Pricing adj. for shutters?

[Marv]

Just did first full house wash. It went well, and I'm glad I got the x-jet. Did fairly well on time, need to get more eficient with moving gear.

This was a vinyl siding, small older house. I did not allow for extra time spent on white shutters, with heavy mildew. i got them back to white, but they killed me on time.

I think, in the future, I will ask for extra to clean shutters (and there 'screen' front door was one big shutter. Actually it had louvers in place of the screen). Would $10 per shutter be in line, or $10 per window?




Thanks Marv

 

[Ron P.]

ron p

MARV, first do you have the close range tip for the x-jet? second What are you useing to wash houses?[chem. or youy own mix? whats in it? how much of what is in it?]
It's your 1st house, dont get crazy with prices because your not fast, yet.
When it comes to residental work, find out everything they want washed. When you give them the est.[written] list everything your going to wash in the contract. Then put ONE price. Dont list things sep. as in priceing. It causes problems. KISS "keep it simple stupid". Dont get hung up on long est. Homeowners set a price in there head before you get there. Your job is to breakdown any preconcieved notions they have, educate them in what/how/why you do what you do.
Then after that, give them your price. That way your going to get your price.
I like to "give a small thing to every customer"
A small shed,patio furn.,the dog house,ect.. something they dont exspect.
Now you've done a good job at a fair price and your a nice guy.
Every customer is a working salesperson for you, so treat them right.
I have houses where if you charged $10 extra for shutters it would cost more for them, then to wash the house.
The key to the x-jet is the chem. you use and how well you understand the charirestics of the surface your trying to clean.

 

[Marv]

Thanks for the good reply, Ron.

I wasn't intending on listing multiple prices, but want to take all factors into consideration when I do give my price/bid. The gutters were one thing that really stood out to me as something I never had thought of. And they had the biggest impact on my time.

I know it will take time to make time, but I want to begin with eficiency as a primary goal (I am not full time yet). THE GOAL is to earn their trust and respect. And hopefully referral, as well as, future business. I like the feeling of doing a good job. I learn and believed in "the extra mile' when I was in sales.

I don't have the close range tip, yet. I have been to Sun Brite, only a 45 min drive. I have set up two wands on a quick connect and a turbo to enter-change with the x-jet wand. I found a local pipe company that will make/adapt for me. I have talked with him about a 6' wand, possiblly with a slight bend. Also found a place with a variety of tips on male quick connect ( ie 0, 20, & 45 degree).

I mixed my own 'recipe' for the x-jet. Basically bleach, water, dish detergent and added some alum. brightner in a pump-up spayer for gutters. I got that idea from here, Les I think. And I used a bought mildew remover/inhibitor with a regular variable pressure tip, in the front (because of shrubs and neighber's car) where the wind was a bigger factor.

By the way, I like 'Squirt". Still not settled on a co. name. A maybe is AquaForce.

Thanks again, Marv

 

[Ron P.]

RON P

MARV we need to talk.
The very first ting you need to do is call
1-800-346-4879 and ask for a catalog.
They will send you a ton of free info that will help you out greatly.
tools,sales,chems,how-to,and they are pretty damn cheap.[products that is]
Aluminum brightner on gutters that your spraying over your head? In my opinin thats NOT GOOD.
AS FOR YOUR HOMEMADE MIX-close but no cigar
you need more of a detergent then dish soap.
If you tried e-spec's limomlene you would'nt ever go back to just bleach and dish soap.[it has its place-when you get the right recipe]
E-spec also sells a house wax, it puts you out in front of the lowballers.
As far as you making up wands-Why do that when all you do is call and they ship? I use a 6 ft also.
they are $17 plus shipping.
GET THE CLOSE RANGE TIP ASAP.
What are you cleaning at someone's home with a turbo? Not much i hope.
a vaiable pressure tip? In my opinion you should just get a duel lance.
As far as REFFERELLS. Yes every customer is your salesperson. Also get some yard signs.
As far as a CO. name, I feel that people want to relate your co. name with quality work.
5 star pressure washing, deck-savers,pro-wash,ect..Also some people like to pick something that starts with an A so your first in the phone book.
As far as gutters-you just need a exstension pole and a mop[sponge type] on the end of it and/or your x-jet tip. Whatever the limonlene wont get off a dip of GUTTER ZAP and a quick swipe, then rinse. They look brand new.
Keep reading everything you can on ALL the BBS. Then remember chems. clean NOT pressure. Thats why the x-jet works.[house washing]
good luck