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Bonding
Nov 17, 2005 13:09:37 GMT -5
Post by Crowz on Nov 17, 2005 13:09:37 GMT -5
what does a bond have to do with an LLC. an LLC is a limited liability company which has nothing to do with bonding. it is simply a business structure. Sorry, my misunderstanding. Duane at Spotless LLC told John (before we went into business and before he went out of business) that the LLC had to do with the insurance he carried. Thanx for telling me that. I can stop making a fool of my self now Natalie
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Bonding
Nov 16, 2005 20:58:02 GMT -5
Post by Crowz on Nov 16, 2005 20:58:02 GMT -5
Now here is an area where there are significant differences. In Ontario, it is my clear understanding after speaking with my insurance agent and lawyer that our employee dishonesty clause does not and cannot be deemed equivalent to a bond. A bond is a significant sum of monies held on deposit to protect against dishonesty and or performance bond etc. In fact we have had to take bonded off of our advertizing as we carry the insurance which we deem to be satisfactory at a 2500.00 per person per occassion limit. Bill The type of bond(s) we carry and give copy to all new clients state that there must be charges brought and the responsible party must be convicted before they will pay out. My good friend in Reno owns Best Contracting (a painting contractor) and on the job they did at the county jail they were requested to secure a bond of more than $30,000.00 and all employees working the job had to be "bond-able", meaning a clean criminal record. There are all kinds of bonds I suppose. We have had at least 4 perspective clients ask if we carry basic janitorial bonding. They are impressed when we hand them what we do have. Dunno why, but some actually prefer the bond over LLC. Maybe they are confused? I only know that it works. Natalie
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Bonding
Nov 11, 2005 21:04:11 GMT -5
Post by Crowz on Nov 11, 2005 21:04:11 GMT -5
"With what you said about a client's complaint of missing items from "residence" or business.... are you saying that I need to be bonded at this time that I am just starting out doing residential clients?"
If you are just starting out, and it's just you, and you know you are not going to steal anything, insurance and bonding are not necessary.... but having a license, negligence, and honesty bonds looks good on all advertising and you will get more work. It's a trust factor. Not only that, but some company policies (if you intend to expand into commercial, even small companies) demand at least the two. For some reason people think a bond(s) is better than insurance. Bonding doesn't cost as much as you think. We paid $101.00 for one year of both neglegence & honesty bonds that cover 3 people. We have found that LLC or any other type of insurance is only necessary for the really big jobs, such as new construction cleans where the general demands it. It is also very costly. We were quoted just under $1000.00 for 3 people per year. Ouch! So, at least get the license and bonds if you intend to do more than just minor residential. If you can get your foot in the door with a home builder, present your license and bonds with the bid and if you get it then run out and buy the LLC! Just my advice and experience!
Natalie
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Post by Crowz on Aug 26, 2005 9:50:52 GMT -5
There is a small business here that does only windows. Don't recall the name, but they charge my father-in-law $16.00 an hour to do the two store front windows, front door, and side slider he uses for drive-thru's. Takes the guy 30 minutes total, but he still charges the minimum one hour regardless. Gets paid cash on the spot too. Does all the windows in that complex, so is really raking it in!
Natalie
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Post by Crowz on Jun 17, 2005 10:18:37 GMT -5
OK Kevin.... So we bid the job (22-24) windows, inside & out with screens (screens only sprayed off with high pressure hose) at $75.00..... and the lady, Randi is her name, ups the price to $100.00 if we will do on Saturday morning the 25th. Never had that happen before! LOL! She has 4 dogs (breeds these ugly little dogs... think she is trying to come up with her own) and says she really should have her carpet cleaned. Told her we do that too. Then she says she is looking for a housekeeper. We told her we clean residentials too. Could get quite a bit of work from her. Her husband passed about 6 months ago after a short illness and now she is playing catch-up with cleaning & maintenance. For now we just have the window job, but we'll see.
Natalie
Natalie
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Post by Crowz on Jun 16, 2005 0:40:58 GMT -5
We have an estimate tomorrow on a residential. Dunno if is just outside or inside & out or if tracks & screens are involved. She says 20 windows of unknown size... so do you charge for size? Like, sliding glass door v.s. 2x2ft? And how much for screens and slider tracks? What would you charge for all 4 options?
Natalie
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Waste
Aug 26, 2005 1:14:38 GMT -5
Post by Crowz on Aug 26, 2005 1:14:38 GMT -5
I checked with John to make sure my memory is correct, and he said yes, they dumped from the van into the gutter outside our house. Probably waste from previous jobs as well as ours. Wow, and that was SEARS carpet cleaning! Would turn them in if it wasn't so long ago and we no longer have proof or witnesses. Almost everyone we knew then have moved out of that neighborhood...........
Natalie
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Waste
Aug 25, 2005 15:08:45 GMT -5
Post by Crowz on Aug 25, 2005 15:08:45 GMT -5
So Kevin, from what you are saying Sears committed a crime by dumping their waste in the gutter after they cleaned our carpets at our house in Reno last January? Uh, oh........ From now on it ALL goes down the toilet for Crowz Get it? Down the toilet? LOL.... Well, I thought it was funny. Natalie
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Waste
Aug 24, 2005 17:11:33 GMT -5
Post by Crowz on Aug 24, 2005 17:11:33 GMT -5
We clean by heat extraction and, same as Sears, we dump in the sewer. Homes use the gutter, apartments and commercial complexes it goes down the toilet. John says dry systems have to store and pay for their waste because the chemicals are very close to that of Perk used by dry cleaners and are quite toxic.
Natalie
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Post by Crowz on Jul 25, 2005 15:44:14 GMT -5
It has become very humid here since the thunderstorm (refereed to as "monsoon season" by locals) started. The only cooling we have is evaporative, and this increases the moisture levels in the house. In the past few weeks the carpet has become absolutely filthy in high traffic areas. No matter what we do (Scotch Guard, wiping our feet before entry, etc.) it gets worse. We have cleaned a total of 3 times this year, and are afraid to clean again because the carpet was not professionally installed (landlord did it himself and is really cheap light beige carpet) and now needs stretching in the office and hallway. Anyone else ever had this problem?
Natalie
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Post by Crowz on Jul 25, 2005 15:34:54 GMT -5
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Post by Crowz on Jul 19, 2005 11:59:16 GMT -5
What a nightmare! My auto mechanic has a sign posted right next to his price board that says "If you tried to fix it yourself first, add $50.00" LOL! ;D did you charge extra?
Natalie
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Post by Crowz on Jul 15, 2005 11:47:17 GMT -5
Can someone please define the term '5th generation carpeting'?
Natalie
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Post by Crowz on Jul 11, 2005 13:37:56 GMT -5
We tell the client that we only move small "movable" furniture, i.e.: small tables, free standing lamps, light chairs, etc. We ask that everything be up off the floor including throw rugs. We state that this will keep their cost at estimate. We have yet to be asked to move anything heavy or unusual, and so far all has gone well ;D
Natalie
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Post by Crowz on Jun 30, 2005 14:30:59 GMT -5
Hey Candi! First, I want to welcome you aboard as new moderator! Next, if you need to rent carpet extractor rent it from Home Depot. Grocery store 'Rug Doctor' type rentals are usually poorly maintained and can leave carpets sopping wet and sometimes dirtier than it started out to be. At least this has been my experience. Home Depot keeps all the rental equipment clean and well maintained. Always check a machine you plan to rent outside & inside if possible. If it is dirty, then it isn't maintained. Ask questions of the rental clerk too regarding the machine, weather HD or some other renter.... maint. schedule, if they check & clean, etc..
Natalie
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