What does everyone do in the winter?

JG,

Most of my business is word-of-mouth. I also have a listing in the yellow pages, which helps.

I started my business 4 years ago last October. Looking back, I realize that that was the worst time to start any weather-dependant business! Door knocking on dirty houses is what did it.

In addition to my regular repeat and referral work, I now have an occasional realtor call and lately have been getting some referral work from a group that buys distressed houses at a discount and resells at a profit.
 
I happened to wash a customer's house a few years ago, and he got in to buying houses. He remembered me and started having me wash all his houses prior to listing. There are a number of others that do the same thing (they all know each other) and the word has spread.

As far as advertising, I only have a listing in the yellow pages. I have a bold listing, along with my website and cell phone number. Occasionally, when things slow down, I will put out a yard sign. I use nice ones - like the realtors use. Proper signage on the truck and trailer, as well as a uniform with logo all contribute as I often have people ask me for cards/estimates just because they saw me.

99% of my business is residential, though I do have several contractors and property managers that call fairly frequently. They call because they know I can be trusted to do the work, without embarrassing them, and charge a fair price. Most of these contractors and property managers are customers of mine, or referrals from other customers, who then use me for their business. I sub for several landscaping companies as well, one saw me in a supermarket parking lot and another was referred by a customer.

Each month, I send out post cards to customers from the same month of the year(s) before, reminding them that I am still in business and asking if they have need of my services, I offer 10% whatever they paid originally and also extend that offer to any referrals. I do not pay finders fees.

I hope this helps,

John
 
Equipment Maintenance

Here is a picture of our Red truck gettin the Crewcab preped to repaint. It is only 6 years old but already had some rust on the bottom! :)

Dave Olson
 

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My guys are doing the prep work in our shop. We will have a fellow come in and spray it next week. May have it out at the coal mine on Wednesday.

Dave Olson
 

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John I know what you mean about busy. Im in DE just North of you but its been terribly cold. I have quite abit of work ready to go just need those temps up around 40 degrees like you. Ive been in business for 5 years now and never had this much work lined up ready to go in the middle of winter. Hopefully this week we can get something done if it decides to warm up. We have had 1 day above freezing in the last 2 weeks. The snow we got about a week ago is still here and isnt going anywhere soon. Advertisement is key and just doing good work and word of mouth gets your name around pretty fast. New construction washing, trucks and realty work are mostly what one can do here in winter. At the begining of January we had 2 days near 65 degrees before all the cold weather hit. That got the phones ringing and piled up the schedule just havin a hard time getting the weather to work in.
 
Do what everyone else is doing, open up a virtual on-line store. It's the direction of choice these days and in the winter you can't beat the extra income.
 
Mike it was a beautiful day, right around 50 degrees and sunny. It was a pleasure finally getting outdoors.
 
Glad it's a bit warmer for you guys. It was a balmy 25 degrees here in the Detroit area:( This was my first winter since starting in the biz and I did NOT like it on bit. Once I start making serious money (this year), I will either, A) put a plow on my truck, or B) buy a couple of snowmobiles (probably B).
 
Yes things are slow here also,since Dec. But I new it was comeing as long as I been in business. Winter months are always slow. So I saved up some money for slow month. Been work at the schools in side demolishing walls and removing mold,pays good. Could do a lots of washing outside but its to cold,childrens in school plus the days to short. So I;ll sit and wait for my 1099s. well GOD Bless you all in 2004, For me I keep GOD on my side I know everything will be alright.
 

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Al where are you from in Dover. Were practically neighbors. I live just south of you in Greenwood. What types of cleaning do you specialize in?
 
All we have to do is take the masking off and we are ready to go!:) Wow lotta work!

Dave Olson
 

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Hello Ron,

My crew leader has many talents.

We have times because of weather during the winter months that we do maintenance and repair of our equipment.

We did the crew cab on our Red truck early in 2004.

Here is a few pictures of my old antique truck that I had my fellows fuss with this past winter. Had a great time taking it to a few shows this summer.

Dave Olson
 

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Winter work

I work during the winter. In fact, my work increases during the winter. I jump on the fact that other companies try to stay away from winter work. Last summer I was working with snow flakes hitting me in the head. It was not freezing or below so it did not stick but I enjoy the winter. I hate the cold weather, but it has been good to me.


Jonathan S. Ellis
Double Guarantee Pressure Washing
Atlanta, Ga
678-522-3182
doubleguaranteepw@yahoo.com
 
We are expecting a cold one this year. I might even have to get the long pants out of storage! It might get down to the upper 50's...
 
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