Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: James Styles on March 20, 2019, 04:28:30 pm
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Hello everyone, I’m looking to start up my window cleaning business and would be looking to go the wfp route but I would be using my car which is not the biggest it’s a red fiat punto active.
I have checked if long pole will fit in my car with a trad long pole which is 6.5 ft when enclosed and it fits no problem.
I’m thinking I can get 4 25lt barrells in my car, I’d have the back pack, wfp then I’m all set right?
I already have squeegee blades, applicators, bucket, step ladders, leathers, cloths etc.
I’m basically asking if it’s do-able working from your car, has anyone else done this to start off with or currently doing it?
Once I have some steady work I would be looking to purchase a small van.
Any advice is welcome, many thanks.
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Hello everyone, I’m looking to start up my window cleaning business and would be looking to go the wfp route but I would be using my car which is not the biggest it’s a red fiat punto active.
I have checked if long pole will fit in my car with a trad long pole which is 6.5 ft when enclosed and it fits no problem.
I’m thinking I can get 4 25lt barrells in my car, I’d have the back pack, wfp then I’m all set right?
I already have squeegee blades, applicators, bucket, step ladders, leathers, cloths etc.
I’m basically asking if it’s do-able working from your car, has anyone else done this to start off with or currently doing it?
Once I have some steady work I would be looking to purchase a small van.
One other thing which may seem strange to some but it has entered my mind is that I’m a black guy with tattoos on my arms, I’m thinking when canvassing could this go against me like people thinking “he looks like trouble, I don’t want to be dealing with him etc” or is that me just being paranoid.
Any advice is welcome, many thanks.
Its windup time again😱😱😱😱
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I’m not winding anyone up, asking honest questions
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Here we go again.
Don't take this the wrong way but many of us took the time out of their busy time yesterday to offer free advice which you threw back in their faces. I appreciate you apologised, and I would personally like to wish you all the best in your venture.
Question is though, do you want to hear honest answers and opinions or would you rather we just tell you want you want to hear? So many have failed in this industry because they underestimated what was involved. I know you have experience in WC but its a different ball game when it's your own business to run for many reasons.
I see you have asked the same question on another forum too, and you have been given some really good advice in both.
I also suggest you take some time out and use the search function at the top. It is a wealth of information which was valuable to me when I started over ten years ago. I know I would not be where I am today if i was not for this forum.
Again, good luck with it.
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Yes I do know I was out of order yesterday, I really do regret that. I am looking for honest answers I won’t take it bad or snap. Im more or less asking if anyone has worked from there car before and any tips on how to make it work using the wfp system. I will also look through the forum cheers.
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Yes I do know I was out of order yesterday, I really do regret that. I am looking for honest answers I won’t take it bad or snap. Im more or less asking if anyone has worked from there car before and any tips on how to make it work using the wfp system. I will also look through the forum cheers.
Theres a tonne of info on you tube as well and plenty who work from the back of their car. A friend of mine has a trailer with a tank of water n reel in and uses that and thus keeps his car clean and water free.
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5 years ago I was working from a car. No dramas, crack on.
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Yes I do know I was out of order yesterday, I really do regret that. I am looking for honest answers I won’t take it bad or snap. Im more or less asking if anyone has worked from there car before and any tips on how to make it work using the wfp system. I will also look through the forum cheers.
Theres a tonne of info on you tube as well and plenty who work from the back of their car. A friend of mine has a trailer with a tank of water n reel in and uses that and thus keeps his car clean and water free.
That’s good to know, I will also look on YouTube about how the wfp systems work and the techniques cleaning with it, cheers pal.
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There was a suggestion of using a small trailer to carry drums of water. Two cleaners do this in our area, one uses a Mondeo and the other a 3 door Ford Fiesta.
They have both been doing this for a number of years. The cleaner using his Fiesta has his mate working along with him. Obviously, you need to be able to have some place to store the trailer or someone will nick it. The cleaner with the Mondeo usually carries between 12 and 15 drums with him each day. He uses a Purefreedom trolley.
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If you think 4 barrels will go in go for it , 100 litre +20 in a backpack is ample considering nobody is actually on the books yet , what have you to lose ?
Your biggest problem will be water use on first cleans , once each job has been done once it will be maybe 20 litre per house thereafter.
This was my first wfp wagon as my beemer was old but far too nice , it had a 175 litre tank and that used to do me half a busy day , back then I was DI only and many custies did not have water meters fitted so let me fill up when I wanted , did it in my sarnie break and cracked on again !
Maybe an idea to canvass close to your spotless depot to start off .
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1553103531_84ACA942-33B9-49F9-BC18-D3F695F18FFE.png)
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The question is........ what’s stopping you going for it?
It’s literally a few hundred quid to get your set up that you’ve mentioned.
The real problems start when your getting more customers, and have to travel a 40 minute round trip to get water, to earn £40.
As was mentioned yesterday in a few posts, spend the 2 grand that you’ve got in the savings and go for it.
A little van, 350 wydale tank, pump, reel and controller, and clx pole.
Anything less and it’s a nightmare for wfp.
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If you think 4 barrels will go in go for it , 100 litre +20 in a backpack is ample considering nobody is actually on the books yet , what have you to lose ?
Your biggest problem will be water use on first cleans , once each job has been done once it will be maybe 20 litre per house thereafter.
This was my first wfp wagon as my beemer was old but far too nice , it had a 175 litre tank and that used to do me half a busy day , back then I was DI only and many custies did not have water meters fitted so let me fill up when I wanted , did it in my sarnie break and cracked on again !
Maybe an idea to canvass close to your spotless depot to start off .
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1553103531_84ACA942-33B9-49F9-BC18-D3F695F18FFE.png)
Yeah it may be a bit tough once I (hopefully) get busier, but then I would look at upgrading to a larger car or van.
At the moment I feel worried to plough so much money into it when I don’t have any customers or anything at the moment lol it’s kind of scary just gambling on me getting work but I guess everyone here had to start somehow.
Yes mate I’m going to canvass all around where the spotless water service is aswell, thank you for the advice, it seems the wtp does use a lot more water then I am picturing on jobs.
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And also as a thought,
Do you need the punto?
Sell that and stick the cash into your business. Is it worth a grand? That would pay for most of your gear. Then you will have some savings left too.
As was said yesterday too, I’d get a part time job, then build up the window cleaning round.
Even delivering fast food can pay your way for a little while.
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The question is........ what’s stopping you going for it?
It’s literally a few hundred quid to get your set up that you’ve mentioned.
The real problems start when your getting more customers, and have to travel a 40 minute round trip to get water, to earn £40.
As was mentioned yesterday in a few posts, spend the 2 grand that you’ve got in the savings and go for it.
A little van, 350 wydale tank, pump, reel and controller, and clx pole.
Anything less and it’s a nightmare for wfp.
I totally get what you are saying mate but my 2k savings is like a safety net with bills, car maintenance etc.
I haven’t even started canvassing yet or have any customers so I’d think it would be massively risky to buy a van straight off and hope I get a busy workload.
I’m more thinking if I can start out with my car then once I get a strong round upgrade to a van, just feels a bit more sensible to me, I am quite a cautious guy as you can tell haha.
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And also as a thought,
Do you need the punto?
Sell that and stick the cash into your business. Is it worth a grand? That would pay for most of your gear. Then you will have some savings left too.
As was said yesterday too, I’d get a part time job, then build up the window cleaning round.
Even delivering fast food can pay your way for a little while.
The punto has some damage to my door, quite a few marks etc, I honestly think I’d struggle to even get £500 for it.
I’m more looking at working from my car window cleaning then delivering fast food, if I can get even part time amount of work for each week I could save that way?
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Why not trade the punto for a cheapie estate car , probably get 8 to 10 barrels in a largish one
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Of course you can use the car.
Would be better to swap it for a van but yes why not, if the rear seats arent used for family etc take them out.
I will be working out of a hire van next couple of days as my vans in for repairs.
All i have in it is 12 barrels, 2 backpacks and 2 poles and a few spares, so yes you can wfp with minimal gear, i will likely run out of water and have to come back mind.
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Just one serious note, you need to make sure everything you put in the back of the car won't kill you from behind if you need to do an emergency brake whilst driving as accidents are unpredictable and they do happen so prevention is better than being a possible road fatality. Need to make sure it's all tied down or secured.
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Also you should be insured for business use.
Its all good until it goes tits up
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i did some work from a car(golf GTI) a few years ago when the oil pump went on my old van and seized the engine....i used 4 barrels(100L)and a backpack(22L)and a slx 22...i took a small DI vessel with me and topped up at lunchtime at customers houses...not ideal but its amazing how much work i was able to clean until my new van got delivered.....i also used around 20m of pole hose so i didnt have to keep moving my backpack.....i did trad some ground floor windows and doors and skipped a lot of top frames! ;D
i had to do it for around a month....i was glad to get back to the van mount at the end of it though.....but it got me out of a tight spot(it was just after new year...5 january when my van broke)
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Im gonna plug my channel on youtube haha
Nkservices (190 od subscribers at the mo n slowly climbing.......tho i dont know why. Haha)
Some may disagree with this, but im.a strong believer in personal appearance helps as in being smart. You mentioned about the tats? I dont know and it doesnt bother me, but either way a smart appearance and a friendly smile will go a long way.
You also mentioned that currently you dont work and so I can understand you wanting to keep the safety net but the old saying is true;
"It cost money to make money"
Without taking this the wrong way, i guess you have plenty of time on your hands to make this work. Practice, practice and practice. Canvass, canvass and go to town on it.
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This is worth a watch and gives an interesting take on how cheap you can get going for. Esp if you can make space in the car (take seats out??) (Run into the ground)
https://youtu.be/bKb-sjFf5mc
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Just buy a notebook, (cheap) and get out there. Dress tidy and clean. Knock every door near the Spotless depot. Keep knocking - its a numbers game.
‘Hi I’m..... do you have a window cleaner? If yes thanks for your time, if not tell them briefly what you do and offer to quote.
Once you have the work in your book you will have the confidence to invest.
I hope this helps. I worked out of an Astra Estate for years. 175 tank and backpack.
Theres a good ebook called The Window Cleaning Blueprint. A lot of useful stuff for someone starting out.
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What are your thoughts on pricing james?
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I've worked from a car.
You can put 4 barrels and a backpack in your car with no problem. Just grow as you go. (If you plonk them in footwells and on seats then 6 is possible in a small car. Just put a blanket down and screw on the lids.)
Day plan. First day. Assume 6 customers at £12.50 = £75.00
Fill your barrels the day before and load your car. Charge your backpack batteries (2) the day before. If you have room put a 1000L tank in your garden on a frame made of fence posts so you can gravity feed your barrels. No garden? Make an arrangement for obtaining water.
9am Get to your first house. Clean house. Get paid or "ticket" if cashflow a problem go and collect later. Knock on each house eitherside of the job you have done and canvass them.
10.00 am. Repeat at 2nd house.
11.00 am. Repeat at 3rd house. You will now be low on water especially if any first cleans. Go home and fill up.
12.30 pm. Repeat.
1.00 pm Repeat.
2.00 pm Repeat.
3.00 pm Canvass around last job.
4.00 pm Go home and prepare the next day.
If desperate for cash go and collect money and remember those you canvassed? If they weren't home then knock again. Or a couple nearby.
No work the next day? Canvass for an hour at 10.00 am before the old biddies go shopping. Then again at 4.00pm when the part time mums get home from the school run.
Rinse repeat until you find you need a bigger vehicle. Going from a car with barrels to a small van with a tank will "give" you an extra 2 hours a day to use.
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The next time you clean "day one" you will be faster. Those six houses will grow to 7, 8 or more and you will end up doing 9 in the time it took you to do six. So now you are earning over £100 a day. Then more as you get faster.
Then you will want a van with a tank and push through £150.
As you compact your round, get payment on line, get proficient, you will get to £200 a day. A day being 9 am to 3pm. Start on time, get the work done.
Modify and tweak, get a light pole and you will be amazed at what you can do in a day if you have set it up right.
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The next time you clean "day one" you will be faster. Those six houses will grow to 7, 8 or more and you will end up doing 9 in the time it took you to do six. So now you are earning over £100 a day. Then more as you get faster.
Then you will want a van with a tank and push through £150.
As you compact your round, get payment on line, get proficient, you will get to £200 a day. A day being 9 am to 3pm. Start on time, get the work done.
Modify and tweak, get a light pole and you will be amazed at what you can do in a day if you have set it up right.
That's spot on and really how it goes doing this job.
I started with a trolley, working slowly and inefficiently with lower prices spread out work probably happy a 100 a day
As the years go by and the work becomes more profitable and you become more efficient you start seeing the figures go up 120,150,180,200,250 etc
And you don't seem to be working much harder for it either.
It all comes in time, but at first you just accept it's going to be hard and set yourself small goals.
I found myself aiming for customer numbers 10,20,50,100 etc. All milestones to aim for , took me 18 months to get 100 alongside working part time and only once I packed in the part time job did it really grow...BUT it didn't grow by chance I've probably spent 10k in total on canvassers, leaflet drops and online ads etc. Worth every penny but would have been cheaper and easier to canvass myself but I never had the stomach for it although whenever I did give it a go I picked up work.
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What are your thoughts on pricing james?
When I done pricing in the past (was over 10 years ago, the boss let me after a few months price enquires ???) I would add up by how many windows and the time it would take (like awkward windows to get to) etc, most normal sized houses would be like £8-10, houses with conservatories about £15, I’d maybe look to go slightly higher now as cost of living has gone up and I’d be using wfp & more professional, I’m looking to buy shirts/jackets with company name.
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Loads of brilliant advice on the replies thank you guys so much, my leaflets and business cards have shown up today ;D
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As was said yesterday too, I’d get a part time job, then build up the window cleaning round.
Even delivering fast food can pay your way for a little while.
I work Full time and I am changing my hours to long shifts, so I will have 3 days to go canversing and work.
I have a Citreon c4 with my ladders and my 2 backpack= 50 litres plus 4 x 25 litres barrels plus trad gear
I am thinking of getting a trailer so as someone said keep the car clean and tidy thus not having to empty the car after each day
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Yes I do know I was out of order yesterday, I really do regret that. I am looking for honest answers I won’t take it bad or snap. Im more or less asking if anyone has worked from there car before and any tips on how to make it work using the wfp system. I will also look through the forum cheers.
I did much of my first year from an old hatchback car, but those were ladder days so not such an issue. It can be done with backpack, pole, and containers, but it's more faffing about than with a fitted van. If you minimise water carriage by squeegeeing the ground floor, 4 x 25 ltr containers will do for a part day. You use more water on first cleans. If you try keeping the flow rate down on them, you risk doing substandard work. You may need more containers or return home to refill. You'll need a resin vessel to filter. Are you in a hard or soft water area - that makes a difference.
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just a few thoughts on what you have mentioned,
1st, being black as you say will make no difference providing you remain smartly dressed and polite when canvassing
2nd, ref tats, wear a long sleeve shirt, I have tats on both arms and it makes no difference once the customer gets to know you
3rd, 4 barrels will not be enough because generally speaking you are most likely to pick up new jobs that will not have been cleaned for years and it's possible to use over 20 ltrs on the first clean as you will need to scrub and rinse several times
4th, if you go ahead you will need commercial insurance on your car both for window cleaning and food delievery, if you were involved in a accident and did not have the relivent insurance you could be in big trouble
finally good luck
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I have got public liability insurance A1 I think and also have business insurance on the car.
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James styles or maybe it’s MR LEE JAMES PRYOR ;D :-X
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James styles or maybe it’s MR LEE JAMES PRYOR ;D :-X
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Wow you're more cynical than me😱
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I don't think it's Lee.
Lee could never spell 'etc', he always put 'ect'.
James spells it correctly.
It's all in the details ;D
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When I used a Pure Freedom trolley, with 8 barrels, on first cleans I would:
Turn the water on and QUICKLY scrub the whole frame and glass.
Then I would turn the water off.
I could then carry on scrubbing the frames without water flowing. You can get about 15 seconds of good agitation on the dirt before it starts to dry out. This means your still agitating the dirt but without using water. Spiders muck in corners etc, always turn the water off.
Then when you turn the water on, you're probably 80% there. Focus on the frames, not the glass (you've already given it an initial quick clean.)
When you have finished the whole upstairs, go back and clean (only the glass) again, properly.
This has given the frames a chance to finish dripping.
Downstairs:
Always turn your water off when cleaning the sill. It will be wet anyway. Use a dry brush to get the crap out the gap between the sill and the window and then always finish it by wiping with a cloth (go back when the whole house is done, not before).