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maybe a newbie |
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schawthorne 
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Joined: 01/May/2011 Location: PA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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 Topic: maybe a newbiePosted: 01/May/2011 at 7:46am |
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Hi everyone, Steve here. I got laid-off back in Feb. 1st time I have ever been out of work. I'm 48. The whole industry I was working in is going down. Mostly because of outsourcing. Anyway, time for a change. Looking at the Rotovac startup. Just the carpet cleaning for now(360i looks good but I only get unemployment comp right now). I have no experience other than using my dept store bought steam cleaner. I understand that working for a cleaner for awhile would be best(I have applied)but unless it would be part-time I could not pay my mortgage with what they would pay me. P/T would still give me U/C and allow me the time for this. I figured I could clean some friends and families homes for free to get practice and hopefully some word of mouth. My cousin does home cleaning but not carpet cleaning other than vacuuming, so maybe something could come of that. I am in the position right now as to where I don't have to rush right in and make a ton of mistakes. Money is an issue as I said I am out of work so what do you think? Rotovac ok? Have any of you dealt with them? Machines, support? Thanks for any advice.
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Steve
A little hope can go a long way.... |
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amera
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Joined: 13/January/2009 Location: Denver CO Status: Offline Points: 29 |
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Posted: 01/May/2011 at 7:27pm |
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are you talking about the rotovac package deal if so its AAA+ idea for a somebody starting out it will do a decent job since portable cleaning is weak to begin with , i will also buy a heater with it and try to go a carpet cleaning class.
GOOD LUCK
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NJPSR
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Joined: 26/October/2010 Location: Florida Status: Offline Points: 90 |
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Posted: 02/May/2011 at 11:52am |
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If you do go with rotovac talk with Jeff Bryson the sales guy. He is very helpful and he will not sell you something that you don't need. They have good machines.
Good luck!
Nick
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N.J.P. Property Maintenance, "We take care of all your cleaning needs"
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schawthorne
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Joined: 01/May/2011 Location: PA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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Posted: 03/May/2011 at 12:53pm |
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Well I was thinking about the portable. The Mytee 1000. $3000.00 for the extractor, rotovac power wand, manual wand, upholstry attachements and so on. i figure it would take longer with the portable but if I could get a few jobs a week starting out, then if I feel I could sustain a few jobs per week I can upgrade. I have another yr and change left on unemployment comp so I have alittle time to start slow instead of a big investment that might not pan out. Or am I going about this all wrong?
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Steve
A little hope can go a long way.... |
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Ed Valentine
Carpet Cleaning Specialist 
Joined: 14/September/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 770 |
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Posted: 03/May/2011 at 4:07pm |
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Steve;
I would suggest from an experience view point, that you start out with a GREAT machine rather than a boarder line machine. Never forget that the machine will be the most important aspect of your "system" and means of cleaning. Your focus should be on doing it easier, faster, and taking as much labor out of your work as much as possible or you will have a ruff going IMHO.
Remember that you are going to compete with some very good Professionals out there that do TM cleaning , who provide their customers with great results. Having stated that, you can to with the right machine. But, unfortunately, hauling around a low performance machine may not be the answer.
The biggest and most important advice I could offer is that I recommend doing a little more research...........
Very best;
"Name held by request"
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John L
Carpet Cleaning Guru 
Joined: 29/November/2004 Location: I'm Right Here! Status: Offline Points: 4013 |
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Posted: 04/May/2011 at 12:41pm |
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Welcome here Steve, If your in it for the long haul the high-performance is what
you should look for like the Recoils. If your in it just to make ends meet and monies tight get a Timbucktoo under $1000 for a 10gal porty and a mechanical aggitator. Good Luck...
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NJPSR
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Joined: 26/October/2010 Location: Florida Status: Offline Points: 90 |
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Posted: 06/May/2011 at 12:23pm |
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Steve, call Ed Valentine, he will put you in the right direction. He also builds great machines.
Nick
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N.J.P. Property Maintenance, "We take care of all your cleaning needs"
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Ohiobass
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Joined: 09/May/2011 Location: camden Status: Offline Points: 6 |
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Posted: 09/May/2011 at 9:16am |
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I am also thinking of starting a business in cleaning carpet. Like the OP, I am a displaced worker at 45 years of age. I did this type of work using the bonnet style for 7 years plus other floor maintenance.
I am thinking of the Rotovac as well. Looks like to me it is not a bad way to get started. However, I don't want to throw away money. Any other advice or other machines that will work? Oh, and this might be a silly question, where do you get the water? At the clients house? Where do get rid of the water? At the clients house? Trying to figure this all out.  Thanks for all the help possible. |
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schawthorne
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Joined: 01/May/2011 Location: PA Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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Posted: 09/May/2011 at 1:52pm |
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Who is Ed Valentine? and where do I get his #?
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Steve
A little hope can go a long way.... |
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Ed Valentine
Carpet Cleaning Specialist
Joined: 14/September/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 770 |
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Posted: 09/May/2011 at 3:57pm |
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Hello, Steve.
You can reach me at: 734-439-7111 (MI) 9-4pm
Thanks to all above!
Ed Valentine
cross-american corp.
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