Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: rl on April 26, 2010, 08:46:35 am
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Hi everyone. I just can't get away from the idea of starting a window cleaning business. If you've read any of my previous posts on this you'll know I've been thinking about it for quite some time now. Every time I think I'll do it I end up thinking I'll just stick at my regular job which I don't enjoy but provides a regular income for me and my family. Problem is I'm always drawn back to the idea and to this forum (which I think is still great). So I think I'm going to have to give it a go sooner or later. One problem I have is we have a big holiday planned this summer, 3 weeks away. So would I be best waiting til after the holiday to start getting jobs or get some now and then be missing 3 weeks?
Also, is there anyone in the areas mentioned in the title on here. I know there are a few I've seen about. Would just like some advice on what works like in these areas. If there's Enough work etc and any other info there is. Cheers.
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Hi,
I have a friend who tried window cleaning once...
He was in a nice secure well paid job but wanted to be his own boss... He resigned from his job, bought a van and WFP equipment, I helped him canvass some work up, but 2 weeks into it he was getting too anxious and worried about no regular income so he want and got another office job again with a regular income.
I have no doubts that if he had stuck at window cleaning he would have made it and been ok, but he just kept thinking about regular money.
When I started up I just left my job - with a little bit of money behind me (about 2 months worth) and went for it! I'm glad I did and have never looked back.
If you have a 3 week holiday planned why not wait until then and spend that 3 weeks thinking about what to do... If you're away from everyday life you might have a clearer head, and you will then come to the right balanced decision?
Andy
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I'd start now - Spring is the best time of year for picking up new work - and I always try to clean new customers as soon as possible, even if it doesn't fit with my schedule. I clean them, but I tell them their may be a delay of two months (or whatever it'll be) before I'm back again, so I can just slot them into my cleaning cycle for that area that they live in. I always give a business card and reassure them that I'll be back.
So start now, clean the new customers as soon as you can, and don't worry about the three week holiday.
But not many window cleaners I know personally can take three weeks off and go off on holiday; there's probably plenty on this forum; but I don't know any where I live who'll do this. Paid holiday is a luxury we don't have. I don't know what job it is you do, and why you don't like it, but with window cleaning you may find that you have different problems, but they may just add upto the problems you currently have with your work. What I'm saying is that you currently have 'employed problems and suffering', and once you become a window cleaner you'll end up with 'self employed problems and suffering'.
And with a family involved, I'd be careful what you do. I once saw a bloke give up a well paid job, take a huge loan out and get stuck in to window cleaning (I sold him some work). He lasted six months, put his family through a lot of turmoil and ended up back at his old job.
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Thanks Andy and Tosh for your replies. I have been thinking about this for probably over a year now and originally asked what everyone on here thought about it back then. I think everyone back then said go for it. You won't regret it etc. Now people seem to be a bit less keen to say that and say think about it etc.
My current job is driving. I work about 45 hrs a week (am there about 50 a week) and get about £19k before tax. Take home about £280 a week. I don't want more money. The same or even a bit less would do me, but I want better hours. I work every other weekend and one day might work 6-4 then 11-9 then 2 - midnight and so on. I would becable to go on a 3 day week once I got enough work before leaving in full.
The 3 week holiday is a one off. We've been saving etc for it for ages and prob won't have one next year. When you say window cleaners dont have holidays etc do you mean they can't take time off or can't afford to or what?
Thanks again both of you for the good advice.
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rl if i were u i'd start soon as m8. ask urself 1 thing ru driven enough 2get up & go 2 work every day??
u do it 4some1 else so u can do it 4urself. dont worry focus & go 4 it m8, u wont look back.
& when u do u will say its the best thing u ever did ;)
i wish u all the best :) & u well have all of us behind u 4help & support ;)
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Go for it you just got to be motivated my friend cause problems still come up on you ;D
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Hi everyone. I just can't get away from the idea of starting a window cleaning business. If you've read any of my previous posts on this you'll know I've been thinking about it for quite some time now. Every time I think I'll do it I end up thinking I'll just stick at my regular job which I don't enjoy but provides a regular income for me and my family. Problem is I'm always drawn back to the idea and to this forum (which I think is still great). So I think I'm going to have to give it a go sooner or later. One problem I have is we have a big holiday planned this summer, 3 weeks away. So would I be best waiting til after the holiday to start getting jobs or get some now and then be missing 3 weeks?
Also, is there anyone in the areas mentioned in the title on here. I know there are a few I've seen about. Would just like some advice on what works like in these areas. If there's Enough work etc and any other info there is. Cheers.
you sound like you're suffering from 'paralysis of analysis', over thinking. If your prepared to work and don't mind taking lots of no's then just do it. I did on Feb. 28th and am so glad I did. There is no such thing as a secure income , it's a myth. You could lose your job tomorow. Who knows whats around the corner. Just go for it.
Tom
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I have the motivation I think. It will be hard with working 50 hours in my day job. But you don't get anywhere without hard graft. In winter I was going out to work and I'd be thinking could I clean windows in this freezing weather. And I always thought yes I could.
I have to admit knocking on doors isn't my idea of fun! But I'll either have to do it, get someone else to do it, or fail miserably!
And Tom, I think your right I've spent too much time thinking about it! Mind you a 10 hour shift goes quicker if I'm day dreaming about it!!!
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The best advice i can give with my 7 weeks of experience is DO IT. but dont think its gonna be too easy.
I run a hotel in the evenings aswel just to make sure that money will always be coming in.
within 7 weeks i am already earning your target wage and i work a 3 day week (4 hrs a day) and am so happy i could poop
i live just outside of lancaster and if you fancy a taster day then just let me know im more than happy to help or lend a hand.
my number is 07543533347
i hope you do well at this mate
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like everything in life,its going to be hard at first. the door knocking, being messed about by bell-enders etc is all part of the apprenticeship of this game. the upside is your beholding to nobody (unless you loan pots of dosh ) and as said above if your going to start best to do it a,s,a,p in fine weather, folk are happy to see you now the weathers good . go for it-hit the streets Rl , ;D
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I don't see what you have to loose. You seem to have some time during the day depending on your shifts so why not fill them first and work every saturday you can. Than, when you are maxed out like this drop down to 3 days a week at driving, build up until you are working every sat and any spare hours during the week. When you are maxed out again go full time.
You can start with just a backpack and a small ro or DI unit depending on your tap tds and work out of your car with 25lt barrels. I started that way, it can be done.
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My best bit of advice would be to start traditional and buy a small round so you can hit the ground running.
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Thanks again guys. davids3511, when you put it like that it does make sense. I do have to try and fit in time with the wife and daughter, but I think you are right.
Trevor, I keep looking for rounds for sale near me, they seem to be big expensive rounds, and I don't want to risk too much money to start with.
Daniel Watson, Thanks very much for your offer, I would love to pick your brains some more. If you have time could you email me at mini2007@operamail.com would ring you but am working late tonight and long days the rest of the week, plus having a stupidly expensive phone that can do anything and everything except make a phone call is doing my head in!
Also thanks for all the words of encouragement from you all.
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I have the motivation I think. It will be hard with working 50 hours in my day job. But you don't get anywhere without hard graft. In winter I was going out to work and I'd be thinking could I clean windows in this freezing weather. And I always thought yes I could.
I have to admit knocking on doors isn't my idea of fun! But I'll either have to do it, get someone else to do it, or fail miserably!
And Tom, I think your right I've spent too much time thinking about it! Mind you a 10 hour shift goes quicker if I'm day dreaming about it!!!
i'm no expert mate far from it but I don't think you can fail unless you just sit on your backside and do nothing. Don't think about it just get up and knock some doors. Once you've done it you may even find that you enjoy it.
TOM
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RL .... im in exactly the same place as you (apart from 3 week holiday :) )
I have a well paid job which is as secure as a job can be these days ... I sell New Cars for a living ..
Ive been wanting to jack it all in and take up W/C as want to be my own boss but like you worried about money .... I need £2100 a month to cover all bills and a little fun money.
I took a 2 week holiday last month and did some canvassing and 1st cleans .... rained all the 2 weeks but still loved the feeling of doing the window cleaning and canvassing.... this was a taster to see if I could do it.
fast foward to now the second cleans are due this week (14 customers in total) ... made a decision this morning to hand my notice in before end of June .... however I have the backing of the Mrs ... she told me to go for it and she will support me all she can apart from financially ;D
I have £3000 business overdraft in place and £2000 cash so enough for 3 months or so.
Also going to take a part time job for 3 days a week to help with the cashflow.
In summary until you go for it you will never know !!
Like the old saying goes ... if you keep on doing what your doing then your going to keep on getting what your getting now.
The magic words are canvassing ... application ... dedication ... persistance oh and backing of the other half.
Hope all of my ramblings make sense and help you make a qualified decision ;)
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Ive been wanting to jack it all in and take up W/C as want to be my own boss but like you worried about money .... I need £2100 a month to cover all bills and a little fun money.
Is that £2100 after tax? If so you're going to be needing £750 per week every week?
It's "doable" - But it takes a while to get there!
Andy
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Ive been wanting to jack it all in and take up W/C as want to be my own boss but like you worried about money .... I need £2100 a month to cover all bills and a little fun money.
Is that £2100 after tax? If so you're going to be needing £750 per week every week?
It's "doable" - But it takes a while to get there!
Andy
Andy yes after tax .... lots of canvassing and 2 part time jobs whilst I get going will .. fingers crossed .. will see me get there ....if it all ends in tears I will sell my van and customers which should square me financially then start back selling the motors again ;D
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[quote
Is that £2100 after tax? If so you're going to be needing £750 per week every week?
Andy
TAX ?? im confused now ... you saying I have to pay the tax man something ?? ;D
all he does is give it away to lazy cant be ar**ed barstools scrounging whinging illegal work shy lazy ***kers who get £38000 grand a year cos they have 8 kids with another on the way ... rant over ;D
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Ive been wanting to jack it all in and take up W/C as want to be my own boss but like you worried about money .... I need £2100 a month to cover all bills and a little fun money.
Is that £2100 after tax? If so you're going to be needing £750 per week every week?
It's "doable" - But it takes a while to get there!
Andy
I think thats a bit conservative. I would work on the basis that your 'wage' ie takehome £'s to spend will be 50% of turnover. so I would aim for about £900 per week.
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Ive been wanting to jack it all in and take up W/C as want to be my own boss but like you worried about money .... I need £2100 a month to cover all bills and a little fun money.
Is that £2100 after tax? If so you're going to be needing £750 per week every week?
It's "doable" - But it takes a while to get there!
Andy
I think thats a bit conservative. I would work on the basis that your 'wage' ie takehome £'s to spend will be 50% of turnover. so I would aim for about £900 per week.
I went on an Ionics training course and according to their book about becoming a window cleaner I can easily get 15 customers a week ... not sure if I need an Ionics to make the customers fall at my feet though. ?? ;)
Not knocking Ionics just having a larf ... actually very enjoyable day and no hard sell of their systems neither ... one day may even buy one !!
Only pay taxman once or twice a year I think so will worry about him next year
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My current job is driving. I work about 45 hrs a week (am there about 50 a week) and get about £19k before tax. Take home about £280 a week. I don't want more money. The same or even a bit less would do me, but I want better hours. I work every other weekend and one day might work 6-4 then 11-9 then 2 - midnight and so on. I would becable to go on a 3 day week once I got enough work before leaving in full.
People get upset on here when you talk about earnings, but if you get reasonably quick with a wfp/squeegee and price right you will earn your old wage in 2 days a week MAX... it isnt easy and you wont earn 200 quid a day everyday all year, but if you are enthusiastic and hard working its very possible, and there is work out there it just takes the right person to go and get it
I have been full time now for 2 years and part time for about 1-2 and haven't really canvassed as hard as i should, in fact very little till recently and my business has doubled each year so you can grow a wc business with hard work despite the economic downturn
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Ive been wanting to jack it all in and take up W/C as want to be my own boss but like you worried about money .... I need £2100 a month to cover all bills and a little fun money.
Is that £2100 after tax? If so you're going to be needing £750 per week every week?
It's "doable" - But it takes a while to get there!
Andy
I think thats a bit conservative. I would work on the basis that your 'wage' ie takehome £'s to spend will be 50% of turnover. so I would aim for about £900 per week.
I went on an Ionics training course and according to their book about becoming a window cleaner I can easily get 15 customers a week ... not sure if I need an Ionics to make the customers fall at my feet though. ?? ;)
Not knocking Ionics just having a larf ... actually very enjoyable day and no hard sell of their systems neither ... one day may even buy one !!
Only pay taxman once or twice a year I think so will worry about him next year
Thats a common mistake for people new to self-employment. My advice would be to work as if you are employing yourself and put away your tax weekly plus put to one side holiday and sick time money as well. Along with expenses including replacing most of your equipment every 2-3 years I would recommend putting aside 50% of your earnings and live off the other 50%.
There are a few on here who have found themselves in hot water due to needing to pay the tax man or their van going pop.
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Ive been wanting to jack it all in and take up W/C as want to be my own boss but like you worried about money .... I need £2100 a month to cover all bills and a little fun money.
Is that £2100 after tax? If so you're going to be needing £750 per week every week?
It's "doable" - But it takes a while to get there!
Andy
I think thats a bit conservative. I would work on the basis that your 'wage' ie takehome £'s to spend will be 50% of turnover. so I would aim for about £900 per week.
wheres 1500 a month going?? Tax on 2100 (2100*12) would be 2850 takin into account personal allowance and expenses of 5k a year , so its why does he need an extra 1500 .00 ??
Hes gone from needing 525 a week to 750 to 900 in about 3 posts lol
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I clean them, but I tell them their may be a delay of two months (or whatever it'll be) before I'm back again, so I can just slot them into my cleaning cycle for that area that they live in. I always give a business card and reassure them that I'll be back
Hi Tosh .... you never have any problems with doing this ???
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Ive been wanting to jack it all in and take up W/C as want to be my own boss but like you worried about money .... I need £2100 a month to cover all bills and a little fun money.
Is that £2100 after tax? If so you're going to be needing £750 per week every week?
It's "doable" - But it takes a while to get there!
Andy
I think thats a bit conservative. I would work on the basis that your 'wage' ie takehome £'s to spend will be 50% of turnover. so I would aim for about £900 per week.
wheres 1500 a month going?? Tax on 2100 (2100*12) would be 2850 takin into account personal allowance and expenses of 5k a year , so its why does he need an extra 1500 .00 ??
Hes gone from needing 525 a week to 750 to 900 in about 3 posts lol
Well first of all he needs £2100 per month AFTER tax so that is £484 take home.
Allow for 4 weeks holiday he needs to TAKE HOME £525 per week AFTER tax.
To get £525 AFTER tax he needs to Turn over at least £34000 per year. Thats £708 per week
Add to that £6000 in expenses and turnover will need to be £40,000
Bearing in mind he needs to do this in 48 weeks = £833 TURNOVER per week, plus the business needs to make a profit and I thought £65 per week profit was reasonably low.
That gives me £900 per week. I was the only one to add ALL the sums together.
The mistake many make is between TURNOVER and TAKEHOME.
If you have a full time job look at the Gross and Net differences plus holiday pay.
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Inadvertantly hijacked this post .. sorry RL ... yes there is a differnence between turnover and profit and tax etc etc etc ... I could sit all day trying to work out the possible outcomes ref turnover v profit etc etc .... what I was trying to say was if you think about it too much you would never do it. ..... but the taxman can still wait IMHO :D
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Haha no probs for hijacking the post! Have been keeping an eye on the thread on my phone whilst at work. Good to hear from someone in same position as me. Keep us posted on how you progress won't you. Will put a better reply on tomorrow when have 5 mins on computer.
Also thanks again to Daniel for the emails will reply again tomorrow.
Cheers guys.
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Inadvertantly hijacked this post .. sorry RL ... yes there is a differnence between turnover and profit and tax etc etc etc ... I could sit all day trying to work out the possible outcomes ref turnover v profit etc etc .... what I was trying to say was if you think about it too much you would never do it. ..... but the taxman can still wait IMHO :D
I'm not affected in any way whether you succed or not, however your family is. If you feel you can get to £2100 per month TAKEHOME in 3-4 months then go for it. I just wanted to point out the reality of what you are expecting. You will have to pay tax and expenses even if its not immediate.
I wish you well in your next few months. :)
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It takes time to build your business to the value of £2100 after tax per month if thats whats needed.
I have replied to some of your previous posts and will say again that if you really want to do this then you will succeed. Do you want to do this?
Lee
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Hi Lee and Sunshine Stuart and Andy ... I agree with you and in all seriousness now (a lot of my posts are lighthearted ) .... Yes its a big target and still having doubts ... I really appreciate all of yours and other help Ive had on this forum not meant to come across as dismissive or owt like that (not that anyone said I was :) ) as I know I still have loads to learn.
In more detail .....
My plan is to do 2 part time jobs ... morning cleaning ... bar work at night and if required 3 day week in a job somewhere then cleaning windows for 2 days a week ... this way my "kitty" should last me for enough time to build my round to approx 400 ish customers throw some commercial work in along the way and fingers crossed will be there a lot quicker
As my round builds I can drop the part time work on a as and when possible basis .... going to be knackered after 6 months but will be worth it in the end !!!
As Lee said If you want it then its possible ;)
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Haha no probs for hijacking the post! Have been keeping an eye on the thread on my phone whilst at work. Good to hear from someone in same position as me. Keep us posted on how you progress won't you.
Will do RL .... keen to compare notes / progress .... went to a Rotary meeting last night ... large building near to me ... must be 300 windows easy .... the ones I looked at were filthy ... massive job but just shows if you keep your eyes open its amazing what you can find.
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I clean them, but I tell them their may be a delay of two months (or whatever it'll be) before I'm back again, so I can just slot them into my cleaning cycle for that area that they live in. I always give a business card and reassure them that I'll be back
Hi Tosh .... you never have any problems with doing this ???
Never. In fact I've got a new clean lined up today, but the area isn't due till next month and it's every-other-month. So I'll clean the new clean and give them the option of having them done next month - when I'm in the area - or I will be back in THREE months; I'll explain why; leave them my card.
I've charged a good initial cleaning fee for this job, since it's out of my way and they want it done quickly, and I've explained why that is also.
I find if I'm honest and explain why I do things - even if it's to make MY life easier - my customers seem to be happy with that. I'm pretty sure most of us can detect 'waffle' when we hear it, so I try not to do that.
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RL
You mention wife & child.
Don't know if your wife works or your child is under 18 years old but are you aware of child & working tax credits?
I would think on your current wage you already claim these?
If you do go full time w/c'ing these credits should increase, at least for the first 12 months. Might be worth you while finding out a bit more about this.
Also, it wouldn't take very long IMO to match your current earnings but by working much less hours. As has been said, you could do that trad in two days once you've got the work & providing it's priced fairly. ;)
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Hi everyone again, sorry taken so long to post a reply on my own thread.
Think I am going to buy all the bits I need to get going, I already have a backpack and Pole, do need a DI vessel (low ppm) and trad stuff. Then will get some practice in on my own house (our windows are in desperate need of a clean) and then will start with family's windows etc and hopefully get the odd person here and there and start slowly. Also going to try asap to reduce my hours at work to 39 instead of 45-50, might take some doing but will try.
I can't thank you all enough, from when I joined this site last year everyone has given good advice and when I have been going off the idea I have always received encouragement to not give up on the idea.
Am still a bit concerned that I keep seeing more and more different window cleaners in the area, but I'm not going to let this put me off.
Thanks again guys.
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Am still a bit concerned that I keep seeing more and more different window cleaners in the area, but I'm not going to let this put me off.
They have always been there you just never noticed them before same think happened to me ... its like when you buy a differnt car you suddenly realise how many of them there are ;)
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Haha no probs for hijacking the post! Have been keeping an eye on the thread on my phone whilst at work. Good to hear from someone in same position as me. Keep us posted on how you progress won't you.
Will do RL .... keen to compare notes / progress .... went to a Rotary meeting last night ... large building near to me ... must be 300 windows easy .... the ones I looked at were filthy ... massive job but just shows if you keep your eyes open its amazing what you can find.
wheres that rotary building ian lol ;D ;D
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They have always been there you just never noticed them before same think happened to me ... its like when you buy a differnt car you suddenly realise how many of them there are ;)
Very true! Cheers. Hope all is going well with you.