Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: CLEANCARE WC on April 17, 2014, 09:30:23 am
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It will be interesting and very helpful to see the results of this as in my opinion it is a mistake to struggle with backpacks and trollys I did for 2 years on the well meant bad advice of a friend. I expect many like myself do it as they think its the simplest cheapest option but again in my opinion it really is not.
So thats enough of my opinions lets see what the majority think....
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Look after ourselfs and only tell them what they ask! We all had to find a way
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Don't bother. There is no money in window cleaning, your peers will laugh at you, it's cold, wet, horrible work.
Window cleaning is practically begging.
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It's true, times are hard. I started window cleaning 5 years ago, and this year I will barely break even after 5 years of making a loss. IMO there probably is money to be made at this game, but only if you're prepared to work 12 hour shifts.
One of my customers actually bought me a winter coat this year, she could see I was shivering. Once upon a time I'd have been too proud to accept this sort of charity, but now I'm just grateful.
I'm also eternally thankful that there's a food bank nearby, and just within walking distance. They are saints those people.
The other day someone offered me a job as a deck hand on a fishing boat. Hard work I'm sure, but at least it would be a reliable income. Maybe I'll take it say goodbye to this window cleaning lark forever.
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Window cleaning is for losers that why it suits me.
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When i was thinking of getting into this line of work, i was told by another wfp window cleaner that i would need a 1000l tank and a 3.5t van to carry it. So that is what i got myself!.
Of course it did not take that long to suss out that with a pump controller, i could easily manage with 500l, and indeed, most days, i could probably get away with 350l. Ironically though, i now hanker after another swb iveco daily like i had to start with. I dont actually need one (at least that is the argument i am using to try and convince myself!) but i do want one :)
Incidentally, the windy in question, who at the time had a 3.5t mwb renault master, now has an old shape astra with a 350l system!.
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It's true, times are hard. I started window cleaning 5 years ago, and this year I will barely break even after 5 years of making a loss. IMO there probably is money to be made at this game, but only if you're prepared to work 12 hour shifts.
One of my customers actually bought me a winter coat this year, she could see I was shivering. Once upon a time I'd have been too proud to accept this sort of charity, but now I'm just grateful.
I'm also eternally thankful that there's a food bank nearby, and just within walking distance. They are saints those people.
The other day someone offered me a job as a deck hand on a fishing boat. Hard work I'm sure, but at least it would be a reliable income. Maybe I'll take it say goodbye to this window cleaning lark forever.
That'll be southy, take the fishing job cause the window cleaning seems a bit stop start. More stop really.
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Window Cleaning is not a real job.
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I started with a trolley and yes they are a waste of time, a van mount is the way to go with a backpack just for the odd jobs that require it.
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Backpack and barrels,but im only part time and work out
of astra estate...its all i need..i started with a freedom trolley
which i soon converted to a van system with a 400 litre tank.
Hated the microbore used to spend half my time wound up
didnt need two vehicles so got rid of van and went to backpack
and barrels...pole in one hand and backpack in other..access a
dodde no matter what i do. wouldnt go back to microbore but
a tank would be handy again now.
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I've had a backpack since starting wfp 3 years ago, find it quite easy to use and also you can transfer it from one vehicle to another very easily. Great for taking through people houses too
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Look after ourselfs and only tell them what they ask! We all had to find a way
+ 1
:)
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My mother in law keeps asking when Am I going getting a proper job like everybody else , I keep wondering that myself I work so hard for very little reward I am just grateful the scraps of food and charity I receive . Mike
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Been using a trolley with 30m of pole hose on a mini hose reel for over 18 months now... it may be quicker/easier using a van mount but at this moment in time I can't see how!
After a few tweaks & teething problems this method suits me & the layout of my work really well and I don't intend to change anytime soon. ;D
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And to think I had a nice life and regular income working in a warm office. After 2 years in this cold wet sad business I am ready to get back into the lovely office environment.
cant wait to give it all up next week.
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I will either jack in window cleaning completely or go back to ladders.
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Why would I want to help a newbie who might end up becoming my competitor with free hard learnt lessons and free information?
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Why would I want to help a newbie who might end up becoming my competitor with free hard learnt lessons and free information?
I get what your saying but the title is WFP NEWBY not quite the same thing. I take it you have never asked for advice on here?
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Dan, do u happen to know a ipswich wfp guy who does builder cleans ?
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I find a van mount system much easier to use.
But I can understand that some people's rounds with lots of terraced properties with difficult access and parking restrictions could make a backpack or trolley a better option.
So although I can state my personal preference it won't always suit someone else.
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Dan, do u happen to know a ipswich wfp guy who does builder cleans ?
do you need one doing?
I may well be up for it or are you trying to find out who someone is?
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no . i jus wondered if u happen to know personally a windie who does , cos i think iv set him up for a fall
whoever he is has been riding around on my shirttails so to speak
he certainly knows who i am,but iv not yet found out who he is,if that makes sense!
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Why would I want to help a newbie who might end up becoming my competitor with free hard learnt lessons and free information?
I get what your saying but the title is WFP NEWBY not quite the same thing. I take it you have never asked for advice on here?
I was going by the word 'newby' as a person just starting up window cleaning but starting up with WFP.
Yes, I've asked advise on here but generally just for something I am already doing.
My point was that, as I understood the tittle, that to get to the point where I am now, and like a lot of members, has cost money, time, effort and failure yet some think it ok to give out that experience for free to others.
The giving out of free information about exactly how to set up, start and run a window cleaning business is not in the interests of us who are already running a business of what ever size.
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no . i jus wondered if u happen to know personally a windie who does , cos i think iv set him up for a fall
whoever he is has been riding around on my shirttails so to speak
he certainly knows who i am,but iv not yet found out who he is,if that makes sense!
Aah all becomes clear i remember you mentioning this your doing all the hard work but not getting the maintanence cleans. sorry mate i havent heard of anyone working on sites
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Why would I want to help a newbie who might end up becoming my competitor with free hard learnt lessons and free information?
I get what your saying but the title is WFP NEWBY not quite the same thing. I take it you have never asked for advice on here?
I was going by the word 'newby' as a person just starting up window cleaning but starting up with WFP.
Yes, I've asked advise on here but generally just for something I am already doing.
My point was that, as I understood the tittle, that to get to the point where I am now, and like a lot of members, has cost money, time, effort and failure yet some think it ok to give out that experience for free to others.
The giving out of free information about exactly how to set up, start and run a window cleaning business is not in the interests of us who are already running a business of what ever size.
yep i get it its all a bit late once they have found here though.
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no . i jus wondered if u happen to know personally a windie who does , cos i think iv set him up for a fall
whoever he is has been riding around on my shirttails so to speak
he certainly knows who i am,but iv not yet found out who he is,if that makes sense!
i jacked my price up sky high and it looks as tho hes took the bait ,and is going to be doin the builders cleans from now on
Aah all becomes clear i remember you mentioning this your doing all the hard work but not getting the maintanence cleans. sorry mate i havent heard of anyone working on sites
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yep i get it its all a bit late once they have found here though.
That is true.
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People have to make their own way.
You could tell someone to buy gardiner poles but they could prefer others in the future.
You could advise to buy a nissan vivaro but they could have loads of problems.
You could advise them to canvass lots but they might find leafletting more effective.
Only advise when they ask :) i am still learning things now, and im glad i made mistakes when starting because you learn from them
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I guess it was so awful to ask if someone would show me the ropes for an hour... wasn't asking for a business lesson or how to set one up just purely abit of help on how wfp works but after seeing some negative comments it's fine... I will figure it out!
I do appreciate the advice though and have a lot to think about. Cheers.
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Spoke to a lovely guy on this forum who lives an hour away who is happy to show me how the wfp is all set up and let me have a go..
Had some great advice and goes to show there are some very helpful people on this forum.. happy days :-)
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Spoke to a lovely guy on this forum who lives an hour away who is happy to show me how the wfp is all set up and let me have a go..
Had some great advice and goes to show there are some very helpful people on this forum.. happy days :-)
An hour from Suffolk?
If it was AndyA. Try and go in a tractor. He loves 'em!