How do I break into the maintenance biz

[LFS42]

And, I've already heard about mesh thongs.

I would really like to clean tanks on the side.
How do I start?

 

[Will C1]

pick a name something unique. file it with your local state dept. as your DBA or assumed name. get a tax i.d. #. hook up with some local wholesaler then make some business cards and start advertising. try snooping around at your lfs for the customers who dont look quite satified. give them a card. you might only get 3 or 4 to start but pretty soon they tell their friends who have you come over to look at their tank and so on and so on 140 customers later doin just fine.

 

[Anonymous]

this should provide some extra food for thought :wink:

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=24173

 

[LFS42]

pick a name something unique. file it with your local state dept. as your DBA or assumed name. get a tax i.d. #. hook up with some local wholesaler then make some business cards and start advertising. try snooping around at your lfs for the customers who dont look quite satified. give them a card. you might only get 3 or 4 to start but pretty soon they tell their friends who have you come over to look at their tank and so on and so on 140 customers later doin just fine.

Thanks, I've got a name all picked out and cards.
Now I just need to register.

Thanks Vitz, that was a good link.
Does anyone have a sample contract I might be able to look at?
I've done a few consulting jobs, and I'm doing a set-up this weekend.
But people seem to get scared at the cost. I like the Idea of an hourly rate
most people around here charge per gallon.
I have all the other goodies like DI water and a test kit.

 

[Anonymous]

LFS just remember most hobbies are like sex - they are only fun for amateurs. Old callgirls don't do much giggling.

Just kidding, best of luck to you if you decide to go that route.

 

[Will C1]

i charge by the tank size..once you start doing some you will see how long it takes you and you can adjust it from there. for example i will clean a 40 gal tank for $35 this may seem cheap but i also charge $2 a gallon for water and then you can sell them some supplimemts also to help with the cash it will work out fine.

 

[LFS42]

i charge by the tank size..once you start doing some you will see how long it takes you and you can adjust it from there. for example i will clean a 40 gal tank for $35 this may seem cheap but i also charge $2 a gallon for water and then you can sell them some supplimemts also to help with the cash it will work out fine.

Thanks, I would also give the option of water.
The nice thing about a my DI unit is I can run the water through as fast as I want, and it's portable. But couldn't nail down a price from anyone.

 

[Lazyreefer1]

Dude!!
Come clean my tanks for free! If you do I good job I will give you a nice recommendation. Then you can move on to paying customers.

Remember KISS!!


Keep it simple Stupid

 

[LFS42]

Come clean my tanks for free! If you do I good job I will give you a nice recommendation. Then you can move on to paying customers.

I've already got 3 tanks like that in my house and a couple more in a couple friends houses.
I want paying customers now.
I'll do yours for cheap :wink:

But it'll take a lot of beer