Starting my own Carpet Cleaning Business.. Where to Start?

[Guest]

i have been reading this board for a long while and know there is a lot of craziness that goes on, but there is all so a vast amount of knowledge here that would be great to tap into

I want to get into the carpet cleaning business.

I have been a technician for a couple of years now, and I feel that is the right time to start off on my own in the carpet cleaning, tile cleaning, and potential water damage remediation business.

There are a couple of areas I know I have covered.

1. I can clean carpet, tile, and upholstery.
2. I am familiar with the IICRC guidelines for the above, as well as the S500 and S520
3. I know i can do Marketing, and sales. Went to college for graphic design, and got into the carpet cleaning business to fund tuition.
4. I am familiar carpet cleaning chemistry. PH, Spotter functions, Dilution ratios, sprayers, truck mounts, etc etc etc.
5. I know how much i want to charge and what clients i want to go after.

These are the areas i need help in. Because i do not know how to transition from a technician to a owner operator.

1. How do i start a business? more then just buying the equipment marketing and doing the work

2. How do i...

A. Get a business License. Who do i talk to? how much does it cost

B. How do i get my name trademarked, and how do i know it doesn't infringe on any one else

C. Where do i get start up insurance. Is it hard to find? How much do i need starting out?

D. I don't want to start out with a portable. I'm undecided on a Direct Drive (HM CDS) or a Slide in (Prochem Legend / Peak / Everest). How much Debt should i acquire at the start of the business 15k? 20k? 50k?

E. How do i know how much i owe in Taxes on what i make? Do i need an accountant?

F. Are there any free resources out there that help people start business?

G. If you all can't provide this information. Where do i get it? Google Doesn't seem to help in a lot of these questions.


Thank you for your time. I appreciate any advice, and value any knowledge shared. I really need to be set in a good direction. I am hungry and ambitious and ready to step into the entrepreneur world while i am young.

 

[truckmount girl]

If you live within the city limits, check with the city first. They will steer you to the correct offices for business licenses and such....you will likely need to file your business name with the county but before you do find an accountant to help you decide how to best set up your business given your unique situation.

Some advice, get disability insurance. Just ask JB, it's important and far too many of us wait until it's too late.

How much your start up costs will be depends a lot on your access to capital, generally, keep it as low as possible, but purchase good equipment that will last and grow with you. You don't want to start out saddled with a lot of debt...especially moving into the winter months, which are lean times for all.

If you possibly can, get a good business coach / mentor, Scott Rendall is a great guy and a great coach, I'd recommend him highly. With a good accountant and a good coach, you won't make the mistakes that most of us made, and ultimately cause most small business to fail.

Befriend and respect your local competition. Cooperate with them, learn fromthem, help them out when they need a hand and they will be more likely to call you to sub jobs, help on big accounts, etc.

NEVER try to get your foot in the door with rock bottom pricing. It will not build you a sustainable, loyal customer base, and it's no fun to realize at the end of the month you could have worked at McDonald's and made more money. Price yourself in the middle or on the higher end, do quality work, give excellent customer service, be on time, friendly and respect their homes and businesses and you will do well.

Check your local Small Business Association, they are a wealth of information on starting a business, getting loans and grants, structuring and setting goals and writing a business plan.

As far as equipment goes, I would look for a good used truckmount with no major problems, preferably one you feel confident you can work on if you have to....they have a way of breaking down in the middle of a job, on a day when the repair shop is closed.

Learn that mount better than you know your girl. The better you know it, the sooner you will recognize when something's amiss.

Good luck and welcome. It's a wonderful industry full of some of the best people I've ever met in my life.

Take care,
Lisa

 

[XTREME1]

why is mikey or odin or harry pretending to be Pro-XL

 

[Jeremy]

What is success?
Success is an abstract term. It means something different to everyone.
At age 4 success is . . . not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . having friends.

At age 16 success is . . . having a drivers license.

At age 35 success is . . . having money.

At age 50 success is . . . having money.




At age 70 success is . . . having a drivers license.

At age 75 success is . . . having friends.

At age 80 success is . . . not peeing in your pants.




As defined by encarta.msn.com s' dictionary, success is:


1. achievement of intention: the achievement of something planned or attempted
2. attainment of fame, wealth, or power: impressive achievement, especially the attainment of fame, wealth, or power
3. something that turns out well: something that turns out as planned or intended
4. somebody successful: somebody who is wealthy, famous, or powerful because of a record of achievement

I don't know about you but my definition changes constantly. I guess success can be attained in different amounts. Small victories like catching the end of the green light or no line for the restroom at your favorite pub. Then there are larger life events like having found love or just having time for family & friends.
You say these things aren't' related to your business? I beg to differ. Your home life and your business life are tied to each other from the time you start up until you either fail, retire or sell. Give a listen to the E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber. He will explain this in great detail in the first few chapters.
I guess success is getting the things you want, when you want them. This is the “x-factorâ€Â

 

[Steve Toburen]

Wow, Jeremy, I am impressed. Maybe You should teach SFS. Seriously! You write eloquently and with great passion. Congratulations.

Steve

PS Some people worry about SFS maintaining exclusivity on this stuff. I just wish we could get even more people on the Building Your Infrastructure Band Wagon. Carpet cleaners tend to be a pretty beat up on bunch and this is so sad because it is an industry with so much potential ...

 

[cu]

yep , exactly what they said, thats what i would do,,,,,be i did,nt
so im just a hack

 

[Jay D]

Jeremy aren't you the guy who was headin to Irack??????? Maybe you should read your cut and paste thingee and take it to heart and stay here. Maybe just tweak what your doin will net you alot of return. Good Luck.

Mister Sir

 

[Mark Azevedo]

Re: Starting my own Carpet Cleaning Business.. Where to Star

i have been reading this board for a long while and know there is a lot of craziness that goes on, but there is all so a vast amount of knowledge here that would be great to tap into

I want to get into the carpet cleaning business.

I have been a technician for a couple of years now, and I feel that is the right time to start off on my own in the carpet cleaning, tile cleaning, and potential water damage remediation business.

There are a couple of areas I know I have covered.

1. I can clean carpet, tile, and upholstery.
2. I am familiar with the IICRC guidelines for the above, as well as the S500 and S520
3. I know i can do Marketing, and sales. Went to college for graphic design, and got into the carpet cleaning business to fund tuition.
4. I am familiar carpet cleaning chemistry. PH, Spotter functions, Dilution ratios, sprayers, truck mounts, etc etc etc.
5. I know how much i want to charge and what clients i want to go after.

These are the areas i need help in. Because i do not know how to transition from a technician to a owner operator.

1. How do i start a business? more then just buying the equipment marketing and doing the work

2. How do i...

A. Get a business License. Who do i talk to? how much does it cost

B. How do i get my name trademarked, and how do i know it doesn't infringe on any one else

C. Where do i get start up insurance. Is it hard to find? How much do i need starting out?

D. I don't want to start out with a portable. I'm undecided on a Direct Drive (HM CDS) or a Slide in (Prochem Legend / Peak / Everest). How much Debt should i acquire at the start of the business 15k? 20k? 50k?

E. How do i know how much i owe in Taxes on what i make? Do i need an accountant?

F. Are there any free resources out there that help people start business?

G. If you all can't provide this information. Where do i get it? Google Doesn't seem to help in a lot of these questions.


Thank you for your time. I appreciate any advice, and value any knowledge shared. I really need to be set in a good direction. I am hungry and ambitious and ready to step into the entrepreneur world while i am young.

go to your local Chamber of com. Ask for score, a federal aided program for people like you.. dumby

 

[bob vawter]

First advice i give anyone inquiring about starting up a CC business is:

MAKE SURE WIFE HAS GOOD JOB!

 

[Guest]

First advice i give anyone inquiring about starting up a CC business is:

MAKE SURE WIFE HAS GOOD JOB!

lol... so true. I am happy my other is supportive



I really appreciate all the advice. I will check that chamber of commerce thing out. First step is to write a solid business plan.

 

[bob vawter]

I really appreciate all the advice. I will check that chamber of commerce thing out. First step is to write a solid business plan.

Maybe if you sit in on the hot seat next Wed, i'll let a coupla little secrets on how to get your own little niche...

 

[John G]

You bet Bob, how to build a porn site and piss and moan about people not liking you enough....LOL

 

[bob vawter]

Comin' to the Hot Seat Wed G......i'll gives ya some tips on cleaning the reverse twist that you are UN-ABLE to do...maybe OTHER surprizes too......

You continuly amaze me at how you can present your method, and keep a straight face!

 

[boazcan]

Two organizations you need to VISIT in person for assistance.

SBDC (Small Business Development Center) usually partnering with a local college.

SCORE (I don't know) similar to SBDC but usually run by county or city or state gov't funding.

They will get you strainght on logistics and writing a business plan. Take the time to write a business plan. Even if you don't follow which most people don't, it will teach you to think like a business owner before you become one.

Think, Plan, and Go for it!!

Bryan

 

[Dolly Llama]

Two organizations you need to VISIT in person for assistance.

SBDC (Small Business Development Center) usually partnering with a local college.

SCORE (I don't know) similar to SBDC but usually run by county or city or state gov't funding.



Bryan

Thank you Bryan.
I was going to say the same thing.
I'm sure all the other info was of value too.
and it may have even been in those L-O-N-G mega length posts up there.
I didn't have the patients to read them, though


..L.T.A.

 

[Guest]

Maybe all this sarcasm is over my head a bit, but i have some work to do, and i thank you guys again for the advice. i will keep you up dated on how im doing.

I would love to check out the weekly interviews. We have to be a subscribing member to do that right? just 5 bucks a month? Do i get a MikeysBoard sticker or something for signing up?

 

[John G]

Sorry Bawb, I have NOTHING to do Wed nite, so I will be far to busy to stop in for that one...

 

[bob vawter]

That's OK G...can't really say that i'd miss ya....any!

 

[cu]

cant yah feel the love

 

[bubba]

As long as you don't try to stick to a 9 to 5 schedule, work another job and you put your heart and soul into the business, you should do fine. If you can make it past three months and your actually making money, you have it made. Wait til spring comes. The money is sooooooo good.

I read a quote some where on here...

It's easy to get into the Carpet Cleaning Business... It's hard to stay in it. It's very true.

Watch your debt. Keep is low. Do lots of mail outs and go to restaurants, apartments, real estate companies etc, if they use you and like you, your set.

Don't' worry about the competition. Let them worry about you. I can honestly say I have never once ever called anyone else to see how busy they are or how much they are charging.

If you buy a used truck mount, be ready for repairs. They aren't too bad. Usually, one thing at a time goes out.

Also, go to creditboards.com and read about setting up business credit. Get a Duns Number and start building the business credit up.