Rug Restore = "Amazing!"

Last Tuesday I received three phone calls touting the benefits of Rug Restore in cleaning really dirty carpets. Gary T., from OH, called to place an order for pads and related to me how he cleaned mostly vacant apartments prior to new tenants moving in. He said the carpets were frequently stained almost beyond hope. He had tried Rug Restore (also known as Spot Relief) and was "really amazing the managers of the complex" with the results.

Mike C., from CO, said he had used Rug Restore on the home of his mother-in-law to remove pet stains he had frankly thought would never come out. She had a beloved old dog that had made a mess in multiple rooms and he was able to get out most of them. In the back bedroom the carpet had actually been burned with the repeated urine stains, but in most of the other areas he had been able to remove the "evidence."

Joe G, from KY, called to say that "Rug Restore really surprised me." Joe said he went to one residence and found the owners had somehow tracked grease onto off-white carpet and made a
mess. Joe went on to say that "Rug Restore took every bit of it out."

Three testimonials just in one day for our new product. It makes us so proud of the new line-up of cleaners in our Challenger Pad System.

Thanks for reading with me,
Chris

Statistics

I got a call today asking questions about the Challenger from a man who was researching the purchase of new equipment. This man wanted to know how long it would take a man, alone, to clean the average size residential home. He had several questions like that which only a professional carpet cleaner could adequately answer. As a manufacturer, I sought help from my customers who are the experts in the field. 1.5 to 2.5 hours should be sufficient for set-up, pre-vacuuming, cleaning, and re-loading your vehicle. Six to eight cotton pads should be plenty to clean the carpeted rooms. $250 to $300 per house should be the price to charge the customer.
These were the answers to the questions from my caller... I hope he is reading with us today!
Thanks for reading with me,

Chris

Challenger versus the Other Guy

I was talking today on the phone with Brian from IA. He said he loved the Challenger
and used it every day in his carpet cleaning business. He said he'd purchased, an
unnamed, 17" OP machine a year ago which he had gotten at a "bargain price." It
turned out not to be such a bargain after all. He said it is not as smooth to run as the
Challenger, not as easy to maneuver, and not as light. He keeps it on his truck only
as a backup for the Challenger.
You gotta' love answering the phone when customer, after customer, after customer
has great things to say about your product!
Thanks for reading with me,

Chris

Max Is Available

YES. The Max is on the market now at $1995 and $200 of that will go toward shipping costs.
Essentially the cost of the Max is $1795 and is a real bargain in the commercial equipment field.
The spray system is optional and sells for $268. If you are ready, we are willing... and able.

Thanks for reading with me,
Chris

Square Foot Cleaned by Max

We have had the Max out in the field for several months now and here is more of the feedback
we are getting:

"Square foot per hour depends on several things. #1 Are you pad cleaning or encap cleaning? #2 How dirty is the carpet? #3 How much stuff do you have to go around, i.e. an office with a lot of desks or a big open area?
If you have a large open area and are encap cleaning with the brush or with a synthetic pad that doesn't need changing much, and the carpet is moderately soiled you can easily get 3,000 to 4,000 square feet per hour, and 5,000 feet would not be that difficult. If the carpet is dirtier you will have to go a little slower, or go over areas a couple of times, then of course you will get a little less.
If you are charging 15 cents per square foot, and averaging 4,000 feet per hour cleaned, then you would average about $600 per hour. We did a movie theater a couple of weeks ago that was about 8,000 square feet. Using the Max we were done in less than 4 hours and averaged $375 per hour. the reason it took 4 hours was because of the stairs in each theater. If it wasn't for the stairs we would have been done in probably 2 to 2.5 hours. So I know we averaged almost 4,000 square feet per hour with the Max on that job. then we would have averaged between $600 and $750 per hour.
So I would say you certainly can average $600 per hour or more in an open area using the Max."

This is a quote, used with permission, from one of our customers in the field. He is Jim in MI,
and he sent this email in October, 2007.

Newbie with Results

I talked recently with a customer in Ohio who has only had his Challenger
for a little over a month. Tom was telling me about one of his first jobs where
he completed cleaning the carpet in an 18 foot by 25 foot room in excellent
time. He said from the moment he took the Challenger out of his vehicle
until he put it back in again after cleaning was 45 minutes even though he
was working alone. He also reported that by the time he had cleaned the
second half of the room, the first half of the carpet was already dry. He
was very pleased and his customer was even more delighted.
These are the kind of results we hear about all the time. Even from customers
who are new to the Challenger System. Fast, profitable results are the norm,
not the exception!
Thanks for reading with me,
Chris

Max Close-up

I have received requests for more detail on the new
spray system created for the Challenger Max.
First, the spray system button on top is the easy
way to control the dispersal of cleaning solution in
short bursts or in a smooth flow.
Second, the spray system button on top does not work
unless the machine is plugged in and turned on so there
is no chance of accidental dispersion.




Third, there is a filter included on the side to prevent
the spray nozzle from clogging and interrupting the job.
Fourth, our spray system is designed for the Challenger
Max.... but it can actually be used on the Challenger as
well!

Best of all is the price. We have worked hard to keep our
costs down so the spray system will be only $268.

Thanks for reading with me,

Chris

Challenger Max with Spray

This is the Challenger Max! Our brand new commercial machine.
Our distributors in the field who have this machine tell us they
are using it everyday. They are using it both in commercial
and residential settings. Jim, from MI, says, "The more we use
it, the more we like it!"






I enjoy using the Challenger Max myself.
You know if a Grandma can use it, then
the Max must really be smooth and
effective. I can tell you that is true.


Thanks for reading with me,

Chris

Challenger versus the Other guy

This is an email, with pictures, that I got recently. I quote with
permission from Joe:

Chris, just wanted to let you know the Challenger is working great and to thank you for your help and information. ...It runs great and is 'Super Smooth.' I have been using another OP machine from another company for a year and I have always liked it, but the Challenger is smoother and easier to use. I love this machine! ... Thanks a bunch Chris.

-Joe, from Kentucky

We hear this often from customers, Challenger is the smoothest OP
on the market.
Thanks for reading with me,
Chris

Challenger Cleans Vinyl Floors

Mark Dullea is our distributor in Boston, MA. He has been voted Boston’s best carpet cleaner and is a well respected expert in the business. Recently on his Challenger Forum, found at www.carpet-celaning-business.com this issue of using the Challenger Pad System safely and effectively on vinyl floors came up. These are his words:

“I've never gone looking for VCT (vinyl composition tile) floors to clean, but every now & then a carpet customer has asked if I could clean such a floor - usually in their kitchen, but also one time in a church basement social hall. All I have ever done is sprayed my natural carpet solution (Outsolve or Orbit Natural) lightly onto the floor, laid down a damp cotton pad (I like the 2-ply Argo pads), and scrubbed up the dirt with my Challenger. Use as many pads as necessary. It always pleased the customer. Definitely not rocket science. And re. stripping these floors: I never have done this, and have no plans to start soon.”

We, Challenger Pad System manufacturers, recommend using the Challenger on vinyl floors with the Challenger machine, 100% cotton pads, and Orbit Glow for the most effective cleaning system for your customers. (Mark recommended Orbit Natural for cleaning, but Orbit Glow is specially formulated for hard surface floors and we think it works better. Orbit Natural can be used on hard surface floors as well as carpet, however, in a pinch. Both products are plant based and environment friendly and will not harm the hard surface flooring.)

Thanks for reading with me,

Chris

Source for Extra Cash

I thought you might be interested in this exchange of comments from Mark Dullea's internet forum recently. His forum is for professional carpet cleaners to share tips and strategies for success in their businesses. Mark's forum is found on his website at www.carpet-cleaning-business.com.

Hi Brian,
I am just looking at some opportunities to make some extra cash. I work a full time job, and do some side-work. I thought carpet cleaning would be a good idea. I was also looking at Green carpet cleaning. Are there any ideas you can give me, or some good machines, etc.? This is all new to me.

Thanks.
(Name withheld.) (I was unable to contact this person for their permission.)

Brian’s reply: Sep 23rd, 2007 - 8:18 PM
Hi (Name withheld)
Green cleaning is an excellent opportunity for you to earn extra cash. The Challenger is, in my opinion, the best machine for Low Moisture earth-friendly cleaning. The best cleaning solution would be Orbit Natural. If you are looking for this system and would like the best support then contact Mark Dullea, he sells these products and machines, and provides excellent support. Just look at the top of this forum and click on the link that says "return to website." There is awesome information on how to start your own business and what equipment you will need to purchase.
I wish you all the best,
Brian C., from Ontario, Canada

Jolene & Brian’s website can be found at www.orbitfresh.com.

Brian and Jolene C. from Ontario, CAN

Cheerleaders for Challenger Pad System

Brian's before cleaning with the Challenger.

Brian's after cleaning with the Challenger.

Brain, thank you for sharing your Challenger success story and thanks for reading with me,

Chris

Stronger Natural Products

There has been a perception that bio-friendly or green products are not as effective in cleaning as their more hazardous predecessors. That was once true, but is no longer the case. Orbit Natural cleans as well as any petroleum base and now we have an even stronger product, called Rug Restore, for the most difficult cleaning situations, i.e. the infamous rental carpets. We just got this product on the market and it is already creating a buzz.
You should give it a try. There is also the new pre-spot called Spot Relief which is available now. The pre-spot is a concentrate designed for small area use to target specific stains. Our customers have been asking for these new products to add to their green clean efforts and we are delighted with the reception the products have been given after their use in the field.
John T. in Ohio says, "Rug Restore does an amazing job. We thought the carpet would have to be replaced, but not any more."
Barry F. in New Hampshire says, "I pulled out the new Spot Relief and told (my customer) that I would do the best I could, but would not guarantee good results.... The stains had been there a long time. When I was done it was awesome. (My customer) was really happy."


Thanks for reading with me,

Chris

Website Marketing

I hired a man to build my website seven years ago and have been second guessing him ever since. I have changed a lot of things and even improved a few.
I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday and she had some new ideas to add to the mix so I thought I'd pass some along that might help you on your website. I am not saying I have implemented all her great ideas, but I do think they are worth our consideration. She started by telling me that people coming to the website look first at the top left corner so that is where your most important statement should be. Your business name, your logo, your business identity, whatever you want to catch the attention of a visitor first.
Testimonials from your customers are extremely important, she reminds me, in establishing your credibility as an authority in your field of business. They should relate specific results and as many numbers as possible. Include pictures, names, and states for the person giving you the testimonial.
Most importantly, the first page of your website - and mine - must describe who you are, what you do, and the reason customers should call you. Time for me to give my website another look, how about yours?
Thanks for reading with me,
Chris

Results in a Chinese Restaurant

Hello! I received these pictures from Archie M. in Canada. He sent me pictures
of a Chinese restaurant he went in to clean right after a steam cleaning
company had attempted--but failed--to adequately clean the carpets. The owner of the restaurant had decided to replace the carpets since,
"they could not be cleaned."

Archie offered to use the Challenger Pad System on their carpets and you can
see the results! The carpets looked brand new when he got done. The dark
area shows the oily food stains before and the bright beautiful area to
the left shows the after. Archie said he came in to clean just one hour before
the restaurant opened for the after-church lunch crowd and the carpets were dry
and tables and chairs returned by the time the first customers entered.

Now those are results you can take to the bank!!!!

Thanks for reading with me,

Chris

Correction!

I need to correct my blog regarding the site of the Challenger Forum. I posted the correction as a "comment," but it may be missed, so I am making a new post of it instead. My first blog should have read as follows:

“There is already a wonderful Challenger Forum, owned and managed by Mark Dullea on his website: www.carpet-cleaning-business.com.but ( I )wanted the opportunity to have a conversation with our customers and prospects (so I am starting this Blog).”

My apologies to Mark for the earlier misdirection to his Forum.

Thanks for reading with me,
Chris

Sneak Peek

We have three new products, not yet even on our website, www.challengerop.com!

• Challenger Max this is our brand new commercial cleaning model. The Max is a 20” machine capable of both pad cleaning and encapsulation cleaning of carpets and hard surface floors. The Max will have an optional onboard spray system for Maximum speed while cleaning large areas. The Max is a “stationary” op model (oscillating pad model), which means it rolls easily on wheels all the while it glides across the floor. While it will work as well, or better, than the commercial op and encapsulation machines already on the market, it will cost considerably less!
• Spot Relief is a pre-spot cleaning solution for stained carpets and floors. Like our Red Relief that specializes in removing red wine and Kool-aid stains, Spot Relief will get out the tough stains like Blood, Bug Stains, Food Stains, Grass Stains, Gum, Heel Marks, Ink Stains, Lipstick, Molasses in Carpet, Mold stains, Mildew stains, Oil Spills, Oily Spots, Permanent Marker, Pet Stains and Odor, Organic Printing Ink, Rust, Soap Scum, Soot, Tea Stains, Tobacco Stains, and many more. Best of all we are talking here about a green cleaning product that Satisfies criteria for environmentally preferable purchasing, improves worker safety, is made from renewable resources, is odor counteracting, ozone friendly, no rinsing required, odor and fragrance free, will not harm fabrics or metals, reduces health risks to public & employees, does not react with other chemicals, safe for use on all surfaces.
• Rug Restore is a cleaning solution for carpets in “rent house condition.” We have all seen these carpets that are stained and tracked beyond what apartment owners feel is even salvageable. Carpet the owners feel must be replaced. Using our new Rug Restore will astound your customers and save many carpets that otherwise would cause costly, labor intensive, replacement expenses. Challenger’s commitment to green cleaning means this product, also, Satisfies criteria for environmentally preferable purchasing, improves worker safety, is made from renewable resources, is odor counteracting, ozone friendly, no rinsing required, odor and fragrance free, will not harm fabrics or metals, reduces health risks to public & employees, does not react with other chemicals, safe for use on all surfaces.

Thanks for reading with me,

Chris

Upholstery Cleaning

Hello! I have gotten several questions on upholstery cleaning lately. The
questions prompted me to do some research on several sights for directions
given by a slew of different professional cleaners.

Most suggested a spot test with the cleaner in an inconspicuous place to test colorfast and durability properties of the upholstery. Then to begin with a five minute vacuum followed by a pre-spray cleaner. Work the cleaner into the worst spots, on a couch or chair, with a brush (horse hair), especially on the head, foot, and arm areas.

Mix a gentle cleaning solution in a bucket and use a sponge or cotton pad that is barely damp or just use the cleaning foam to apply evenly across the upholstery. We recommend using our Orbit Natural Cleaner. The next step is to pad off using a white cotton towel. Following that, spray an acid rinse using Pro Chem Acid Rinse, as one example, and towel off again. Professionals often put a fan blowing across the upholstery for a few minutes if the upholstery has gotten quite wet.

It is sometimes recommended to omit the pre-spray and/or acid rinse and just use the foam to clean depending upon the level of soiling.

The process takes about 30 minutes for a large piece, and it's usually safe.

I am sure there are many other cleaners out in the world who clean upholstery differently.
It would be good to hear different techniques.

Thanks for reading with me,

Chris

Results in an Apartment

Hello! I wanted to send you some pictures of the Challenger at work in Dallas. These are before, during and after shots of Bob W. cleaning a rental apartment property. Look at that filthy pad! The owner of the apartment complex was amazed! He expected to have to replace the carpet in this apartment.

He knows replacing the carpet is not necessary now and Bob W. is a hero to his customer.

Thanks for reading with me,

Chris

Why a Challenger Blog?

Hello, my name is Chris Watson. When you call Challenger Pad Systems office you will, most likely, hear my voice on the other end of the phone.

I wanted to start a blog on our website so I could interact with our customers and share insider secrets and strategies. There is already a wonderful Challenger Forum, owned and managed by Mark Dullea on his website: www.drysdales123.com but wanted the opportunity to have a conversation with our customers and prospects.

I am not a computer whiz. I don’t know a lot about blogging but I have done some research and feel like it would be a good experiment to see if anyone is out there and interested in my ramblings.

I read a dozen articles, and I am still not sure what I am doing, but the research all said I should be blogging so these are the reasons that I started this experiment:

• Business experts on the internet say that I should be blogging for Challenger.
• A blog is a great way to share knowledge and interact conversationally.
• I am not sure anyone wants to hear what I have to say so this blog is an experiment to see if others will respond.

So here goes… Thanks for reading with me,

Chris