What's your power source?

I

imported_truzoom

New member
I'm sort of standing on the fence in my decision to quit my current job and to do detailing within my metro area.



The main issue I'm having is how will I power my PC/rotary/vacuum?



I notice from many details here that the nearest power outlet is provided, but I feel like that is unprofessional to have to bum off the customer's power just to get the job done.



I have seen some generic 1200W generators go for around $150 shipped, and if I did my calculations right, that would be enough to power a PC. The PC pulls roughly 6-7 amps, and on 120v, it'll be running off at least 800 watts of power (W=VA). The generator I've seen has a normal running wattage of 1000 with 1200 peak, so while those numbers are cutting it close, that seems sufficient enough.



I can't say whether or not a small shop vac would run off it though, as I'm sure the vacuum motor pulls much more juice.



So is anyone using a generator? What wattage did you end up with, and are you finding the noise to be an issue?



Another route I've considered is to hook up 4 6-volt golf cart batteries in parallel and series with a 1500W inverter. The only issue is the constant recharging needed versus a gasoline generator that needs periodic maintenance and just a full tank the rest of the time.



I'm driving myself nuts trying to decide which way to go. :help:
 
What's your power source?



The wall.



With all sarcasm aside, that should be your source of power, in a fixed location.



I know I'll get flamed (again), but you will be able to do much better work, on a very consistent basis, from a fixed location.



Oh, I can go on and on as to why... And I will in a new thread :)



Jim
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Professional Carwashing and Detailing has a vote going on right now regarding the fixed vs. mobile issue. Jim, maybe you should vote because you feel so strongely about having a fixed location. I totally agree that better work can be done at a fixed location, but the fixed costs are so much more with that set up. I do not know how much commercial real estate costs in Carmel, but here in the Washington DC area, it is outrageous. One day maybe I will have enough customers and money to have a fixed location. Until then mobile is my only option. To answer the original question though, most customers have no problem with letting you use their water and electricity. If you are going to a commercial location, a generator is a must.
 
In regards to using the customer's utilities:



Do we simply use it and not compensate them? Would it give better "face" if you offered to take 5-10% off the final price?
 
Most people are not going to expect compensation. I consider mobile service a covenience for the customer. I would not compensate them unless they asked. If so 5-10% is too much. Maybe 1-2%.
 
The guy that comes and pops out dents, and the guy that comes to do touchups on our used cars both use extention cords and our outlets.... not really a problem.
 
truzoom said:
In regards to using the customer's utilities:



Do we simply use it and not compensate them? Would it give better "face" if you offered to take 5-10% off the final price?
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The amount of power you'll consume from the customer will equate to a couple of dollars at most. It shouldn't be an issue.
 
I'll give you a breakdown



Generator.. Big lots just had an ad .. 2,000W for $199 .. problem with that is noise.

Inverter.. should be around 2500W .. you need deep cycle marine batteries.. need charging.

Customer's electric. usually not a problem unless you get someone in an apartment building.
 
and I wouldnt compensate for using their water or electricity....look at those construction guys who come out to remodel part of your house....they use your hose for water, and outlets for power....not a big deal when they are working for a week straight, so I wouldnt feel bad for using it from a customer for 4 hours...



and if someone asked you for compensation, offer a free (fill in blank) or offer 5 dollars off because that is all you are using
 
Compensating for water/electricity?



I'm sorry, but thats just hillarious. I would laugh at anyone that even mentioned that.



I needed to use my generator for the first time today... And sure enough, the POS wouldn't start!!! Lot of good getting a Honda did me :aww:
 
my honda generator not only is very economical but very very quite, it was around 900 dollars, ill try and see if i can find a link for it. btw one very small tank of gas runs for 4 hours
 
VaSuperShine said:
my honda generator not only is very economical but very very quite, it was around 900 dollars, ill try and see if i can find a link for it. btw one very small tank of gas runs for 4 hours
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This is along the lines of what I'm looking to hear. I appreciate the input.



Now, others... :rolleyes:
 
I would think that mobile detailing offers a convenience factor, and I don't see why it's a problem to use their electricity/water.
 
truzoom said:
This is along the lines of what I'm looking to hear. I appreciate the input.



Now, others... :rolleyes:
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I've got a Yamaha YG5200D which will power anything, for up to nine or ten hours. I have been very happy with it over the last two years and paid half of what a Honda goes for.
 
I like the fact that we can do a detail anywhere anytime. I currently have three Honda generators. I have two 3500 and a 6500.



I started out with a Briggs and Statman/Coleman years ago. I bought it used for $150. I up-graded as I could.



I bought two of my generators on Ebay and one from a client that bought it new and never used it.
 
I use a Troybilt w/Briggs&Stratton engine 3550 Model runs for 6-8 hours on 5 gallons of gas has 6 outlets 120 volt and 2 220 volt outlets. Excellent Generator 1 pull starts 85% of the time , picked it up at Lowes for $499
 
I have a PRO Force generator 3500 watt. I do use it majority of the time, but in the case of one of my previous customer's which I had to polish out a huge black enclosed trailer, using their electricity was quickly agreed upon between the customer (loud noise for a very long time), and myself (GAS!). :)
 
I use one of the Proforce Generators (2500 watts I think it is). This is my third generator in 16 years. It was also the cheapest ($249 Pepboy) and is very quiet. I use a small 700 watt invertor for my PC (3amps). My vacuum and rotary are too many amps for it.
 
Five Star said:
I'll give you a breakdown



Generator.. Big lots just had an ad .. 2,000W for $199 .. problem with that is noise.

Inverter.. should be around 2500W .. you need deep cycle marine batteries.. need charging.

Customer's electric. usually not a problem unless you get someone in an apartment building.
Click to expand...





wait by having an inverter do you really need a deep cycle marine battery?? cuz i found one at Canadian Tire near my house for like $350 - $400 for a 3000 watt inverter
 
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