Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Klean07 on May 12, 2013, 11:23:42 am
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I've come across an advert in my local paper offering window cleaning, jet washing, carpet cleaning, gardening, rubbish removal etc etc.
I prefer to stick to windows and gutter cleaning to be honest but if it works for others no problem.
Just wondered how many on here offer multiple services plus any feedback.
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
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I suppose it depends on if you have enough work. If I needed work I would add a few more strings to my bow. But thankfully have enough, perhaps too much window cleaning work to do ;D
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we will be doing pressure washing shortly but we have an agreement with a carpet cleaning company in which we pass each other work. he's got me two good jobs this week
graham
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Most of the guys offering multiple services are short on work or dont have a full round. Surely its best to be full to the brim with simple window cleaning work than to have this and that all over the place due all the time.
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Most of the guys offering multiple services are short on work or dont have a full round. Surely its best to be full to the brim with simple window cleaning work than to have this and that all over the place due all the time.
I quite agree!
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Likewise for me :)
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Totally agree. People don't won't jack of all, master of none....
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I offer other things, pressure washing mainly.
Doesn't pay as well but its great to save for days when its absolutely lashing down.
Also, stops anyone else getting a foot in the door.
Same reasoning for why I offer domestic/office cleaning too.
I don't make any real money from the girls but it keeps me 'in'
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Im full to brim mainly monthly over 20 days so keep saturdays for extras like conny roofs etc but last month started to offer pressure washing to my client base.
find it makes a nice change to windows and pays better as well ;)
had 2 pressure washing jobs yesterday and picked up customers mother who wants drive and patio doing which due to bad weather forecast this week i will do before the weekend so keeps wages coming in even in pouring rain (clean windows in rain but sometimes too heavy)
if it keeps going like it is then will really start pushing it to non customers
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I do both window cleaning and garden maintenance
The garden side of things helped when I was building up my round and financially it was a saviour
Helping paying the bills and with the purchase of new equipment
Now both sides of things are in full swing this month things have gone ballastic on both fronts ive turned down 20 or so gardening customers over the past few weeks as I have not the time
Ive now got to a crossroads where I need to concentrate on one or the other as ive tried subbing out and taking on someone part time but its more hassle than its worth
At the moment I seem to be stripping out the van 2 or 3 times a week to make room
To be honest I enjoy both but working on my own and only wanting to run 1 vehicle one side has to go
Not sure what to do yet
Both have good and bad points seasonal works effected by weather economic cut backs etc
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Me too. otherwise you look like an odd job man. im not saying there's anything wrong with an odd job man mind you!
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iv not long started up a sideline housework/ironing biz and will be offerin this to very local customers. works already rolling in,im hoping i can keep tabs on it all
one of my employees mum is doing the work ,shes a true trojan type so i know it will mushroom
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I can't believe some of the rubbish I'm reading on here today.
Not enough work???? Desperate????
Total garbage!!!
We've been in business for 21 years and what started as a simple window round progressed in to a contract cleaning business offering window cleaning, carpet cleaning and day to day cleaning. If you want to stay a window cleaner that's fine but to come on here stating that people don't want "jacks of all trades" and that we don't have full rounds just shows how little you actually know.
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Most of the guys offering multiple services are short on work or dont have a full round. Surely its best to be full to the brim with simple window cleaning work than to have this and that all over the place due all the time.
I quite agree!
Total nonsense ::)roll
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Totally agree. People don't won't jack of all, master of none....
garbage!!!! ::)roll
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I can't believe some of the rubbish I'm reading on here today.
Not enough work???? Desperate????
Total garbage!!!
We've been in business for 21 years and what started as a simple window round progressed in to a contract cleaning business offering window cleaning, carpet cleaning and day to day cleaning. If you want to stay a window cleaner that's fine but to come on here stating that people don't want "jacks of all trades" and that we don't have full rounds just shows how little you actually know.
I agree.
I mainly concentrate on the windows, mainly commercial, but I certainly don't turn any work down. Just this week I have picked up a grounds maintenance contract on 2 blocks of apartments where we already clean the windows. I've subbed the work to a friend who has a garden and landscaping business, I will just do the invoicing and take a healthy percentage of the invoice value as my profit.
Last year we also took on a couple of well paying exterior painting jobs. I've had a couple more quotes accepted for the same type of work but this year I'll just dub it out to another friend and again take a percentage.
With enough of this type of work it's possible to build up a healthy passive income.
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I can't believe some of the rubbish I'm reading on here today.
Not enough work???? Desperate????
Total garbage!!!
We've been in business for 21 years and what started as a simple window round progressed in to a contract cleaning business offering window cleaning, carpet cleaning and day to day cleaning. If you want to stay a window cleaner that's fine but to come on here stating that people don't want "jacks of all trades" and that we don't have full rounds just shows how little you actually know.
i second that ;)
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I can't believe some of the rubbish I'm reading on here today.
Not enough work???? Desperate????
Total garbage!!!
We've been in business for 21 years and what started as a simple window round progressed in to a contract cleaning business offering window cleaning, carpet cleaning and day to day cleaning. If you want to stay a window cleaner that's fine but to come on here stating that people don't want "jacks of all trades" and that we don't have full rounds just shows how little you actually know.
I agree.
I mainly concentrate on the windows, mainly commercial, but I certainly don't turn any work down. Just this week I have picked up a grounds maintenance contract on 2 blocks of apartments where we already clean the windows. I've subbed the work to a friend who has a garden and landscaping business, I will just do the invoicing and take a healthy percentage of the invoice value as my profit.
Last year we also took on a couple of well paying exterior painting jobs. I've had a couple more quotes accepted for the same type of work but this year I'll just dub it out to another friend and again take a percentage.
With enough of this type of work it's possible to build up a healthy passive income.
perfectly said, Multiple Source of Income :)
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Totally agree. People don't won't jack of all, master of none....
garbage!!!! ::)roll
Mlscontractcleaner: If you want to be a multi national offering all types of cleaning services, fine, but I prefer to be working on my own as a sole trader and so sticking to the type of work associated with window cleaning is as much work as I need. So don't just come on here and quote other peoples opinions as garbage!
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Totally agree. People don't won't jack of all, master of none....
Like that Ian Rochester fella. I heard he can't get a full window cleaning round together so had to diversify into domestic cleaning, leather cleaning/repair, carpet cleaning, wheelie bin cleaning and wait for it........ renting bikes out, christ how desperate must he be? Poor fella, had to take on 22 staff too.
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Totally agree. People don't won't jack of all, master of none....
but that's different. If you don't want to expand, say that, not rubbish those who do as 'jack of all trades'. That's what's rubbish.
garbage!!!! ::)roll
Mlscontractcleaner: If you want to be a multi national offering all types of cleaning services, fine, but I prefer to be working on my own as a sole trader and so sticking to the type of work associated with window cleaning is as much work as I need. So don't just come on here and quote other peoples opinions as garbage!
But that's different. If people don't want to expand, say that, not rubbish those who do as 'jack of all trades'. That's what's rubbish. It's not staying a sole trader that's garbage, it's rubbishing those who don't.
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when starting out i did windows and gardening
within 2 months the 2 didn't mix with grass cutting/gardening running to a different cycle to windows and to be honest
the gardening side operating at much less p/h
now after 3 years we offer gutter clearing and all cleaning connected to windows - conny roof - cladding - solar panels etc..
now we have expanded and taking on new staff over the next few weeks we are considering pressure washing as now
the extra bodies are available for this service
Darran
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Everyone has there own needs and ways of doing things. I for 1 dont have time to do gardening, jet washing, carpet cleaning, office cleaning, i have no interest in adding those services. Con roofs, gutter cleans yes but thats as far as i go with extras providing they are regular customers as 1 there isnt enough hours in the day and 2 even if there was i prefere having repeat regular monthly simple work without hasstle.
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Totally agree. People don't won't jack of all, master of none....
garbage!!!! ::)roll
Mlscontractcleaner: If you want to be a multi national offering all types of cleaning services, fine, but I prefer to be working on my own as a sole trader and so sticking to the type of work associated with window cleaning is as much work as I need. So don't just come on here and quote other peoples opinions as garbage!
Well said that man.
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Controlled expansion into other areas is perfectly ok and for a growing biz it's certainly a way forward - all the nationals offer
'One Stop' maintenance contracts ( even if they sub out )
some are happy only window cleaning and being a sole trader - others want to go bigger
personally i love the one off conny cleans that the customers regular windy wont do...
it's premium pricing all the way 8) ;)
Darran
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Everyone has there own needs and ways of doing things. I for 1 dont have time to do gardening, jet washing, carpet cleaning, office cleaning, i have no interest in adding those services. Con roofs, gutter cleans yes but thats as far as i go with extras providing they are regular customers as 1 there isnt enough hours in the day and 2 even if there was i prefere having repeat regular monthly simple work without hasstle.
My thoughts too mick, when a custy asks " can you clean my fascia's etc" i roll my eyes at them. Its too much hard work, But i still do it for relular custys. I dont mind conny roofs as much though
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If carpet cleaning machines i.e portys could be left on the van, then perhaps it could be a runner. But there are too many electrics, vaccs, motors and components on these new high end machines for them to be left on the van over night or for any extended period of time even in this weather - they can pack in. If I get a call to do a carpet, ive got to strip out the gutter vac, the hose reel, and all the other bits and bobs, stand off etc to make way for my extractor, turbo dryer, chems, agitator, and all the attachments wands etc. And all you have to do is forget one thing and your screwed - suppose you forget your stair tool, or the heads off your rotovac? It happens, Iv had to improvise more than once. Thousands of pounds worth of gear and that thing on your roofrack, whats it called - oh yeah - a ladder can make you just as much cash on a money for old rope gutter clean.
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Read all of the previous with interest. Must say that looking more professional just doing window cleaning is a load of tosh though. I am not 'a jack of all trades, master of none.' Like many others on here, I do lots of trades and am master at all. Why add it to my business unless I do it well?
My OCD tendencies suit cleaning. To do a naff job at one of my bolt on services would deeply offend my sensibilities. I like to leave every job thinking it is a thing of sartorial elegance, be it windows, fascias, solar, driveways, whatever. I take it personally when a customer is not happy with the standard.
My staff are uniformed, my new van sign written very well, I use professional standard equipment and chemicals without expense spared, my websites are professional, my business stationary well thought out and presented.
When I concentrated solely on window cleaning, I used DIY ladders, walked on roofs with dodgy angles, scrimped on my kit, didn't have a uniform, nothing. Offering more services has made me more professional and my business more profitable.
I frequently get an email asking for driveway, patio, decking, fascia, conservatory roof and regular window cleaning all from the same customer. I ask everyone why they picked me off the Internet and without fail they say they want to deal with one company who can do it all in one go.
I market my business, no longer as a window cleaning business, but a property cleaning business.
Guys who concentrate on windows can be very professional. Just because some of us offer more than windows does not make us less professional. Some may think it makes us more entrepreneurial...
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Some may think it makes us more entrepreneurial...
Yeah, until they see you pull your Karcher/ rug doctor out of the van. Thats not a swipe at you personnally no offense I don't know you but lots of guys are not gonna invest in the right gear for their employees to wreck. A one man show who is passionate may well build up the gear. But stripping out one set of tools to make way for another can be very cumbersome - hence the logic - get van mounted, get a full round and specialise in services that compliment WC. Does that make sense?
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Some may think it makes us more entrepreneurial...
Yeah, until they see you pull your Karcher/ rug doctor out of the van. Thats not a swipe at you personnally no offense I don't know you but lots of these guys are not gonna invest in the right gear for their employees to wreck. A one man show who is passionate may well build up the gear. But stripping out one set of tools to make way for another can be very cumbersome - hence the logic - get van mounted, get a full round and specialise in services that compliment WC. Does that make sense?
Absolutely it makes sense. It's unfair of some, and it is only some, to tar all with the same brush. I have worked for 2 years solid and made a very small profit. The rest has been ploughed back into the business. It pays to have the best kit though. I can do a a job in half the time with my £1400 pressure washer as opposed to my £500 petrol pressure washer AND the job is better.
If you are branching out, it takes time to do it properly, but you can diversify and be good along the way too... :)
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Yeah, a jet washer is more robust, one with a Honda engine gx 390 or 340- bullit proof and could be left on the rig with a quilt or tarp slung over it. it can be used in conjunction with a gutter vac and compliment these out door services, washing down brick work on a conny clean or the like.
Carpets and windows just don't mix, someone with 3 or 4 grands worth of CC gear would probably be better off selling it and ploughing the money into marketting for the windows. Let the body adapt to the one service. Wanding needs to be done fairly regularly, if not done for a while a sudden once off can be touchy as the specific core muscles could atrify.
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i agree with Neil that carpet cleaning and window cleaning don't really mix - but that is my opinion based more likely
on the fact that i have no interest in carpet cleaning ;D
however as a biz you could have a van dedicated to CC and a van for WC - it's about planning.
Steve - love the post - rings true about the customer - cant stand it unless they are 100 % thrilled with the job
( being happy - is just not enough !! )
Darran
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i agree with Neil that carpet cleaning and window cleaning don't really mix - but that is my opinion based more likely
on the fact that i have no interest in carpet cleaning ;D
however as a biz you could have a van dedicated to CC and a van for WC - it's about planning.
Steve - love the post - rings true about the customer - cant stand it unless they are 100 % thrilled with the job
( being happy - is just not enough !! )
Darran
Windows and carpets mix fine; I can't imagine where you get your information from. No need for separate vans, no need to buy cheap and cheerful equipment; we drive a Transit van and everything fits in fine, and stays in there what ever the weather. This has been the case for more years than I care to remember with no problems at all.
I didn't come on here saying peoples opinions were garbage I stated that some of the comments made were garbage and just shows a lack of experience.
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at the end of the day its up to you whether you want to diversify into offering other services.whether you want to expand or stay as a sole trader.
me?well i mainly just offer maintenance window cleaning with the add ons that i can do with the existing equipment i have like solar panels,conny roofs and fascias and soffits.
that way as a sole trader i dont have to buy other equipment and a large van to carry it so keeping overheads to a minimum.
i really like to keep things simple and concentrate on doing my main service of window cleaning well.reliable and trustworthy with the option of the add ons for my customers when they ask me if they accept my price.
some peoples remarks on guys that offer gardening,jet washing,office cleaning etc,etc because they dont have full rounds is ridiculous!! ;D ;D ;D
some people actually want lots of different work,hassle and employees!coupled with higher earnings than they could earn as a sole trader.good luck to them!
im happy to work on my own. ;) ;D ;D ;D
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i agree with Neil that carpet cleaning and window cleaning don't really mix - but that is my opinion based more likely
on the fact that i have no interest in carpet cleaning ;D
however as a biz you could have a van dedicated to CC and a van for WC - it's about planning.
Steve - love the post - rings true about the customer - cant stand it unless they are 100 % thrilled with the job
( being happy - is just not enough !! )
Darran
Windows and carpets mix fine; I can't imagine where you get your information from. No need for separate vans, no need to buy cheap and cheerful equipment; we drive a Transit van and everything fits in fine, and stays in there what ever the weather. This has been the case for more years than I care to remember with no problems at all.
I didn't come on here saying peoples opinions were garbage I stated that some of the comments made were garbage and just shows a lack of experience.
Well my "lack of experience" provides an income that allows me to live very comfortably, feed my family every week and take them on annual holidays. So I'm not quite sure what I'm doing wrong.
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Carpet cleaning is not as straight forward as it looks on the business end to the naked eye i.e wanding.
To do it right there is a lot of prep and equipment (porty, airmover,counter rotator, vaccuum, power wand, steamer.
Attachments (floor wand, stair tool, solution vacc hose etc)
Extras (sprayer, tool box, perky groomer, stair brush, extension leads, vacc bags, flexes.
not to mention the chems- presprays, rinses, stain removers de foamers, powders.
All this has to be hand balled four times - from shed to van, from van to job - do the job - and vice versa.
This is ok for someone who is only offering carpet cleaning. But when youve a 650 ltr tank built into the chassis? Obviously with the larger firms with multi vans its a go'er. The OP was referring to one man bands was he not? Even hardened, established cc'ers are struggling to generate work now, just look at all the second hand gear on the market. Towels are being thrown in all over the place.
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My gripe was not folk who don't want to offer anything other than window cleaning; that's fine and entirely up to them.
It's the muppets who stated that those who do offer other services only do so as a result of not having enough work to do, are desperate for the money, don't look professional, etc, etc.
If you do it properly you can make a very nice living from it. Even when the weather is doing it's best to blow the poles from your frozen hands you make money. Every day of the week we're in a night club, and have been for twelve years, keeping the place clean. Half a dozen times a week we're in someone's house or office cleaning their carpets. Six days of the week we're out cleaning windows.
These things definitely mix well, and jobs that started as a window cleaning client have turned in to five days per week contract cleans, with the price obviously going up considerably.
So, like I say, if you want to be a window cleaner and only a window cleaner that's your business. To slate those of us who offer more just shows plain ignorance.
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Yeah, fair enough. You might want to look at getting yourself a good Truck mount so if your that busy, if you hav'nt already. I'd love to get The Prowler and link it in with the system to flush the carpets with pure.
I use the alltec advance but its a heavy little beast on account of it being twin vac.
Regards,
Neil.
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I think the gist of the original few posts are that when starting out then offering other services might hinder the development of a full window cleaning round,the "holy grail".
I have heard householders quite clearly state that they have not responded to leaflets or ads that offer multiple services and the reason being given was quite simply that they appeared to be "a jack of all trades".This leaves a doubt in their minds and if they want a window cleaner they feel more confident in replying to an ad for window cleaning only.
I therefore agree with some of the sentiments expressed by posters earlier on this thread.
This allows me to also become a "muppet"
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I had a flyer put through my door last summer and the list of jobs that the person was offering to do was endless!
I can't remember them all but a few were as follows:
grass cutting, bricklaying, chimney sweeping, putting together flat pack furniture, dog walking & rubbish collections etc.
This is the sort of thing I was referring to when I said that it doesn't look very professional. I certainly wouldn't want this guy building an extension for me that's for sure!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is the type of work that the OP was referring to.
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I had a flyer put through my door last summer and the list of jobs that the person was offering to do was endless!
I can't remember them all but a few were as follows:
grass cutting, bricklaying, chimney sweeping, putting together flat pack furniture, dog walking & rubbish collections etc.
This is the sort of thing I was referring to when I said that it doesn't look very professional. I certainly wouldn't want this guy building an extension for me that's for sure!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is the type of work that the OP was referring to.
could be hes an absolute joy to behold,a trojan worker . iv never seen one such but i believe they do exist ,probably 1 in every 1000 people , 0.1 %
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My gripe was not folk who don't want to offer anything other than window cleaning; that's fine and entirely up to them.
It's the muppets who stated that those who do offer other services only do so as a result of not having enough work to do, are desperate for the money, don't look professional, etc, etc.
If you do it properly you can make a very nice living from it. Even when the weather is doing it's best to blow the poles from your frozen hands you make money. Every day of the week we're in a night club, and have been for twelve years, keeping the place clean. Half a dozen times a week we're in someone's house or office cleaning their carpets. Six days of the week we're out cleaning windows.
These things definitely mix well, and jobs that started as a window cleaning client have turned in to five days per week contract cleans, with the price obviously going up considerably.
So, like I say, if you want to be a window cleaner and only a window cleaner that's your business. To slate those of us who offer more just shows plain ignorance.
So your refering to me for having an opinion of simply saying not having a full round would be the reason extras would need to be pushed to make enough money?? And that if having a full round then you wouldnt need or have time for addons. Id say thats more common sence than to be called a muppet by a rude individual. I havnt read any slating threads on this post apart from you??.
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I had a flyer put through my door last summer and the list of jobs that the person was offering to do was endless!
I can't remember them all but a few were as follows:
grass cutting, bricklaying, chimney sweeping, putting together flat pack furniture, dog walking & rubbish collections etc.
This is the sort of thing I was referring to when I said that it doesn't look very professional. I certainly wouldn't want this guy building an extension for me that's for sure!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is the type of work that the OP was referring to.
could be hes an absolute joy to behold,a trojan worker . iv never seen one such but i believe they do exist ,probably 1 in every 1000 people , 0.1 %
Could be, but I wouldn't take the chance. :)
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well we are full with window cleaning and the extras it brins in,but we have gone out and added pressure washing and garden maintaince as well.
we can now pull up at a block of flats do windows,garden and pressure washing,1 job all day and 3 services,
we are just giving what our custys want,and if makes us get bigger then so be it,windows will allways be the bread and butter work,
but as the old saying is dont put all your eggs in one basket. ;) ;)
and no iam not a cowboy
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I started 10 months ago. I have a windy round that brings me in £1800 x 6 weekly. I offer jet washing,conny gutter and fascia cleaning. That brings an average of £1500-2000 extra a month. I couldnt survive on just windows ATM but the add ons brings it upto average £3k a month.
I charge £300 a day for jet washing ( which my customers are happy to pay). I am finishing working on a property this week, quoted £1500 for a weeks work and finish it tomorrow.
Multiple services, definetly !!
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When starting I wanted to do a number of different things power washing, gardening and so on.
But the window cleaning took off so I didn't have the time.
Wish that I had stuck to my original plan sometimes a change is as good as a rest.
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i offer conservatory, upvc and gutter cleaning as well as windows.
i have a very well priced round, which takes me 13 days every 4 weeks to complete, and i could very comfortably live on that alone.
However, my add ons bring me in another very very good wage. This week alone so far, £545, with 2 more to quote for just this week.
It also breaks the boredom of doing the same thing day in day out.
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i offer conservatory, upvc and gutter cleaning as well as windows.
i have a very well priced round, which takes me 13 days every 4 weeks to complete, and i could very comfortably live on that alone.
However, my add ons bring me in another very very good wage. This week alone so far, £545, with 2 more to quote for just this week.
It also breaks the boredom of doing the same thing day in day out.
+1
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I concentrate on window cleaning only... Most of my customers are x8 weekly - I haven't got the time for any "add ons" - and I don't like gutter / fascia cleaning etc...
The way I see it is the time spent dealing with "add ons" you could be growing the window cleaning side of things which is regular repeat work - so in the long run you're better off as you can refine your work, or expand safe in the knowledge that you have regular work.
I enjoy picking up more regular work, canvassing / leaflets etc... At the moment on average I'm picking up 2 / 3 new regular window cleaning customers a week... I'm off to do a new outside / inside clean this morning.
Andy ;)
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I concentrate on window cleaning only... Most of my customers are x8 weekly - I haven't got the time for any "add ons" - and I don't like gutter / fascia cleaning etc...
The way I see it is the time spent dealing with "add ons" you could be growing the window cleaning side of things which is regular repeat work - so in the long run you're better off as you can refine your work, or expand safe in the knowledge that you have regular work.
I enjoy picking up more regular work, canvassing / leaflets etc... At the moment on average I'm picking up 2 / 3 new regular window cleaning customers a week... I'm off to do a new outside / inside clean this morning.
Andy ;)
Yes i agree, im the same finding time to do addons would be impossible. Id rather regular repeat work that brings in £300 plus a day that to graft for it in other ways doing addins which arnt regular.
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Totally agree. People don't won't jack of all, master of none....
garbage!!!! ::)roll
Mlscontractcleaner: If you want to be a multi national offering all types of cleaning services, fine, but I prefer to be working on my own as a sole trader and so sticking to the type of work associated with window cleaning is as much work as I need. So don't just come on here and quote other peoples opinions as garbage!
A blue peter badge to this man! Well said!
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I'd be bored senseless if I only did window cleaning!!
The pressure washing give much more "job satisfaction" for me - arriving in the morning to a FILTHY manky house & within a few hours it looks like new,.. cant get that feeling from washing windows that are mostly clean anyway!
I also find the pressure washing & gutter cleaning jobs pay better than windows do,..
And when its raining & I don't want to work in the rain, web design is a nice change of pace too! ;D
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not for me i hate gardening & grass cutting. ive got enough windows & gutters to clean & its a lot easier. ;)
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I offer deep tissue massage and a ferret walking service.
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Totally agree. People don't won't jack of all, master of none....
Like that Ian Rochester fella. I heard he can't get a full window cleaning round together so had to diversify into domestic cleaning, leather cleaning/repair, carpet cleaning, wheelie bin cleaning and wait for it........ renting bikes out, christ how desperate must he be? Poor fella, had to take on 22 staff too.
;D
You forgot to mention our Flood & Fire Restoration work, we've been pulling water out of Magnet Kitchens showroom all weekend at a very good "out of hours" rate for the insurers. You also forgot to mention our taxi business and also our holiday cottages, plus we now also do stone floor diamond polishing to add another bow to the cleaning business and will be putting a 10th van on the road soon to keep up with demand
Jack of all trades?? Yes, we advertise ourselves as "Your one stop cleaning service provider"
Master or none?? No, master of them all. Ask any of the 4500 customers we have our on regular database, see our reviews on Trip Advisor, http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1480277-d2687989-Reviews-Pedal_Power_Cycle_Hire-Amble_Northumberland_England.html http://
I have three people working all the coming bank holiday for the Pedal-Power Cycle Hire business, as we currently have over 90 bikes out over that weekend, mainly doing the C2C, Hadrians Cycleway and Coast and Castles Cycle routes, all multi day cycles (3-6 days)
Why have I diversified? Because firstly it limits our exposure, secondly it means that I can go off on holiday and the businesses and staff are still earning me money. Thirdly, when I retire I will hopefully have a brand(s), assets and goodwill which someone will find attractive to buy, or I put a manager in and take a monthly directors salary. Yes it can be a headache at times, but in my opinion it's worth it.
We have just been awarded a new office cleaning contract on Friday which is worth over £1000 a month to us, this is all from initially doing their showrooms windows for the past couple of years for £20 a clean, talking to the office manager, finding out they were not happy with their current cleaners and offering them a more reliable service at similar cost. We'll not be taking on anyone extra for this as our current office cleaners will absorb it into their weeks work. They also want us to do their showroom and office carpets twice a year. Businesses want to minimise the number of suppliers they use, so the more you can do for them do the happier they are as it means only one purchase order and one invoice, plus importantly only one point of contact if there are any issues with any aspect.
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great post Ian
a great example of what a multiple service provider can do
Darran
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I know a girl that offers multiple services...
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Totally agree. People don't won't jack of all, master of none....
Like that Ian Rochester fella. I heard he can't get a full window cleaning round together so had to diversify into domestic cleaning, leather cleaning/repair, carpet cleaning, wheelie bin cleaning and wait for it........ renting bikes out, christ how desperate must he be? Poor fella, had to take on 22 staff too.
;D
You forgot to mention our Flood & Fire Restoration work, we've been pulling water out of Magnet Kitchens showroom all weekend at a very good "out of hours" rate for the insurers. You also forgot to mention our taxi business and also our holiday cottages, plus we now also do stone floor diamond polishing to add another bow to the cleaning business and will be putting a 10th van on the road soon to keep up with demand
Jack of all trades?? Yes, we advertise ourselves as "Your one stop cleaning service provider"
Master or none?? No, master of them all. Ask any of the 4500 customers we have our on regular database, see our reviews on Trip Advisor, http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1480277-d2687989-Reviews-Pedal_Power_Cycle_Hire-Amble_Northumberland_England.html http://
I have three people working all the coming bank holiday for the Pedal-Power Cycle Hire business, as we currently have over 90 bikes out over that weekend, mainly doing the C2C, Hadrians Cycleway and Coast and Castles Cycle routes, all multi day cycles (3-6 days)
Why have I diversified? Because firstly it limits our exposure, secondly it means that I can go off on holiday and the businesses and staff are still earning me money. Thirdly, when I retire I will hopefully have a brand(s), assets and goodwill which someone will find attractive to buy, or I put a manager in and take a monthly directors salary. Yes it can be a headache at times, but in my opinion it's worth it.
We have just been awarded a new office cleaning contract on Friday which is worth over £1000 a month to us, this is all from initially doing their showrooms windows for the past couple of years for £20 a clean, talking to the office manager, finding out they were not happy with their current cleaners and offering them a more reliable service at similar cost. We'll not be taking on anyone extra for this as our current office cleaners will absorb it into their weeks work. They also want us to do their showroom and office carpets twice a year. Businesses want to minimise the number of suppliers they use, so the more you can do for them do the happier they are as it means only one purchase order and one invoice, plus importantly only one point of contact if there are any issues with any aspect.
so what your saying is everyday is the same and really slow and boring then ;) ;D
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Ian, exactly, take today for example, went to price a leather job in Newcastle, then into the town centre to revisit flood job from saturday, magnet kitchen showroom, off down to lanchester to revisit another flood job that came in yesterday, harvey was there till 8pm last night installing drying gear and ripping out, i had to get the mandate signed. May pick up two other properties in the same area as client has been telling everyone about us :)
This afternoon i have been getting 4 bikes ready to take across to whitehaven in the morning, 05:30 start, then helping the girls with caravan cleans when i get back and another 11 bikes to get ready for another trip to whitehaven on thursday Daz dointg that one for me.
Pretty mundane day!
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I just stick to the services that are related to window cleaning. i.e gutters, conservatories, fascias.
Makes you look more professional IMO
Totally agree. People don't won't jack of all, master of none....
Like that Ian Rochester fella. I heard he can't get a full window cleaning round together so had to diversify into domestic cleaning, leather cleaning/repair, carpet cleaning, wheelie bin cleaning and wait for it........ renting bikes out, christ how desperate must he be? Poor fella, had to take on 22 staff too.
;D
You forgot to mention our Flood & Fire Restoration work, we've been pulling water out of Magnet Kitchens showroom all weekend at a very good "out of hours" rate for the insurers. You also forgot to mention our taxi business and also our holiday cottages, plus we now also do stone floor diamond polishing to add another bow to the cleaning business and will be putting a 10th van on the road soon to keep up with demand
Jack of all trades?? Yes, we advertise ourselves as "Your one stop cleaning service provider"
Master or none?? No, master of them all. Ask any of the 4500 customers we have our on regular database, see our reviews on Trip Advisor, http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1480277-d2687989-Reviews-Pedal_Power_Cycle_Hire-Amble_Northumberland_England.html http://
I have three people working all the coming bank holiday for the Pedal-Power Cycle Hire business, as we currently have over 90 bikes out over that weekend, mainly doing the C2C, Hadrians Cycleway and Coast and Castles Cycle routes, all multi day cycles (3-6 days)
Why have I diversified? Because firstly it limits our exposure, secondly it means that I can go off on holiday and the businesses and staff are still earning me money. Thirdly, when I retire I will hopefully have a brand(s), assets and goodwill which someone will find attractive to buy, or I put a manager in and take a monthly directors salary. Yes it can be a headache at times, but in my opinion it's worth it.
We have just been awarded a new office cleaning contract on Friday which is worth over £1000 a month to us, this is all from initially doing their showrooms windows for the past couple of years for £20 a clean, talking to the office manager, finding out they were not happy with their current cleaners and offering them a more reliable service at similar cost. We'll not be taking on anyone extra for this as our current office cleaners will absorb it into their weeks work. They also want us to do their showroom and office carpets twice a year. Businesses want to minimise the number of suppliers they use, so the more you can do for them do the happier they are as it means only one purchase order and one invoice, plus importantly only one point of contact if there are any issues with any aspect.
Whaaa I thought Richard Branson is a billionaire ? ;D
Well done Ian YOU ARE A SUPER, SUPER, SUPER MAN :)
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When starting I wanted to do a number of different things power washing, gardening and so on.
But the window cleaning took off so I didn't have the time.
Wish that I had stuck to my original plan sometimes a change is as good as a rest.
Yeah i know what you mean, Cleaning windows all day on your own gets a bit soul destroying afgter a few years doesnt it! if it wasnt for this forum i think i can honestly say i would have jacked it all in a long time ago!!!
Thankyou to all the member of cleanitup! ;D
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ian rochester is NOT YOUR AVERAGE GUY!!he s a businessman through and through with unbelievable drive and thrives on work,stress,pressure etc,etc!! ;D ;D ;D
for a guy who wants to stay as a sole trader but earn a half decent income with virtually no stress and low overheads i would say its better to specialise in one or two areas of your work and do it well.
im very happy to have good regular maintenance window cleaning work coupled with add ons like conny roofs/fascias/soffits and now solar panel cleaning using existing equipment.
some of us and i include me in this are happy with fairly humble aspirations and are grateful of a regular good income with minimum hassle and stress.
best wishes to you all
dazmond
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So in conclusion, find what makes you happy and stick with it.
For some it will be building a business with all the pros & cons that go whith it, and for others it will be staying as a one man band.
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Exactly the right words "Find what makes you happy", or you could say "decide what you want out of it", thinks change over time, businesses get bigger, businesses get smaller, the thing is to be in control of your destiny and not controlled by it.
It would be a boring world if we were all the same
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Hi Ian
When you started your business did you always I tend to build an empire, or did you just drift into it?
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Just drifted into the whole thing and didn't like saying "no you need to get someone else to do it"
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I think all the best cleaning companies started that way
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I clean roofs, Here I am in action.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=427935987286984&set=vb.100002117590790&type=2&theater