Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Art on November 27, 2006, 09:55:24 pm
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How many have started there window cleaning business without any trad. experience whatsoever?
Arthur
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Ok i'll put my first question another way. Is it possible to start with WFP with no trad. experience?
Arthur
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I would try to master the blade as you cant wfp everything
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I was trad for about 2-3 months before i went waterfed pole!!
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Is it possible to start with WFP with no trad. experience?
Yes!
I started in March this year, straight into WFP (no previous WC experience). Now near max capacity and about to reorganise a few things in the new year.
Steve
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Is it possible to start with WFP with no trad. experience?
Yes!
I started in March this year, straight into WFP (no previous WC experience). Now near max capacity and about to reorganise a few things in the new year.
Steve
Hi Steve,
So how did you learn how to use a WFP system?
Arthur
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And do you blade anything at all? Insides etc.
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So how did you learn how to use a WFP system?
I spent a day with one of the guys on this forum and then practised on my house and then offered to do the neighbours free to get the practice on different houses (This worked a treat as they were very understanding that the system was new to me and I just took my time - They are now all good customers and have told their friends about WFP). Plus I digested everything on this forum!!!
And do you blade anything at all
I started blading insides but found it quicker to use a spray bottle with pure water and a good quality microfibre. This came about because a house that I did my first inside clean had so much electrical equipment that I was concerned about the drips from my applicator. I've done every inside clean the same since.
So now I don't blade anything!
Squeeky won't be impressed!
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I do think traditional window cleaning is a skill and should be learned. But that's just my opinion, I don't think wfp is that much of a big deal. Yes you do need to know what you are doing with wfp, but traditional is something that I truly consider a skill.
No offense :)
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I totally agree!
To clean using the traditional method is definitely a skilful process.
I watch true trad users with envy!
But not having to use ladders enabled me to enter the profession and make a living. Having invested in the equipment it was easy to use the pole for everything and I used WFP as a USP (Unique Selling Point) to get customers.
I also think there is a place for both. Some jobs I have been invited to quote for were better suited to trad.
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And do you blade anything at all
I started blading insides but found it quicker to use a spray bottle with pure water and a good quality microfibre. This came about because a house that I did my first inside clean had so much electrical equipment that I was concerned about the drips from my applicator. I've done every inside clean the same since.
So now I don't blade anything!
Squeeky won't be impressed!
Sorry mate but how can you think that spray bottle and buffing is quicker than applicating and squeegeeing the window! Much easier & quicker in my opinion! :)
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True, and less smears as well, Georgian windows, okay, but big panes, you can see the smears, unless you are meticulous with every wipe.
SO much faster with app. and squeegee :)
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I started wfp with no window cleaning experience at all coming from an industrial cleaning background. It hasn't held me back! ;)
Rod
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So now I don't blade anything!
Squeeky won't be impressed!
Tut tut... ::)
;D
I started wfp with no window cleaning experience at all...
Still haven't then Rod...? ;D
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you are much better off going into WFP from a trad background as your understanding of window cleaning is so much greater, one of the problems of going straight into WFP is that learning those trad skills (and there are times when you have to use them) takes infinitely longer, and you are unlikely to ever truly match a skilled trad window cleaner.
For those that are trad and going into WFP, you also realise that there is also a great deal of skill required in the use of WFP if you want to achieve top quality results.
As time passes though, more and more will enter the window cleaning arena directly via the WFP route, and there may well come a time when it is the only route to follow.
Ian
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I think you need to be able to use trad its part of the job but its another tool in the box
When i went straight into wfp i had no help at all until i found this forum so going into wfp can be more complicated at first but if you turn round to a customer and say sorry i cant blade your inside windows it doesnt look good
Brett.
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I think you need to be able to use trad its part of the job but its another tool in the box
When i went straight into wfp i had no help at all until i found this forum so going into wfp can be more complicated at first but if you turn round to a customer and say sorry i cant blade your inside windows it doesnt look good
Brett.
Exactly the point! I think a professional window cleaner will be able to clean all windows. That means that you should have mastered both.
Unfortunately, wfp is also more expensive, I don't have the funds for it now. And even then! I would do groundfloor windows traditional style and only the top ones with a backpack/trolley.
Hey, I fell in love with trad. Window Cleaning! It's great!
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I agree with all your points. But at the end of the day my customers pay me for good results and recommend me based on the quality of my work.
but if you turn round to a customer and say sorry i cant blade your inside windows it doesnt look good
Again, I agree but I won't have to say that, as I can blade if I have to (with good results but just slower) but I have not had a need to do it.
A common statement I get from customers is:- my last window cleaner always left streaks and smears. I've not lost any customers due to poor quality work.