1st Portable Extractor - Buying Decisions

westcovina wrote: I use both Truck mount and portable. When I use the porty I really miss the high heat that the TM puts out. I would get a porty first and a TM later when you can afford it. That way you will really appreciate the TM. http://www.carpet-cleaning-west-covina.com/

Also, if you start with a portable, there are some jobs that are either a big pain in the butt (requiring 200 - 300' of hose) or just impossible (as some high rises, won't allow the doors to be propped open or hoses to hang from the balconies) that a portable works nicely on, also the portable, once/when/if, you get a truck mount makes a nice back up for the truckmount or even occasionally allow you to be a two truck/van business.

And even before upgrading to a truck mount, consider upgrading to a better portable, with fuel cost soaring higher and higher, being about to work out of a smaller van, getting better mileage as well as not burning fuel to power the machine, will add up to a large savings.... (although, sometimes a trade off for additional time spent on each location, not allowing quite as many jobs to be done in the same time, but if your just getting started, I wouldn't expect you to be TOO busy to start off.   It takes a while to build up a clientell list, and even decide which end of the business best suits, both your needs and experience level.

I think it was stated earlier on, don't under price yourself, as it's easier to give a discount/occasional sale price ofd a decent normal price, than to raise your price even a little, once your customer already have used you services, unlike gas stations that can raise theirs every other day, since nearly every other one is charging nearly the same price...   the same can't be said for carpet cleaning businesses, with prices ranging from $8 room to $40 - $50 a room, some pricing by the room, some by the square foot, some pricing by how much time they expect to be there and any other form of billing...  

You could get it right from Ted if you lived in Canada. Otherwise the Cross-American Jag 6.6 wont trip breakers like the M5. Jag is quieter, lighter, some say more powerful, Has APO and AF.  Seriously if i ever sold my TM the Jag would be in my

the only thing i didnt like is that i have to spend more to buy wand and extra stuff while m5 or ltd 5 come with hoses and the wand

duckcountry why don't you go find something to do ,instead of putting ur noise in peoples discussions .either help with a Real comment or keep quite

Depends.  Welcome to the bucket brigade.  Why does it matter how many it takes?

msine wrote: the only thing i didnt like is that i have to spend more to buy wand and extra stuff while m5 or ltd 5 come with hoses and the wand

I got a portable for you @ a good price msine.
Masterblend Truckforce 1200. Only has 57hrs on it.
Needs a new pump head ($300)and AF isn't working.
Has APO., 50' of all hoses, 12"wand.
New they cost around $3800, Its yours for $2500.+ S&H, save a G after
getting the pumphead.

Anyone interested pm me. Its the deal of the decade.