow.
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I’d echo what @Dirtyboy said… and also add if my house just flooded, the last thing I would want is someone that has never washed before to spray more water around it.
I’d also double check the legality for paying realtors for leads.
Recipe for disaster. You don’t even know how to pressure wash yet. I’m 7 years in and still making stupid mistakes.
Thanksnfor the input guys. I’m definitely green but do have a bit of experience tagging along with a buddy and am trying to watch and read as much as I can inbetween setting everything up. I worked in tech for 20 years and was laid off in March and need to get something going even if we are rolling into the off season. Things are bad all over in the tech industry and I’ve always wanted to own my own business, so I’m going for it. I was planning on going around the neighborhoods giving away freebies in exchange for honest google reviews before I try actual marketing and door to door so that there’s some credibility there.
I definitely was keeping in mind that no good deed goes unpunished. Certainly understand that people who have lost everything can and try to grasp onto anything. Definitely makes sense to have a contract even for $0. Servicing homes likely doesnt make sense since the big issue will be moldy interiors. Maybe businesses and roadways/parking lots? What about spraying some SH in vegitated areas where stagnent water was sitting for days, letting it dwell, then rinse? Could that be of value to try and treat the ick and mold in those potential areas? I haven’t been down there yet and will probably pass through that way on my way to get the rig tomorrow. Maybe I can snap some photos and you guys can better see some opportunities where I may be able to do something useful for the community? As I type and think, maybe contacting the Mayor and writing up a contract to stick to public areas and release me of liability? I’m sure they would welcome any and all help and that can limit interactions with individuals a bit, plus get me a good amount of time behind the equipment. Was also thinking about contacting local SH suppliers to see if they’d be willing to donate.
Coordinate with your local rescue and pitch in. Not much important you can do soft washing though. Just volunteer as a helping hand whatever way they need help and you can do it. After Helene we were cutting trees clearing private roads, doing welfare checks on older people in our community, making grocery runs, and my wife was sorting donations for many weeks afterwards trying to figure out how to distribute stuff to people that needed it.
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Very true, my mind gravitated towards pw as thst’s been my sole focus for the past couple weeks. Csn certainly roll up the sleeves and help with lots of other tasks.
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