Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: ant french on November 23, 2010, 09:37:54 am
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anyone here use a pole to do upstairs windows, i cant seem to be able to do upstairs with a pole. dont fancy going up ladders coz im scared of heights :-[ i always seem to get major lines down the glass, but down stairs there always great. anyone got any techniques i can try to stop this?? :-[ :-[
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go wfp ;D
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After you squeegee the windows hang a scrim over the squeegee and rub.
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go wfp ;D
im not rich yet lol i will once i got a bigger custy base but i only have a few, trust me to pick custys who have lead windows aswell there a bloomin nightmare :-[ took me 10 mins to do one window today, i wanna soooo drop them but i cant coz shes my first ever custy and shes a mate ::)
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You may as well just drop her or get over your fear of ladders.
Leaded windows cannot to done cost effectively from the ground with trad tools.
If you take work on like this you need the tools for the job.
A fear of heights and working for mates (ok I know its mainly for practice) maybe too cheaply means you will be bored and frustrated before you've really got going.
Is there really no way you could run to a back pack?
All the best though.
Lee
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anyone here use a pole to do upstairs windows, i cant seem to be able to do upstairs with a pole. dont fancy going up ladders coz im scared of heights :-[ i always seem to get major lines down the glass, but down stairs there always great. anyone got any techniques i can try to stop this?? :-[ :-[
this was one of the reason i went wfp, thoguth whislt i am spending time getting the tops perfect with a pole, could be on next one with wfp, wfp systems are cheap, buy second hand, my mate just sold a full 250 ltr system for about 430 on ebay
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if your scared off heights give up now unless you buy wfp you cant clean upper windows from the ground as good you have to get up the ladder or they will start dropping you
custys pay for you to clean there windows not do a half job mate thats why when some change over to wfp they have problems with custys over spotting
all im saying if you cant do it properly dont do the job
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A window cleaner scared of heights, whatever next ::). As previously stated either change of career or wfp.
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looks like i gotta start saving for wfp then dont it. ::)
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If you are serious about window cleaning then go wfp even if its for using just upstairs !
It is safer and you can get additional work by offering to clean frames and doing work that is higher and unsafe for ladders.
I have gained some good new work by offering the above.
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thing i worry bout is wont it leave lines or marks on the glass, not many people will like me leaving thre homes with soaking wet glass will they lol ;D
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Just ask if ayone on here is near to you and do a day with them ;D
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you could buy a wfp system for around £200 but to be honest unless you take things serous you won't stand a chance against the other window cleaners in your area, using a pole & squeegee to clean leaded windows is just plain stupid you need to get a ladder or wfp system,
i don't mean to be rude but come on is this another window cleaner having a laugh under a different user id ???
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nah not diff id or wc, just learning not been at it long :-[
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im trad ,only been going just over 2 years solid and iv plenty of the leaded on my round. what you want to get is an unger fixi clamp ,put a rolled up scrim in its jaws and after you have mopped the window, use the fixi clamp+scrim on your pole to buff the glass. i reinforced the back of the fixi clamps jaws with a slice of an old plastic chopping board to make it stronger
have you got a ladder yet ? what make is it ?
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thing i worry bout is wont it leave lines or marks on the glass, not many people will like me leaving thre homes with soaking wet glass will they lol ;D
Ant its tried and tested, the bulk of folk will be at work when you call anyway so by the time there home the windows are dry, aslong as you explain why your leaving the windows wet most folk are ok, ive been wfp from the start and some people are unsure if they havent come across it before but once they see the end result there fine!! Alot of the worries and concerns your having while starting up would be eliminated if you got yourself a decent trolley/back pack and brush as it makes life loads easier in so many ways!!
Regards
Stewart
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if your starting out from scratch you are better off buying a wfp trolly and do the upstairs with that and trad downs so at least you can get used to a squeeqee aswell,i would do that,im 100% trad but if i go wfp iv got go through the mither of explaining it to custys but its easier for you if you start building your round like that
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I am 100% trad.
Using ladders obviously has its risks, but are alright if used properly, and you take your time in positioning it the prescribed angle (1 in 4) and you don't try to use it on surfaces which can cause it to slide (ie mossy flagstones or wet decking to name but two).
As you have a fear of heights, though, I would not recommend you use ladders, but use a trad pole where possible or go WFP.
Hope you do well,
John.
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forgot say i was scared of heights,but when i started up i knew i didnt want to work for someone anymore so just got on with it,and heights arnt a problem anymore,but if you dont feel safe on a ladder dont use them,i didnt no about wfp at the time or i would of proberly gone in to it when i first started
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im trad ,only been going just over 2 years solid and iv plenty of the leaded on my round. what you want to get is an unger fixi clamp ,put a rolled up scrim in its jaws and after you have mopped the window, use the fixi clamp+scrim on your pole to buff the glass. i reinforced the back of the fixi clamps jaws with a slice of an old plastic chopping board to make it stronger
have you got a ladder yet ? what make is it ?
not got a ladder yet, i just dont feel safe going up them so i guess wfp is the way to go on these homes, theres a few ppl who have these homes and not many wc seem to do them. im sure i could find the best way to get these jobs and clean them and looks like wfp is the way to go. :-\
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thing i worry bout is wont it leave lines or marks on the glass, not many people will like me leaving thre homes with soaking wet glass will they lol ;D
So how do all we wfp'ers keep our custies then ::)
The answer to you is one that is given to new custies that are a little unsure..... if it didn't work and we don't get it right, then we wouldn't still be in business :)
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If you really cant do ladder work and I would'nt encourage you to.You should look into setting up a WFP system and wet windows dry after 1-2 hours and you can do just the tops with Pole and go for hard to access with a ladder jobs.
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thats what ill do then i think. looking for a trolly system, ill get it in the new year i think ;D can use the wfp for upstairs and go trad downstairs :D just gotta test my water now to see if i can get away with resin or R.o unit
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Are you sure you are new to this business ? - your website seems to suggest not.
http://www.justdomywindows.co.uk/
QUALITY, PROFESSIONAL, SPECIALIST AND RELIABLE WINDOW CLEANING
With many years experience in the window cleaning industry,Just Do My Windows provides window cleaning to customers throughout the local area.
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Are you sure you are new to this business ? - your website seems to suggest not.
http://www.justdomywindows.co.uk/
Mmmmm according to that he's in the f-w-c and all singing all dancing with referances from jobs well done in augast yet he claims hes only just started??
Veeeeeeeeeeery fishy!!!!! ;D ;D
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also a member of FWA ??? I noticed that tonight but was'nt there the other day I would notice
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Get some ladder safety devices and you will be fine. Don't stretch, three points of contact etc etc..
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also a member of FWA ??? I noticed that tonight but was'nt there the other day I would notice
im joining this week once my public liability comes through
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Are you sure you are new to this business ? - your website seems to suggest not.
http://www.justdomywindows.co.uk/
QUALITY, PROFESSIONAL, SPECIALIST AND RELIABLE WINDOW CLEANING
With many years experience in the window cleaning industry,Just Do My Windows provides window cleaning to customers throughout the local area.
well you wouldnt tell ppl your new would you, like knocking doors you dont say ummm hello im new to window cleaning and im looking for custys, ppl rather use someone whos been about a bit. newbies never stick about where as old timers sound more reliable
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Ok - fair enough - in that case "Good website" - best of luck.
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Ok - fair enough - in that case "Good website" - best of luck.
its all about sales aint it, car salesmen dont tell u the bad bits do they, thats because they wanna lure you in and get a deal ;D ;D ;D
cheers :-* lol
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We all have to start somewhere. We in effect have to sell ourselves to potential customers. You could just say 'Hello, I am starting a window cleaning round in this area, and wonder if you would be interested...'
You don't have to say how long you have been a window cleaner.
When I started to build my business I had just 3 months experience (I was taught by, and worked with a friend). Nobody asked how much experience I had. If they had I would have been truthful to them.
My tip for you is to be honest. Trust takes a lifetime to build, and an instant to destroy.
John.
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cheers john ;D
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You're welcome. Hope it goes well for you. :)
John.
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you cant pull the wool over every ones eyes you'll soon get found out just be truthful,most people "just do my windows" and I would leave years of experience because you could come unstuck when one awkward customer asks you to back that claim up
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you've got a fancy website like that and you cant even afford a trolley and pole ??? fissshhy indeed
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is he a other matt bateman persona?
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you've got a fancy website like that and you cant even afford a trolley and pole ??? fissshhy indeed
the website is basic and only took me 2 hrs to make. advantage or web site building as a past job
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:) ???
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he s a total dreamer this ant french at the moment! ;) ;D ;D ;D
canvass/leaflet and beg/borrow some money for a half decent system
your bound to fail miserably at the moment mate.scared of ladders and no motivation.your not geared up for starting your own window cleaning business unless you have a drastic change of attitude IMO.
dazmond
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he s a total dreamer this ant french at the moment! ;) ;D ;D ;D
canvass/leaflet and beg/borrow some money for a half decent system
your bound to fail miserably at the moment mate.scared of ladders and no motivation.your not geared up for starting your own window cleaning business unless you have a drastic change of attitude IMO.
dazmond
who do i borrow money from then?????
im not fully setup yet its just work on the side with a few custys i have, im not going full time till i get atleast 40 custys, i know what im doing i have a business adviser whos trained in self employment and hes telling me all the ins and outs :P
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he s a total dreamer this ant french at the moment! ;) ;D ;D ;D
canvass/leaflet and beg/borrow some money for a half decent system
your bound to fail miserably at the moment mate.scared of ladders and no motivation.your not geared up for starting your own window cleaning business unless you have a drastic change of attitude IMO.
dazmond
who do i borrow money from then?????
im not fully setup yet its just work on the side with a few custys i have, im not going full time till i get atleast 40 custys, i know what im doing i have a business adviser whos trained in self employment and hes telling me all the ins and outs :P
Brodex? ;D
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;D ;D ;D ;D
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who do i borrow money from then??
im not fully setup yet its just work on the side with a few custys i have, im not going full time till i get atleast 40 custys, i know what im doing i have a business adviser whos trained in self employment and hes telling me all the ins and outs
you must be joking you haven't got the money for a wfp system but you have got a business adviser, joining the FWC £102.50 plus the other day you was going to get your van sign written £76.94
forget the sign writing and the fwc membership and get a second hand backpack wfp setup for about £179.44
or get a ladder for for £130 http://www.midlandladders.com/products/Double_3_5m_Heavy_Duty_Industrial_Alloy_Ladder_Class_1-29-26.html its not a point ladder but it would do the job ;)
or do yourself a favor take a look at what you want to do with your business look at what you can afford because you might be better off waiting until you have the money to buy the equipment in the summer ::)
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who do i borrow money from then??
im not fully setup yet its just work on the side with a few custys i have, im not going full time till i get atleast 40 custys, i know what im doing i have a business adviser whos trained in self employment and hes telling me all the ins and outs
you must be joking you haven't got the money for a wfp system but you have got a business adviser, joining the FWC £102.50 plus the other day you was going to get your van sign written £76.94
forget the sign writing and the fwc membership and get a second hand backpack wfp setup for about £179.44
or get a ladder for for £130 http://www.midlandladders.com/products/Double_3_5m_Heavy_Duty_Industrial_Alloy_Ladder_Class_1-29-26.html its not a point ladder but it would do the job ;)
or do yourself a favor take a look at what you want to do with your business look at what you can afford because you might be better off waiting until you have the money to buy the equipment in the summer ::)
business adviser is free through the job centre its a company called INBIZ they help you start out with self employment and tell you how to pay tax and nat ins etc and tell you where to get discounts on things, just general things and i think its worth going to coz it shows the bloody job centre im trying, unlike the rest of the lazy gits who sit at home doing nowt bout not having a job watching jeremy kyle lol.
van sign writing i can get for 30 quid and ladders i can get for 45 quid.
im come to the point where ill have to face my fear of ladders and just climb, im sure ill get used to it coz its either face my fear and get sum readys in my bk pocket or dont face it and die of hunger lol ;D ;D
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took me about 3 months to get over a fear of ladders. its just a case of grit yer teeth and go do it . dont get heavy long ladders mate or they kill you
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ant don't get second hand diy ladders get a decent set of trade ladders
if i was you i would forget about joining the FWC and use that £102 to get a decent ladder
with a ladder you will be able to earn money towards getting a wfp system
did you choose to do window cleaning or did the job centre push you into it ???
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ant i suggest you buy some ladders then find a windy near you that will be willing to take you out and show you how to use them correctly
here is some pointers
1 jam the ladder under the sill as they can slip sideways if you put them on sills and lean
2 dont lean
3 get some ladder spikes
4 get a different carear if you fill unsafe as with wfp they still use ladders for access mate
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ant don't get second hand diy ladders get a decent set of trade ladders
if i was you i would forget about joining the FWC and use that £102 to get a decent ladder
with a ladder you will be able to earn money towards getting a wfp system
did you choose to do window cleaning or did the job centre push you into it ???
wel i wanted a job outside coz i was sick of factory work and bein inside all the time, i was going to go gardening but looking in the yellow pages i noticed i had lots of gardeners round me and i had 6 in my village so i decided against it and just searched the net and thought about wc, i decided to join here and read and try to learn as much about it as i can, thats why i come across as a bit thick ;D im names not made up and its not a joke. just trying to learn all the diff ways of cleaning windows. hardest bits getting custys but im slowly getting there.
as for ladders ill get over it ill get a safety system put on them to gimme confidence but i like that look of these as they fold up and slip in the back of the van nicely, i cant leave them on the van roof they will get stolen and taking them off and on will do my nut in. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-2m-Combination-Multi-Extension-self-Standing-Ladder-/170568689791?pt=UK_H_G_Ladders_RL&hash=item27b6afa87f
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The Federation do a ladder safety video.
It's called "walk up, walk down"
You'll get to see Turbo Terry in action!! ;D
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ant don't get second hand diy ladders get a decent set of trade ladders
if i was you i would forget about joining the FWC and use that £102 to get a decent ladder
with a ladder you will be able to earn money towards getting a wfp system
did you choose to do window cleaning or did the job centre push you into it ???
wel i wanted a job outside coz i was sick of factory work and bein inside all the time, i was going to go gardening but looking in the yellow pages i noticed i had lots of gardeners round me and i had 6 in my village so i decided against it and just searched the net and thought about wc, i decided to join here and read and try to learn as much about it as i can, thats why i come across as a bit thick ;D im names not made up and its not a joke. just trying to learn all the diff ways of cleaning windows. hardest bits getting custys but im slowly getting there.
as for ladders ill get over it ill get a safety system put on them to gimme confidence but i like that look of these as they fold up and slip in the back of the van nicely, i cant leave them on the van roof they will get stolen and taking them off and on will do my nut in. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/5-2m-Combination-Multi-Extension-self-Standing-Ladder-/170568689791?pt=UK_H_G_Ladders_RL&hash=item27b6afa87f
I'd leave that well alone. Get a laddermate if you feel like you need something.
http://www.laddersafetysupplies.co.uk/laddermate.shtml
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Will inbiz not fund you anything as your a start up , i was funded by working links when i started they got me a backpack, pole ,resin and loads off trad gear job centre got me my ladders and self employment credit off £50 a week for 16 weeks i just bought my ro / di of here when your really want to start a biz you find ways to make it happen
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well i know that the job centre will gimme 40 a week for a year untill im up and running, and when i officially go bk to work they give me 250 quid so i guess i can get a 2nd hand wfp system for 250, seen a few on ebay.
also being a bankrupt in 2007 no one wants to gimme money coz im classed high risk, even tho the bills were my ex wifes. downfall of getting married lol ::)
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you can getting funding where you do not have to pay it back
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I reckon ant french is either Bateman or Stephen S
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you can getting funding where you do not have to pay it back
sounds like something ill look into more when i go see this bloke fri.
nah cozy im not Bateman or Stephen S so stick to ya day job lol ;D ;D if i was fake why would i waste money setting up a website??
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Yeah if you say so. My site cost me nothing.
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Yeah if you say so. My site cost me nothing.
think it did i cant understand german ;D ;D ;D :-*
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Eh? You think my site cost me money because it's in German? Lost me there. Anyone can put a site up and claim to be anything. You are posting questions and statements that make you a bit suspect to some people. Nothing wrong with that. We have at least one member on here who pretends to be a window cleaner.
Some of the longer members open duff accounts every now and then,just to wind others up. I don't care if your real or not. Just find it strange that people pretend to be WC's instead of airline pilots. ::)
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is he a other matt bateman persona?
Excuse me?
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I reckon ant french is either Bateman or Stephen S
Oi you watch it fAg-face or I'll set me poodle on you ;)
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;D ;D ;D ;D im real honestly,just trying to understand what the best way is, sorry for silly questions :-X
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I tried to pretend to be a pilot but scared of flying sound familiar. by the way you can translate websites easy as cozy site is all about carpet cleaning.And the Government is throwing money at guys like you to start a business it get you off dole and paying tax and then employing others getting them off the dole,That business adviser should be able to point you in the right direction.
Get a decent ladder with a ladderstopper and get earning.We all have to start some where
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cheers clearlyclean ill ask that bloke fri. ;D ill get hunting for some nice ladders but ones that aint heavy and ones that dont cost a bomb coz im sure after going up and down a ladder ill wanna go wfp. ;D
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Ant French is a genuine newbie IMO - look at his FAQ page - no seasoned windy would offer those services - turn up at a set time, join his rainy day club, collect on Fridays and can't do above a conny.
And he can't spell either! ;D
Ant - me old china - listen to yer old uncle gormy - get a tds meter; get a back pack and 20ft pole now. Get 4 x 25L barrels. Get a 200gpd ro-man type R/O and get a 225L water butt. Sorted.
Don't get a ladder, don't get a roof rack don't go trad.
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dont fancy going up ladders coz im scared of heights :-[
I think it's a real shame you haven't got the death defying stories of terror the rest of us can tell of our days hanging off 3 tier ladders on windy days! ;D
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Ant its tried and tested, the bulk of folk will be at work when you call anyway so by the time there home the windows are dry,
Er...depends on your area.
Most of mine are expensive areas where most people are in.
I'd say for every 100 houses I do, about 15 or so aren't in.
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dont fancy going up ladders coz im scared of heights :-[
I think it's a real shame you haven't got the death defying stories of terror the rest of us can tell of our days hanging off 3 tier ladders on windy days! ;D
ok tell me a death defying story lol ;D ;D
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right just bought me some nice ladders on sale at screwfix, there the 4 way ladders you can change into diff positions i just tested them out and there well light and i actually do feel safe on them aswell so im well chuffed ;D :D
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right just bought me some nice ladders on sale at screwfix, there the 4 way ladders you can change into diff positions i just tested them out and there well light and i actually do feel safe on them aswell so im well chuffed ;D :D
this has either got to be matt battman or barry mallett
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Ant its tried and tested, the bulk of folk will be at work when you call anyway so by the time there home the windows are dry,
Er...depends on your area.
Most of mine are expensive areas where most people are in.
I'd say for every 100 houses I do, about 15 or so aren't in.
Er... going on the amount of people constantly looking for better ways to get there money in across the forums id say your in the minority with that, the majority of households are empty during the day!!
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right just bought me some nice ladders on sale at screwfix, there the 4 way ladders you can change into diff positions i just tested them out and there well light and i actually do feel safe on them aswell so im well chuffed ;D :D
this has either got to be matt battman or barry mallett
how the hell do i proove im neither of them guys?
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u dont buy 4 way ladders for starters
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u dont buy 4 way ladders for starters
why is there a rule that says i cant buy one? it reaches the up stairs windows and its good for doing conny roofs aswell and i feel safe on it. its got bs stamps all over it so its safe
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why do you think it will be the correct height for all the house you do if its to long are you going to rest it on the glass what happens when to short are you going to stand on the last rung stretching take back and get propper ladders from middland ladders titan one 3.5 meter double one they will do most windows one thing you need to learn if your new is listen to window cleaners as they have done seen it or fallen from it mate
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it does look like its a wind up,did you not tell them you want them for window cleaning
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Give him a phone ;)
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why go to all that effort for a wind up,
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u dont buy 4 way ladders for starters
why is there a rule that says i cant buy one? it reaches the up stairs windows and its good for doing conny roofs aswell and i feel safe on it. its got bs stamps all over it so its safe
there is no rule saying what ladders u can buy, but what would u think if u seen a window cleaner, using them ladders?
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u dont buy 4 way ladders for starters
why is there a rule that says i cant buy one? it reaches the up stairs windows and its good for doing conny roofs aswell and i feel safe on it. its got bs stamps all over it so its safe
"bs" stamps. lol ;D
You can do it when you B&Q it!
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seena few wc with them ladders actually thats why i went for them, ideal if custys dont want you stepping on there gardens aswell ;D
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ok someone gimme ur number ill call and proove im REAL ;D
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I have a pair of hover boots,dont need no ladders :D :D whatever works for you.
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end of the day im using what funds i have, i just started out and as i go along ill b saving cash from the jobs i have and then ill get better ladders then wfp etc. gotta start small and work big, no company gets massive from the start. look at virgin, richard branson couldnt read or write and he started off in a small office ;D ;D i dont aim to be massive just want enuff custys to keep me alive.
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still them ladders are not suitable ant you need extension ladders take them back then buy some second hand if your short on cash
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Hi Ant,
the point here is you ask all the questions and then go and do you own thing.
A couple of lads had told you what ladders and where to get them from and then you go and get a diy thing and then justify the purchase.
Cleaning windows is about making money, the faster you can do it the more you will earn. If you think fanning around with a three way ladder to avoid flower beds is the way for you to go then so be it.
As for if your real or not, I don't much care but you are coming across as plant/numpty
Regards
Lee
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;D cheers lee
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Hey Ant , aint been following this one but the very best way to earn more trad is to think exactly what your going to do next, next 10 secs, next minute next 20 min,next daY ect. your brain will save you time. Time that you can earn more and get off the ladders and save your life and go wfp/ I wish you all the very best. But dont go so fast that you fall off.
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Hey Ant , aint been following this one but the very best way to earn more trad is to think exactly what your going to do next, next 10 secs, next minute next 20 min,next daY ect. your brain will save you time. Time that you can earn more and get off the ladders and save your life and go wfp/ I wish you all the very best. But dont go so fast that you fall off.
cheers jeff, im not out to show off that i do 40 custys a day, i just want to do enought so i can get by so earning 50 quid a day im happy, so getting on and off ladders isnt a problem, its about quality not quantity, i want ppl to respect me and not bad mouth my business like half of them do round my way with other wc`s, half of them dont do the corners thats all i eva here from ppl. so im aiming to take my time earn ppls respect and maybe them slap dab so called wc`s round this way will lose custys to me. im notgoing to steal them tho.
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Whatever anyone wants to earn per day/year, dont forget to add on your profit, its not illegal to make a profit so add that on as well. Otherwise you wont make it. 8)
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if you want to earn 50 a day, go work in a warehouse, u should be looking at a mim of 100 a day
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if you want to earn 50 a day, go work in a warehouse, u should be looking at a mim of 100 a day
in winter i wanna be getting 50 a day in summer im sure ill get more work so its obvious i will get more money. just dont wanna get to much and get taxed loads. :-[
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if you want to earn 50 a day, go work in a warehouse, u should be looking at a mim of 100 a day
in winter i wanna be getting 50 a day in summer im sure ill get more work so its obvious i will get more money. just dont wanna get to much and get taxed loads. :-[
you do come out with some cracking ones ant. just dont wanna get to much and get taxed loads.the more you earn the more tax you pay that's how it works for the rest of us. do you want to earn money or not because it don't sound like you do.
forget the warehouse stick with the job centre moneys rubbish but the hours are good
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right just bought me some nice ladders on sale at screwfix, there the 4 way ladders you can change into diff positions i just tested them out and there well light and i actually do feel safe on them aswell so im well chuffed ;D :D
this has either got to be matt battman or barry mallett
Ha ha its not me mate. honestly. Its a newbie who hasnt got cash flow.
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;D ;D ;D ;D fooled you
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Ant, get in touch with BFG/Stephen S to show you the ropes; I think he`s in your neck of the woods.
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BFG aint that far from me, I sold him a load of work a couple of months back.
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BFG aint that far from me, I sold him a load of work a couple of months back.
where are you then bateman :-\ im just off the m40
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Ant, get his number off Matt Bateman then.