Welcome back to Lean and Mean Academy, where we’re all about making big profits with one truck! Today, we’re diving into two powerful chemical upsells that can significantly boost your revenue. In this business, every opportunity to add value—and charge for it—counts. So, let’s talk about how you can leverage these upsells to make more money without adding too much to your workload.
1. Degreasing and Oil Spot Removal
First up, let’s talk degreasing. If you’ve been in the pressure washing game for a while, you might think of degreasing as something reserved for heavy-duty jobs like dumpster pads or gas station concrete. But let’s bring it down to a level that’s going to benefit the new guy and the seasoned pro alike. Imagine being on-site with a customer who has an oil stain on their driveway. Instead of just telling them it won’t come out, offer to give it a shot for an additional $150.
My go-to degreaser?
Southeast Softwash’s Dynamite Degreaser. This stuff is powerful—way more potent than the over-the-counter options from O'Reilly’s or Home Depot. With a case costing around $150, you can easily turn that investment into a couple of thousand dollars. The key here is to manage customer expectations. Let them know the stain might not come out completely, but that you can improve it. They’ll appreciate the effort, and you’ll appreciate the extra cash.
2. Gutter Brightening
Next up is an upsell that does require a little more elbow grease—gutter brightening. Those ugly tiger stripes on gutters aren’t coming off with your regular sodium hypochlorite mix. For that, you need something like Gutter Guard from Southeast Softwash. This chemical is potent enough to handle the job but requires careful handling. Dilute it at least 50/50, apply it with a brush, and rinse immediately to avoid stripping the paint.
Gutter brightening is especially lucrative if you’re working on ranch homes, which are common in many areas. The gutters on these homes are usually long and easy to reach, making the job quicker and more profitable. You can charge anywhere from $200 to $600 for gutter brightening, depending on the size and condition of the gutters. Just be sure to educate your customer about the process and the results they can expect.
Why These Upsells Work
Both of these upsells are winners because they offer high ROI with minimal investment. You’re already on-site, and the chemicals themselves are cost-effective. Plus, these upsells don’t require perfection—just improvement—which makes them even more appealing. Your customers will be happy with the results, and you’ll enjoy the extra boost to your income.
If you’re looking to take your pressure washing business to the next level, understanding and implementing these upsells can make a big difference. Want to learn more? Check out the "How to Wash" course, where we cover everything you need to know about running a successful pressure washing business, from chemical mixing to advanced techniques.
Remember, this isn’t a charity—it’s a business. And these upsells are simple ways to make your business more profitable. Until next time, keep it Lean and Mean, and I’ll see you in the next video!
