Does anyone out there clean fabric or vinal awnings for your customers? I have a bunch I need to clean for a good customer and I'm not sure how much to charge. I found a place on the web that I got a training tape and manual for doing the work. I think this might be a good add on to make extra profit. What do you all think?
Awnings
- Thread starter Lenny
- Start date
Lenny,
Awnings can be very profitable. Awnings are also very easy to ruin. I usually charge anywhere between $1.50-3.50 a linear foot depending on the width.
A few key things to know.
Vinyl awnings are made from petroleum. Many customers have told me they have used a degreaser on the awning to remove stains. Yes that works but it also removes the layers; no different then removing a few layers of skin to get clean while showering, no thanks.
Always do a test spot before cleaning. You should use a Q-Tip dipped in the chemical you are using and apply to an area of the awning not seen by the public. If you get color on your Q-Tip don’t clean; the color is on the surface only.
There are lots more…………………..
May I suggest calling Do-it-Right? They are from Florida. Good company. Reliable products. They don’t just sell you stuff they actually know what they are doing because they operate a profitable awning cleaning and sealing company. If you cannot find their number contact my office and they will find it for you.
Good luck
Awnings can be very profitable. Awnings are also very easy to ruin. I usually charge anywhere between $1.50-3.50 a linear foot depending on the width.
A few key things to know.
Vinyl awnings are made from petroleum. Many customers have told me they have used a degreaser on the awning to remove stains. Yes that works but it also removes the layers; no different then removing a few layers of skin to get clean while showering, no thanks.
Always do a test spot before cleaning. You should use a Q-Tip dipped in the chemical you are using and apply to an area of the awning not seen by the public. If you get color on your Q-Tip don’t clean; the color is on the surface only.
There are lots more…………………..
May I suggest calling Do-it-Right? They are from Florida. Good company. Reliable products. They don’t just sell you stuff they actually know what they are doing because they operate a profitable awning cleaning and sealing company. If you cannot find their number contact my office and they will find it for you.
Good luck
Just a friendly reminder if you’re a contractor you can post links names and recommendations in this area. Sellers cannot, sometimes getting used to watching whose toes your stepping on is hard. On our board you can post any link tele number related to this industry that you want.
Again I say our board, not mine
Again I say our board, not mine
I have gotten some cleaners and sealers, and training tape frome http://www.awningcleaning.com/ they are in florida also.
My Awning story:
I was working at a restuurant in College Park MD. We had and awning and decided to clean it because it looked like crap. So we got up the ladder and scrubbed and scrubbed but nothing came off. Absolutely no difference. We just used the hose pressure. The Subway manager next door noticed what we're doing so we offer to clean his to for the sum of $100!!!!! 20 minutes later we're like pay up dude. Haha what a ripp off!!
So if I get my bizz started there's a strip of shops and restuarants that I know that are very grungy. Hope I get to them before one of you guys!!!
I was working at a restuurant in College Park MD. We had and awning and decided to clean it because it looked like crap. So we got up the ladder and scrubbed and scrubbed but nothing came off. Absolutely no difference. We just used the hose pressure. The Subway manager next door noticed what we're doing so we offer to clean his to for the sum of $100!!!!! 20 minutes later we're like pay up dude. Haha what a ripp off!!
So if I get my bizz started there's a strip of shops and restuarants that I know that are very grungy. Hope I get to them before one of you guys!!!
Les Howington
New member
Safa, I'm confused. Did you ever get the awning clean? The guy at subway asked you to clean his, did you get his clean for the $100 or was the $100 for just trying and what exactly was the "rip off"?
Les
Les
No, neither awning was cleaned properly!
All we used was just some powder dish washing soap a brush and a garden hose.
The subway guy did feel ripped off though. The max we got off was just some dust. But now I know the awnings needed the chemicals and the pressure y'all talk about all the time.
All we used was just some powder dish washing soap a brush and a garden hose.
The subway guy did feel ripped off though. The max we got off was just some dust. But now I know the awnings needed the chemicals and the pressure y'all talk about all the time.
Awning Cleaning
For information on how to clean awnings and tech support for free go to http://www.awningcleaningsource.com to download cleaning instructions and email questions.
For information on how to clean awnings and tech support for free go to http://www.awningcleaningsource.com to download cleaning instructions and email questions.
Awning Cleaners
I got into the awning cleaning business this past summer. Although people who own businesses rather their awnings look like crap rather than pay my low prices to clean them I do have a fantastic cleaner. Sky clean "multi clean" works on both fabric and vinyl. I have had a couple of accounts (shoneys {fabric} and subway {vinyl} and it performed great. It is not cheap but when you hit some dirty gutters by mistake you wont belive your eyes or the new oppertunity. I buy mine from Do it right they are full of info.
I got into the awning cleaning business this past summer. Although people who own businesses rather their awnings look like crap rather than pay my low prices to clean them I do have a fantastic cleaner. Sky clean "multi clean" works on both fabric and vinyl. I have had a couple of accounts (shoneys {fabric} and subway {vinyl} and it performed great. It is not cheap but when you hit some dirty gutters by mistake you wont belive your eyes or the new oppertunity. I buy mine from Do it right they are full of info.
Attachments
business ethics
Once there was a business owner that had problems with his computers. The business owner called a computer specialist to fix the problem. When the repairman arrived and examined the computers he opened up his brief case. Inside the briefcase he pulled out a small hammer. The computer specialist took the hammer and tapped gently on the outside of the computer at the bottom edge. The computers miraculously began to operate. The very pleased and excited owner eagerly asked for the invoice. The owner is handed a bill for $500. The outraged owner protests at the amount and wants the 10 minutes worth of work itemized.
The invoice reads as the following:
Labor-------------------------------------------------1.00
Knowing where use the hammer-------------$499.00
Total---------------------------------------------$500.00
Although I agree with this above short story; what you know is sometimes worth more then the labor. I also believe we must all walk this path cautiously. The past “Subway” post makes me cringe. If we are in business to take advantage of clients this says something not only about the individual but it hurts our industry.
Value of the work performed and the perceived value go hand in hand.
Once there was a business owner that had problems with his computers. The business owner called a computer specialist to fix the problem. When the repairman arrived and examined the computers he opened up his brief case. Inside the briefcase he pulled out a small hammer. The computer specialist took the hammer and tapped gently on the outside of the computer at the bottom edge. The computers miraculously began to operate. The very pleased and excited owner eagerly asked for the invoice. The owner is handed a bill for $500. The outraged owner protests at the amount and wants the 10 minutes worth of work itemized.
The invoice reads as the following:
Labor-------------------------------------------------1.00
Knowing where use the hammer-------------$499.00
Total---------------------------------------------$500.00
Although I agree with this above short story; what you know is sometimes worth more then the labor. I also believe we must all walk this path cautiously. The past “Subway” post makes me cringe. If we are in business to take advantage of clients this says something not only about the individual but it hurts our industry.
Value of the work performed and the perceived value go hand in hand.