The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

SHBONC wrote:

---

My only mistake was not learning about roof cleaning sooner.

---

Greg,

I read the question and had the same thought in my mind... then I scolled down. You beat me to it!

 

Travis you have a head start, and that is the internet!, back in the day...lol

Largest mistake/adversity to overcome:

1) being under capitalized at start-up, led me to economize on vehicle which in turn cost much more $$$ in the end to rectify problem.

2) lack of advertising

Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa FL (813) 655-8777 wrote:

---

The biggest mistake I made was not following up with my past customers,  months or even years later.

---

Chris,

That brings up a good point and I don't want to get off topic since this is in the guarantee post but wouldn't a maintenance agreement help to keep us in their faces, back in the neighborhood to be seen again, year after year?

Great question Travis. I wasn't totally being a smart*** in my first post because I have been looking for something new and different for many years. Compared to remodeling, this is a much easier business all around and my body needs something that won't hurt it as much and my bank account needs something that will fill it easier!

 

Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa FL (813) 655-8777 wrote:

---

The biggest mistake I made was not following up with my past customers,  months or even years later.

---

Good ones in here guys!!

 

Travis my biggest mistake was not going for commercial work from day 1.

Travis, and any new business owners:

Always be confident in front of customers or potential customers.
You want to ooze professionalism and knowledge of your trade.
As far as pricing, make sure you make enough to cover all your
expenses, and what you feel your time is worth. It is always easier
to bring prices down, but very difficult to raise prices once people
get to know you and word of mouth gets out about your business.
Think ahead a little, you are just starting out so I don't know what
you have for equipment. Will you be getting any new toys  next
year? (new truck, trailer, washer etc.) If so I would be proactive and
set pricing to include any future (spring / summer capital purchases,
or insurance upgrades)
I wish everyone luck on your new business ventures!!!
Remember peoples perception is their reality. Even though you are
just starting out (Never tell a customer this) if you act professional,
knowledgeable, and look professional,  and do a good job of course,
their perception of you will be of a seasoned professional and not just
some guy starting out that will give them a low price.
If you can make people see you as a seasoned professional even if
you are a new start up, you can demand a professional rate of pay for
your work. Never settle for less, always make sure you make enough
money for you after all your expenses are covered. This will
ensure a prosperous and growing business. If you are not making enough
money to be happy, you will be stressed, and miserable in your business,
and it will fail. If you are happy in your business, you will keep growing it
and be successful. 

You will do well Travis....There are many great people here to help, and
you are on your way to a great business venture.
You are doing the right thing with a business plan, but you need to get some hands on soon so you get comfortable spraying. If money is tight you could buy a 12v pump for $140, and pump water and dawn mixed in a garbage can out of your garden hose on your own roof just to get use to spray patterns, coverage and practice edges and avoiding over spray etc. The more you go through the motions the more comfortable you will become on a roof and treating it.
Hope this helps Travis, and any other new guys in the business.

Chris Madden