Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Dean Taberner on October 19, 2013, 05:31:41 pm
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Hi fellas,
I've been doing a lot of window cleaning recently and its got me thinking how much money can we make from this trade?
I'd imagine that its like any other business as to what you get out depends on what you get out.
What are everybodies aspirations with their businesses? Are you after just a wage, whereas you get more than a normal job? Or are you after taking it to the next level, whereas you make money instead of earning it?
Dean.
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The two aims for my working life are to work as little as possible and to be able to earn just as much money in my 60's as i do now.
All i want is a couple of vans out every day earning me a nice wage with barely having to do anything myself. Leading to my two aims of free time to do what i enjoy, and security that I dont have to be cleaning windows in january when im 65
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The real way to make money is to let someone else do it for you, for WC'ers that may be employing, subbing or franchising.
There will be a limit to what can be earned by one individual on his own.
You employ don't you Dean, how is it going?
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My aim is pretty simple.
To have vans and earn as much possible with doing little. I already looking at increasing to extra 3 guys which is good for myself as I only been doing it for 23 months. Which currently have 3 guys and now moving into a Office into January.
I got sick of working for somebody and for a company which earn millions and I got rubbish wage for rubbish hours but as I worked for a Business which went to other companies to improve there service and efficiency I was able to use all my skills here on managing staff to customers.
I am in HUGE minds of going Franchise route which will allow a larger growth. Has anyone got experience of Franchise Window Cleaning and Experience of running your own vans.
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There should be an article about franchising in the January Window Cleaning Magazine
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The real way to make money is to let someone else do it for you, for WC'ers that may be employing, subbing or franchising.
There will be a limit to what can be earned by one individual on his own.
You employ don't you Dean, how is it going?
Employing is a pain in the ass, but it also has its benefits. 7 years ago I used to work alone and meet my wife for lunch and a brew locally......today that doesn't happen.
Life changes and we've now got 3 kids and don't meet up for lunch but we have great family holidays and are even happier than we were 7 yrs ago, probably because of how the business has progressed.
Everything I do in life is on a trial basis and that includes window cleaning.
I was just wondering how far we all could go if we put our minds to it.
Dean.
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im the opposite to all of you...im lucky that i dont need to work
full time..i made a decent amount of money from investment in property
abroad a few years back with a great deal of help from a friend
this is my retirement fund for when i bugger off a 55
with no mortgage to pay or any debt i still needed a income to
live but didnt want t somebody elses slave again..soi started window
cleaning,low investment,high gain
i work part time hours to suit myself forwhat would be considered
a good full time wage..i have absolutely no stress with what i do
and i am happy that way
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Dean
We know each other and you know I started with a window cleaning business that got up to 700 residential and some big & decent commercials.
I sold the window cleaning and invested all the gain back into the business. We now look after major refurbishments for Sainsbury's & Tesco, plus a couple of the others on a lesser scale.
I sub contract to four lads, who use my vans & my kit, they wear my uniform and to all intent & purpose they look employed by M-CLEAN UK LTD.
I don't employ anyone, I have a trading address but it is storage, so not fancy.
I have absolutely nothing to prove to anyone but I still chase my aspirations. I have bought a Farrow System, for wet shot-blasting, the website will be live next week and we are separating drain cleaning from the main business as a stand alone. That should be before Christmas.
I have done about a weeks worth of hands on work this year, the lads have got on with it. My job is developing the business, creating the image, all paperwork, RAMS and future training.
If I hadn't come away from the hands on work I would not have created MacBlast Uk - the wet blasting and would not have had the time to make MacDrains UK - that one speaks for itself!
I didn't want to come off the tools and wouldn't have, even though I kept saying I would.
Reasons I wont discuss forced my hand and I know see it as a blessing in disguise. I have done more for my business in the last seven months, than I have done in the last six years.
The two additional Mac businesses will allow a sizeable injection of very well paying cashflow into the business next year, while I am waiting for the larger commercial contracts to pay out and the end goal will probably be to focus more specifically on them, moving forward and if the commercial works come in we will do them but not chase them.
The best decision I ever made, was made for me but I can now see it had a purpose.
Rob ;D
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Its interesting to see we all have such varying aspirations within this industry.
I'm part time as I have a full time job as well.
I've actually scaled back on the windows a bit recently mainly because my wife needs more time to get her business up and running so I look after our little lad.
We're planning to be mortgage free in the next 6 to 8 years.
I may also go full time on the windows once our little lad starts school
We're also looking to buy a holiday home in Cornwall to run as business.
However you never know what might happen.
Today I've seen a quite tempting job in Canada ;D
5 years ago I was living in an apartment overlooking Bondi beach, high profile job etc, I never thought I'd be back working as an engineer and on the windows.
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The real way to make money is to let someone else do it for you, for WC'ers that may be employing, subbing or franchising.
There will be a limit to what can be earned by one individual on his own.
You employ don't you Dean, how is it going?
Employing is a pain in the ass, but it also has its benefits. 7 years ago I used to work alone and meet my wife for lunch and a brew locally......today that doesn't happen.
Life changes and we've now got 3 kids and don't meet up for lunch but we have great family holidays and are even happier than we were 7 yrs ago, probably because of how the business has progressed.
Everything I do in life is on a trial basis and that includes window cleaning.
I was just wondering how far we all could go if we put our minds to it.
Dean.
Bloody hell Dean - are you kids on trial ???
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£38.50
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£38.50
leave your fireman pension out of this ;D
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Lol !
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Me personally-the VAT threshold is my upper limit.
I told myself if always stay under it.
Plan to keep to that.
4 days a week.
Try not to miss to much of my boys growing up or my wife.
Someone I know made lots of money to the detriment of his relationship.
What happened? When she went, she took half his money.
He turned out to be a prick.
Now his bed is cold and he is up to his conkers in debt and none of his so called mates would give him the steam off their pi$$ as he has shown his true colours.
OP-lots and lots and lots of money can be made from WCing but just because it can, doesn't mean you should.
A wise person once said "on his deathbed, a man never wishes he had worked more but more than a few wished they had worked less"
Me personally-I try to remember that. And the example of a 'mate'
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You plan on hitting the vat limit in 4 days a week with help I presume?
As it would be around £400 a day ?
Do able with decent work and a good worker
Hard though.
I'm on my own at the minute and only working about 3.5 days a week
As I've cut a lot of work out that didn't pay well or I hated doing.
Next 12 months I want to bring in a part time worker for 2 days a week and work 2.5 days alone near home. Need to find about 1800 to add on to my current round .
That is as much as I want to do on the glass !
I'm happy earning a good wage and have little intention of building an empire. However I am going to spend the next ten years or so buying a property and paying it off so I will be rent / mortgage free- that's the plan anyway....
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Frank makes 5k per week
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Frank makes 5k per week
That could be quite possible up my way with all the Industry Units that ask to get a Full outside clean :D
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Ron sounds like you own McDonald's as well pmsl !!! Good luck to ya, there's alot on here that boost alot and make there business seem much more than what they really have, not sure if its to make other windys jealous who knows but good on ya !!!! 🌝
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You plan on hitting the vat limit in 4 days a week with help I presume?
As it would be around £400 a day ?
Do able with decent work and a good worker
Hard though.
I'm on my own at the minute and only working about 3.5 days a week
As I've cut a lot of work out that didn't pay well or I hated doing.
Next 12 months I want to bring in a part time worker for 2 days a week and work 2.5 days alone near home. Need to find about 1800 to add on to my current round .
That is as much as I want to do on the glass !
I'm happy earning a good wage and have little intention of building an empire. However I am going to spend the next ten years or so buying a property and paying it off so I will be rent / mortgage free- that's the plan anyway....
I work on my own mainly. Sub some.
I never say what I earn, not even my wife knows what I earn.
There is good work out there.
It's finding it and being prepared to work at it.
Personally I do 4x12 hour days plus all the paperwork, sorting system, looking at new equipment, chatting on here etc...
The money is out there but, as I've said in other posts, money isn't that important. And certainly doesn't motivate me.
If you've got a family, focus on that.
Money comes and goes.
Relationships can last a lifetime.
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My aim is pretty simple.
To have vans and earn as much possible with doing little. I already looking at increasing to extra 3 guys which is good for myself as I only been doing it for 23 months. Which currently have 3 guys and now moving into a Office into January.
I got sick of working for somebody and for a company which earn millions and I got rubbish wage for rubbish hours but as I worked for a Business which went to other companies to improve there service and efficiency I was able to use all my skills here on managing staff to customers.
I am in HUGE minds of going Franchise route which will allow a larger growth. Has anyone got experience of Franchise Window Cleaning and Experience of running your own vans.
Click my Jolisian link below ;)
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Me personally-the VAT threshold is my upper limit.
I told myself if always stay under it.
Plan to keep to that.
4 days a week.
Try not to miss to much of my boys growing up or my wife.
Someone I know made lots of money to the detriment of his relationship.
What happened? When she went, she took half his money.
He turned out to be a prick.
Now his bed is cold and he is up to his conkers in debt and none of his so called mates would give him the steam off their pi$$ as he has shown his true colours.
OP-lots and lots and lots of money can be made from WCing but just because it can, doesn't mean you should.
A wise person once said "on his deathbed, a man never wishes he had worked more but more than a few wished they had worked less"
Me personally-I try to remember that. And the example of a 'mate'
anyone i know ?
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Perhaps...
Used to be my 'best mate...'
Some mate-tried to screw me right over.
Glad I didn't really get bitten though.
I love my life.
His life licks sweaty not a very nice person ATM
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can only assume his initials d e i know you were good mates , i could be wrong though . friends can let you down at times.
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can only assume his initials d e i know you were good mates , i could be wrong though . friends can let you down at times.
Let downs I can deal with bud.
A sword between my shoulder blades is where I draw the line though.
I'm happy though.
My mrs is nice.
I've got no debts (other than the mortgage)
People who know me respect me
And I'm not a steroid using porn addict.
Life is good.
We'll have to have a coffee next town in Grantham bud.
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can only assume his initials d e i know you were good mates , i could be wrong though . friends can let you down at times.
Let downs I can deal with bud.
A sword between my shoulder blades is where I draw the line though.
I'm happy though.
My mrs is nice.
I've got no debts (other than the mortgage)
People who know me respect me
And I'm not a steroid using porn addict.
Life is good.
We'll have to have a coffee next town in Grantham bud.
yes mate .. sounds good
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My aim is pretty simple.
To have vans and earn as much possible with doing little. I already looking at increasing to extra 3 guys which is good for myself as I only been doing it for 23 months. Which currently have 3 guys and now moving into a Office into January.
I got sick of working for somebody and for a company which earn millions and I got rubbish wage for rubbish hours but as I worked for a Business which went to other companies to improve there service and efficiency I was able to use all my skills here on managing staff to customers.
I am in HUGE minds of going Franchise route which will allow a larger growth. Has anyone got experience of Franchise Window Cleaning and Experience of running your own vans.
Click my Jolisian link below ;)
In all respect I know how to run a business *Hint I worked for a company who improved business efficiency & making businesses more 'Customer Centric'*
I was more looking at fact of some Real-Life tips & Experience.
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I have a bit of experience.
Plenty on here will tell you I'm more than happy to share my thoughts - if you want to start a separate thread and post some specific questions I'll do my best to answer them - if you prefer not to do it on open forum, e-mail me: ianlancaster@blueyonder.co.uk
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You can make as much money as you want! = you can earn 10 figure wage if you want or earn a 1 figure wage! This is in your hands on how much you can earn.
I could earn more but do I want to? Nah I rather work and live and see family and grow business at slower pace
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My aim is pretty simple.
To have vans and earn as much possible with doing little. I already looking at increasing to extra 3 guys which is good for myself as I only been doing it for 23 months. Which currently have 3 guys and now moving into a Office into January.
I got sick of working for somebody and for a company which earn millions and I got rubbish wage for rubbish hours but as I worked for a Business which went to other companies to improve there service and efficiency I was able to use all my skills here on managing staff to customers.
I am in HUGE minds of going Franchise route which will allow a larger growth. Has anyone got experience of Franchise Window Cleaning and Experience of running your own vans.
Hi Chris
It's good in theory Chris but iam going the other way. In practise you end up working harder for less. To sort say 5 guys in five vans is almost a full time job in itself just to manage , you will then be looking at admin staff so the wages climb.
Then the big problem is cash flow 5 guys on say 300 a week plus holiday and ni. Plus fuel and the unit you need at least 2k every week if it snows and you don't get much in it gets stressful. That's before some numpty smashes a van up or falls 20 feet head first of a flat roof.
It's great if you get really big say 3-400 k plus because then there's enough cash swilling about to pay people to have the headache for you.
I have now come to the conclusion one van , you and a couple of part timers. Then turnover just under the vat threshold around 78 k I think at minute. That's ten on van fuel and kit 15k on wages. You will be on 50 k odd working part time .
This way if you go away your still earning or get the Monday morning blues can have some down time but not got the overheads of a bigger set up.
I do agree its nice to get this size of operation out of home into a unit.
Just my opinion
John
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My aim is pretty simple.
To have vans and earn as much possible with doing little. I already looking at increasing to extra 3 guys which is good for myself as I only been doing it for 23 months. Which currently have 3 guys and now moving into a Office into January.
I got sick of working for somebody and for a company which earn millions and I got rubbish wage for rubbish hours but as I worked for a Business which went to other companies to improve there service and efficiency I was able to use all my skills here on managing staff to customers.
I am in HUGE minds of going Franchise route which will allow a larger growth. Has anyone got experience of Franchise Window Cleaning and Experience of running your own vans.
Hi Chris
It's good in theory Chris but iam going the other way. In practise you end up working harder for less. To sort say 5 guys in five vans is almost a full time job in itself just to manage , you will then be looking at admin staff so the wages climb.
Then the big problem is cash flow 5 guys on say 300 a week plus holiday and ni. Plus fuel and the unit you need at least 2k every week if it snows and you don't get much in it gets stressful. That's before some numpty smashes a van up or falls 20 feet head first of a flat roof.
It's great if you get really big say 3-400 k plus because then there's enough cash swilling about to pay people to have the headache for you.
I have now come to the conclusion one van , you and a couple of part timers. Then turnover just under the vat threshold around 78 k I think at minute. That's ten on van fuel and kit 15k on wages. You will be on 50 k odd working part time .
This way if you go away your still earning or get the Monday morning blues can have some down time but not got the overheads of a bigger set up.
I do agree its nice to get this size of operation out of home into a unit.
Just my opinion
John
You made some good points and points which I already come across.
I was looking at going Franchise due to the I got lower overheads and quicker growth. I basiclly setting up base in a 'Development area' which means I pay low Utilities & Business rates which it is only a Industry unit which has 2200ft2
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My aim is pretty simple.
To have vans and earn as much possible with doing little. I already looking at increasing to extra 3 guys which is good for myself as I only been doing it for 23 months. Which currently have 3 guys and now moving into a Office into January.
I got sick of working for somebody and for a company which earn millions and I got rubbish wage for rubbish hours but as I worked for a Business which went to other companies to improve there service and efficiency I was able to use all my skills here on managing staff to customers.
I am in HUGE minds of going Franchise route which will allow a larger growth. Has anyone got experience of Franchise Window Cleaning and Experience of running your own vans.
Click my Jolisian link below ;)
In all respect I know how to run a business *Hint I worked for a company who improved business efficiency & making businesses more 'Customer Centric'*
I was more looking at fact of some Real-Life tips & Experience.
What does customer centric mean?
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A business run focusing more on customer experience and overall level of service provided.
Customer orientated.
Which is what most businesses need to do to make a half fisted effort to survive.
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A wage'll do me.
Money- or the pursuit of it- isn't always that great.
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My aim is pretty simple.
To have vans and earn as much possible with doing little. I already looking at increasing to extra 3 guys which is good for myself as I only been doing it for 23 months. Which currently have 3 guys and now moving into a Office into January.
I got sick of working for somebody and for a company which earn millions and I got rubbish wage for rubbish hours but as I worked for a Business which went to other companies to improve there service and efficiency I was able to use all my skills here on managing staff to customers.
I am in HUGE minds of going Franchise route which will allow a larger growth. Has anyone got experience of Franchise Window Cleaning and Experience of running your own vans.
Click my Jolisian link below ;)
In all respect I know how to run a business *Hint I worked for a company who improved business efficiency & making businesses more 'Customer Centric'*
I was more looking at fact of some Real-Life tips & Experience.
What does customer centric mean?
Customer Centric Means - Building & Operating your business around your customers! Many companies forget that without a customer they are not a company and a lot big companies are changing rapidly.
Such as doing little extra things to make customers remember the experience of your company better or making contacting them better such as via Twitter, Facebook, LiveChat, Text, Phone and Email.
Even simple things such as saying 'We are busy why don't we hold your place and call you back when you are next in order to get answered'
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How much money do I make - The answer will always be -not enough !..
That way I will always strive to get bigger, faster, leaner and Meaner..
At the moment its just me, a vivaro a pole and a dream… A wise man from Peckham once said "Next year Rodney we'll be millionaires" ;D
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You can make as much money as you want! = you can earn 10 figure wage if you want or earn a 1 figure wage! This is in your hands on how much you can earn.
exactly!
window cleaning is no different from any other business.
you can run it as a life style business and you can become an international billion pound turnover business.
starbucks just sell coffee. mcdonalds just sell hamburgers. tescos are a grocers.
perdsonally i have a target of a pre tax wage of £250 000/pa, and a 3 day working week.
i'm not quite there yet! .... but one day...