Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: harleyman on June 20, 2020, 05:37:48 am
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I think window cleaners now adays have be come jack of all trades that includes me.. gone have the days for most that only do Windows we seem to take on all sorts of add ons ,I've recently been asked to re-place air vents in facias and block up holes so birds can't get in to loft space. People are either geting lazey or have money to burn or looking for a cheap alternative ...
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From my experience these "add on" jobs are usually asked for by people looking for a cheap job - they are part of the "can you just..." brigade
Fortunately, the father in law is a builder so I've some help in pricing/time to do or I pass it over to him - I probably get 2 in 10 of this sort of work but it's charged at £70 p/h
Darran
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From my experience these "add on" jobs are usually asked for by people looking for a cheap job - they are part of the "can you just..." brigade
Fortunately, the father in law is a builder so I've some help in pricing/time to do or I pass it over to him - I probably get 2 in 10 of this sort of work but it's charged at £70 p/h
Darran
Darran
From another angle I also think that these requests can come from people because they trust you. When I was Tiling I was asked if I also fitted skirting boards, coving and whether I could do bricklaying because he thought it was about the same as Tiling. One customer offered me £250 to assemble their wardrobes and cupboards from IKEA ;D.
But in general most are lazy and want it done on the cheap.
Kev
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It's mostley younger ones imo one's who have no life experience or have sat on the game boy gone straight to uni landed a cushy job and can't fend for them selves.or simply cant be arssed having a go..it was different back in my day..god i sound like my dad😁😁
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Jack of all trades master of none.
I think that was the old saying ???
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🤣🤣 I actually spoke to a builder last year that did a bathroom he finished the plastering tiling etc and she kept on asking for little add on jobs or can you just,he said to her hang on before you give me a list of jobs that haven’t been quoted for I need to go to the van and get my “can you just” note pad🤣he never heard another job mentioned,she wanted a mirror toilet roll holder cabinet all fitted for free.
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I think window cleaners now adays have be come jack of all trades that includes me.. gone have the days for most that only do Windows we seem to take on all sorts of add ons ,I've recently been asked to re-place air vents in facias and block up holes so birds can't get in to loft space. People are either geting lazey or have money to burn or looking for a cheap alternative ...
I'm actually the opposite these days....years ago when I was in my twenties I'd fix gutters,paint fences,fix roof tiles,cut ivy away from upper windows for some of my customers.....not now....I cant be arsed....
I stick to window cleaning and the odd f/s/g,conny roof clean......I get round as quick as possible and get home....
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Kev,
Your right, long established customers tend to "inquire" IF we could do something or know a local tradesman - my post was generally aimed at new/1 off customers
Darran
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Im like you daz just want to do windows but ive started to do odd jobs now and agian i just cant help my self i always have to be doing something ,I need help😁I've shelved the soft washing for now
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Never.
I am geared up for window cleaning. I’m expert at window cleaning. I’m insured for window cleaning. I have all the perfect equipment for window cleaning. I know how to price window cleaning.
I’m not geared up for anything else, and I know I won’t be as efficient at anything else.
If I have extra time available, I’ll fill it with... window cleaning!
If a customer asks for anything else, I have a collection of business cards in the van for various trades people.
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I have actually replaced vents on soffits for a couple of customers ;D
I do pressure washing, FSG, con roofs, solar panels, I have even cut ivy away from walls etc.
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I started off doing car valeting, added windows, then carpet cleaning, gutter cleaning, fsg, roof cleaning, pressure washing.. used to do internals as well.
At the end of it all I got really busy and realised I was running around doing all sorts for less profit than window cleaning with a load more hassle to boot.
Stopped car valeting first then sold the carpet cleaner then the pressure washer. Then sold the gutter vac. Now I don't even carry trad gear.
All I do is external windows, easier and more profitable. I may do the odd fsg or conny but they are always priced daft now because I just don't want to do them.
I wouldn't entertain doing anything else now far too busy to be fixing someones fence lol
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The last add-on job I did was raking out and pointing up a brick lintel over a front downstairs window.
For a mornings work and some real job satisfaction it was well worth it. Including the £250.00 cash.
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Never.
I am geared up for window cleaning. I’m expert at window cleaning. I’m insured for window cleaning. I have all the perfect equipment for window cleaning. I know how to price window cleaning.
I’m not geared up for anything else, and I know I won’t be as efficient at anything else.
If I have extra time available, I’ll fill it with... window cleaning!
If a customer asks for anything else, I have a collection of business cards in the van for various trades people.
great response
this is the simplest way to run a profitable business and best way to get an easier life.
far easier if you want to scale and employ too
i always want to add things and grasp 'opportunities' that 'fall in my lap', but i try to stop myself and simplify the business again and again.
the more different jobs you do, the more problems you have with staff, or trying to get yourself out of the day to day business.
even domestic window cleaning and commercial window cleaning are different jobs. often even need different equipment
saying that, some people want the variety of the additional jobs. window cleaning on its own can be very boring.. if you work on your own and like the variety thats great..
probably not best for your 'business' but as long as you know why you are doing it, and what impact it has, you can do it
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Im like you daz just want to do windows but ive started to do odd jobs now and agian i just cant help my self i always have to be doing something ,I need help😁I've shelved the soft washing for now
your making a rod for your own back mate... ;D......unless you enjoy doing them....i just want to get my window cleaning done and get home....ive got enough of my own DIY jobs to be doing in my spare time at home!
its different when your younger with boundless energy and holes to fill in your round...when you get a bit older you need to use your time/energy wisely.....the more you accept these jobs the more you will be asked.....
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Darran
From another angle I also think that these requests can come from people because they trust you. When I was Tiling I was asked if I also fitted skirting boards, coving and whether I could do bricklaying because he thought it was about the same as Tiling. One customer offered me £250 to assemble their wardrobes and cupboards from IKEA ;D.
But in general most are lazy and want it done on the cheap.
Kev
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Exactly that.
I was a painter before and I picked up a vast amount of painting work through regular window cleaning.
The customers knew that I had to do a decent job and be reliable and honest simply so as not to jeopardize my monthly window clean money.
It worked very well until I ran out of available time and just concentrated on glass instead.
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I hate it when customers ask for extra jobs like guttering etc. On the odd occasion I'll do it but normally I'll have to reject it which can sometimes be a bit awkward. Even if they just want me to do inside windows it can be a bit of a blow to have someone spring it on you when you don't expect it. It's even worse I find if working trad as when you have a ladder out you seem to get more requests for little extras but I'm definitely of the pursuasion not to want to do anything other than actual window cleaning.
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I had a customer the other day ask if I would clean his car with my gear. He said he would give me a fiver(I charge a tenner for his bungalow which is reasonable anyway).
He was an old boy and I felt a bit bad saying no but I had other jobs booked in and I didn’t really want to get my brush gritty from cleaning his wheels etc.
I know what you mean though customers can think we do all sorts lol
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I hate it when customers ask for extra jobs like guttering etc. On the odd occasion I'll do it but normally I'll have to reject it which can sometimes be a bit awkward. Even if they just want me to do inside windows it can be a bit of a blow to have someone spring it on you when you don't expect it. It's even worse I find if working trad as when you have a ladder out you seem to get more requests for little extras but I'm definitely of the pursuasion not to want to do anything other than actual window cleaning.
Haha yes it is soul destroying when a customer says by the way would you be able to clean my fascias whilst your here. You've got a full day's windows booked in and in your head thinking ffs how do I get out of this. ;D
So you mumble something like, oh er ill have to do it next time.
Next time comes around and you just clean the windows hoping they forget. You finish off and they collar you and reluctantly you swear and sweat your way through the next hour with your shoulders on fire vowing to just say NO next time. 😂
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Never.
I am geared up for window cleaning. I’m expert at window cleaning. I’m insured for window cleaning. I have all the perfect equipment for window cleaning. I know how to price window cleaning.
I’m not geared up for anything else, and I know I won’t be as efficient at anything else.
If I have extra time available, I’ll fill it with... window cleaning!
If a customer asks for anything else, I have a collection of business cards in the van for various trades people.
I'm not knocking you but i think it would drive me round the twist just doing windows day in day out, it's such a boring mundane job with little to no job satisfaction.
I like doing the extra jobs and they pay better than windows if priced right and usually a lump sum instead of driving around for little bits.
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Never.
I am geared up for window cleaning. I’m expert at window cleaning. I’m insured for window cleaning. I have all the perfect equipment for window cleaning. I know how to price window cleaning.
I’m not geared up for anything else, and I know I won’t be as efficient at anything else.
If I have extra time available, I’ll fill it with... window cleaning!
If a customer asks for anything else, I have a collection of business cards in the van for various trades people.
I'm not knocking you but i think it would drive me round the twist just doing windows day in day out, it's such a boring mundane job with little to no job satisfaction.
I like doing the extra jobs and they pay better than windows if priced right and usually a lump sum instead of driving around for little bits.
that makes complete sense.
i think there is a big difference between people who are still working on the tools and who employ other people to do the jobs.
its much simpler and more cost effective if you are emptying to be niche and simplify your service.
if you still do the cleaning work yourself, and you have time and want to do other things that makes complete sense.
if you want to get yourself out of the cleaning, and grow a sustainable business, this is much easier to do if you offer a simple service
R
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Never.
I am geared up for window cleaning. I’m expert at window cleaning. I’m insured for window cleaning. I have all the perfect equipment for window cleaning. I know how to price window cleaning.
I’m not geared up for anything else, and I know I won’t be as efficient at anything else.
If I have extra time available, I’ll fill it with... window cleaning!
If a customer asks for anything else, I have a collection of business cards in the van for various trades people.
I'm not knocking you but i think it would drive me round the twist just doing windows day in day out, it's such a boring mundane job with little to no job satisfaction.
I like doing the extra jobs and they pay better than windows if priced right and usually a lump sum instead of driving around for little bits.
that makes complete sense.
i think there is a big difference between people who are still working on the tools and who employ other people to do the jobs.
its much simpler and more cost effective if you are emptying to be niche and simplify your service.
if you still do the cleaning work yourself, and you have time and want to do other things that makes complete sense.
if you want to get yourself out of the cleaning, and grow a sustainable business, this is much easier to do if you offer a simple service
R
Totally disagree - if thats all your staff do, assuming they have half a brain cell then they are going to get bored - when bored they start to look for better things to do ( just like ourselves ) - the guys love s/f/g cleans - Conny work or a day pressure washing to break up the routine - they also like the satisfaction of seeing a big difference in the end result from cr@ppy to clean with much more appreciation from the customer than you get from regular window cleaning
for me it also has the added benifit that they earn x2 p/h what window cleaning brings in
Darran
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Never.
I am geared up for window cleaning. I’m expert at window cleaning. I’m insured for window cleaning. I have all the perfect equipment for window cleaning. I know how to price window cleaning.
I’m not geared up for anything else, and I know I won’t be as efficient at anything else.
If I have extra time available, I’ll fill it with... window cleaning!
If a customer asks for anything else, I have a collection of business cards in the van for various trades people.
I'm not knocking you but i think it would drive me round the twist just doing windows day in day out, it's such a boring mundane job with little to no job satisfaction.
I like doing the extra jobs and they pay better than windows if priced right and usually a lump sum instead of driving around for little bits.
that makes complete sense.
i think there is a big difference between people who are still working on the tools and who employ other people to do the jobs.
its much simpler and more cost effective if you are emptying to be niche and simplify your service.
if you still do the cleaning work yourself, and you have time and want to do other things that makes complete sense.
if you want to get yourself out of the cleaning, and grow a sustainable business, this is much easier to do if you offer a simple service
R
Totally disagree - if thats all your staff do, assuming they have half a brain cell then they are going to get bored - when bored they start to look for better things to do ( just like ourselves ) - the guys love s/f/g cleans - Conny work or a day pressure washing to break up the routine - they also like the satisfaction of seeing a big difference in the end result from cr@ppy to clean with much more appreciation from the customer than you get from regular window cleaning
for me it also has the added benifit that they earn x2 p/h what window cleaning brings in
Darran
i doubt you would disagree that its simpler and easier that you highlighted?
the more different jobs you have, the more reliant you are on staff who can do those jobs. the harder it is to be efficient. the more wasted equipment you have, the less effective your marketing will be, worse profit margins, a more complicated business to run.
you need higher trained and more experienced staff on the cleaning side as well as the office side.
you need more equipment and different systems and processes in your business
yes it can make the job more variable for them. but also it comes with headaches for them too of more problems with unfamiliarity.
i think it is a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy also.
if you have staff that are used to the variety and how things work. the staff will tell you they like it how it is. you then run a risk when you try and change their job. they will tell you they like that variety and if you change it you may well loose some of them.
obv when they do leave you are then at risk of being pulled back into the cleaning work because the skills you have lost are not simple to train up. so you start doing jet washing, and conny cleans or whatever.
you also get staff who like the routine. they like a job and knock off. who like things hassle free.
they may not work for you as long, but they can last 3 years or more before they move on
its certainly a lot easier to replace staff when they have a simple job, which is quick to learn, and they are able to master the work side of it quickly.
if you want to scale a business and spend more time working on your business rather than cleaning, AND spend less time working in your business... niching it down and simplifying your service is the way to do that.
if thats not what you want, and you like it the way it is, thats fine
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as I say Richard, diversity works well for us - none of the services on offer are "rocket science" - basically if you can't trust your staff with anything more than a stick with a brush on the end thats your issue - personally apart from the odd roof clean im not on the tools - I only do the roof stuff because I love it ( I usually suffer later on in the week ) I whole thing runs pretty much like clockwork - we have cleans booked in uptown 4 weeks in advance and with CP and what we know the guys do p/h work just slots in
If I were to do windows only id need to have at Least 5 more vans on the road to bring in the same sort of turn over as "add on" works currently do - to me another 5 employees with holidays and all the extras that go with that is more of a hassle than taking better paid work ( oooh I sound like Nigel! ). windows is a good base line business and with the right person at the helm can/will expand and make good money - but at a lower overall % to doing one off works
The trick is bringing in a good flow of new work and as you know ive got an excellent person driving that side of the biz 8)
Darran
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Never.
I am geared up for window cleaning. I’m expert at window cleaning. I’m insured for window cleaning. I have all the perfect equipment for window cleaning. I know how to price window cleaning.
I’m not geared up for anything else, and I know I won’t be as efficient at anything else.
If I have extra time available, I’ll fill it with... window cleaning!
If a customer asks for anything else, I have a collection of business cards in the van for various trades people.
I'm not knocking you but i think it would drive me round the twist just doing windows day in day out, it's such a boring mundane job with little to no job satisfaction.
I like doing the extra jobs and they pay better than windows if priced right and usually a lump sum instead of driving around for little bits.
that makes complete sense.
i think there is a big difference between people who are still working on the tools and who employ other people to do the jobs.
its much simpler and more cost effective if you are emptying to be niche and simplify your service.
if you still do the cleaning work yourself, and you have time and want to do other things that makes complete sense.
if you want to get yourself out of the cleaning, and grow a sustainable business, this is much easier to do if you offer a simple service
R
Totally disagree - if thats all your staff do, assuming they have half a brain cell then they are going to get bored - when bored they start to look for better things to do ( just like ourselves ) - the guys love s/f/g cleans - Conny work or a day pressure washing to break up the routine - they also like the satisfaction of seeing a big difference in the end result from cr@ppy to clean with much more appreciation from the customer than you get from regular window cleaning
for me it also has the added benifit that they earn x2 p/h what window cleaning brings in
Darran
i doubt you would disagree that its simpler and easier that you highlighted?
the more different jobs you have, the more reliant you are on staff who can do those jobs. the harder it is to be efficient. the more wasted equipment you have, the less effective your marketing will be, worse profit margins, a more complicated business to run.
you need higher trained and more experienced staff on the cleaning side as well as the office side.
you need more equipment and different systems and processes in your business
yes it can make the job more variable for them. but also it comes with headaches for them too of more problems with unfamiliarity.
i think it is a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy also.
if you have staff that are used to the variety and how things work. the staff will tell you they like it how it is. you then run a risk when you try and change their job. they will tell you they like that variety and if you change it you may well loose some of them.
obv when they do leave you are then at risk of being pulled back into the cleaning work because the skills you have lost are not simple to train up. so you start doing jet washing, and conny cleans or whatever.
you also get staff who like the routine. they like a job and knock off. who like things hassle free.
they may not work for you as long, but they can last 3 years or more before they move on
its certainly a lot easier to replace staff when they have a simple job, which is quick to learn, and they are able to master the work side of it quickly.
if you want to scale a business and spend more time working on your business rather than cleaning, AND spend less time working in your business... niching it down and simplifying your service is the way to do that.
if thats not what you want, and you like it the way it is, thats fine
Don't know about this. Smudger reconed he'd turned over nearly 200k by the time Corona hit and as far as I am aware he has 5 staff. Doing ok if you ask me.
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Window cleaning is the add on for us. About 15% of turnover last year.
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I hate it when customers ask for extra jobs like guttering etc. On the odd occasion I'll do it but normally I'll have to reject it which can sometimes be a bit awkward. Even if they just want me to do inside windows it can be a bit of a blow to have someone spring it on you when you don't expect it. It's even worse I find if working trad as when you have a ladder out you seem to get more requests for little extras but I'm definitely of the pursuasion not to want to do anything other than actual window cleaning.
Haha yes it is soul destroying when a customer says by the way would you be able to clean my fascias whilst your here. You've got a full day's windows booked in and in your head thinking ffs how do I get out of this. ;D
So you mumble something like, oh er ill have to do it next time.
Next time comes around and you just clean the windows hoping they forget. You finish off and they collar you and reluctantly you swear and sweat your way through the next hour with your shoulders on fire vowing to just say NO next time. 😂
Personally I think this is a unprofessional way of operating......I wouldn't dream of doing this....if a customer asks me to clean their f/s/g/conny roof,etc I price them up there and then and if they agree to my price book them in next time I clean their windows(usually)....I also text them the night before so they know I'm coming.......
9 times out of 10 they say no to my add on price which suits me......if they say yes then I know I'll earn well out of it for the extra work/hassle involved.....
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5 staff turning over 200k = 40k per man then before vat and tax,I’m never normally to far away with my numbers 🤣🤣.
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5 staff turning over 200k = 40k per man then before vat and tax,I’m never normally to far away with my numbers 🤣🤣.
Oh Nigel,so sorry to disapoint you, go and read the thread and the post - this referred to a period leading up to the lockdown not a years turnover love and kisses :-*
Darran 😁
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5 staff turning over 200k = 40k per man then before vat and tax,I’m never normally to far away with my numbers 🤣🤣.
Eh, you are out a bit here. Only by a factor of about 5 though so close.
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it really is "each to their own" in regards to add ons........personally i dont think you can beat just regular window work with the odd add on job here and there....esp if your a sole trader
having a good base of regular window cleaning work is self sustaining,no advertising needed,you can also earn well out of it for short hours and its less tiring than add ons....
it makes me laugh when some chaps say just window cleaning is "boring"....as if pressure washing,f/s/g cleans and conny roofs are that much more interesting! ::)roll ;D
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Window cleaning is the add on for us. About 15% of turnover last year.
What do you do for the other 85%?
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Daz you are right it’s each to there own I agree but sit down and factor in tax differences and vat m8 the numbers aren’t great with lots of vans out,I’d like to think if I had 5 + vans out I’d be Netting 150-200k to myself but a loud noise would wake me from my slumber.
Forget all the Tax and Vat the biggest thing you’ll be hit with is hassle and stress,no government grants for that I’m afraid 🤣🤣.
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Never.
I am geared up for window cleaning. I’m expert at window cleaning. I’m insured for window cleaning. I have all the perfect equipment for window cleaning. I know how to price window cleaning.
I’m not geared up for anything else, and I know I won’t be as efficient at anything else.
If I have extra time available, I’ll fill it with... window cleaning!
If a customer asks for anything else, I have a collection of business cards in the van for various trades people.
I'm not knocking you but i think it would drive me round the twist just doing windows day in day out, it's such a boring mundane job with little to no job satisfaction.
I like doing the extra jobs and they pay better than windows if priced right and usually a lump sum instead of driving around for little bits.
that makes complete sense.
i think there is a big difference between people who are still working on the tools and who employ other people to do the jobs.
its much simpler and more cost effective if you are emptying to be niche and simplify your service.
if you still do the cleaning work yourself, and you have time and want to do other things that makes complete sense.
if you want to get yourself out of the cleaning, and grow a sustainable business, this is much easier to do if you offer a simple service
R
Totally disagree - if thats all your staff do, assuming they have half a brain cell then they are going to get bored - when bored they start to look for better things to do ( just like ourselves ) - the guys love s/f/g cleans - Conny work or a day pressure washing to break up the routine - they also like the satisfaction of seeing a big difference in the end result from cr@ppy to clean with much more appreciation from the customer than you get from regular window cleaning
for me it also has the added benifit that they earn x2 p/h what window cleaning brings in
Darran
i doubt you would disagree that its simpler and easier that you highlighted?
the more different jobs you have, the more reliant you are on staff who can do those jobs. the harder it is to be efficient. the more wasted equipment you have, the less effective your marketing will be, worse profit margins, a more complicated business to run.
you need higher trained and more experienced staff on the cleaning side as well as the office side.
you need more equipment and different systems and processes in your business
yes it can make the job more variable for them. but also it comes with headaches for them too of more problems with unfamiliarity.
i think it is a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy also.
if you have staff that are used to the variety and how things work. the staff will tell you they like it how it is. you then run a risk when you try and change their job. they will tell you they like that variety and if you change it you may well loose some of them.
obv when they do leave you are then at risk of being pulled back into the cleaning work because the skills you have lost are not simple to train up. so you start doing jet washing, and conny cleans or whatever.
you also get staff who like the routine. they like a job and knock off. who like things hassle free.
they may not work for you as long, but they can last 3 years or more before they move on
its certainly a lot easier to replace staff when they have a simple job, which is quick to learn, and they are able to master the work side of it quickly.
if you want to scale a business and spend more time working on your business rather than cleaning, AND spend less time working in your business... niching it down and simplifying your service is the way to do that.
if thats not what you want, and you like it the way it is, thats fine
Don't know about this. Smudger reconed he'd turned over nearly 200k by the time Corona hit and as far as I am aware he has 5 staff. Doing ok if you ask me.
its not a Q if you are doing alright,
its 100% fine to run your business how you want to.
there are plenty of ways of making decent money.
Smudger seems to have a very nice business worked out and thats a credit to him and his Mrs
their business seems to work great for them so there's no need for them to change it.
i stand by the fact that the less services you offer, the more niche you are, the simpler your business it, the more easily scalable your business is and the more profitable you can make it.
be that niche window cleaning, or be it another [cleaning] service.
but if you like having multiple services for variety or whatever, and are happy, and making good money with a good lifestyle, and its sustainable that is genuinely great (and I'm sure I can learn a lot from you)
:)
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Daz you are right it’s each to there own I agree but sit down and factor in tax differences and vat m8 the numbers aren’t great with lots of vans out,I’d like to think if I had 5 + vans out I’d be Netting 150-200k to myself but a loud noise would wake me from my slumber.
Forget all the Tax and Vat the biggest thing you’ll be hit with is hassle and stress,no government grants for that I’m afraid 🤣🤣.
Why are you so hung up about how other people run their business? Because you run your business using a certain business model doesn’t mean that business model will work for everyone. Have you ever heard the saying ‘ there’s more than one way to skin a cat ’?
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I’m not hung up about anything m8 maybe some people are hung up about diesel heaters.
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Window cleaning is the add on for us. About 15% of turnover last year.
What do you do for the other 85%?
Solo parnells.
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Please remember that Nigel inherited his business from his family he’s never really needed to start out and make a living like most of us
Daz your right window cleaning is a superb way to earn an income and has the benefit of repeating constantly that’s why it’s an excellent thing to do either as a main work source or as one on many strings to your bow ( just don’t have too many!) how ever it your scaling up the overall return on a windows only biz is not great enough for the number of staff vehicles customers required - I think mr. Bannatyne found that out
Darran
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Please remember that Nigel inherited his business from his family he’s never really needed to start out and make a living like most of us
This explains a lot.
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Never.
I am geared up for window cleaning. I’m expert at window cleaning. I’m insured for window cleaning. I have all the perfect equipment for window cleaning. I know how to price window cleaning.
I’m not geared up for anything else, and I know I won’t be as efficient at anything else.
If I have extra time available, I’ll fill it with... window cleaning!
If a customer asks for anything else, I have a collection of business cards in the van for various trades people.
I'm not knocking you but i think it would drive me round the twist just doing windows day in day out, it's such a boring mundane job with little to no job satisfaction.
I like doing the extra jobs and they pay better than windows if priced right and usually a lump sum instead of driving around for little bits.
that makes complete sense.
i think there is a big difference between people who are still working on the tools and who employ other people to do the jobs.
its much simpler and more cost effective if you are emptying to be niche and simplify your service.
if you still do the cleaning work yourself, and you have time and want to do other things that makes complete sense.
if you want to get yourself out of the cleaning, and grow a sustainable business, this is much easier to do if you offer a simple service
R
Totally disagree - if thats all your staff do, assuming they have half a brain cell then they are going to get bored - when bored they start to look for better things to do ( just like ourselves ) - the guys love s/f/g cleans - Conny work or a day pressure washing to break up the routine - they also like the satisfaction of seeing a big difference in the end result from cr@ppy to clean with much more appreciation from the customer than you get from regular window cleaning
for me it also has the added benifit that they earn x2 p/h what window cleaning brings in
Darran
i doubt you would disagree that its simpler and easier that you highlighted?
the more different jobs you have, the more reliant you are on staff who can do those jobs. the harder it is to be efficient. the more wasted equipment you have, the less effective your marketing will be, worse profit margins, a more complicated business to run.
you need higher trained and more experienced staff on the cleaning side as well as the office side.
you need more equipment and different systems and processes in your business
yes it can make the job more variable for them. but also it comes with headaches for them too of more problems with unfamiliarity.
i think it is a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy also.
if you have staff that are used to the variety and how things work. the staff will tell you they like it how it is. you then run a risk when you try and change their job. they will tell you they like that variety and if you change it you may well loose some of them.
obv when they do leave you are then at risk of being pulled back into the cleaning work because the skills you have lost are not simple to train up. so you start doing jet washing, and conny cleans or whatever.
you also get staff who like the routine. they like a job and knock off. who like things hassle free.
they may not work for you as long, but they can last 3 years or more before they move on
its certainly a lot easier to replace staff when they have a simple job, which is quick to learn, and they are able to master the work side of it quickly.
if you want to scale a business and spend more time working on your business rather than cleaning, AND spend less time working in your business... niching it down and simplifying your service is the way to do that.
if thats not what you want, and you like it the way it is, thats fine
Don't know about this. Smudger reconed he'd turned over nearly 200k by the time Corona hit and as far as I am aware he has 5 staff. Doing ok if you ask me.
its not a Q if you are doing alright,
its 100% fine to run your business how you want to.
there are plenty of ways of making decent money.
Smudger seems to have a very nice business worked out and thats a credit to him and his Mrs
their business seems to work great for them so there's no need for them to change it.
i stand by the fact that the less services you offer, the more niche you are, the simpler your business it, the more easily scalable your business is and the more profitable you can make it.
be that niche window cleaning, or be it another [cleaning] service.
but if you like having multiple services for variety or whatever, and are happy, and making good money with a good lifestyle, and its sustainable that is genuinely great (and I'm sure I can learn a lot from you)
:)
I think that last bit about learning is key. Nothing I do is original , it's all been thought up by other people and I apply it to my business. If I see a guy cleaning anything, I'll watch how that do it. You never know when you'll learn something new which can further your business be it a new service or just a different way of doing things.
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Daz you are right it’s each to there own I agree but sit down and factor in tax differences and vat m8 the numbers aren’t great with lots of vans out,I’d like to think if I had 5 + vans out I’d be Netting 150-200k to myself but a loud noise would wake me from my slumber.
Forget all the Tax and Vat the biggest thing you’ll be hit with is hassle and stress,no government grants for that I’m afraid 🤣🤣.
What are you talking about. Smudger turned over nearly 200k in about 11 weeks. What are you on?
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Please remember that Nigel inherited his business from his family he’s never really needed to start out and make a living like most of us
Explains alot.
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Please remember that Nigel inherited his business from his family he’s never really needed to start out and make a living like most of us
Daz your right window cleaning is a superb way to earn an income and has the benefit of repeating constantly that’s why it’s an excellent thing to do either as a main work source or as one on many strings to your bow ( just don’t have too many!) how ever it your scaling up the overall return on a windows only biz is not great enough for the number of staff vehicles customers required - I think mr. Bannatyne found that out
Darran
Window cleaning is a great way to earn city money with employing 1-2 people even just 1,just because you employ 5-10-50 people it means nout when you get that far in you will sit on your swivel chair calling the shots and clutching you’re balls but at the end of the day you ain’t much better off than the first example.
I’ve done the numbers it’s not hard and when you factor in Vat and high level Tax and the most damaging thing to your health hassle and stress you are as I say no better off,ah but I have a business you say the 1-2 man doesn’t I can swivel on my chair when they are out working,I say nonsense cash is king not how much the bank will lend you and it won’t be long they won’t even be doing that 🤣🤣🤣🤣 👍 happy days.
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Wish I could understand any of that mumbo jumbo...?
Nigel why do you frequent this forum?
Darran
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Wish I could understand any of that mumbo jumbo...?
Nigel why do you frequent this forum?
Darran
The blokes an absolute weapon mate and you keep humouring him.
Just let him get on with it, pat him on the head and every so often say “good boy” to pacify him.
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Okay will do ;D
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i don,t do any of the can u just do thing normaly ends up with you out of pocket ::)roll ill stick with
window cleaning
gutter cleaning
soft washing
pressure washing
y complicate it ;D
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🤣🤣 big boys my arse I might get myself a swivel chair 🤣 🪑