A reader recently wrote in asking whether it might be a good deal to purchase specific cleaning chemicals if it came with a free wall-mounted chemical dispenser.

In a prior article we discussed your concerns about the vendor trying to sell you something you did not need. We discussed the importance of determining if the system he recommended was the best investment since some things that are purported as being free still cost in the long run. Although I do not believe that the offer you are considering is a scam, you will need to determine if it is a good fit for you. Remember that you will be obligating your future purchases to this particular product line since the dispensers are considered proprietary and there may be an implied contract that you can only purchase and use their chemicals in the installed units.

I highly recommend you clarify in advance what the unit cost is now and for the life of any agreement you enter into. In my experience, concentrated chemicals that dilute correctly can save you a lot of money when compared to purchasing RTU (Ready to Use) products. Using the correct dispensing system can help to control your costs. The best approach is to find a vendor you can partner with for the long term so that as you grow you can focus on details and let your vendor support you behind the scenes by bringing value to the product line he is marketing.

Finally, it is important that the chemicals in question are effective and do the job as described. Watered down, ineffective chemicals are not a good investment regardless of the initial price.

Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net


posted on 10/26/2016