There are people doing this up there as well, but nowhere near as many as here. Some of us here on this board are doing well and most of them are in markets that are not as saturated with P/W companies. This board is an asset for newbies and a killer for veterans who busted their asses to get P/W on the map down here.
If people getting into this buisness would keep a standard on their pricing we wouldn't have this problem, but their are always going to be newbies that think if they come here and get some quick knowlege then go out and undercut the very hand that feed's them they will pick up alot of work. This will only work for so long until they want it cheaper than your bid and so the ball roll's further and further downhill. You can put me anywhere in the U.S. and I will make a living, I always have since I was 20 yrs old, but trying to compete with people who just dont get it is impossible.
Yes Nick, these boards, including mine, are not helping us out, locally.
It is kind of like having a Party, and have un invited guests come crash it.
When veterans like me and you share our knowledge with people 1/2 way across the country, we are also sharing it with local lurkers who will cut our throats!
We have made it too EASY for them.
Not talking about the rank and file local guys here either, but you know what I mean.
The bad times are here, and I do not see it getting better anytime soon ?
Right now, supply far exceeds demand.
There are simply too many of us IMHO for the local economy at THIS time to support.
Normally, this would be good news!
Times like these normally have a way of getting rid of low priced slimeballs.
Unfortunately, we have many "Mama's Boyz" in this business, and part timers with other incomes, out low balling it up for "beer money", or to impress the wife who supports them that they are out "doing something"!
These guys never "go away" :wave2:
In the pressure washing business, a used pressure washer, and a free Google listing is ALL they need to become your worst nightmare.
ONLY in a booming economy can the market support so many people.