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Servicing Commercial Washing Accounts Across the Country

Jeff LeCours

New member
I would think if you are going after these types of accounts, you need to or have to go after as many as you can get. So it makes it worth traveling even more. If you can travel say the east coast and have any entire route to do on the way. Instead of leaving South Carolina and driving to say NY, if you could have accounts in most states in between on the way, that would be a nice route and even more profitable

Plus being able to work 7 days/nights a week. can't work 5 nights and sit for a couple nights

Scheduling right is a major factor that some may not consider or plan out properly at first
 

Russ Spence

Active member
I would think if you are going after these types of accounts, you need to or have to go after as many as you can get. So it makes it worth traveling even more. If you can travel say the east coast and have any entire route to do on the way. Instead of leaving South Carolina and driving to say NY, if you could have accounts in most states in between on the way, that would be a nice route and even more profitable

Plus being able to work 7 days/nights a week. can't work 5 nights and sit for a couple nights

Scheduling right is a major factor that some may not consider or plan out properly at first

That is the ONLY way it will work. We picked up 11 accounts in North Carolina and South Virginia to go with the others last year, wow it made the trip way better, the first time out we went from Darlington South Carolina all the way to Northern Virginia just outside of DC, IT WAS A LONG WAY ! But we had like 25 accounts when we got up there to do, so once we got there it was not so bad, also we had 26 to do in the Atlanta area alone before going to the carolinas, we have picked up 52 more in Pennsylvania over the summer so this springs trip will be awesome.
 

James Foley

New member
Your Body Physiology is an important factor to consider for Travel and Night work. Some people cannot work nights. I do 3 to 5 night jobs a year and I could not do it on a regular basis.
 

Barry M

New member
I think we will see less and less hacks
Maybe 5-10 years down the road. But with the highest unemployment rates since the Great D the service industries are being flooded with hacks.

people are being educated on a larger stage.
What larger stage? The Internet? The web is great for education but unfortunately for every truth told there is a misinforming idiot just trying to make a buck. If anything people are more confused than ever.

Education is the key, telling customers to be aware of sub-standard work and also having the beginners know what the standards are and not under charging and mess the market up.
This has ALWAYS been the key since like forever. But you can preach that **** until your blue in the face. The fact is that MOST of the time when dealing with commercial it still comes down to price. You can educate them, show proof of insurance, talk about reclaim, and be as professional as you want. They'll agree with you and act interested but when you and two other guys are in the same ballpark on price and some hack is like half the price, guess what? They go with the hack and turn a blind eye.

You can educate newer contractors all you want too. But if they feel like they can gain an advantage on you TODAY by low balling they will, even if it means they aren't around tomorrow. Once they're gone another hack will take their place. We will always be dealing with guys that do not have any business sense and are just glad to be working even for $20 an hour.

The "stage" you are talking about Ron needs to be 1000 times bigger than it is now or this industry will continue to head in the wrong direction. Right now it is like using a Dixie cup to bail out the Titanic. :frusty:
 

Jim Chesmore

New member
During Carter's presidency, unemployment was over 10% with 21% interest rates...

BHO and his socialist plans are going to make Carter's term look good, what a shame... At least I can sleep at night knowing I did not vote for him
 

Barry M

New member
Barry,
we don't have the highest unemployment since the great depression. In fact, unemployment is

Alright you got me on that one in terms of percentage, my bad. But the jump from this time last year is the biggest annual percentage increase since 1975. Percentage wise it is the worst since 92, but in terms of numbers of jobs lost, due to increased population, it is worse than the 80's recession at 3.5 million jobs lost so far this recession. Also consider that the number of hours worked and number of days worked per week or very historically low.

My point is that it is bad, even I know that and I do a pretty good job of trying to block out all the media BS and try not to think about it. I shouldn't have watched Obama's speech the other night, it only depressed me. Some leader he is! Made me feel like jumping out a window.

Anyway Scott, all numbers aside, I think you would agree jobs are being lost and/or hours are being cut. What is your opinion on this affecting our industry?

Personally in my area I am noticing an increase over the normal amount of start up power washers I usually see this time of year. Maybe it is just my area. I live near and service the Elkhart, IN area that Obama visited earlier the day of his speech. He referred to Elkhart (the RV capitol) several times during his speech. I've had 3 people call this week asking if I was hiring. Its in and around this area that I have seen new cleaning companies popping up and getting ready for spring.

So I stand by my original post in rebuttal to Mr Musgraves comment about him thinking we are going to be seeing less and less hacks. I believe it is quite the opposite right now, hacks are being bred due to high unemployment.
 

Carlos Gonzales

New member
Barry brings up a very good point and his position is based on a honest assesment of whats going or has been going on in the economy. In a way I wanted the discussion to go in this direction so that we can point out a few things that either are or will continue to "be" as is for our industry.

Contractors that service accounts across the U.S. on a regular basis know what is involved in not only servicing them but more importantly in how they are serviced in a manner that produces "profitability".

As mentioned in a few posts up, I think we are all in agreement that it takes very careful planning for anyone to realistically bid on multi-state projects. It's easy for all of us to sit in the comforts of our office, look at a multi-state RFP provided by the UAMCC and say to ourselves...heck ya....I am bidding on it. We quantify our decision to bid because we think we can do it.

My questions to Russ and a few others is what really does it take to get a contractor primed for this type of work? Russ or Nick...did you guys just dive into and say..let's try it? How many contracts did you loose money on before you mastered the technique in multi-state contracts?

Is the commercial contractor under the false illusion that if he/she has a few restaruant/super market accounts in the next town that he/she is ready to tackle multi-state accounts?

Why am I asking all these questions?

Well, the truth of the matter is that the UAMCC has been contacted in the past couple of weeks to engage in dialogue with national companies to service accounts nation wide. I say this not to brag but I say this to establish meaningful dialogue among the veterans in this field.

The "intersection" for me in this is do I park these RFP's infront of the membership knowing that the a handful of them nevery bidded or never performed this type of service? Would the UAMCC be doing these contractors a "disservice" by tempting them to bid on something that in all honesty they have no idea in what they are bidding on or more important what they are getting themselves into. It would be a very stong possibility that a contractor that did not "know"...got the contract....and failed to perform because they didn't know what they don't know. Now they are stuck with a contract that they are losing money on....they decide power washing is not the right path...they go out of business......You all see the cycle here?

This is what is going on today...not only in mult-state contracts but also in local commercial and local residential markets. Barry is correct when he speaks on the fact that the pressure washing industry will see an "influx" of new washers over the next couple of years. The UAMCC over the last couple of months have been literally inidated with ordinary people inquiring about getting into the business.

I will stop here and see where this goes.
 

Ron Musgraves

Past President
Staff member
Maybe 5-10 years down the road. But with the highest unemployment rates since the Great D the service industries are being flooded with hacks.


What larger stage? The Internet? The web is great for education but unfortunately for every truth told there is a misinforming idiot just trying to make a buck. If anything people are more confused than ever.

This has ALWAYS been the key since like forever. But you can preach that **** until your blue in the face. The fact is that MOST of the time when dealing with commercial it still comes down to price. You can educate them, show proof of insurance, talk about reclaim, and be as professional as you want. They'll agree with you and act interested but when you and two other guys are in the same ballpark on price and some hack is like half the price, guess what? They go with the hack and turn a blind eye.

You can educate newer contractors all you want too. But if they feel like they can gain an advantage on you TODAY by low balling they will, even if it means they aren't around tomorrow. Once they're gone another hack will take their place. We will always be dealing with guys that do not have any business sense and are just glad to be working even for $20 an hour.

The "stage" you are talking about Ron needs to be 1000 times bigger than it is now or this industry will continue to head in the wrong direction. Right now it is like using a Dixie cup to bail out the Titanic. :frusty:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22T3kvmRiNg


Ckick above to hear my reply!!
 

Doug Dahlke

Donating Member
Barry brings up a very good point and his position is based on a honest assesment of whats going or has been going on in the economy. In a way I wanted the discussion to go in this direction so that we can point out a few things that either are or will continue to "be" as is for our industry.

Contractors that service accounts across the U.S. on a regular basis know what is involved in not only servicing them but more importantly in how they are serviced in a manner that produces "profitability".

As mentioned in a few posts up, I think we are all in agreement that it takes very careful planning for anyone to realistically bid on multi-state projects. It's easy for all of us to sit in the comforts of our office, look at a multi-state RFP provided by the UAMCC and say to ourselves...heck ya....I am bidding on it. We quantify our decision to bid because we think we can do it.

My questions to Russ and a few others is what really does it take to get a contractor primed for this type of work? Russ or Nick...did you guys just dive into and say..let's try it? How many contracts did you loose money on before you mastered the technique in multi-state contracts?

Is the commercial contractor under the false illusion that if he/she has a few restaruant/super market accounts in the next town that he/she is ready to tackle multi-state accounts?

Why am I asking all these questions?

Well, the truth of the matter is that the UAMCC has been contacted in the past couple of weeks to engage in dialogue with national companies to service accounts nation wide. I say this not to brag but I say this to establish meaningful dialogue among the veterans in this field.

The "intersection" for me in this is do I park these RFP's infront of the membership knowing that the a handful of them nevery bidded or never performed this type of service? Would the UAMCC be doing these contractors a "disservice" by tempting them to bid on something that in all honesty they have no idea in what they are bidding on or more important what they are getting themselves into. It would be a very stong possibility that a contractor that did not "know"...got the contract....and failed to perform because they didn't know what they don't know. Now they are stuck with a contract that they are losing money on....they decide power washing is not the right path...they go out of business......You all see the cycle here?

This is what is going on today...not only in mult-state contracts but also in local commercial and local residential markets. Barry is correct when he speaks on the fact that the pressure washing industry will see an "influx" of new washers over the next couple of years. The UAMCC over the last couple of months have been literally inidated with ordinary people inquiring about getting into the business.

I will stop here and see where this goes.

Carlos,

One thing that the UAMCC could do in these situations is tell the potential customer that rather than hire one company to travel all over doing these accounts they could bid out areas to multiple contractors requiring less travel and possibly lower pricing. Many of these accounts will want spot cleanings done from time to time, dumpster pads cleaned on request, etc. If a property is in Illinois and the contractor with the contract is in Georgia how responsive are they going to be to taking care of the smaller stuff these PM' need? Just another way to look at this.
 

Jim Chesmore

New member
I have worked the night shift for over 12 years in the computer chip manufacturing industry and it ruined my my life. I will never do that again!!
 

Ron Musgraves

Past President
Staff member
I have worked the night shift for over 12 years in the computer chip manufacturing industry and it ruined my my life. I will never do that again!!


Now its china's Turn...

Arizona once a leader in the semiconductor industry. I use to service alot of Intel and Motorola plants.

23 plants Closed and moved away.

Seems the jobs stayed, people are working at different things.

Jc, glad you found out before it was 25 years.
 

Chad Johnson

New member
Say you are three states up the road and realize that you did not bring enough chems with you....what do you do Russ? Anyone?


I would get to my destination, get on the horn and try to find chemicals there.
Probably try to find a local contractor from the b.b.'s and see if they could help.
Im sure if the UAMCC gets involved in this scope of work they will try to help prevent and prepare contactors for situations like this.

Great thread, too bad it didnt have alot of interest.
 
A

ALICIA21

Guest
Thanks Mike...great points.

I worked out of state twice and the first time was a disaster. I didn't bring things that I eventually needed, guys were tired of the driving so when we got on the job site they didn't perform (day lost). I mean there was a whole list of "dont's" that I just didn't know.

It's natural to look at a contract opportunity that involves 5-6 different states and the contractor automatically thinks big money. What they fail to realize is that it takes careful planning on all fronts to service those accounts in the different states. And if you are not careful you can loose your A** real quick by not being prepared!

Thanks again Mike and good seeing you here!!!

great article. I will bookmark this
 

Darl Hite

New member
Say you are three states up the road and realize that you did not bring enough chems with you....what do you do Russ? Anyone?

Carlos,

This whole thread sounds like a great session for the convention. I know we are no ways near bidding on an account like this but I would be very interested in hearing what all needs to be taken into account and the possible pit falls. This would provide a better understanding for everyone for when and if they wanted to bid on one. This would help keep guys from getting into trouble and giving the UAMCC a bad rap if the contact came through them.

Just a thought...:biggrin:
 

Carlos Gonzales

New member
Carlos,

This whole thread sounds like a great session for the convention. I know we are no ways near bidding on an account like this but I would be very interested in hearing what all needs to be taken into account and the possible pit falls. This would provide a better understanding for everyone for when and if they wanted to bid on one. This would help keep guys from getting into trouble and giving the UAMCC a bad rap if the contact came through them.

Just a thought...:biggrin:

Actually that is a great idea! I like it ...thanks...

Ohh...are you going to the convention? Hope to see you there!!! :clap:
 

Russ Spence

Active member
Actually that is a great idea! I like it ...thanks...

Ohh...are you going to the convention? Hope to see you there!!! :clap:
we are out of state working right now, its tuff.

Rolled in at 6am this morning, worked during a thunderstorm last night. The thing is you have to work thru stuff like that because everyday is deducting from the bottom line.

haha now I think I will make me a snadwich:yes:
 

Carlos Gonzales

New member
we are out of state working right now, its tuff.

Rolled in at 6am this morning, worked during a thunderstorm last night. The thing is you have to work thru stuff like that because everyday is deducting from the bottom line.

haha now I think I will make me a snadwich:yes:

Make one for me also Russ. Are you back in 'Bama or heading towards Florida?
 
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