Rugdoctor Good or Bad?
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Topic: Rugdoctor Good or Bad?
Posted By: CarpetGuy28
Subject: Rugdoctor Good or Bad?
Date Posted: 16/October/2010 at 3:32pm
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Hey everyone, I live in an apartment complext and everybody has carpets. I rented a rugdoctor once and I feel like it did the same job that I paid somebody else to do.
Has anybody ever used a rugdoctor to start a low budget carpet cleaning business or is this a recipe for failure?
My thought process was to do some small jobs here or there eventually pay myself back, build some steady clients, and invest money back into the business to purchase a better machine?
Any thoughts would be appreciated thank you!
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Replies:
Posted By: Michael
Date Posted: 16/October/2010 at 8:33pm
| If you have next to no capital, then that is one way to slowly break in to the industry. A rugdoctor will never match a well put together professional system, but a conscientious worker can make up for the machine's shortcomings. You'll occupy the bottom of the barrel in the industry, but it's a start. It's a bargain system, so you'll need to charge bargain prices (most likely) and market though bargain sources. Just keep that in mind. |
Posted By: Alexarz
Date Posted: 16/October/2010 at 9:06pm
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LOL. Great advice, Michael. NOT!!
If you don't have enough money to buy a professional portable, you should not get into the business. If you use a Rug Doctor, you will quickly become the laughing stock of the industry and you will have a multitide of problems and complaints from your customers. A Rug Doctor is a toy not a professional piece of equipment and certainly not capable of doing acceptable carpet cleaning.
It would be better to wait until you are ready and I would advise you to work for an established business first to gain experience before venturing into a profession that you know nothing about.
I have one more piece of advice for you; don't take any pointers from Michael.
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Posted By: Michael
Date Posted: 16/October/2010 at 9:12pm
| Someone has to be at the bottom. Can he do it? Sure maybe. I wouldn't advise it, but it's possible. It's been done. That's what he asked. You've demonstrated over and over that you're an idiot and a troll, Alexa. Why don't you just leave? |
Posted By: Alexarz
Date Posted: 16/October/2010 at 10:24pm
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He would only be setting himself up for a lot of trouble and embarrassment. Anybody who knows anything about this business would know that my advice was much better than yours. Then again, we would expect that considering I am probably spotting you some 40 IQ points, plus a lot of experience and knowledge in this profession.
If anybody should leave, it is you, the one with the horrible advice. You probably have some sort of insecurity issues and dream of everybody else using Rug Doctors while you dominate with your Ninja 2 stage whopper! LMAO!
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Posted By: Alexarz
Date Posted: 16/October/2010 at 10:27pm
Michael, even you have to admit that I cleaned your clock with that one. Whaaa Hoooo!!! 
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Posted By: Michael
Date Posted: 16/October/2010 at 10:43pm
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If you had posted before me with your advice, I probably wouldn't have commented, because I don't really disagree with you. I never would have started with a rugdoctor. I took a more encouraging approach to his question but still a realistic one. There are people who do what he's talking about. They are on the bottom and there's a place for that. Why do you keep declaring yourself a number of IQ points above whoever? I'm not a genius and I'm not immune to mistakes, but I'm smart enough. Smart enough to know that there's always someone smarter, stronger, richer, whatever. It works both ways: I'll always be smarter, stronger, richer, etc. than someone else. I don't need to announce it, because who cares? I don't know where I match up with you. Why would I care? I already like my life. I don't need to look down my nose at anyone, and I don't need to be around anyone who looks down their nose at me. But hey, if having someone respond to your rants makes you happy, I guess I'll keep going until I get bored.
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Posted By: Michael
Date Posted: 16/October/2010 at 10:53pm
| Actually, yeah, you socked a good one. I had to concede that you're not really wrong. I don't think I'm wrong either though. Anyway, I get it. It can be fun trying to tear people down. I've been that guy. But it's not really my thing lately. |
Posted By: CarpetGuy28
Date Posted: 17/October/2010 at 1:25am
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Haha guys thanks for those posts appreciate it.
I definitely just wanted some honest feedback and both good points of view.
I'm not looking to make a living out of cleaning with a rugdoctor, just simply some extra cash on the side and if it results in anything I would certainly upgrade and take things to the next step.
I appreciate your feedback thanks for the responses. What would you recommend instead for a good portable device and how much might that approximately run me? Thanks!
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Posted By: Alexarz
Date Posted: 17/October/2010 at 8:00am
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CarpetGuy, I would suggest that you look on Ebay for a decent portable made by one of the more reputable companies. The thing is, you can save yourself so much trouble if you get a decent piece of equipment. You don't need a truckmount at all but a strong running portable will do the trick.
The other issue is experience. You really can't learn that on your own, unless you want to be refunding your customers all too often. Without experience, you haven't any idea where problems could arise or what are realistic expectations for jobs you approach. If you could find a part time job with a carpet cleaner in your area, that would be ideal. Most carpet cleaners could use an extra hand from time to time. Don't worry about the pay if it is minimal. The experience will be very valuable and you will be much better situated afterward to begin on your own. I also think you should not be in a rush. Put some money aside until you are ready to buy a good piece of equipment. Even if you only do this work as a supplement to your income, you may as well do it in a way that will be productive and enjoyable. Going out there with a Rug Dr and no experience could be disastrous.
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Posted By: duckcountry
Date Posted: 17/October/2010 at 2:31pm
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He is looking for a hobby that he might have paying for itself, not a profession or career. He wants a recommendation for a good porty and estimated cost. Who here is qualified to answer his question?
------------- Are you in a high paying business or are you just a self employed low paid grunt who thinks this business provides dignity? |
Posted By: Alexarz
Date Posted: 17/October/2010 at 6:41pm
| Then he should take up Lionel trains or something. If he is looking to charge people money for carpet cleaning, he should provide professional quality with decent equipment or not do it at all. A decent portable will cost you at least $1500 new, with the better ones running a bit over $2k new. Then you will need other things that will add up to at least $1000 ( wand, upholstery tool, hoses, chemicals, etc). Another option is to do encapsulation/bonnet cleaning with an additional spotter machine for those spots that need water extraction. This will cost less and have fewer learning problems. |
Posted By: Soil Lint Green
Date Posted: 17/October/2010 at 9:43pm
urinebegone.com has a solution similar to the waterclaw (similar in operation, not the same power I would guess). With the costs of wet-dry vacs being so low, the bonnet solution which does not require the same skillsets as HWE guys need to avoid mistakes, when combined with urinebegone plus wetdry vac, vacuum cleaner and pump up sprayer and of course chemicals that match the job --- its a reasonable initial investment in the lionel train hobby. 
------------- It's ORY GUN, not OR A GONE. Learn to talk. |
Posted By: Alexarz
Date Posted: 17/October/2010 at 9:53pm
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Seriously, I am thinking that a good bonnet spinner with a small spotter machine would be the best choice for him to begin with. The bonnet method with a good encapsulation pre-spray can do a pretty nice job. The cost for such equipment is very reasonable.
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Posted By: TimGardner
Date Posted: 16/January/2025 at 3:31am
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It’s definitely possible to start small with a RugDoctor and build your way up! Many people start by doing smaller, budget-friendly jobs to get the ball rolling and then reinvest in a better machine as they gain more clients. The key is offering great service, building relationships, and staying consistent. Just be prepared for some ups and downs as you grow!
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Posted By: Billy Barty
Date Posted: 21/January/2025 at 12:02pm
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Starting a carpet cleaning business with a https://www.rugdoctor.com/ - Rug Doctor is definitely possible, but there are some things to consider. Using a Rug Doctor can be a great way to start on a budget, especially if you're only taking on smaller jobs, like cleaning for neighbors or friends in your apartment complex. It's affordable, easy to use, and lets you test the waters to see if this business is something you want to pursue. That said, Rug Doctors are designed for occasional home use, not for the heavy demands of a professional cleaning business. Over time, they may not hold up or provide the deep cleaning power clients might expect. If you’re upfront with your clients about the equipment you’re using and set realistic expectations, it can still work for small jobs while you build experience. A good strategy would be to take whatever income you make and reinvest it into the business. You could eventually upgrade to a professional-grade carpet cleaning machine, which would allow you to deliver better results and take on larger or tougher jobs. As your equipment improves, so can your rates and the type of clients you attract, like landlords or small businesses. It’s also a good idea to learn about different carpet types and cleaning techniques to offer more value. Down the line, certifications like those from the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) can really boost your credibility and help you grow your business. For now, focus on providing great service and building your reputation. You can start with simple, low-cost marketing like flyers in your building or social media posts to get the word out. If you’re consistent and willing to put in the work, starting with a Rug Doctor could be a solid stepping stone to a successful carpet cleaning business. Good luck! ------------- When I clean it, I mean it! :) |