Thread: Top 25 things carpet cleaners need?

If you were starting a new carpet cleaning business tomorrow what would be the top 25 items you would need to get off the ground?

Please try to keep it 25 or less for people on a budget.

for example blocks, coasters, machine, prespray etc

Van or trailer
Machine
wand
200' hose
Chems
Blocks and or tabs
Stain Kit -especially for newbies
Carpet rake
Sprayer
Business license
Insurance
Marketing Strategy

What did I miss?

Jeff

Some nice business cards couldn't hurt. Give them to everyone and leave them everywhere you go! Also, it's not an "item" per say, but a good work ethic is a must have.

First Aarons right get good cards glossy with picks, I would also get some experance and practice.
Dont Spend more than you need to buy the basics a machine and chems.
Some nice shirts
All the paper work ins and Lic.
And Last a good pair of shoes to start lnocking on doors

A good attitude

Airline Ticket to VA
Rob's Ride Along Program
Build from there.

Mick

1 How about an understandig spouse.

1) Understanding Spouse.
2) Ambition and Drive
3) THe book - THE E-MYTH REVISITED.
4) BOX TRUCK - I am so tired of leaving crap I need in my Garage
5) Cimex
6) Classes on carpet cleaning.
7) Truck Mount Extractor 25+ hp and a 4 series blower at least and 3000psi Pump
8) Good Wand with a Glide
9) Hydroforce Sprayer
10) Thick Skin
11) Mentor
12) Good commercial Vacuum.
13) Good Pre Spray I prefer Bridgepoints zone perfect
14) Soft water filter on truck
15) Air movers at least 2
16) Stair Wand
17) Spinner
18) More Classes
19) CPA
20) Business cards
21) ACT! (client relationship management software)
22) 200' of Vacuum Hose
23) 200' of high pressure Hose
24) Orange solv
25) A good Spotter (I preffer Encap Spot)
26) GPS ( a cheap one Like the Tom Tom 1 will do) saves many hours of driving.
27) Cd player in the truck to listen to sales training cd's.
28) A written business plan (this should actually be up around # 3
29) A inline filter box.
30) APO (Automatic Pump Out)
31) About 3 good Garden Hoses.
32) Grout Brush
33) A good Supply house.
34) Tabs
35) An edging wand.
36) good gum removing product.
37) Good Hygene
38) Good Drop Cloth
39) Gecko Single jet wand.
40) A 175 swing machine of 1.5 hp or more.


I think I remembered everything. If I didnt it is probably sitting in my garage again.

1-25 Customers that are also cheerleaders and will refer their friends and family. The rest will work itself out.

1) Understanding Spouse.
2) The book - THE E-MYTH REVISITED.
3) Self motivation
4) Reliable Truck with Decent Sign
5) Marketing
6) Marketing
7) Truck Mount Extractor 25+ HP and a 4 series blower and Good HX
8) Angle-Jet Wand with a Glide
9) Marketing
10) Thick Skin for Rejections
11) Mentor
12) Marketing
13) Good PreSpray I prefer Dynachem
14) Marketing
15) Air movers at least 2
16) Good commercial Vacuum.
17) Turbo Hybrid Grout Cleaner
18) Marketing
19) Business cards
20) Hand-Out Spotter with Company Name on Front Panel
21) Software for Customer Retention
22) Marketing

Larry, my truckmount is only 24hp (Honda) where can I get One More HP?