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How Do I Deal with the Internet Keyboard Cowboys? How Do I Determine Accuracy? 0

Every day. Literally every day, we read posts in forums and groups. And there is always that one individual that has a comment about EVERYTHING even when it wasn't solicited. Some groups are unfortunate and have more than just one of that type! But what are you to do when you want to grow your business and need to learn?

Focus on your business. Keep the ego to a minimum and try to find a mentor. Before the internet-age, your mentors were your vendors. They understood the equipment, products, chemistry and could give you tips and tricks. The internet-age gave a voice to EVERYONE. And I think we might all agree that for some folks, this wasn't a positive. As a newbie into the industry, it's hard to differentiate what information is true and accurate and what information is downright dangerous. But when the "keyboard cowboy" spouts off some information with such authority, who are you to question it? You should.

The most over-used piece of advice is BLEACH. And while it is necessary in a variety of cleaning applications, it can be used in the wrong places, in the wrong strengths or mixed with a product that isn't compatible. It isn't always appropriate. And because it comes in a variety of strengths (dollar store, grocery store, big box hardware store, pool store), the general advice of "50/50 dilution" doesn't always work. Why? Because part of the equation is missing. We first need to know where the bleach strength is starting. Do you know your starting bleach strength? You should....really you MUST. So, depending on your starting strength, that "50/50" recommendation might work and then again it might not.

50/50 of 12.5% bleach = 6.25% 

50/50 of 10%  bleach= 5%

50/50 of 6%  bleach = 3%

Injection methods differ as well. Downstream? Soft Wash? X-Jet? All of these have different dilution rates and if I downstream that last mix, my final bleach strength is almost nothing. Then you wonder why the mix didn't work. Math is super-important in this industry. If it's not your strong-suit, then at least know your starting strength and your dilution rate for whatever application method you utilize. That information can help a mentor or qualified person to assist you.

Question the information. Ask "why?". It's important in your learning process to understand the rationale for the answer. Use acid on rust. Yes, but WHY? As you learn the reasons behind some of the actions, then you can understand and apply that same knowledge to other similar situations. 

 Just because it's on the internet doesn't mean it's true. Protect yourself. Keep that ego in check and learn from a mentor. Remember your customers are watching you, just like we watch our customers. Your behavior can be a turn-off to a potential customer or your next potential vendor! 

Focus on you and your business and leave the internet keyboard cowboys to their rambling ego-driven ways. Those folks aren't handling your business or your bills. 

Now get out there and be successful!

Make it stronger, faster, better. Right? Keep that ego in check, my friend. 0

I turned 50 this year. On the age scale, I now consider myself "older". My body considers itself "ancient". My AARP card came in the mail and I'm not ashamed to use my discount. Many of my decisions these days relate to how they will affect either my business or my body. 

A successful business relies on so many components to work in harmony. In the pressure wash industry, we look at customer acquisition, retention, bidding, cleaning procedures, equipment, efficiency and costs. And that's just to start! 

Every year we see trends in equipment. For many years, the gold standard in the residential market was a 4 GPM 4000 PSI cold water belt drive pressure washer. Usually paired with a General Pump and a Honda GX Series engine. Over the last 2 years, we've seen the trend change and the gold standard has now become the 5.5 GPM 3000 PSI cold water belt drive pressure washer. And this year, the trend has become the 8 GPM and 10 GPM belt drive pressure washers because bigger is better, right?

Depends. Working residential with 8 GPM is a lot of water to manage. If you aren't moving quickly, the water can start accumulating. And beyond the water management, have you held an 8 GPM wand for several hours a day? It's tough. At ANY age! And unless you have a trapped pressure unloader, every time you pull that trigger, your body is going to get a nice little kick of built-up pressure from the system. You know exactly what I am talking about. That abuse on your body and joints adds up. The number of posts relating to carpal tunnel syndrome and other muscle/joint issues isn't surprising. Using larger gallon per minute machines on larger areas of flat work isn't the same abuse on your body that using it in residential areas where you will be on and off the trigger fairly consistently. 

Consider your usage pattern. Consider your physical stamina. Consider any physical limitations you may have. Choose your equipment to fit YOUR needs and YOUR usage expectations.

Recently, we had the opportunity to work in the field using some of our EPC, Transport Wash and Ultra Grime Shine products on some heavy equipment. Rather than utilize a single larger GPM machine, we utilized a twin setup with dual 4 GPM machines. There were times that all 8 GPM wasn't necessary and when we wanted the full amount, it was available. I also like the twin setup because it gives me a back-up unit. Unless both units malfunction during the same job, there is a working unit to continue without a work stoppage. And during the busier seasons, repair wait times can be a few weeks. That second unit could be a life-saver. It's about being prepared for the "what-ifs". 

The same type of advice can be given with your chemical usage. Take the time to learn your stain and the surface the stain is on to avoid the mistake of throwing more of the wrong action chemical on your stain. Usually, if the chemical isn't working, you may have chosen the wrong type. For example, if you are using bleach but should be using an acid, you can continue to throw gallons and gallons of bleach on the stain, but you won't have success. The key isn't always bigger, stronger, better; it's called using the correct product for the correct stain type. If you have a stain that isn't budging. STOP for a minute and think. Remember that you have a responsibility to your customer to leave their property clean and intact when you leave the property. Damage and insurance claims are a real thing in today's litigious society. Read about our recent experience in the court room here.

Leave the ego at the door when you are building your business. Sure. You need to have some bravado and confidence. But there's a difference. That ego can lead you down the wrong path with over-sized equipment, an over-sized budget and over-sized debt. Starting smaller may be exactly what your business plan needs. Use your business plan as a guide. While the internet keyboard cowboy will give you a ton of advice, some good and some not so good, it's your wallet that will pay for both, so listen but do your own due-diligence and fact-check advice.

There IS a Difference... 0

In the pressure wash industry there are varying levels of usage and that usage will help to determine your equipment needs.  Let's explore some common terms that relate to usage.

Consumer $$

This type of user is typically a homeowner. This user will most likely purchase a unit from a local big box store like Home Depot or Lowes or Harbor Freight.  The units are typically direct drive units with a smaller horsepower engines and pumps that are rated for a maximum 50 hours lifetime usage.  

Prosumer $$$

This type of user is still most often a homeowner or a property owner that is fastidious about the appearance of their property. This user may purchase a unit from a specialty hardware store.  The units are typically direct drive but these units have a little larger horsepower engine and a little stronger pump which allows this type of user to use it more often and still have good operational performance. While the pump ratings on these type of units is a bit better, these pumps are still not in the same performance category as a professional pump.

Professional $$$$

This type of user utilizes the equipment as a business and a source of income. This user may purchase a unit that is either direct drive or belt drive with a QUALITY larger horsepower engine (Honda, Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Vanguard) and QUALITY pump. This user may operate the equipment 20-40 PER WEEK. 

As you are determining your equipment needs, consider your anticipated use.  That usage level will help determine the appropriate equipment match.  Pressure wash equipment comes in a variety of price ranges and the price will usually match the strength and durability of the individual components. If the price is cheap, then the equipment is probably cheap. If you are a Consumer, cheap will work just fine. If you are a Professional, cheap will not last.

If you have questions about your needs, don't hesitate to touch base with us and we can help determine your best matches.

Help....I Can't Figure Out This Winterizing Thing. 2

Winterizing.....seems to be a really hard thing to grasp. It's ok. I think we've all been there. So let's really break it down as simple as we can make it.

When you are looking at your machine, let's consider it in sections. You have your engine components, pump component and plumbing components.

Your engine really doesn't need much attention when it comes to freezing. Fill your tank to keep out water condensation. IF you are going to be storing your unit for the season, then we would recommend using something like Stabile in the gas. This is to keep the gas from becoming gummy or sticky. Engines and carburetors doesn't like goo running through them. They have tiny, tiny openings throughout the system and if any of these openings gets clogged, the system starts to fail. Take the time to prevent that with a little prevention.

Next component, is the pump.  The pump is the heart of your system and really needs some extra love during the cold. We usually see 2 scenarios.....you are winterizing your system for a month or more OR you are in an area where there is a cold snap and you might be down a few days or a week. The process is really the same for both. The folks who have heated areas to keep their equipment, don't really have to worry about this process. 

Let's talk to the folks who don't have any enclosed area to put their equipment.

Maybe your equipment is in the driveway or backyard. Your goal is to remove any water from your system. And that is also going to include your plumbing and hoses. But for now, let's stay on the pump. Your pump has a garden hose opening. Take some pink RV antifreeze and let that flow through your system. How? You can use a funnel and a piece of garden hose. You will need to pull your engine's pull cord slowly a few times to get the fluid to run through the pump. You are NOT trying to start your machine just merely trying to work the fluid through the system. CAT pump has a cool screw top that you can use on their pump antifreeze bottle...it's neat, clean and quick. I will find a link for that and insert it.

Now your hoses.....again your goal is to remove any water. Disconnect your hoses, lay them out FIRST and run some air through them to make sure they are fully drained. What if you can't blow air through them? Maybe you don't have an air compressor readily available. You could always run something like RV antifreeze through the entire pump and plumbing system. It's more expensive to do it this way because you are running the antifreeze through more of your system. Keep in mind, that when you are protecting your equipment, these fluids are SUPER important in avoiding downtime so don't think about the cost of protecting your equipment but rather the cost of fixing your equipment IF you don't protect it.

Now your tanks and plumbing need some care too.  If your tank has water in it, drain as much as you can and then add RV antifreeze to it as well. You can also drain it dry and blow air through it's plumbing too. Remember the main goal is to remove UNTREATED water from the system.

Why is the same water that makes you so much money during the non-freezing days (good thing right?) such a detriment to your system on the freezing days? Because water expands when it freezes and when that expansion has nowhere to go....it will make a place for it to go. Burst hoses, cracked pumps and a lot more can occur when water freezes in small spaces.  Want to see what water can do when it freezes? Hang on...think I have a cool video on that one too.  Here it is...

Your systems are built tough. But they aren't indestructible.

Hope that helps a little bit and feel free to ask questions or comment below. Have a great evening!

Believe It or Not, Your Supply Vendor CAN Be Your Friend....... 0

Your Responsibilities as a Customer.... 0

Yes....just like you expect your customers to complete their pre-cleaning checklist ( water on, pets inside, access to water, windows closed, check in the mailbox, etc.), we expect you to complete your checklist so that we can assist you in the best possible way. Yes.....you do have to participate in this process if you want it to go smoothly. 

What can you do to help us help you better?

1. Have the Basics.....

Our staff work with customers that are literally around the globe. It's important to know the basics about your equipment such as the equipment manufacturer, a model number, GPM and PSI. Usually with these pieces of information, we can locate any part associated with your equipment. Without the basic information, it can be a crap-shoot and that isn't beneficial to either of us. 

Keep in mind, that some pressure wash systems, have pumps and parts that are private-labeled which actually makes finding the correct replacement part a little more challenging. But the more information you have, the easier it can make the process.

2. Name the Parts.....

Most pressure wash systems contain similar parts likes an engine or some power source, a pump, a pressure unloader, hoses, trigger gun, nozzles and a few others. It's not imperative that you are an equipment expert; it is extremely helpful to you and to us when you can at least identify the part as in many cases, this is half the battle. It's tough to determine if "that brass piece" refers to the nozzle, a fitting, a valve or something else.

3. Don't Assume.....

I went to Catholic school with the nuns and I can still remember the lesson about spelling the word "assuming"....something about making an ass out of you and me.

We don't make assumptions. We don't second-guess your choices when it comes to replacement parts. If you call with a part number and place an order, the order is processed. If you are unsure about your equipment, call and talk to a staff member so that we can ask questions to ensure you are ordering the correct part.

4. Check the Part.....

When you receive a part, check it BEFORE you install it. Are there any manufacturer defects that should be noted? Is it the correct part that you ordered? Many parts have manufacturer warranty periods so the sooner we can address an issue, the better chances we have to advocate on behalf of you.

Compare this to your business.  You clean a property and the customer calls back 90 days later and says you missed a spot.  What do you do?

5. Consider a Back-up Plan....

One of our core company values is Customer Service. We aim to become a part of your team making your life easier and certainly not harder. When your equipment is down, your business is down and that means a loss of revenue and income. As business owners, we have our experts that handle certain business functions that we don't want to or just can't handle like our computer and networking equipment. If those systems are down, it can be devastating for us which is why we have secondary and back-up systems. As your business grows, consider a back-up plan (like a rental) or a another unit.

6. Use Pictures and Video....

Because we deal with a global customer-base, we don't always have the luxury of having access to your machine. But with technology, we can do a lot of in-field trouble-shooting from pictures and video. Don't be afraid to use these tools. Help us help you better.

Thank you for the opportunities you give us daily to assist you. Every once in awhile, we encounter a customer who is unhappy. And while we want to solve problems, some aren't in our control. Our mission is to assist your company but we can't run it for you although we can be hired for on-site efficiency auditing!

Have a great day and remember that communication goes a long, long way. Never be afraid to ask questions....even the stupid ones...because at some point...all of us were new to the industry and had those same questions. It's important to remember that feeling and lend a helping hand when you can.

Let us know how we can assist you!