thinking about starting a beer line cleaning business

[james21]

hey everyone,
Im new to this forum and Im thinking about starting my own line cleaning business in maryland. I still have to figure out the laws here on who cleans them and the insurance needed. I was wondering if I could have some insight on the business on to what you need to start, if its profitable to do full time, how hard is it to learn( i know the basics I clean the lines at my job right now). Also what people charge for the job and what all you should include in the cleaning. where i can find out the laws in my state and any other useful info. I know im asking alot and I understand if some of you dont want to answer but any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance

[hogan]

Check out Craig's List Portland, OR. I was searching for spare equipment today and someone was selling their beer line cleaning business which they claimed stretched from the suburbs of Portland into our wine region (probably a ten mile radius). I'm not serious about it, but it made me curious of their revenue numbers. Said give em a call. Why not?

[happytappy]

I have been cleaning for 2 plus years now and still enjoy it. The wife has the executive bread winning position in the family so it is really a hobby that I get paid for. To do it full time, would be another story, 5 days a week, 5-10 accounts a day (depends on # lines/distance/etc.) 22 days a month would have you looking for 250 accounts (2 week cycle) Who is in your area now ? Can distributors clean ? for free ? How many potential accounts are in your area ? What time of day can you clean ?
For education, the MIcromatic course is essential, definitely ask questions about cleaning/maintenance. Rates for cleaning start at 6 $ a line, some with a minimum of 18-20 $ for the first 2. It varies from market to market. Mail me with more specific questions and I will be more than happy to help. clean beer is good !

[Mattymc]

I am looking to do the same thing. I am a brewpub brewer looking to do some side work in this area. Any info from anyone in the biz would be great. I know most distributors do it for free in my neck of the woods (Jersey) but most companies never really ask them. Also, I am looking to purchase a circulation cleaning pump for the job, but not exactly sure how it is done. So info in that department would be great. Have an idea but need to to know before I invest in a $200-$500 pump. Thanks
Matty