Do you do cold calls or do you send them literature and then follow up a week or so later? If you call, who do you ask to speak to? What kind of stuff do you ask them or tell them about your business?

 

Man, the more I look around, the more I realize dry ice blasting is expensive...close to $20,000 just for used blasting equipment. Then you got around $4,000 for a compressor, put out some money for at least a 1/2 ton truck to get your compressor around (I just have a 4 clyinder Toyota Tacoma), dry ice delivered, dry ice storage containers, GAS ($3.50/gal for the truck, DIESEL ($4.50/gal) for the compressor!! How are you doing it? What are you charging. Can you give some examples of the work you're doing and the prices you're charging for it and an explaination? Thanks

 

yeah, it is expensive to get off the ground in comparison to other types of media blasting.
You can get a good blaster for about $15,000, compressor 4g's - you don't need to buy containers, the cost of dry ice is much cheaper for blasting businesses, you need to talk them down usually (avg price for media is .25- .29/pd).
Well, you certainly are paid a little higher than other media - different types of jobs as well. Avg hourly rate is around $200-250/hour. Mold Remediation usually pays a little more as it's a unique job and requires additional training...
If DIB has potential in your area (manufacturing/MR etc.) then it will pay for itself fairly quickly.

oh yeah, GAS is a killer right now! lol...

 

CO2Solutions, you've been a great resource and I appreciate all of your help and responses. You mentioned that you can get a "good blaster for about $15,000", is that used or new. In either case, where did you get your equipment from? I found one place that has about 4 used DI blasters, but 3 of them have SOLD over them, and the other one, they want $23,000. Just wondering if you had a hook-up for cheaper equipment.

A buddy of mine worked at a printing press and I called him. He said they had their own equipment and they had the guys do it that actually ran some of the presses.

Also, you said about how I could get started if there is a demand. I see it as a catch 22 where if I ask around and people ARE interested, they'll want me to do it and I won't have equipment, but I don't want to shell out $25,000ish and quit my day job and then go find out there is no demand. As usual, I have some more questions.

How did you determine there was a demand in your area?
What business did you go to and what did you tell them/ask them?
Did you shell out the money up front or rent/lease your equipment?
Did you start part time and work your way to full or was it right into full time?
What brand of equipment do you use (compressor, blaster)?
What is your range (where is your nearest competitor?)

I realize that no matter how many questions I ask, there will still be a point where I just have to jump in, but you've been very helpful so far. Thank you!

 

No worries, questions are good.

As for equipment, try dryiceinfo.com for used equipment - sometimes stuff is posted there. As well, check ebay once in a while - there was a COLDjet system going for BIN 16,000 which was a steal considering the accessories it came with. Here was the seller : http://myworld.ebay.ca/restoration-equipment-sales/

As for figuring out demand, yeah, tough to do. I hooked myself up with Coldjet initially (prior to purchasing) and they let me know who they had sold equipment to in my area, who was interested but didn't want to invest and other potentials. Then I also talked to other contractors just outside of my area, I'm talking other cities but within a couple hours. I registered my business prior to getting my equipment and joined the local Chamber of Commerce - I had some business cards made up, spent a little money on a marketing logo and had my buddy create a website (cost a little) and marketed the business. For the first month, my "equipment was on order, being manufactured in the US, I'll be ready to begin blasting in about a month" - training involved etc. At least I was able to see the interest before I bought the equipment, that was fun. It didn't make it easy once I started and had my equipment because the selling process truly began...and is still going hardcore. I just got into a local company 'General Electric' this week, I've been trying for a year (since I started)...don't have the job yet but foot is in the door...sometimes it takes a while...

There are companies that rent/lease equipment - I know Coldjet does.

I started full time (if you could call it that...lol) as I had quit a job I was commuting to (over an hr one way) and was looking to do something completely different.

My nearest competitor is about an hour away - although I live in a small town of about 80,000 - not a ton of manufacturing in the area.

I have an Coldjet Power PTX blaster - good machine, totally pneumonic. Smaller unit, they call it there first contractor unit because one guy can get it up stairs etc.
They have more dependable units available now, which l was told that's an advantage to guys that want to buy some used equipment - some Aero 75's will probably come off leases etc. They are a great unit...

I have an Atlas Capco 185cfm compressor...used.

 

Just a suggestion

gran national,

I can see you put a lot of thought and done your research. I started out in '06 to suplament my income. I bought new soda blasting equipment, but in addition I bought a used sand pot because they kind of go hand in hand and soda is somewhat limited. Smart decision on my part. As it turns out I do far more "sandblasting".
My sugestion to you is as long as you will have the compressor why not get a "sandpot" to diversify your business. It may not be your "cash cow" but it will bring in cash flow in-between DIB jobs. I would think DIB is like soda blasting. It has its place but it is limited. Are you near a natural disaster area? I am not so sure you can survive on mold remediation either, not that you can't do more with DIB. I have read many articles on it because you can do it with soda too but more and more it is becoming a negative because research is showing that soda and DIB does not remove the spores in the wood and it blows them aroiund in the air. Not to mention it is monitored much more...mold remediation I'm talking.
Again I suggest that you look into blast pot along with your DIB. Inexpensive compared to DIB or soda equipment and easier to find equipment. I paid about $30K for my soda pot, compressor, after coolers and moisture sep. I just added another used 6.5 cuft pot for sandblasting. Under $2400 including shipping. I am not as familiar with DIB as I am with soda or "sandblasting" but soda is a hard sell because it is so expensive (media wise). Even though I make excellent money when I do a soda job.
In conclusion by no means do I want to discourage you from DIB equipment I think you should go for it. Its just like the soda industry. They sugar coat it with thinkgs like "how would you like to make $200/hr. What they should tell you is that it costs $200/hr. Anyway its worth the investment if you have the drive to sell it but expand your business and offer something a little less expensive like "sandblasting". You'll have the compressor anyway. Check with any franchised cleaning and restoration companies in your area like Service Master or ServPro. Many of them have DIB equipment. And can undercut anyone severely. There was a college fire here and I had the opportunity to submit a bid. I was the only local and only sodablaster. The college's insurance company flew in everyone I bid against. One company was from Washington state another from Virginia both did DIB, there was also a couple others. I lost the bid to one of them for what I would have paid out in wages. Not worth my time for that.
Don't specialize in one thing, offer a variety. Don't quit the day job until your ready to. Most new business' take about 3 yrs to determine if they will survive.

 

MEDIA MAN,

I actually had considered getting a sand pot to supplement the DIB as you mentioned. To be totally honest, your comments were a little discouraging, but it is good to hear those types of things before jumping in head first. You need to hear the other side sometimes, but it's not always fun to hear. That's a LOT of money to hand over for DIB equipment and then go under because no one was up front an honest like you were.

I actually got on here to ask CO2Solutions some more about the mold business and who he teams up with to get the DIB work or if he has his own mold "division" of the business. Basically, do people call you directly for mold remediation or do other companies sub contract it out to you and take their own cut? Do you have any mold certifications?

I don't make that much right now and I'll keep the day job to finish off some bills. I'm 26 and my top priority is getting out of debt right now after college and the wedding and all that good stuff. I figure if I start researching right now and figuring things out, maybe in a year or 2 when things are closer to being paid off, I'll have a much better idea of whether I want to get into the business or not. Then the dillema is, what if someone starts up a DIB business in the area (not likely), then where am I left? My days are taken up with a 40/hr/wk job, so if I did do work on the side, it'd have to be in the evenings and it would almost have to be sandblasting becuase I don't really see DIB being a "part-time" job considering the start-up costs and my current financial situation. Thanks guys for the input and we'll see what happens I guess.

I'm sure by the time I submit this I'll probably have some more questions.

Oh yeah, you sand guys, do you run into many problems with the EPA? My mom has a job where she delivers parts to shops for an auto parts store. A guy had told her that I'd need to be very careful in regards to the EPA, and I don't feel like dealing with that crap. You guys have any issues?

 

MEDIAMAN makes some great points - diversifying is exactly what I'm doing at the moment - developing into a 'media blasting' business - each media has it's advantages/disadvantages and strengths/weaknesses. I have done jobs where I wished I had used sandblasting or used a good power washer...therefore, I just added an industrial power washer last week and it paid for itself in three days of graffiti removal. Diversity is good, I made the mistake originally to limiting myself to one media - I'm now picking up a sandblaster in the next couple of weeks. At that point (like many media co's) I'll be able to field more jobs.
As for mold, I'm not sure about soda but from my original tests with an environmental firm DIB does remove all the spores from the wood - now, like many types of work it all depends on the quality of work done. It's an effort thing. As for mold spores after blasting, yes, they are typically dead (which doesn't really mean much as dead spores are still potentially harmful - if they are a harmful mold toxin) and they are blown around - but that is normal in any MR site. This is why containment is set up on any MR job site and negative air is set up (neg air machine, air scrubbers etc.) and hepa vacuuming is done. It's all about procedures, that's why proper training is imperative for Mold and Asbestos remediation. Now, is it overboard on some jobs? yes! but you can never be too safe when dealing with your own health and health of others (liability).

Currently I am sub-contracted out by local disaster restoration companies, all franchises and none have DIB equipment - I do mold and fire resto for them. Now, it's not a ton of work - it may be because I live in a small town and there's not a lot of mold jobs? or it may be because they cover up...which I've seen many, many, many times...in the spring and summer months I do about 3-4/month, typically 1-2 day blasting jobs. The typical MR job would net about $1500 - that is a small take on what the Disaster Company gets, they make good money for a full MR job.

yes, I'm certified by the IICRC in a few areas...I believe they work with the governing body of the restoration industry to develop guidelines.

LOL, good for you -get out of debt as best you can - however, you'll soon realize that debt is just part of life and learn to live with it - especially if you have your own business (at least for the first few years). I think I'm 33 now, was out of debt prior to starting my own business - ah, it's all good - I'm enjoying not commuting an hour to the big city anymore working my 9-5 dealing with the corporate junkies - now, I can attend all my daughters sporting events, plays etc. as long as I schedule properly.
I'm not saying theres no stress, but at least it's all by my doing and in my control - not the guy above me making 40g's more than me, doing less work throwing his stress down on me...lol.

Yeah, hard to invest that type of money to do it 'part time' - it would be tough to do as you'd need to work with other companies schedules. Well, the best you can do is do what you are doing -educate yourself best as possible, research, business plan, ask more questions, educate yourself some more. I'm sure every guy on this site will tell you that starting any business is a risk, any successful businessman became successful by taking chances - those chances may have been financial, personal, approaching a big wig etc...

mike

 

Mike,

As usual, great information! I should just go through this site and print out all of your posts. As far as MEDIA MAN's post about DIB not killing all the mold spores, is that true? I did some quick looking and couldn't find where anything was better than DIB, do you know if that's true or not? Also, I went to "ServiceMaster Clean" website (the people with the yellow trucks) and couldn't find anything about DIB. I did see a before and after picture that I had also seen on a DIB site, so I don't know whether they took it from the DIB site or if the DIB site took it from them. I guess I could call them sometime and see if they do it themselves or even do it at all.

I do IT contracting for some pretty big manufacturing companies so I'd have some contacts, but I can't seem to track down the people who I really need to talk to. I'd be more likely to get sandblasting work from the companies I'm contracted too, so there is a plus as far as price. The money to get that going wouldn't be as much. I don't want to ask too many questions. As a contractor I have to be careful who I talk to about this stuff.

 

Thanks, just trying to answer your questions...much appreciated.
Well, I believe he mentioned about neither blasting method removing all mold spores from the wood - I'm not sure about soda blasting but with DIB I'm confident that it does (from research and my own testing). Technically it won't kill ALL mold spores involved, that doesn't matter - alive or dead, harmful mold spores (various types) are still harmful - but it has to be in excessive amounts. We breathe in mold constantly every day, sitting here in my home as I type away I'm breathing in mold spores - they are just part of our environment, good and bad.
I found that most franchises don't list whether or not the use DIB? I don't think its usually in the franchises original marketing plans - so it is up to each owner whether or not to invest in additional equipment. At least I know it is for 2 of the Co's I sub for. I have a deal with one franchise that they can market DIB as long as they use me on every MR job that requires blasting - it's worked thus far, although I've heard through the grapevine they may be investing in their own equipment. Yeah, I just called around and asked as a potential customer...

I think MEDIAMAN's idea of starting smaller with a form of media blasting, Sand/Soda or Power Washing is a great idea. You'll get an idea of the type of work you'll be doing, type of clientele you'll be dealing with an then have a better idea whether or not you want to pursue this. It may be beneficial to lead into DIB, once your feet are wet and have 'ins' with larger plants etc you can excite your clientele with the of future DIB. One thing from my experience is DIB creates excitement because it's cool - no pun intended...lol.

I'm sort of doing things backwards, started off with DIB and adding other media blasting.

 

gran national

Again I'd like to state that I don't want to discourage you or anyone, only to educate from experiance. Co2 is right there is stress but overall blasting is fun, but hard and messy work.

Like you I researched soda. I was interested in fire restorations. I was reluctant too. It is good to have concerns but you can research things too much and never accomplish anything. If you started today you would not be jumping into it with cold feet because you've researched it. All you need is experiance with the eqipment. That will come and the only (or best) way is to actually do it. If you feel you'ld like to try this I think you should and just do it. If you want it bad enough you will make it happen with many mistakes along the way like the rest of us. But every mistake is an education as long as you care about what you are doing. As for the money, that was a big concern with me and my wife too. Without needing a shop my payment on my equipment and insurance is about a payment on a new vehicle. In theory one job a month will at least pay for that. If you do it, do it as a second income.

I saw the bennifits of soda and its needs, that's why I got into it but no there really has not been tons of need for it where I live and as I do more I am not liking soda much either. Aside from the cost it is limited. Thats why I am sandbalsting more. Although I love doing fire jobs. Damn good money. Only wish there was enough work to do it 40hrs. wk. I supose if there was that much work many others would be doing it driving the market for it down. Unfortunatly there are not a lot of fires that much of it is salvagable. And I live in a smaller city than you (approx. 60,000) and I have two others that soda blast but only ever but heads with one of them. The other only tinkers with autos. Don't let competition worry you too much. Competition drives business and somebody will always be lower in price. But serevice and delivering on time is what brings customers back. I had an embroidery, silk screen and vinyl graphics business for 13 yrs. People will pay your price if you treat them right. Treat your clients like a friend and they will never leave. Give them a free-be once in a while for being loyal. It may be inexpensive to you but it means a lot to them.

I agree with CO2 that it is the individual franchises decision whether they invest in DIB or soda equipment. Also like CO2 I get my fire restoration jobs from local cleaning and restoration companies. Just call them or send them some lit. to let them know you are available. I would not bother with the adjusters because it is the homeowner who gets the estimates for the insurance and they will be calling the C & R co's. I think CO2 would agree that once you start work for one comapany, the others will want you too. Without DIB or soda equipment they have to go in and do all this by hand. You may charge what you think is a lot of money to do this kind of work but believe me (CO2 can probrably attest to this too) they love what I can do and are willing to pay for it. Otherwise what we can do in only two hours may take them a week and have to pay 3 people. With us blasting they can finish this job faster and move on to the next, squeezing in more work for themselves. Believe me they love blasters.

Fortunatly I have not had any run-ins with the EPA. I have heard stories from others though. The worst I personally heard was a fellow blaster here was shut down for about 3 days. No fine, no penalties and was able to finish the job. Be smart, get educated, don't leave a mess. Operate safely and abide by local law and regulations.

 

Great stuff! I would really like to pull the trigger on at least the sand soon, but I'd still have a lot of money wrapped up in it. I'd have to buy a truck to be able to haul equipment and tow the compressor, buy the compressor, buy the sand, put diesel in the compressor, buy some aftercoolers...I'm guessing around $15,000 just for truck and compressor. Too much to pay right now. I'll keep doing my research and looking for deals. I have been looking on e-bay for commercial trucks and there are some deals too. There are so many variables. I figure if it's meant to happen, the man upstairs willl work things out for me.

 

Dry Ice blasting





Yes. we do Ice blasting in many fields, both industrial and commerical.
and yes anybody you talk to about it is very interested.

 

Starting on a budget

Gran National
Did you know there is a company in PA. called Titan Abrasives that sells new & used equipment? I purchased all of my equipment from them 2 years ago. Their prices were fair, and they helped us get started. However they are too far away to do business with now. Add 500 to 700 to ship anything to the midwest.
Things I wish I knew before starting up-
You cannot have too much air!
You cannot have too dry air!
You will need insurance!

 

mwsp, yes, I live maybe 1.5 hours from there and have looked at their website a lot. I'm just starting up now and don't have the money to go up there and buy their truck that has a compressor and blast system mounted to it. That would be a nice setup...even nicer if it was enclosed.

 

What is dry ice blasting? What do you use it for?

 

It's just another form of media blasting, with compressed air you blast small particles of dry ice (frozen compressed liquid CO2). Works well with certain applications, however the media is a little more expensive than other types of media. After impact with the substrate the CO2 turns back to a gas form, therefore you don't have media to clean up.

Market :
All Manufacturing - anywhere you don't want mess, water, sand, potential damage to equipment, no chemicals, want to use on electrical - very advantageous here.

Historical Restoration

Fire/Mould Restoration - this is where I use it most, mould is my biggest outlet.

 

Hey Co2,

Just got done with the i-beam job.. Lots of issues with the rental equipment breaking down ..and in turn loosing the use of some of the ice. In total I used 8500lbs. At this point , just trying to make notes about what happened so i dont make those mistakes again.

How did you get all your knowledge about mould and fire damage. You mentioned before that you werent certified, did you take any classes? I'm trying to find education resources in new england .

Thanks,

odat

 

8500lbs of dry ice! wow, that's a ton of ice! did you lose a lot of it due to sublimation? unless it was necessary to use DIB for the I beams (i.e. in an area where you were unable to use sand, soda etc.) then I probably would stick with a abrasive media. Good experience though I'm sure...

Ask away about mold...
I am certified, I took course through the IICRC - they work with the all levels of Gov to develop the guidelines in which hazardous materials ( mold, asbestos, waste water, soot etc.) should be remediated. IICRC trains and governs private schools and trainers to teach their protocol.
http://www.iicrc.org/

 

Yes I did loose a lot because of the rental equipment breaking down.. I was using a Karcher 15/80 Dry Ice Blaster..
Just contacted the local Cold Jet rep who's going to do a demonstration very soon, so i'll be able to compare the two hopefully.

I'm looking into taking classes through the IICRC , can you mention which ones you took and how they help your dry ice business? Like you I'm looking into more of the Mold and Fire restoration areas and since the income potential is so high that I should probably be able to know what I'm talking about.
Have you used any online references, you might be able to share?

Thanks, Roger

 

Revisiting . . .

I know the thread is about a year old, but I'm da Noob. :laughing: I went Googling to see if there were any forums for people who do DIB, and this is where I landed. What a collection of good info in one place! :thumbup:

I just wanted to thank CO2Solutions and everyone for the input, and Gran_National for asking all my questions for me. The mention of the statues at Gettysburg gave me one more possible source of some jobs.

I saw that G_N made a post today in another thread, so it's good to know you're still plugging away. Did you get into DIB?

 

ERAD DIB,

No, I work a full time 40hr/wk IT job and blasting is something I just do on the side for now. I would like to turn it into a full time business that I can let someone manage and just make money. HAHAHAHAHA, yea, I wish it was that easy. Anyway, I would like to do DIB, but the price of equipment is prohibiting me now. I think a brand new Dry ice blaster is in the neighborhood of $30,000. You really gotta keep that thing blasting to be able to pay for that. Best of luck with all you do.

 

I would like to do DIB, but the price of equipment is prohibiting me now. I think a brand new Dry ice blaster is in the neighborhood of $30,000.

Yeah, I was looking at used ones on eBay, and most of those were upward of $14K. But it seemed like all the auctions included extra hose, etc.; the sellers had $24K+ initially invested in the package.

You really gotta keep that thing blasting to be able to pay for that.

Yeah, I have a part-time job now, something that occasionally goes to 40 hours or more per week when it's not winter around here (June-July-August :jester. My present employer might be one of my first customers.

Best of luck with all you do.

Thanks. You, too.

 

ice blasting

Hi my name is Jay Powell we have been doing mold work for about 8 years using sanders. We are buying eq but do not know how to charge for ice blasting or do i know the going rate, is it charged by sqft can some one help me with this

 

Hi my name is Jay Powell we have been doing mold work for about 8 years using sanders. We are buying eq but do not know how to charge for ice blasting or do i know the going rate, is it charged by sqft can some one help me with this

Mould work is usually priced a little higher due to all the rules/regulations/protocol that is required (depending on where you live). But generally, the blasting being charged separately is around $1.50-2.00 per sq foot plus blasting media. That is the norm for my demographic area...

ouch, using sanders! old school...well, this will be quicker and more effective for you for sure...

what equipment are you getting?

 

Yes, dry ice blasting is a great technology, but it is expensive for start up. The nice thing about dry ice blasting is that there is not a ton of competition yet. We are starting to see more market penetration, but right now things are pretty lucrative. Jay, what area are you looking to get in to?

There is a good article on pros and cons on dryicenetwork.com. But here are a few factors that you need to consider when quoting a job.

• Cost of dry ice
• Labor cost (associated with size of job and difficulty
• Distance of job
• Wear and tear on equipment (some equipment require maintenance of rotating assemblies every 100 hrs!)

Price is always an important factor. A lot of the time though, it is getting people to understand that they need dry ice blasting to begin with.

 

I do mold prevention in new construction we always use soda when we blast. I had a sales guy bring a cold jet blaster to a job site once and even he was not impressed. The soda was at least 15 times faster than dry ice. The only good thing about dry ice is there is no clean up the ice just evaporates.

 

Agreed - Soda is a much faster blasting option - and yes, no mess - but in mould remediation there is another benefit - minus 79 degree's celcius kills all bacteria/mould - stops growth - it's all a matter of types of jobs your doing - I use Soda as well but I wouldn't use it in the finished home I did yesterday in the basement blasting trusts and walls - Soda would have gotten everywhere (upstairs, bathroom etc.) would have spent 2 days cleaning afterwards - I was in and out in 5hrs with 1 guy and made $1500 CAD (which is $150 US...lol). Attics -same thing - I never use Soda in attics - tried it once - only because I ran out of dry ice and the job needed to get done that day - well, cleaned up for 2 days.
Soda worked great on a gutted home full of mould - took much less time to blast and I used that time for clean up afterwards and stayed on schedule.

There's a job for all types of blasters and medias - a way to make money and save time for all.

 

I worked along side a dry ice blaster at a paperplant. He was "degreasing" the sides of the huge paper roller machine. In his mind he was doing a efficient, effective job. He was on the job for 16 hours, before being told to move and get out of the way. Im sure there are applications where dry ice is awesome, this was not. We used crushed glass, and chemical (R7K15 from SW), and cleaned the entire roller (35 feet long X3 feet wide), and ends with cleaner in the same area in 6. He hasnt been back. I have.

Its good to know what you can do, and if its effective (cost and time both).