Hey Guys, I hope some of you are using smaller vehicles and can probably help me out here. I'm new to the business and I decided to stick with Portable machine only since most of my area is high rises and buildings here in Miami. So I do not want to purchase a big van for two reasons really: 1. Gas consumption (I would like to get at least 20 mil/gal) 2. Parking issues and maneuvering it in small entrances in the downtown area. (Most high rises have very cramped space for cars) The cars I have in mind right now are the following: Ford Transit Connect (Found used ones at the top of my budget) Chevy HHR (I found used ones in my budget) Scion XB (I found a 2004 model in my budget) PT cruiser (I found really old ones in my budget) Any suggestions or recommendations? I have not seen the inside of all of these cars, but I beliebe that they have more space than I would need, since I'm only going to be using portables (Cimex Cyclone 19, Mytee M5, Rotovac and a Wand)! Please advise, as I understand that a vehicle is one of the most important things for a carpet cleaner after his machinery. Thank you in advance guys. Hippo
Buy a V6 chevy Express...otherwise your going to look like a maid service driving around...also you need way more space than those will provide (other than the ford transit)...so what is your Budget?
V6 chevy Express is a Van! and like I said I really do not want to get a van just because of its bulky size! Plus I'm not planning to get a TM. My Budget is $5,000 cash, I do not want to avoid monthly payment, because I just got a brand new car on December! Plus I still have to buy all of these: Cimex Cyclone 19, Mytee M5, Rotovac and a Wand and chimicals. So if i spend more on a vehicle, the cash will come from my machinery budget. Why do you say I will need more space? I looked at the HHR and it looks like it might do the job! The PT cruiser as well. As for looking like a maid service, I dont really care that much, because maid services are extremely expensive here in Miami.
Have you seen the stats for the M5 (height-weight) ? Stats for the Cimex ? Better off with an trailer that you can tow behind your car .. IMO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJwQsHY3NyE Based out of Florida: Rhino carpet cleaning and now Hippo carpet cleaning. HMMMM
Thank you Jim, It looks like it might be around 300 LB+, I know you guys are probably 100% right, I just don't want to get a big van! and trying see how I can make it work here. The ford Transit connect is definitely the solution, but at $26,000! its def not an option right now.
5k will not buy all the equipment you have listed much less an vehicle. Only an suggestion and some will scoff at it. Small used extractor for 1k and OP Machine = @3k + materials.. Before you ask use google and search button upper right hand corner for explanation of OP. Do your own searching first and you receive more respect here. TRUST ME on this :bigsmiley: Other forums cater more towards OP cleaning ; http://ccsop.com/
CC'ers carry way too much equipment for a van in the category you're looking at. You may want to rethink your strategy a little, and look into something like 1K mentioned above. A v6 should be more than enough if you plan on sticking with a portable. Buy right the first time so you won't regret it later down the road.
Jim, $5k is for the vehicle $9k for the equipment Not $5k for everything! It would be impossible. Thanks anyways
Hippo, In my opinion the Transconnect would be the best option followed by the HHR. The reason i choose either of those two is that they give a more professional appearance, not a daily commuter apperance. Good Luck.
Id say a ford transit, those other vehicles you listed are for young hipsters or creepy sodomites. although i dont think you can get any transit for 5k yet unless it has been rolled.
Thank you guys for sharing your opinion with me, I will keep you guys updated. Unfortunately I have limited funds, so I might just go with an HHR as a first company vehicle and then add a Van later. PS: it sucks browsing all of these amazing trucks and vans knowing they are not in my budget. Lol
I want to say this as nicely as possible without coming off as a jerk, but when i started my business I wish I had TMF because I would have avoided many costly mistakes that you are about to do. There is a reason why 95% of business fail, and sadly your mindset is leading you to that direction 1) With the except of the trainsit, none of the vehicles will work(I looked at an HHR, it doesnt hold a thing). BUt you you dont have the money for a transit and its too new to find a good used one so what options do you really have? 2) You just bought a new car but you are only budgeting 5K for the vehicle which will provide your income? SELL THE NEW CAR and buy a beater! Save some money up and get a proper vehicle. 3) Your budget isnt enough to pay the insurance on your business and vehicle, let alone anything else. What about marketing, what about everything else that goes into a business, heck you need 1K in the bank just to keep a business checking account open! 4) I suggest a v-6 van, get one used for 5K. Who cares about gas prices, it nothing in the grand scheme of things. I would also suggest that you get a night job, there is a fedex hub in Miami, work part time and get benifits, clean during the day. If you overextend yourself and have no cash flow, you will be broke as a joke in no time. If you do, keep my phone number, I will buy your equiptment from you for 20 cents on the dollar.
Whats the point of asking a question on a forum if you're going to ignore the advice of every person that responds...I don't think even the pink Hippo can save you
Jay, Thank you for your opinion, it looks like everybody is pointing me toward a V6. The good thing is that I think before I act, so trust me, *I'm most-likely going to endup getting a van, unless if I make things happen and buy a brand new Transit Connect! So we will see. As for budgets and marketing of course I already took them on consideration. This is not my first business, but it is definitely my first carpet cleaning business but again I just rather spend most of my money in good equipments instead. For the marketing I'm mainly focused on online marketing "First page of google & car or van wrap and some other things that I will def share in this forum once I launch the company. I own a small marketing company and helped dozen of clients get clients online; and that is the main reason why I want to get into a carpet cleaning business, because I know I can get clients. ( I hope I don't sound arrogant, but acquiring clients is what I do for a living) I do appreciate your concerns and agree with most of your points, and I definitely take them in consideration. Thank you Hippo
@ $1Kaday Asking for opinions doesn't necessarily mean that I have to take it, I ask because I want to know what the pros in the industry think! And it stops there. it's not that I don't believe you or anything, it takes time for people to make up there mind! Plus you need to understand where I come from and why I'm trying to stay away from a van. Long story short! I drove one about 7 years ago for a period of 6months stopping by at least 5 to 6 businesses a day, and I freaking hated it mainly because of parking issues. It is way easier to park the other type of cars I mentioned as compared to a van here in my city. It was a nightmare that I really hope I won't have to deal with again.
I saw this on my way to work yesterday and thought about this thread. It's compact, it already comes equipped with your company colors, and if you squint and tilt your head to the left a little, it kinda resembles a hippo........just a thought.........
