That's my situation exactly. I got my trucks for a fraction of what they would have cost 2 years ago and then I raised my prices. I am pretty much refusing to budge on pricing. The difference is I'm not exactly a "start-up". I've been pumping for 15 years, the last 10 years have been in the same area. The lower payment has helped a lot. There are still idiots that are trying to do lower pricing and it's not the little guy. The "big boys" are the ones doing it. I don't think a true "start-up" could make it right now. There are a bunch of customers out there that are still "loyal". If a person had to go thru the expense and headache of getting a customer base right now they would have a tough time. About the only way they could do it is lower prices, in my opinion. What do I know, I'm just a dumb operator.

Who has the large customer base, you or your current employer? Whats your plan, steal customers that you got for him while working on his dime?

I agree with headnorth

After 15 years of being an operator/salesman, there isno such thing as 'stealing' a customer. If a company 'loses' a customer, that is exactly what is happening, they are losing a customer. I have a lot of customers that have been with me thru thick and thin, that have turned down other companies with lower prices and pay full price. I have 'lost' a few and know exactly why I 'lost' them. I know they weren't 'stolen' from me, they had reason to leave, whether it was a big deal to me or not, it was to them. I say if you have customers that will follow you if/when you go on your own, go for it. The customers obviously didn't use 'the company' because of to many other reasons but YOU. Just treat them the way you would want to be treated. A lot of people on here think like 'the big boys'(get everything we can, no matter what the cost. We want it all!). That 'big boy' attitude, in my opinion, is what got the pump prices in the country what they are. By the way, MY profile IS filled out, if anybody wants to check.

What kind of pump would you buy? I'd talk to the brokers out west they seem to know what will be coming to market, and when you'll get the best deal.

just an opinion, great time to buy equipment maybe not to be in business but your best customer is your employer that will kick you some work. the contractors will promise you work that will not pan out or will run up a tab and turn you out. ya you need customers but who and where you get them does not matter just getting the check as you drive away. i see costs like inflation is allway going to be more so pricing jobs at the going rate is fair. working cheep make the customer think that they do not care about you. volume discounts are a part of whats expected from you but as long its 20% of your clients. if you could get a signed retainer for work that would be a great asset when you go to the bank, ha ha like thats going to happen but its worth gold and a half. concept to think about.

pudg I don't beleive you are that kind of person being a coonass I don't think thats on your mine.

If a person has cash and does not use credit, then now is the time to start a small business. Who else better to work for than yourself ?

ok, i had a nasty comeback to a reply i read but by the time i finished i wasnt very happy w/myself. so ill just say this,

the sun shines for every one.

wise words a friend once told me

headnorth, I brought the customer base when I came,so  know I didnt get anything on his dime he has been very profitable on my reputation and work ethic along,I have my customers that I have had for 15+ years and I dont hide the fact of what I'm planning he actually has made offers for me to take over his company but at a very high price,sounds as though maybe your living off someone elses experience and knowledge and have insecurities on your abilities of running your own company without him, my advice to you would be go learn how to run a pump,learn how to mechanic ,dispatch,bid jobs,chase money,be on call 24/7 365 days a year,and thats what Ive done since I have been here without asking for anything,so if your key guy left you hanging and you have a attitude look in the mirror your the problem not me.

headnorth,if you gonna talk shit fill out your profile,if your not yellow,put a face with the name,your barking up the wrong tree Ive done my time,now its time for me to go get mine.

 Maybe not just yet pudg. Give it another six months, after this next go round at the auctions pumps will be worth less than the rubber they roll on. I say if you got the cash to drop then do iT!

 With so many pumps changing hands and going to public auction we may see more of the "pump cheap because they can" people than ever and an increase of redi mix and construction companies that have their own pump or pumps. Not only could it effect the rate but could also lead to more accidents and injuries etc.  

Pudg, I wanted to add also, if you have the money on your own accord with out getting credit plus a few months cash as back up and you also all ready have a customer base then why not own your own company ? It seems a no brainer to me . I would not suggest getting into a pumping business with much debt in this economy though.So just weigh your needs and most importantly your families needs and do what you feel is best for your survival . good luck with which ever choice you make .