Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Frequently Asked Questions & Useful Resources => Topic started by: andy781 on August 30, 2004, 08:01:13 pm

Title: Driving Instructor looking for a better life.
Post by: andy781 on August 30, 2004, 08:01:13 pm

Firstly, Thanks for the great site!

I am looking to start a window cleaning round in Nov 2004 after my holidays, on a part-time basis then full time once it has built up.

I have never cleaned windows and was wondering if there was a window cleaner who needed some help for 3-4 hours a week, leading upto Nov in return for training, help and advice.

I live in Hornchurch, Essex and would be willing to travel out.

any further advice would be very welcome
Thanks again.
andyspires@yahoo.co.uk

Title: Re: Driving Instructor looking for a better life.
Post by: Rob_Mac on August 30, 2004, 10:38:26 pm

Have some info on what driving instructors earn, know a couple (Customers). Go for the window cleaning you'll be earning 3 or 4 times their rate if you do it properly

Title: Re: Driving Instructor looking for a better life.
Post by: Philip Hanson on August 30, 2004, 10:49:28 pm

Hello Andy and welcome to the forum.

To start a window-cleaning business is reasonably straightforward, but it is important to start with the proper attitude and not be afraid of physical work.

For a complete newcomer like yourself, I think you might have a bit of a struggle to find a local window cleaner willing to train you, but you might be lucky.  However, there are training courses for new starters which are designed to teach you how to use the tools, safety with ladders, water-fed poles, marketing a window cleaning business etc.  These are run by The British Window Cleaning Academy.  Having attended their courses myself I would strongly recommend them.

The BWCA is sponsored by the water-fed pole systems industry leader, Ionic Systems.

Details are available at http://www.ionicsystems.com (you will see a pop up with contact information)

Among the choices you will face as you start up is whether to use traditional tools (Ladder, squeegee etc at a cost of around £400) or go for the more expensive option of the water-fed pole (from £1,500 to upwards of £6,000).  There have already been many good topics on this dilema, and it would be best to have a look through them both on this and the Window Cleaning issues board.  

But the most important thing that is needed to succeed in window cleaning is self-motivation.  As long as you have plenty of that, you will be likely to do well.

Keep us posted!

-Philip

Title: Re: Driving Instructor looking for a better life.
Post by: Rob_Mac on August 30, 2004, 11:04:15 pm

Bow to a greater knowledge but have to underline that if you want a lifestyle from this then you've just got to dog it and work your nuts off for a while

Title: Re: Driving Instructor looking for a better life.
Post by: andy781 on September 04, 2004, 06:40:34 pm

Thanks to all that have replied, I have started cleaning few windows, family etc..
I think I might be making more problems for myself, I am confused on how to clean certain windows ie leads, small square windows etc...
any advice very welcome
andyspires@yahoo.co.uk

Title: Re: Driving Instructor looking for a better life.
Post by: pjulk on September 04, 2004, 11:58:06 pm

Read through this thread im sure you find all your answers there

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=Equipment;action=display;num=1085510792

Paul