Question:
If you have a restroom out on contract rental and the customer decides he only wants service every two weeks, do you discount the rental rate? We require service every week.
Answers:
It might make it easier on the driver, removing it from the route one week, adding it the next, wait a minute, I cleaned it last week, right? Cleaning the unit every week keeps it sanitary.
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If the customer wants to reduce cleanings to save money, he is either a cheapskate, doesn’t respect what you do or is in financial trouble (will saving $20 a month keep them in business?). Cutting your service or your price is a slippery slope. Your customer is dictating what your service is and what it’s worth, and you should expect damage to the unit or a call requesting additional service because it’s dirty.
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In our area, every-other-week service is a standard option due to our cool climate. We discount the monthly rate by $15.
Any Advice for Cleaning a Stainless Steel Tank?
Question:
What do you do to clean the stainless tank? I just bought a used stainless slide-in unit and it needs cleaning. I’ve tried some of the “green” cleaners with no luck so far. I am setting up for marine pump-outs, so that’s why I have the stainless. The other issue is I have no idea what I’m getting into. I am setting up a small tugboat for the job, but I still don't know what to charge, how much time to invest in a week, all the things that seem to be important. So right now I’m focusing on cleaning up the equipment.
Answers:
I don't polish the tank, if that’s what you are asking. I just wash it with regular car wash soap. Years ago, I found some stuff called Alumachrome at a truckstop that cleaned aluminum really well. It may work for stainless. Good luck in your pumping venture. Keep us posted how it goes.
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Clean it with bulk tank acid — it’s what dairy farmers use to clean bulk tank and pipe lines, or ask a semi-truck driver who hauls tankers.
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