Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: tony day on January 09, 2016, 12:20:16 pm

Title: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: tony day on January 09, 2016, 12:20:16 pm
Me again.

Is window cleaning a TASK for uneducated people, that may have a criminal record.(rules out the army then) unskilled,and can't read a paragraph from a Harry Potter book.

Question:
Clean toilets at Glastonbury?
Clean Windows?

Captain Squeegee over and out!
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Rich Wilts on January 09, 2016, 12:32:17 pm
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O2ow3NnZVmo

You didn't know you were being filmed did you.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: tony day on January 09, 2016, 12:44:28 pm
I'm so happy bubbles is alive and well.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: supernova77 on January 09, 2016, 01:14:18 pm
Me again.

Is window cleaning a TASK for uneducated people, that may have a criminal record.(rules out the army then) unskilled,and can't read a paragraph from a Harry Potter book.

Question:
Clean toilets at Glastonbury?
Clean Windows?

Captain Squeegee over and out!

You should change your name to "Tony the Troll".  ;)

It takes skill and brains to build a decent window cleaning business over a few years full of regular reliable customers.

If you just do it for beer money then I suppose anyone can do it.

Andy :)
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: jk999 on January 09, 2016, 01:43:08 pm
Don't know what's wrong with you mate but someones rattled your cage :(
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on January 09, 2016, 01:51:34 pm
Me again.

(Sigh) Really?

Is window cleaning a TASK for uneducated people, that may have a criminal record.(rules out the army then) unskilled,and can't read a paragraph from a Harry Potter book.

Assuming that was a question - no question mark, see? Then yes.

Question:
Clean toilets at Glastonbury?  If the money is right.
Clean Windows? See the answer to above question.

Captain Squeegee over and out!

Out for a while I hope.

If you have anything useful to contribute please do.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: *Hector* on January 09, 2016, 02:06:24 pm
Quote
Is window cleaning a real job?

Of course it isn't...  ::)roll ::)roll

Not like carpet cleaning... now that is a real job for you...  :-* :-*

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Jonny 87 on January 09, 2016, 02:07:54 pm
Granville your a mod. Check his  address and see who it is.

It's someone on the wind up but just can't figure out who.  :)
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Shane sharples on January 09, 2016, 02:09:25 pm
Nope it's not real , it's pretend . We are all just walking around pretending to do stuff  ::)roll
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: NWH on January 09, 2016, 02:47:32 pm
No it's not a real job is it,if you saw how much TAX I've got to pay at the end of the month you might change your mind it's more than some earn in a year so you can safely say it's a job. I don't know how the hell some people you talk to are paying a couple of grand here and a couple of grand there in TAX there either fiddling or earning peanuts. If it wasn't a real job I'd be in a better mood.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: *Hector* on January 09, 2016, 02:58:09 pm
No it's not a real job is it,if you saw how much TAX I've got to pay at the end of the month you might change your mind it's more than some earn in a year so you can safely say it's a job. I don't know how the hell some people you talk to are paying a couple of grand here and a couple of grand there in TAX there either fiddling or earning peanuts. If it wasn't a real job I'd be in a better mood.


(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1452351467_319752.jpg)
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Mick Kent on January 09, 2016, 03:10:58 pm
Its a real job but a job that is bottom of the food chain. Noone ever at school says they want to be a window cleaner and teachers used to always say if you dont do well in school you will end up becoming a window cleaner etc..its down there with dustmen, toilet cleaners,  litter/ dog poo pickers,  labouring.
There isnt much worse  of a job you could do than clean windows for a living which i happily admit but due to not having any qualifications or time to better myself for my family's sake ill just carry on the merry go round cleaning dirt and poo off of glass for a living to pay the bills.

Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: W.booler on January 09, 2016, 03:24:09 pm
For me it's a lifestyle choice... Own boss, fresh air and when it rains the likes of Mrs. Day offers me a hot drink, ginger nut biscuits and whatever else is on the menu!
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: NWH on January 09, 2016, 03:25:27 pm
Blimey you must have a poope load of jobs you do day to day,bottom of the food chain what like working at tescos stacking shelves or working a similar job for less than £10 an hour even £10 an hour is toilet,I'm quiet happy to let people think certain things but in no way do I go out to work with that attitude,you should be looking to change a few things in your business if you've got that view on window cleaning it would take an offer of a fantastic job to lure me away and even then I wouldn't be locked away in an office alday for anything.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Mick Kent on January 09, 2016, 03:35:34 pm
Yep its down there with school leavers jobs like shelve stacking too, window cleaning is no way a job that people decide to do if they have qualifications or have done well for themselfs maybe im wrong  but the end of the day we are paid to clean crap off of glass which anyone could do but majority choose not too as its a rubish career choice nomatter what you can earn as to do well all you need is more customers to clean even more bird poo and dirt from class.

Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Shane sharples on January 09, 2016, 03:41:52 pm
It might be a rubbish job in some people's eyes but at the end of the day it's a pretty secure income month after month, have a day off? why not  ;D give your self a pay rise? Why not 🤑 . Stop cleaning houses with gardens full of dog 💩? why not! it's awesome 😃👊✌️
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: NWH on January 09, 2016, 03:43:31 pm
They soon would if they new what you could earn and that's a fact,I'm quiet happy for people to have your view it keeps others from starting up. I speak to people with university qualifications that get on the train everyday for 25-35 grand a year and have given there life to get there,who's the idiot the one that holds his head up bragging that he has a marvolous job when in reality he's struggling to make ends meet. To have a view like that you must have a low opinion of yourself,at the end of the week it's what you've got in your pocket not the fact that your having to go to work in the dark and come home in the dark in a cheap suit.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Rich Wilts on January 09, 2016, 03:44:34 pm
According to this it is.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/job
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Shane sharples on January 09, 2016, 03:45:19 pm
They soon would if they new what you could earn and that's a fact,I'm quiet happy for people to have your view it keeps others from starting up. I speak to people with university qualifications that get on the train everyday for 25-35 grand a year and have given there life to get there,who's the idiot the one that holds his head up bragging that he has a marvolous job when in reality he's struggling to make ends meet. To have a view like that you must have a low opinion of yourself,at the end of the week it's what you've got in your pocket not the fact that your having to go to work in the dark and come home in the dark in a cheap suit.

I take it you earn more then £35k?
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: NWH on January 09, 2016, 03:45:56 pm
Stack shells in tescos for a couple of months and then come back and give an opinion if they give you enough hours,they'll more than likely start you on a zero hours contract lol
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: NWH on January 09, 2016, 03:49:54 pm
35 grand a year is not great money down south your struggle to live,I'm not bully bullpoop bragging it's about 6-700 a week for someone running a business it's poor.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: tony day on January 09, 2016, 03:52:33 pm
Quarter-Light.

So in a nutshell! A waste of a life!
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Rich Wilts on January 09, 2016, 04:05:22 pm
No, because if you do it right you don't live to work.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Mick Kent on January 09, 2016, 04:09:16 pm
NWH Its not about money, if it is then im doing mustard as have some unreal contracts with no underpriced work!  Have 2 houses, drive a sports car, nice savings account and my family dont go without anything as i put my all into what i do but my job is that I still clean poo and dirt from glass for my living which isnt many people's career choice!.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: NWH on January 09, 2016, 04:13:41 pm
I don't think it's what your doing for a living is what the problem is then,are you having a bit of a look in the mirror mid lifer lol,go and get yourself a couple of good massages that'll sort you out.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Clever Forum Name on January 09, 2016, 04:15:32 pm
35k a year window cleaning !!! WOWZERS.

Must be cleaning Buckingham palace every day  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: NWH on January 09, 2016, 04:18:33 pm
35k a year window cleaning !!! WOWZERS.

Must be cleaning Buckingham palace every day  :o :o :o
lol you could earn that working on the buses or a signal man on British rail,your on a wind up I know you are.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 09, 2016, 04:41:15 pm
35k a year window cleaning !!! WOWZERS.

Must be cleaning Buckingham palace every day  :o :o :o
lol you could earn that working on the buses or a signal man on British rail,your on a wind up I know you are.
A London Underground driver is on £60k a year.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Rich Wilts on January 09, 2016, 04:44:36 pm
35k a year window cleaning !!! WOWZERS.

Must be cleaning Buckingham palace every day  :o :o :o
lol you could earn that working on the buses or a signal man on British rail,your on a wind up I know you are.

Ah, no you couldn't

http://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Bus_Driver/Hourly_Rate
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: NWH on January 09, 2016, 04:48:02 pm
Yeah they start on 50 I spoke to a couple of railway workers they said the course is worth it but you've had to do quiet a few years on general trains and you need to know someone on the inside to get a chance,a lot of father and sons on the railway. That's my point 35k working for yourself is not that great when you look around that's why most get stuck doing this job,what can you earn doing something else when you've done this for years,it's tuff to make a change coz the chances are you'll be earning a lot less
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Clever Forum Name on January 09, 2016, 04:50:10 pm
So I could quadruple my pay by driving trains. Interesting.

No rain and wind.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: NWH on January 09, 2016, 04:52:09 pm
Yeah you could lol they still only end up with a bit more than 35k though.go for it. 🚅🚅🚅🚅
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Mick Kent on January 09, 2016, 04:55:24 pm
http://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=Window_Cleaner/Hourly_Rate
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 09, 2016, 04:57:44 pm
It's like the hourly issue. Those earning £25-30 an hour on the glass and thinking they're doing well are mad. By the time you take into account, holidays, sick pay, your overheads etc, I reckon you're probably better off on £12 an hour in a dead end job.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Smurf on January 09, 2016, 04:58:44 pm
So that is one of the reasons why rail travel is so expensive as obviously train drivers get paid too much. ;D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Mick Kent on January 09, 2016, 04:59:04 pm
It's like the hourly issue. Those earning £25-30 an hour on the glass and thinking they're doing well are mad. By the time you take into account, holidays, sick pay, your overheads etc, I reckon you're probably better off on £12 an hour in a dead end job.

Top speech, i think the same.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: cgh window cleaning on January 09, 2016, 05:04:51 pm
I've been doing this a while and running your own business only you limit what you earn.
Quarter lights post recently about the con roof was great it should encourage people that the potential is there and not to get jealous.
But there are still plenty that really under value what they do looked at a care home recently and the tender pack was  about 15 pages long with the main focus being health and safety.
When I got there the current window cleaner was there laddering the job with his lad I got talking with the client and asked what they were paying and how long they were on site for  she said a "full day and they charge £100"
I nearly fell over.

That price was between two
So,so many window cleaners are still working at 1980 prices.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Shane sharples on January 09, 2016, 05:12:03 pm
I think the problem is, when you work on your own , you can charge a decent price but as some window cleaners grow and then take on staff, that house that used to take you 20 mins now takes 5 mins, some windows think they have to charge a couple of quid because they aren't there long. Silly I know, but that's what one windy said in my area
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: windowswashed on January 09, 2016, 05:17:58 pm
I've got two trades to fall back on and a list of qualifications to add on my CV.  Been an employer in the past and choose to work self employed alone nowadays  owing to health. I don't want to work all the hours under the sun, want to be able to take time off when I choose within reason of obligated work commitments.  I wouldn't work for peanuts with a glorified job title or for anyone else on a decent wage either as I enjoy the freedom and flexibility this job allows.  I couldn't care what people think of my job and if they look down upon me, I don't worry what others think about me, I'm content.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Smurf on January 09, 2016, 05:19:35 pm
I've been doing this a while and running your own business only you limit what you earn.
Quarter lights post recently about the con roof was great it should encourage people that the potential is there and not to get jealous.
But there are still plenty that really under value what they do looked at a care home recently and the tender pack was  about 15 pages long with the main focus being health and safety.
When I got there the current window cleaner was there laddering the job with his lad I got talking with the client and asked what they were paying and how long they were on site for  she said a "full day and they charge £100"
I nearly fell over.

That price was between two
So,so many window cleaners are still working at 1980 prices.

There are plenty of what I call numpties about undercharging for sure but hay ho life goes on. Until they fall off the ladders that is risking life and limb just trying to earn a few quid.

Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: tony day on January 09, 2016, 05:46:23 pm
You all sound like a bunch of generalists!
When you become a specialist you don't worry about being underpriced. I've notice there's to many joe bloggs with a pole driving about saying i earn X amount. The truth is as a specialist there's not much competition. I'm the Bob Dylan of window cleaning. We are just worlds apart! Sorry Guys.  8)
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Rich Wilts on January 09, 2016, 05:54:44 pm
You all sound like a bunch of generalists! Possibly

When you become a specialist you don't worry about being underpriced.  You're right there.

I've notice there's to many joe bloggs with a pole driving about saying i earn X amount. You've noticed that too?

The truth is as a specialist there's not much competition. Too true.

I'm the Nob Dylan of window cleaning. We are just worlds apart! You're right there.

Sorry Guys.  8) You'll get over it
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Richard Stevenson on January 09, 2016, 06:11:09 pm
I was classed as the slow Lerner at school, now I am the biggest earner,  good holidays several houses  (rented) nice car for the wife, is it a proper job , I, do say so.
Funny thing is I, m still a little shy when telling people what my profession is.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Johnny B on January 09, 2016, 06:30:51 pm
I don't care what anyone says as to whether they think it's a real job or not. What I do know is, that I built my current run up in the middle of a recession in Ireland when I relocated from Blighty.  It keeps my family and me fed, watered and clothed. I am not in debt, don't claim a cent and I am not ashamed to tell people what I do for a living.

If people look down on me, as some do, then that says more about them than me. I won't say what I earn, except to say it's a lot less than many on here claim they earn, but I you tell one thing, and that is that I am content, something which all the money in the world can't buy.

John
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: tony day on January 09, 2016, 07:23:26 pm
I feel like i'm in the playground with all this talk about possessions. Some on here need to go back to school when it comes to spelling & morphology!
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: elite mike on January 09, 2016, 07:35:27 pm
I feel like i'm in the playground with all this talk about possessions. Some on here need to go back to school when it comes to spelling & morphology!


yawn  zzzzzzzzzzzz  xx
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: chris turner on January 09, 2016, 08:19:51 pm
It's like the hourly issue. Those earning £25-30 an hour on the glass and thinking they're doing well are mad. By the time you take into account, holidays, sick pay, your overheads etc, I reckon you're probably better off on £12 an hour in a dead end job.

Maybe those that take a lot of holidays and are sick alot...
Personally il have a week off in summer and 2 weeks at Xmas.
Last time I took a day off sick was 2 years ago, didn't want to risk working with a bout of norovirus!
As for overheads, unless your buying a new van every couple of years then there's not a huge amount of outlay, especially after you've been established long enough to know and make use of  the most efficient methods/ best tools, equipment etc for the job.
£30 an hour, with £19-20 take home after expenses/tax suits me fine...
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: W.booler on January 09, 2016, 08:36:54 pm
You all sound like a bunch of generalists!
When you become a specialist you don't worry about being underpriced. I've notice there's to many joe bloggs with a pole driving about saying i earn X amount. The truth is as a specialist there's not much competition. I'm the Bob Dylan of window cleaning. We are just worlds apart! Sorry Guys.  8)
.                                                                                                                                      When you belittle some people for being uneducated, l think that you'll find that ( I've notice there's to many joe bloggs)  is incorrect use of the English language! It should read.... I've noticed (first mistake) there's too (second mistake... Not to!) and when using a name ie. Joe Bloggs you start with capitals. Probably year 3 basic errors!
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: SB Cleaning on January 09, 2016, 09:04:02 pm
I feel like i'm in the playground with all this talk about possessions. Some on here need to go back to school when it comes to spelling & morphology!
Well you know where the door is ya nob :o
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 09, 2016, 09:21:37 pm
It's like the hourly issue. Those earning £25-30 an hour on the glass and thinking they're doing well are mad. By the time you take into account, holidays, sick pay, your overheads etc, I reckon you're probably better off on £12 an hour in a dead end job.

Maybe those that take a lot of holidays and are sick alot...
Personally il have a week off in summer and 2 weeks at Xmas.
Last time I took a day off sick was 2 years ago, didn't want to risk working with a bout of norovirus!
As for overheads, unless your buying a new van every couple of years then there's not a huge amount of outlay, especially after you've been established long enough to know and make use of  the most efficient methods/ best tools, equipment etc for the job.
£30 an hour, with £19-20 take home after expenses/tax suits me fine...
It's not whether you take the holidays/sick pay or not, it's the net hourly value. You can probably add an hour a day to your on "on the glass" time in van prep/admin so your £19-£20 is straight away in actuality £15-£17 an hour.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: chris turner on January 09, 2016, 09:26:33 pm
It's like the hourly issue. Those earning £25-30 an hour on the glass and thinking they're doing well are mad. By the time you take into account, holidays, sick pay, your overheads etc, I reckon you're probably better off on £12 an hour in a dead end job.

Maybe those that take a lot of holidays and are sick alot...
Personally il have a week off in summer and 2 weeks at Xmas.
Last time I took a day off sick was 2 years ago, didn't want to risk working with a bout of norovirus!
As for overheads, unless your buying a new van every couple of years then there's not a huge amount of outlay, especially after you've been established long enough to know and make use of  the most efficient methods/ best tools, equipment etc for the job.
£30 an hour, with £19-20 take home after expenses/tax suits me fine...
It's not whether you take the holidays/sick pay or not, it's the net hourly value. You can probably add an hour a day to your on "on the glass" time in van prep/admin so your £19-£20 is straight away in actuality £15-£17 an hour.

Still beats stacking shelves :D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: G Griffin on January 09, 2016, 09:27:24 pm
One of my teachers told me that I'd never amount to much and now I've got my own window cleaning business.
He was a very clever bloke.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Cookie on January 09, 2016, 09:30:07 pm
As a self-employed window cleaner I am proud to say that I assume the following roles:

chief executive officer (CEO), chief operations officer (COO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief risk officer (CRO), chief technology officer (CTO), chief marketing officer (CMO), teaboy and I have also been known to clean windows...

Of course window cleaning is a real job and after having worked in office jobs for 22+ years I get a great deal of satisfaction from working as a window cleaner!   
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: NWH on January 09, 2016, 09:30:16 pm
Yeah and look at most teachers they all moan about pay etc
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: tony day on January 09, 2016, 09:35:26 pm
I feel like i'm in the playground with all this talk about possessions. Some on here need to go back to school when it comes to spelling & morphology!
Well you know where the door is ya nob :o
Calm down Sinbad!
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: G Griffin on January 09, 2016, 09:40:58 pm
Do you see it as your Day job, Tony?
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: tony day on January 09, 2016, 10:00:13 pm
Do you see it as your Day job, Tony?
My day job is busking. Window cleaning is just a sideline.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: chris turner on January 09, 2016, 10:11:27 pm
It's like the hourly issue. Those earning £25-30 an hour on the glass and thinking they're doing well are mad. By the time you take into account, holidays, sick pay, your overheads etc, I reckon you're probably better off on £12 an hour in a dead end job.

Maybe those that take a lot of holidays and are sick alot...
Personally il have a week off in summer and 2 weeks at Xmas.
Last time I took a day off sick was 2 years ago, didn't want to risk working with a bout of norovirus!
As for overheads, unless your buying a new van every couple of years then there's not a huge amount of outlay, especially after you've been established long enough to know and make use of  the most efficient methods/ best tools, equipment etc for the job.
£30 an hour, with £19-20 take home after expenses/tax suits me fine...
It's not whether you take the holidays/sick pay or not, it's the net hourly value. You can probably add an hour a day to your on "on the glass" time in van prep/admin so your £19-£20 is straight away in actuality £15-£17 an hour.

Not sure how you get your figures, but if your spending an hour a day on van prep/Admin your doing something wrong.
Park van on drive, put hose in tank, turn on water and pump, done.. Takes around 3 mins.
The reverse also takes 3 mins.
Admin? Cleaner planner does all that, and its very quick indeed, less then 10 mins each day.
The most time spent is probably on Sunday, cleaning van/ pile of scrims and cloths, check resin etc.
15 mins a day is a bit different to an hour.

I guess we're all different. Personally I like to make as much as I can by doing as little as I can. Upto
7 hours work, Mon -Fri, starting whatever time I can be bothered (usually after a mcmuffin meal) and finishing when my list is done. I get home, do as above and be done with work for the day.
Why don't I work harder, build my business further, run a fleet of vans, spend an hour a day on van prep/Admin? Because I can't be bothered ;D

I'm humble and happy as I am, and have built my business upto a point to allow myself to be as lazy as possible whilst still living comfortably.
Of course it does help the other half earns just as much me, for if that wasn't the case I'd probably work a little harder.

Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 09, 2016, 10:25:09 pm
It's like the hourly issue. Those earning £25-30 an hour on the glass and thinking they're doing well are mad. By the time you take into account, holidays, sick pay, your overheads etc, I reckon you're probably better off on £12 an hour in a dead end job.

Maybe those that take a lot of holidays and are sick alot...
Personally il have a week off in summer and 2 weeks at Xmas.
Last time I took a day off sick was 2 years ago, didn't want to risk working with a bout of norovirus!
As for overheads, unless your buying a new van every couple of years then there's not a huge amount of outlay, especially after you've been established long enough to know and make use of  the most efficient methods/ best tools, equipment etc for the job.
£30 an hour, with £19-20 take home after expenses/tax suits me fine...
It's not whether you take the holidays/sick pay or not, it's the net hourly value. You can probably add an hour a day to your on "on the glass" time in van prep/admin so your £19-£20 is straight away in actuality £15-£17 an hour.

Not sure how you get your figures, but if your spending an hour a day on van prep/Admin your doing something wrong.
Park van on drive, put hose in tank, turn on water and pump, done.. Takes around 3 mins.
The reverse also takes 3 mins.
Admin? Cleaner planner does all that, and its very quick indeed, less then 10 mins each day.
The most time spent is probably on Sunday, cleaning van/ pile of scrims and cloths, check resin etc.
15 mins a day is a bit different to an hour.

I guess we're all different. Personally I like to make as much as I can by doing as little as I can. Upto
7 hours work, Mon -Fri, starting whatever time I can be bothered (usually after a mcmuffin meal) and finishing when my list is done. I get home, do as above and be done with work for the day.
Why don't I work harder, build my business further, run a fleet of vans, spend an hour a day on van prep/Admin? Because I can't be bothered ;D

I'm humble and happy as I am, and have built my business upto a point to allow myself to be as lazy as possible whilst still living comfortably.
Of course it does help the other half earns just as much me, for if that wasn't the case I'd probably work a little harder.
Do you never have to chase debt, check payments, move jobs around, change resin, deal with enquiries, quote jobs, clean your van etc.?  In spite of what some say it all adds up and I doubt an hour a day is an exaggeration.  The main point is that £30 an hour on the glass is in reality very much less.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: tony day on January 10, 2016, 06:33:16 am
As a self-employed window cleaner I am proud to say that I assume the following roles:

chief executive officer (CEO), chief operations officer (COO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief risk officer (CRO), chief technology officer (CTO), chief marketing officer (CMO), teaboy and I have also been known to clean windows...

Of course window cleaning is a real job and after having worked in office jobs for 22+ years I get a great deal of satisfaction from working as a window cleaner!
Proud to be a window cleaner? I'd be more proud to be on the dole. And as for satisfaction! Jesus your an easy man to please. What a fantastic imagination you have!
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Steven Biggs on January 10, 2016, 06:53:40 am
It's like the hourly issue. Those earning £25-30 an hour on the glass and thinking they're doing well are mad. By the time you take into account, holidays, sick pay, your overheads etc, I reckon you're probably better off on £12 an hour in a dead end job.
your obviously spending far foo much on overheads .
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Shane sharples on January 10, 2016, 08:12:27 am
I don't know about the rest of the country but up north, you can live comfortably on £1600 a month
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 10, 2016, 09:19:59 am
Quote from: 8weekly link=topic=200363.msg1757677#msg1757677 dte=1452358664
It's like the hourly issue. Those earning £25-30 an hour on the glass and thinking they're doing well are mad. By the time you take into account, holidays, sick pay, your overheads etc, I reckon you're probably better off on £12 an hour in a dead end job.
your obviously spending far foo much on overheads .
I am the tightest bloke going. You have to remember that if you were employed you would get 28 days holiday a year. That's 6 weeks in work weeks. 20% of the working year. Then you add your overheads and the hours outside of  on the glass time and ,£25 an hour  on the glass is not great money.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Clever Forum Name on January 10, 2016, 09:29:03 am
Can't put a price on being your own boss. Although some are trying to ::)roll
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Shane sharples on January 10, 2016, 09:49:14 am
I thought we were discussing what you can live off  ::)roll
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 10, 2016, 11:19:13 am
I thought we were discussing what you can live off  ::)roll
In which case we could just go on benefits as it is proven you can live off that.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Shane sharples on January 10, 2016, 11:26:27 am
Awesome lets do it 👍👍
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: SeanK on January 10, 2016, 01:29:11 pm
Quote from: 8weekly link=topic=200363.msg1757677#msg1757677 dte=1452358664
It's like the hourly issue. Those earning £25-30 an hour on the glass and thinking they're doing well are mad. By the time you take into account, holidays, sick pay, your overheads etc, I reckon you're probably better off on £12 an hour in a dead end job.
your obviously spending far foo much on overheads .
I am the tightest bloke going. You have to remember that if you were employed you would get 28 days holiday a year. That's 6 weeks in work weeks. 20% of the working year. Then you add your overheads and the hours outside of  on the glass time and ,£25 an hour  on the glass is not great money.

If your on £30 an hour and haven't at least £20 before tax into your pocket then your doing something wrong, even
working 30 hours a week that would be £300 a week on overheads or £13800 a year over 46 working weeks.
Even allowing 6 weeks holiday pay at £600 per week that's still leaves you £10200 a year to play with.
As for administration time well I used to spend one and half hours unpaid every day just to get/drive to and from my employed job and that's not taking in the costs involved that as a PAYE working I couldn't claim for.
So what your really saying is somebody making £31200 a year for a 30 hour week would be better off in a £12 an hour
dead end job, come on.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: NWH on January 10, 2016, 04:20:32 pm
£12 an hour or £96 a day is not enough to live off where I live that's why people stay on the dole and get bills paid,you could live of it to a degree but it would mean watching every penny and still struggling. The government go on about this minimum £10 an hour but in reality it's still not really enough to live off and have enough left over for any luxurys at all.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 10, 2016, 04:20:52 pm
Quote from: 8weekly link=topic=200363.msg1757677#msg1757677 dte=1452358664
It's like the hourly issue. Those earning £25-30 an hour on the glass and thinking they're doing well are mad. By the time you take into account, holidays, sick pay, your overheads etc, I reckon you're probably better off on £12 an hour in a dead end job.
your obviously spending far foo much on overheads .
I am the tightest bloke going. You have to remember that if you were employed you would get 28 days holiday a year. That's 6 weeks in work weeks. 20% of the working year. Then you add your overheads and the hours outside of  on the glass time and ,£25 an hour  on the glass is not great money.

If your on £30 an hour and haven't at least £20 before tax into your pocket then your doing something wrong, even
working 30 hours a week that would be £300 a week on overheads or £13800 a year over 46 working weeks.
Even allowing 6 weeks holiday pay at £600 per week that's still leaves you £10200 a year to play with.
As for administration time well I used to spend one and half hours unpaid every day just to get/drive to and from my employed job and that's not taking in the costs involved that as a PAYE working I couldn't claim for.
So what your really saying is somebody making £31200 a year for a 30 hour week would be better off in a £12 an hour
dead end job, come on.
I said "on the glass". £30 an hour on the glass is nowhere near £900 a week.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Steven Biggs on January 10, 2016, 05:07:21 pm
Your overheads on a one man band or employe up to 1 person window cleaning business  should be no more than 5 % . .
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 10, 2016, 05:13:16 pm
Your overheads on a one man band or employe up to 1 person window cleaning business  should be no more than 5 % . .
Utter nonsense.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 10, 2016, 05:46:36 pm
My insurance PL/EL is £300 a year. So of my £30,000 turnover, my expenses should be £1,500 so that leaves £1,200.  Road tax £225. £975 left. A bag of resin £75. A van service £300. We're now down to £600. Mobile phone say £20 a  month - £480. Home office £15 a month £300 left.  Ooohh, van insurance £350. Wait, hold on we haven't got a van, say £5,000 over say 5 years, no fuel at perhaps £100 a month. As you can see, 5% is totally inadequate.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Steven Biggs on January 10, 2016, 05:52:58 pm
Your right . Just done a quick calculation it's more like 4% .  :D.and when I put some prices up  in the next 3 months it will  ;Dbe more like 3 %? ;D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 10, 2016, 05:54:19 pm
Your right . Just done a quick calculation it's more like 4% .  :D.and when I put some prices up  in the next 3 months it will  ;Dbe more like 3 %? ;D
;D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Walter Mitty on January 10, 2016, 05:57:12 pm
Your overheads on a one man band or employe up to 1 person window cleaning business  should be no more than 5 % . .

You  might just about manage that if cleaning the traditional way, working very hard on extremely well-priced work, with no vehicle loan and minimal vehicle maintenance with most work very local to you.  e.g. If you could manage a £50k turnover (a very big ask, especially on trad) and had a minimal business insurance £100 p.a., maybe not pay for an accountant and do it yourself, £1,500 p.a. for petrol/diesel, £150 p.a. for tools/clothing and £250 for miscellaneous other items (stationery, phone etc.), that would be £2k.  That leaves £500 for vehicle maintenance/tax/insurance.  It would be a bit over but if all ocal, fuel might be trimmed a little.
However, everything would need to be close to perfect in order to achieve it.  That might actually happen on occasional years.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Frankybadboy on January 10, 2016, 07:09:45 pm
who cares about money ::)roll ::)roll ::)roll ::)roll ::)roll

more to life than money,

and you cant take it to your graves  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Don Kee on January 10, 2016, 07:18:30 pm
You're getting robbed if you're paying £300 for a full service on your van
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 10, 2016, 07:25:31 pm
You're getting robbed if you're paying £300 for a full service on your van
::)roll

It was just a figure.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: DaveG on January 10, 2016, 08:06:37 pm
£12 an hour or £96 a day is not enough to live off where I live

Depends on your outgoings surely?

Just out of interest what area are you?

There's probably plenty of guys here that live in nice areas that could live on £500 a week.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Joey Eastwood on January 10, 2016, 08:26:12 pm
£12 an hour or £96 a day is not enough to live off where I live

Depends on your outgoings surely?

Just out of interest what area are you?

There's probably plenty of guys here that live in nice areas that could live on £500 a week.

Yeah I think where You live plays a big roll. Had this before on here. Where I live in Leicester my house (3 bed semi) in a nice little village is 180k or £600 a month to rent the same house in London would be 1million easily and 2k a month to rent, the £2500 a month I earn working 4 days a week  (trad) gets me a long way
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Don Kee on January 10, 2016, 08:45:34 pm
You're getting robbed if you're paying £300 for a full service on your van
::)roll

It was just a figure.

Oh, well if we're just pulling figures out the air...

I'm just pulling your chain mate, on a wind up! ;D

I like these types of threads, it's fun to see who's the most desperate to persuade everyone that they know best or earn the most (not aimed at anyone in particular before someone throws a paddy)
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Rich Wilts on January 10, 2016, 09:25:42 pm
Your overheads on a one man band or employe up to 1 person window cleaning business  should be no more than 5 % . .

Oh really? lol

So when I go out and crack out £200 a day my costs should be £10.00? Right? My van without fuel, insurance, tyres etc costs £20.00 a day.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Joey Eastwood on January 10, 2016, 10:16:14 pm
Your overheads on a one man band or employe up to 1 person window cleaning business  should be no more than 5 % . .

Oh really? lol

So when I go out and crack out £200 a day my costs should be £10.00? Right? My van without fuel, insurance, tyres etc costs £20.00 a day.

4grand a year for a Hire van? Or financed? Your vans too expensive lol mine cost me 1000 does the trick had it 3 years works out to £1 a day if it blew up tomorrow lol
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Steven Biggs on January 10, 2016, 10:23:49 pm
How does Your van cost you £20 a day ?. £30 a month in diesel . £20 a month to tax it . £25 a month on insurance . Mot . Servicing . Repairs . £500 a year tops . And that is more than half my expenses .
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: dazmond on January 11, 2016, 08:21:42 am
As a self-employed window cleaner I am proud to say that I assume the following roles:

chief executive officer (CEO), chief operations officer (COO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief risk officer (CRO), chief technology officer (CTO), chief marketing officer (CMO), teaboy and I have also been known to clean windows...

Of course window cleaning is a real job and after having worked in office jobs for 22+ years I get a great deal of satisfaction from working as a window cleaner!
Proud to be a window cleaner? I'd be more proud to be on the dole. And as for satisfaction! Jesus your an easy man to please. What a fantastic imagination you have!

proud to be on the dole?yeah right like all the other leeches in society?

we should all be proud we re not sitting around getting handouts for doing absolutely nothing.

take pride in your business,work hard and reap the rewards of being self employed.

window cleaning is a service in very high demand in this country.provide the service,earn a good income and count your lucky stars your not working for someone else making their already oversized wallets even fatter. :)
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: lal on January 11, 2016, 09:04:12 am
As a self-employed window cleaner I am proud to say that I assume the following roles:

chief executive officer (CEO), chief operations officer (COO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief risk officer (CRO), chief technology officer (CTO), chief marketing officer (CMO), teaboy and I have also been known to clean windows...

Of course window cleaning is a real job and after having worked in office jobs for 22+ years I get a great deal of satisfaction from working as a window cleaner!
Proud to be a window cleaner? I'd be more proud to be on the dole. And as for satisfaction! Jesus your an easy man to please. What a fantastic imagination you have!

proud to be on the dole?yeah right like all the other leeches in society?

we should all be proud we re not sitting around getting handouts for doing absolutely nothing.

take pride in your business,work hard and reap the rewards of being self employed.

window cleaning is a service in very high demand in this country.provide the service,earn a good income and count your lucky stars your not working for someone else making their already oversized wallets even fatter. :)

Great very inspirational  post dazmond    :)
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Rich Wilts on January 11, 2016, 09:11:34 am
Your overheads on a one man band or employe up to 1 person window cleaning business  should be no more than 5 % . .

Oh really? lol

So when I go out and crack out £200 a day my costs should be £10.00? Right? My van without fuel, insurance, tyres etc costs £20.00 a day.

4grand a year for a Hire van? Or financed? Your vans too expensive lol mine cost me 1000 does the trick had it 3 years works out to £1 a day if it blew up tomorrow lol

Who said it was a hire van. I would have a £1,000 van but I don't want an old jollopy wagon that looks like the local pikeys have turned up.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Rich Wilts on January 11, 2016, 09:12:20 am
How does Your van cost you £20 a day ?. £30 a month in diesel . £20 a month to tax it . £25 a month on insurance . Mot . Servicing . Repairs . £500 a year tops . And that is more than half my expenses .

My diesel bill is £50 a week.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Ian101 on January 11, 2016, 06:12:12 pm
is anything real ?

Is this the real life Is this just fantasy
Caught in a landslide No escape from reality.

Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Dave Willis on January 11, 2016, 06:26:55 pm
Fat bottomed girls are definitely real.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: chris turner on January 11, 2016, 07:12:42 pm
Your overheads on a one man band or employe up to 1 person window cleaning business  should be no more than 5 % . .

Oh really? lol

So when I go out and crack out £200 a day my costs should be £10.00? Right? My van without fuel, insurance, tyres etc costs £20.00 a day.

4grand a year for a Hire van? Or financed? Your vans too expensive lol mine cost me 1000 does the trick had it 3 years works out to £1 a day if it blew up tomorrow lol

Who said it was a hire van. I would have a £1,000 van but I don't want an old jollopy wagon that looks like the local pikeys have turned up.

Classic example of the reason why this forum has a bad name...
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: 8weekly on January 11, 2016, 07:14:24 pm
Your overheads on a one man band or employe up to 1 person window cleaning business  should be no more than 5 % . .

Oh really? lol

So when I go out and crack out £200 a day my costs should be £10.00? Right? My van without fuel, insurance, tyres etc costs £20.00 a day.

4grand a year for a Hire van? Or financed? Your vans too expensive lol mine cost me 1000 does the trick had it 3 years works out to £1 a day if it blew up tomorrow lol

Who said it was a hire van. I would have a £1,000 van but I don't want an old jollopy wagon that looks like the local pikeys have turned up.

Classic example of the reason why this forum has a bad name...
Too many pikeys?
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Rich Wilts on January 11, 2016, 08:43:26 pm
Too many pikeys on any forum is going to give it a bad name.  ;)

Unless its a heather selling forum.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Smurf on January 11, 2016, 08:50:05 pm
I happen to be a pikey so shut the feck up or about heather or me missus will put a curse on you  ;D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: chris turner on January 11, 2016, 09:33:34 pm
Alot of guys could easily afford a decent van but choose to buy a used older vehicle. That's there choice, doesn't make them pikeys.
All customers care about is your quality of work, not the quality of your van.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Johnny B on January 11, 2016, 09:49:57 pm
Alot of guys could easily afford a decent van but choose to buy a used older vehicle. That's there choice, doesn't make them pikeys.
All customers care about is your quality of work, not the quality of your van.

Well said Chris. Oh,  just to add, I have a few customers who are of the travelling community (there are a lot of them in my locality). Some of them live on part of an estate which is a no-go area for anyone who isn't accepted by them. I was approached by them initially to clean their windows, and they have always treated me very respectfully, as I have them.

John
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: chris turner on January 11, 2016, 09:52:56 pm
Alot of guys could easily afford a decent van but choose to buy a used older vehicle. That's there choice, doesn't make them pikeys.
All customers care about is your quality of work, not the quality of your van.

Well said Chris. Oh,  just to add, I have a few customers who are of the travelling community (there are a lot of them in my locality). Some of them live on part of an estate which is a no-go area for anyone who isn't accepted by them. I was approached by them initially to clean their windows, and they have always treated me very respectfully, as I have them.

John

Ya pikey ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Joey Eastwood on January 11, 2016, 10:27:25 pm
Alot of guys could easily afford a decent van but choose to buy a used older vehicle. That's there choice, doesn't make them pikeys.
All customers care about is your quality of work, not the quality of your van.


Yeah well said lol. As I said my van cost me a grand as its a work van who cares? It does the job fine, it's 2005 so hardly ancient, the £15 a day I save compared to a brand new van allows me to drive a bmw after work and at the weekends.. I know I prefer that to a work van I drive for 20mins a day to work lol
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Mick Kent on January 11, 2016, 10:29:00 pm
Joey is that your gf/wife in your profile photo???
Very pretty young lady.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Joey Eastwood on January 11, 2016, 10:31:40 pm
Yeah it is haha :) thanks, got to have something at home to make it worthwhile doing this job!  ;D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: chris turner on January 11, 2016, 10:44:04 pm
Yeah it is haha :) thanks, got to have something at home to make it worthwhile doing this job!  ;D

I thought it was kirsty Gallagher lol
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Joey Eastwood on January 11, 2016, 10:46:02 pm
Yeah it is haha :) thanks, got to have something at home to make it worthwhile doing this job!  ;D

I thought it was kirsty Gallagher lol

Think I'd swap her for a day for kirsty  :P hahaha
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: chris turner on January 11, 2016, 11:07:52 pm
Yeah it is haha :) thanks, got to have something at home to make it worthwhile doing this job!  ;D

I thought it was kirsty Gallagher lol

Think I'd swap her for a day for kirsty  :P hahaha

Il swap mine with yours for the day ;) ;D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Johnny B on January 11, 2016, 11:14:14 pm
Alot of guys could easily afford a decent van but choose to buy a used older vehicle. That's there choice, doesn't make them pikeys.
All customers care about is your quality of work, not the quality of your van.

Well said Chris. Oh,  just to add, I have a few customers who are of the travelling community (there are a lot of them in my locality). Some of them live on part of an estate which is a no-go area for anyone who isn't accepted by them. I was approached by them initially to clean their windows, and they have always treated me very respectfully, as I have them.

John

Ya pikey ;D ;D ;D

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Joey Eastwood on January 11, 2016, 11:18:22 pm
Yeah it is haha :) thanks, got to have something at home to make it worthwhile doing this job!  ;D

I thought it was kirsty Gallagher lol

Think I'd swap her for a day for kirsty  :P hahaha

Il swap mine with yours for the day ;) ;D

Let me see and il think about it unless you want to take the kids aswel then it's a deal  ;D
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: G Griffin on January 12, 2016, 12:41:23 am
Yeah it is haha :) thanks, got to have something at home to make it worthwhile doing this job!  ;D
At home?
Got her well trained, then, Joey? Hahaha.
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Steven Biggs on January 12, 2016, 05:44:27 am
How does Your van cost you £20 a day ?. £30 a month in diesel . £20 a month to tax it . £25 a month on insurance . Mot . Servicing . Repairs . £500 a year tops . And that is more than half my expenses .

My diesel bill is £50 a week.  £ 50 a week on diesel . That's a long time sat in the van driving and not earning .
Title: Re: Is window cleaning a real job?
Post by: Joey Eastwood on January 12, 2016, 08:43:47 am
Yeah it is haha :) thanks, got to have something at home to make it worthwhile doing this job!  ;D
At home?
Got her well trained, then, Joey? Hahaha.

Yeah lol! We got two young kids so she looks after them at the moment