[Lee Pryor]

I am absolutely over the moon today as we have smashed our previous record and are very nearly at my ultimate goal!

Our turnover this month is £60,561.00 boom!

Our goal is to hit £65-67k per month. We are on track for this by September. We need another 1000 houses or so, and 1 more van and driver out. Currently we are averaging 60 - 80 new houses joining per week.

[Small but perfectley formed]

Nice ,  did you make a decent profit?

[Lee Pryor]

Nice ,  did you make a decent profit?

Nope. Spent it all on continued growth and lots of new kit, like the guttervac in my vid ect.  the leaflet campaigns are costing just over £3k per week to grow at this rate.

I am happy to continue this way until we hit the target then the pre tax profit will be about £20k a month. For now I just take out of the business what I need to live each month.

[Tom-01]

Pre corporation tax profit?

[Lee Pryor]

Pre corporation tax profit?

Yes.  After that I will pay my tax on my dividend and pay myself one a year.

[dazmond]

my best month ever (earnings wise) too....it feels good....

[Lee Pryor]

my best month ever (earnings wise) too....it feels good....

Nice one! It sure does

[John Mart]

I think that’s massively impressive for a domestic company. The only thing I’d say though is that I used to be happy with my guys doing £330/340 a day but when I sacked one last August (of two) I took over the van and found that I was able to do 20% more than they were doing day in day out. I’m 55.  As a result we’re much more profitable than we were as they do that every day now. And they rarely work more than 6 hours. Average price is about £25. Your prices seem similar to mine. However your guys do travel further.

[Lee Pryor]

I think that’s massively impressive for a domestic company. The only thing I’d say though is that I used to be happy with my guys doing £330/340 a day but when I sacked one last August (of two) I took over the van and found that I was able to do 20% more than they were doing day in day out. I’m 55.  As a result we’re much more profitable than we were as they do that every day now. And they rarely work more than 6 hours. Average price is about £25. Your prices seem similar to mine. However your guys do travel further.

Its true. Swings and roundabouts for us. We try to average £350 a day per head. Often they will do more than £400 in a day. and if we have a lot of gutter work as we have had this month there is the odd rare day of over £500

I find that being very strict about time keeping in the mornings and paying performance related bonuses at the end of the month works well for us.

[Stoots]

Nice one Lee

will all be worth it when you start putting that profit in your own pocket rather than the business.

[Lee Pryor]

Nice one Lee

will all be worth it when you start putting that profit in your own pocket rather than the business.

Thats the plan.

[John Mart]

Nice one Lee

will all be worth it when you start putting that profit in your own pocket rather than the business.

Thats the plan.

I’m guessing you’ll have to keep up a certain amount of marketing every year to stay where you are.

[Lee Pryor]

yes.

I think about £20k yearly spend

[supernova77]

yes.

I think about £20k yearly spend

Maybe a bit more than £20k judging by your Google and Yell.com customer reviews 

[John Mart]

yes.

I think about £20k yearly spend

Maybe a bit more than £20k judging by your Google and Yell.com customer reviews 

They don’t seem to put people off. Unless you encourage customers to leave reviews, the only ones that do are malcontents.

[james peters]

yes.

I think about £20k yearly spend

Maybe a bit more than £20k judging by your Google and Yell.com customer reviews 

what a silly thing to say.
vast customer base. .. we all know that growth isnt always 100%, there are lots of one off messers and those that cant be pleased
this busness is very much unlike other services in many ways and silly statements  like that just show how much little knowledge you have in this game !

[John Mart]

yes.

I think about £20k yearly spend

Maybe a bit more than £20k judging by your Google and Yell.com customer reviews 

what a silly thing to say.
vast customer base. .. we all know that growth isnt always 100%, there are lots of one off messers and those that cant be pleased
this busness is very much unlike other services in many ways and silly statements  like that just show how much little knowledge you have in this game !

More than you sunshine. Read the reviews. They are whingers.

[Tom-01]

How many new customers do you get from the tv advert each month on average?

[nathankaye]

Haha i think the only ones who actually read reviews on google and yell when it comes to window cleaners are actual window cleaners.

The vast majority of my work is from word of mouth and my websites are mostly for a point of reference and not marketing. But, when ones contact me via my website they ask questions which they could easily obtain from the website. So if ones want a window cleaner I guess the actual figures of ones who take it a step further and read reviews is very low.   

[Mr T]

Hats off to you Lee that’s impressive. You’ve got yourself a cracking business there.  There isn’t too many people that can build a round that size on the domestic scene and keep it going. You have stuck to a plan and set the right systems in place. Well done

[Lee Pryor]

yes.

I think about £20k yearly spend

Maybe a bit more than £20k judging by your Google and Yell.com customer reviews 

Dear oh dear. This did actually make me laugh a bit. Does anyone actually use yell? I dont. Think our customer base of just under 5000 happy repeat customers/houses counts for more than a few messers whos noses were put out of joint by us for one reason or another! lol

[Lee Pryor]

Didnt stop 23 houses joining us today.

Im quite sure 20k will maintain us after this year. Possibly even less

[Smudger]

Well done lee,

As regards reviews it’s all about % of your total customer base - and I think pretty much these days trolls have ruined the review system to a point they are meaningless
Darran

[Shrek]

Well done lee,

As regards reviews it’s all about % of your total customer base - and I think pretty much these days trolls have ruined the review system to a point they are meaningless
Darran

Exactly, some people have to much time on their hands . I had one woman who set up a google account JUST so she could leave a bad review ( I told her I don’t cover her council estate due to being messed about) . Pee’d me right off but you can’t please everyone. Same as trip advisor, you could have a brilliant stay at a hotel . But someone else could stay there and nit pick at little things . That’s life , gotta focus on the positives 

[Soupy]

I probably over do customer service to a certain extent, I've got no bad reviews anywhere (yet) and my turnover is pretty high.

I don't spend much on advertising though, so my rate of growth is much (much) slower than Lee's.

Lee is pretty much as far away from me geographically as you can get without being foreign so I wish him every success. 

[Lee Pryor]

I am very greatful for all the posetive comments. I have to say I am getting a real buzz from work right now. I love seeing the new equipment arrive and the girls on the phones all day to new customers and the figures growing at a fast pace.  Our last van will be out in about 6 weeks time. Now my focus is on our first £65k month which I think will be August.

Onwards and upwards.

[Slacky]

You're always going to get complaints. Everyone does.

With 5,000 customers some will end up putting those complaints online. Way of the world.

[Forum Admin]

This is an interesting post!

So looking at Google reviews it seems Pryors have 5 bad reviews in the last year, out of 5000 that is 0.1% so for someone with 500 that would be 1 bad review in a year.....I would say that's excellent! Unfortunately as brits we tend to go out of our way to moan and leave a bad review rather than go out of our way to give positive feedback.

[Soupy]

I've had 0 bad reviews (yet). None. That's 0%

Not got 5000 customers though.

[John Mart]

I've had 0 bad reviews (yet). None. That's 0%

Not got 5000 customers though.

I’ve got one. A guy that said he wanted a regular service but cancelled after one clean as he sold his house in the interim. I said it was dishonest to sign up for regular (it was absolutely minging) when he’d obviously only had it done to sell his house.

[Soupy]

I got one (sort of) a few months back. Someone complained on Facebook that we had ignored her request for a quote, I explained to her that we would never intentionally ignore any quote request and asked for more details so I could investigate further. She removed the review and never got in touch again - as far as I know.

[John Mart]

I got one (sort of) a few months back. Someone complained on Facebook that we had ignored her request for a quote, I explained to her that we would never intentionally ignore any quote request and asked for more details so I could investigate further. She removed the review and never got in touch again - as far as I know.

"Sadly, very rude when cancelling the service. Would have used again otherwise but I would never want to put up with customer service (rudeness) like that. Such a shame."

Appeared within minutes of the text exchange. I think I used the word "disingenuous" to describe his request for service. I was merely to the point.

[Klean07]

Well done Lee I've had my best ever month too which feels good!

[JBC88]

Well done Lee, its encouraging what can be done when you put your mind to it and your posts are generally inspiring. You should do YouTube videos like green pro clean 👍

[Lee Pryor]

Well done Lee, its encouraging what can be done when you put your mind to it and your posts are generally inspiring. You should do YouTube videos like green pro clean 👍

Yeah Darren is a really good guy. We speak alot. Its actually me he is refereing to when he mentions "a company down south" lol

[robbo333]

I never, ever get customer complaints!

However, I do have a few customers, who's expectations are way in excess of the level of service I provide. 

Nice going Lee. It will soon be time to look at some new geographical areas. 

May I just say Bournemouth is pooe, and did you know, Royal Mail don't operate here! 



PS Love the gutter vac thread, i'm thinking of buying one.
But not from any companies that can't conduct themselves in a professional manner!

[Rogue Trader]

Lee Pryor , You are an inspiration to us all , just when i realise i have stagnated and start thinking negatively about my business i read one of your posts and it makes me realise what can be achieved , thanks mate for your presence on here , you have made me realise that i need to pull my socks up and get busy , Keep posting please mate , what you have done over there is brilliant work. Tlk Soon i hope , Matt

[Jonny 87]

Lee I know it’s off topic a little, but was watching your older video of your office update........

https://youtu.be/pgks6fbNsr4

Which transfer pumps are you using? They look like clarke pumps, but I’m not 100%.

I’m after an external pump, rather than a submersible. Cheers lee. 👍

[Lee Pryor]

Lee I know it’s off topic a little, but was watching your older video of your office update........

https://youtu.be/pgks6fbNsr4

Which transfer pumps are you using? They look like clarke pumps, but I’m not 100%.

I’m after an external pump, rather than a submersible. Cheers lee. 👍

They are called Wortex - it doesn't say which model they are. They came with the static system from Ionic.

[Jonny 87]

Lee I know it’s off topic a little, but was watching your older video of your office update........

https://youtu.be/pgks6fbNsr4

Which transfer pumps are you using? They look like clarke pumps, but I’m not 100%.

I’m after an external pump, rather than a submersible. Cheers lee. 👍

They are called Wortex - it doesn't say which model they are. They came with the static system from Ionic.

Thanks lee. 👍

[dazmond]

Lee Pryor , You are an inspiration to us all , just when i realise i have stagnated and start thinking negatively about my business i read one of your posts and it makes me realise what can be achieved , thanks mate for your presence on here , you have made me realise that i need to pull my socks up and get busy , Keep posting please mate , what you have done over there is brilliant work. Tlk Soon i hope , Matt

I don't get why you think negatively about this business......it's all good....

I don't need Lee Pryor posts for motivation.....it comes from within....

[Lee Pryor]

Lee Pryor , You are an inspiration to us all , just when i realise i have stagnated and start thinking negatively about my business i read one of your posts and it makes me realise what can be achieved , thanks mate for your presence on here , you have made me realise that i need to pull my socks up and get busy , Keep posting please mate , what you have done over there is brilliant work. Tlk Soon i hope , Matt

I don't get why you think negatively about this business......it's all good....

I don't need Lee Pryor posts for motivation.....it comes from within....

With respect the difference in this business between a one man band and having staff and a fleet of vans is night and day. That is what Matt is getting at. As a sole trader the stress is almost zero, the proffit margine is huge and you only have yourself to think about. Once you have a handful of vans on the road as he does, the stress if high the margins are way lower and there is a constant battle with tax, vat, staff, vehicle maintenance ect ect. I can fully understand why he feels that way sometimes. I do at least once a week myself.

[Tom-01]

What results do you get with the TV advert Lee?

[Lee Pryor]

What results do you get with the TV advert Lee?

Not bad, not as good as leaflets.

[dazmond]

Lee Pryor , You are an inspiration to us all , just when i realise i have stagnated and start thinking negatively about my business i read one of your posts and it makes me realise what can be achieved , thanks mate for your presence on here , you have made me realise that i need to pull my socks up and get busy , Keep posting please mate , what you have done over there is brilliant work. Tlk Soon i hope , Matt

I don't get why you think negatively about this business......it's all good....

I don't need Lee Pryor posts for motivation.....it comes from within....

With respect the difference in this business between a one man band and having staff and a fleet of vans is night and day. That is what Matt is getting at. As a sole trader the stress is almost zero, the proffit margine is huge and you only have yourself to think about. Once you have a handful of vans on the road as he does, the stress if high the margins are way lower and there is a constant battle with tax, vat, staff, vehicle maintenance ect ect. I can fully understand why he feels that way sometimes. I do at least once a week myself.

my brothers a millionaire now and he s always got staff issues,fines to pay and headache after headache...some of it keeps him awake at night(or drinking late into the night).......its the price some pay for building a larger business......

your bang on about being a sole trader........its great and virtually stress free.......keeping everything nice and simple is my motto....i have everything i want materially and an easy(ish) short working week......im living the dream....

[Lee Pryor]

Your exactly right Daz

The upside is the business runs without me if needed. In 2 weeks time I will be having a pretty major surgery. I will be taking about 2 weeks off at home and the business wont be affected by that. In fact it will continue to grow while im away. My job is only office based, if I were a sole tradder I cant see i could return to physical work for at least 2 months.  So thats it for me really, I wanted to earn more to have the life I pictured and I wanted to be removed from the day to day so if im away for any reason the money still flows. I do however think a good sole trader window cleaning business is one of the best single opperator jobs in the country.

You mentioned your brother in the past, I would like to know what he does?

[dazmond]

Your exactly right Daz

The upside is the business runs without me if needed. In 2 weeks time I will be having a pretty major surgery. I will be taking about 2 weeks off at home and the business wont be affected by that. In fact it will continue to grow while im away. My job is only office based, if I were a sole tradder I cant see i could return to physical work for at least 2 months.  So thats it for me really, I wanted to earn more to have the life I pictured and I wanted to be removed from the day to day so if im away for any reason the money still flows. I do however think a good sole trader window cleaning business is one of the best single opperator jobs in the country.

You mentioned your brother in the past, I would like to know what he does?

he sells perfume mate.he has 14 websites all over europe and one in the united states.......

[Slacky]

14 websites in Europe and 1 in the US?

Dont his websites cross borders Dazmondo?

[dazmond]

14 websites in Europe and 1 in the US?

Dont his websites cross borders Dazmondo?

i think he has more than 14 now matt.....the websites have to be in different languages.......his website is PERFUME CLICK....

[Soupy]

What results do you get with the TV advert Lee?

Not bad, not as good as leaflets.

Difficult to gauge that I'd have thought. Someone gets a flier and thinks 'that's them of 't telly'.

Do you think it helps bolster the leaflet hit rate?

[Tom-01]

Your exactly right Daz

The upside is the business runs without me if needed. In 2 weeks time I will be having a pretty major surgery. I will be taking about 2 weeks off at home and the business wont be affected by that. In fact it will continue to grow while im away. My job is only office based, if I were a sole tradder I cant see i could return to physical work for at least 2 months.  So thats it for me really, I wanted to earn more to have the life I pictured and I wanted to be removed from the day to day so if im away for any reason the money still flows. I do however think a good sole trader window cleaning business is one of the best single opperator jobs in the country.

You mentioned your brother in the past, I would like to know what he does?

I hope your surgery goes well Lee.

I had shoulder surgery yesterday, it will keep me out of physical pole work for 6-9 months, no driving for 3 months. I have the work covered and will utilise the time to refine, plan and grow.

It's nice to know the money will still be coming in, but it's still an anxious time.

[dazmond]

Your exactly right Daz

The upside is the business runs without me if needed. In 2 weeks time I will be having a pretty major surgery. I will be taking about 2 weeks off at home and the business wont be affected by that. In fact it will continue to grow while im away. My job is only office based, if I were a sole tradder I cant see i could return to physical work for at least 2 months.  So thats it for me really, I wanted to earn more to have the life I pictured and I wanted to be removed from the day to day so if im away for any reason the money still flows. I do however think a good sole trader window cleaning business is one of the best single opperator jobs in the country.

You mentioned your brother in the past, I would like to know what he does?

I hope your surgery goes well Lee.

I had shoulder surgery yesterday, it will keep me out of physical pole work for 6-9 months, no driving for 3 months. I have the work covered and will utilise the time to refine, plan and grow.

It's nice to know the money will still be coming in, but it's still an anxious time.

how did you do your shoulder in?i lift weights 3 times a week and often work my shoulders hard(i did yesterday) but i only pole windows for 5 or 6 hours a day these days....good luck with your recovery Tom......

it must be bad because they dont normally perform surgery...its a last resort...

[Tom-01]

how did you do your shoulder in?i lift weights 3 times a week and often work my shoulders hard(i did yesterday) but i only pole windows for 5 or 6 hours a day these days....good luck with your recovery Tom......

it must be bad because they dont normally perform surgery...its a last resort...
[/quote]

I dislocated it 12 years ago playing football. I have had two surgeries already on it, 11 and 10 years ago.

I have managed with it but it has always felt weak, I got into fitness a few years ago but couldn't do a lot with my left arm. So I decided to see a specialist privately. The tendon at the front of my shoulder was never fixed so he has tightened that up, and at the back of the shoulder he found something else which has been fixed.

I could have carried on like the last 10  years but it would gradually get worse over time with age. I'm in a sling now for 3 months with our first baby due in 4 months!   

[dazmond]

how did you do your shoulder in?i lift weights 3 times a week and often work my shoulders hard(i did yesterday) but i only pole windows for 5 or 6 hours a day these days....good luck with your recovery Tom......

it must be bad because they dont normally perform surgery...its a last resort...

I dislocated it 12 years ago playing football. I have had two surgeries already on it, 11 and 10 years ago.

I have managed with it but it has always felt weak, I got into fitness a few years ago but couldn't do a lot with my left arm. So I decided to see a specialist privately. The tendon at the front of my shoulder was never fixed so he has tightened that up, and at the back of the shoulder he found something else which has been fixed.

I could have carried on like the last 10  years but it would gradually get worse over time with age. I'm in a sling now for 3 months with our first baby due in 4 months!   
[/quote]


all the best tom....good job you have staff.....