Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: James W on November 05, 2008, 03:15:57 pm

Title: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: James W on November 05, 2008, 03:15:57 pm
Hey, I'm James and I'm 18. I'm new to this forum and new to window cleaning. I have no experience of or in window cleaning so bear with me, I appologise if I appear ignorant or stupid. At the moment I'm a supervisor in a supermarket, the pay's okay for the hours I do, but it's not challenging, no matter how well I do a job there are no rewards, no job satisfaction. I work really hard at work because I like to do a job well but I've always wanted to be my own boss, run my own business. 1 - Because the work you put in is rewarded, your business grows. 2 - I'd like to earn a decent wage, although my current ones okay for the hours I do, at some point I'll need something more to have anywhere near enough money to get a mortgage and a better car, and I suppose a better life in general. At the moment I'm doing 25 -30 hours a week, at £6.27 an hour, about £650 a month.

So why my interest in Window cleaning? Well it allows me to be my own boss. The work I put in is rewarded, I'd love to make an excellent job and build my reputation. Pride is really important to me. The possibilities and opportunities are pretty big. I also enjoy working outdoors, so it'd be great.

The one thing that's stopped me in the past is my slight fear, or uneasyness of hights. I don't mind being high up, just I can't look down and feel a bit uneasy and uncomfortable about it. It's one thing that in the past has resulted in me being closed off to the idea of becoming a window cleaner. This was until recently, when my window cleaner began using one of the water fed poles, that allowed him to clean our windows within about 20 minutes without the need for ladders. Suddenly the option to become a window cleaner filled me with excitement, it became a real possibility.

So, I've been doing some research and obviously as I'm uneasy with heights, should I start I'd want a water fed pole system from the begining, so I'd need a van, a WFP system, and the motivation to work very hard. I've got the latter but need the first two. I'd probably be looking to spend around £750 on a van, and £700 for a WFP system. I've drawn up a financial forecast to consider and predict costs, revenue and profit and accured losses. For my start up costs, I've estimated I'd need £2015; £750 for the van, £700 for the system, £100 for marketing, with an additional 30% just in case I haven't accounted for any additional costs or unforeseen problems. For a business loan of this ammount (£2015) the monthly repayments would be £65.76, at a rate of 11.9% on a 3 year term. (That's from Natwest).

I'm aiming to charge £7 per house, (I'm in Lincolnshire, near Spalding. This is what my window cleaner charges, is it reasonable?) and aim to get 50 customers my first month, 65 the second, 85 the third, 109 the fourth, 142 the fifth, and 185 the sixth. I've estimated that I'll be in the profit by month five, with £424.28. And hopefully continue expanding thereafter. Do you see this as reasonable and realistic?

Is there anything else I'd need to account for? Any tips or advice?

It'd be much appreciated. Thanks.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: Rogue Trader on November 05, 2008, 03:17:25 pm
Dont do it it is a mugs game!
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: James W on November 05, 2008, 03:25:12 pm
have you been watching Dragons Den!



 ;) And read both of Duncan's Books. Haha.  ;D
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: tonylee on November 05, 2008, 03:42:53 pm
hi
From your post you sound or come across as a bright lad. You seem to have researched the financial side of things but have you researched if there is a need in your area for window cleaners.
I would check that out first. I would also offer to help your mums window cleaner on your day off, for free to see if you like the work.
There is very little challenge to this job. It can also be quite lonely.
Yeah sure the rewards can be fantastic but it takes time (years in my case) to enjoy the money. That said your young enough, if you really are suited to the work to build a great career.
Although I hate to say it keep your job, help a local window cleaner for experience and start part time on your day off. If you still enjoy it in six months, thats the time to start building your empire full time
Tony
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: Chris Galloway on November 05, 2008, 03:47:16 pm
You also need to take into account of, public liability insurance, van insurance and tax, wf poles and resin (this will increase the cost of any self made system!).

You dont say if your in a hard or soft water area, if your in a hard water area you will need a ro system which will be extra expense.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: ok cleaning on November 05, 2008, 03:55:11 pm
and £700 for a wfp system no way try again
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: peter holley on November 05, 2008, 04:02:27 pm
hi james.. you have a plan and it sounds good....ok just a few tips... £7 sounds cheap, unless it is a small terraced house...if i were you i would target houses slightly larger 3-4 bed semis or detached..so jobs that start at £10 or more...i personally have £10 as a minimum charge!

its good to see that you have a forecast on your estimated growth of customers, and that is good , but remember as your buisness grows you will have less time and energy to put into getting more buisness...
the good thing about wc is that the best time to canvass is late afternoon/ early evening, so you can clean in the day and canvass in the evening...

i wish you all the success

peter
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: djhaydn on November 05, 2008, 04:46:30 pm
HI james.
you really sound like a guy who wants to go far. window cleaning as someone has said can be a lonley old game, im lucky as i know most of my custie personnally , so having a chat breaks the loneliness up,at most i work 6 hours a day, thats on the big rounds, sometimes 4 hours, so i get plenty of time to go play golf...lol
if your area needs another window cleaner, i dont see no reason why you cant make a good round in the first year, i have now been going for 3 years and have built up a round of about 200+ custies, and it pays well, but i do 2 other jobs as well,
the van side? £750 wont get you something that will last, i have a 1996 transit, looks good, sign written but cost around £1700 in all.
dont just go jack your job in a start up, its not that easy, you need a good client base to get a regular income and pay a loan off.
Thanks to my mate Bod (on this site) i still have more and more work coming in, recession???? who said we were in one?? lol
your choice bud, only you can make the right decision.
all the best
Haydn
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: Pristine Clean on November 05, 2008, 05:06:38 pm
Hi

I agree on the Van side for £700 save a bit more and get a reliable one that hopefully in better condition. It should save you money in the long run.

As for £700 on WFP systems, well I have seen on ebay by purefreedom they are doing a basic van system that you install yourself for £699.99.

I dont knw if its is still there but if you just doing domestic houses I cant see it being an issue. You can have a trolly system for £1000 from purefreedom but I would recomend that you speak to Jamie at

www.xline-systems.co.uk

He knows what he is talking about and I know he will sort you out a good deal. But it might be a little dearer but it will be a great system.

If this is your first time going it alone then stay at your present job, and canvas and work part time around your main job and build it... then when you have enough leave your supermarket job.

practice traditional as well on your own home as you will need to do that as well, wfp is great but traditional also has it place. There will be times when wfp wont do the job... and visa versa.

Keep at it... and dont give up... as starting out now especially in this climate you will find it hard but the rewards at the end will be good.

Take notice of the guys on here, they have helped me loads and I hope to one day be as helpful to them and new comers such as yourselves.

best of luck

Dave
wish you best of luck. 
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: Scrimble on November 05, 2008, 05:29:40 pm
just get yourself a astra/escort van and a decent set of ladders and start traditionally, build up your customer base then introduce wfp.

you dont need to spend hundreds and thousands on wfp to start with when you can be making a decent wage traditionally, i was a bit scared of heights but after a bit you wont be
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: East coast window cleaning Services on November 05, 2008, 05:42:56 pm
have you been watching Dragons Den!



Let me tell ya where im at  ;D

Dont do it lol

Na on a serious note sounds like you got a plan believe me you be earning what you do in a month in a day, If you willing to put the effort in.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: RO-Sheen on November 05, 2008, 05:45:07 pm
You have a great attitude especially for someone of your age and not looking at it as just a way of getting some easy beer money. It is a buisness that can support you and your family if run properly which I think you will do very well at - Thats all the compliments out of the way!

You need to look at your budget more. I dont think you will get much of a van for £700, and £700 for a good wfp system??? Maybe you can but as somone mentioned you need poles and PL insurance. I strongly recomend you save up more (rather than get a loan) and get a tidier signwritten van, possibly a logo'd uniform. You need to look more professional than your competitors so dont scrimp. Also, good quality leaflets help.

As I said earlier, you have a great attitude and will go far but tread carefully especially in these times when families are cutting back on their outgoings. I think you would be best to stick at your job for at least until Mar 2010. Continue doing your research, read and ask as much as you can on this website and save as much as poss.

Oh, and another thing, You will sometimes need ladders for access but as Mark said you will get over your fear

Adie
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: AuRavelling79 on November 05, 2008, 06:01:02 pm
Hello James,

You sound a bright young man and I'll say to you what I say to my teenagers. Get an education while it's free. When you are 20/21 you can decide whether to continue it or use it as a foundation for setting up your own business.

Accountancy/Tax is good - it lets you choose whether to set up as an adviser, work for yourself or for a company. Money and Death will always be here!  ;D
Oh, perhaps an undertaker's course then! ;D

If you need money now then you could use window cleaning to finance your further ambitions. So do 3 days a week W/c around college courses. That way you can see if you like it.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: ftp on November 05, 2008, 06:01:27 pm
Best advice - ignore the earnings posted on this forum. Get out there and start working, keep your job for now and then work out your potential earnings (are you going to work in the rain?). You can make good money, but it won't be overnight. If your going down the wfp route then you will need to budget for reinvestment later in the year and ongoing costs. Good luck it can be done but don't wait too long because every redundant factory worker seems to be heading this way.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: Chris Galloway on November 05, 2008, 06:25:41 pm
you really should learn how to clean trad too, its needed if you get asked to do internal or for windows that don't suit wfp

of if you wfp setup packs in for a few days and its takes a few days extra to get parts.. least you can do them on a ladder :P
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: paulscotney on November 05, 2008, 06:29:00 pm
hi
From your post you sound or come across as a bright lad. You seem to have researched the financial side of things but have you researched if there is a need in your area for window cleaners.
I would check that out first. I would also offer to help your mums window cleaner on your day off, for free to see if you like the work.
There is very little challenge to this job. It can also be quite lonely.
Yeah sure the rewards can be fantastic but it takes time (years in my case) to enjoy the money. That said your young enough, if you really are suited to the work to build a great career.
Although I hate to say it keep your job, help a local window cleaner for experience and start part time on your day off. If you still enjoy it in six months, thats the time to start building your empire full time
Tony

Very good advice.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: dave0123 on November 05, 2008, 06:33:05 pm
I think trad is very inportant part as we use both no matter what. you may spend £££ setting up wfp and then not like the job? its cold its not easy as it looks with wfp or ladders its tiring and the list goes on.

When i started about 4 years ago i was a little scared of hights if am honest but that didnt stop me doing what i wanted to do! i wanted to be a window cleaner and loved cleaning the windows the hights bit suddley went after a few weeks on ladders as you get confident.

anyway try it on your days off see what happens.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: jonisondell on November 05, 2008, 06:34:21 pm
hi ive just started myself 6 months, learn triditional method, if you like it then get pw, get second hand parts off ebay just done it myself got whole lot 500 quid, get a decent van spend 2k at least you can get you money back if you dont like it and good luck,
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: Trotsky on November 05, 2008, 06:35:54 pm
Hello James,

You sound a bright young man and I'll say to you what I say to my teenagers. Get an education while it's free. When you are 20/21 you can decide whether to continue it or use it as a foundation for setting up your own business.

Accountancy/Tax is good - it lets you choose whether to set up as an adviser, work for yourself or for a company. Money and Death will always be here!  ;D
Oh, perhaps an undertaker's course then! ;D

If you need money now then you could use window cleaning to finance your further ambitions. So do 3 days a week W/c around college courses. That way you can see if you like it.

I believe this to be the best advice I have seen on here yet!

A Good Archer has more than one string to his bow and more than one arrow!
FREE FREE Free education... make good use of it (I wish I could!)
Plumber... Heating Engineer... Bricky... Plasterer... Carpenter, the list is endless
and wages far more agreeable!
Imagine putting in the hours as a window cleaner...
Then the same wages as say a heating Engineer (call out alone is a license to print money!)
Ever heard of a w/c charging a call out fee of £50???
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: crystal.clear on November 05, 2008, 06:43:36 pm
hi, i've been cleaning windows for 7 years now and buisness is gd. but it only just started getting good really.  but saying that my dad started up 6 months ago just door knocking. he brought a purefreedom trolley and use's my water and is now earning £2000 a month and still getting more and more work by the day. the reason im saying this is that it can be done and if u want it enough go for it. if i was you i would try to save more money and get a gd van. i brought a astra van about two years ago for £2500 and it blew up on me in 6 months so be careful.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on November 05, 2008, 06:44:09 pm
james
not wanting to be a killjoy but try canvassing first
i know 22 window cleaners by name who work within a 10 mile radius of me
i am based in holbeach
i have also noticed a few more part timers lately
there are also a few "crews" of poles/liths who probably come over from wisbech and boston
DGM and Castlebuild have recently gone bust
so lots of roofers,chippies,plasterers and brickies are all looking for work
i was working in weston last week and was approached by a bloke who was asking about my wfp set up,a roofer by trade who was cleaning windows to make ends meet
i have heard that spalding is well served for wc ers
and at least one of em should be kept on the right side of
try canvassing first and then see if you really want to pack your job in completely
try part time first and start out trad
its cheaper and you will be able to find out if you REALLY want to do it before spending much cash
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: williamx on November 05, 2008, 07:07:22 pm
With the budget you have you will find it difficult, but not impossible to start up.  If you are taking out a loan to start up with then I would reccomend that you increase the amount that you need to borrow.

Its better to have some surplus cash in case of emergences, and I can assure you that these will happen.

You mention that you are going to the bank for a loan, this is an ideal source of finance but have you thought of asking family and friends if they will loan you what you need.

In your figures you don't mention how much your van insurance is? with your age you will find that this can be very expensive.

On customer pricing, do not charge what your local cleaner does, instead charge what you consider is a fair price that will cover all of your costs and leave you with a profit.  I would also reccommend that you charge double for 1st cleans, because you will spend more time cleaning them to start with.

Remember also that skill is a very important component in your business,anyone buying a wfp system does not make a good window cleaner, see if you can learn from experenced wfp cleaners, their are many on this site who will help you with this.

At first you do not need to spend money on marketing, you will find this can be very expensive and can be very hit and miss on getting you business, instead order some business cards from Vista Print (look out for their promotion offers) then go out door to door, within a few weeks you will have a nice little round.

Anyway the best of luck
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: wightsurf on November 05, 2008, 07:30:39 pm
Here is a list of roughly what you will need to diy it your self with prices of which you can look for better deals on the web.The only bit you would want to improve on would be the pole once up and running or add a bit more cash and buy what you want.
200ltr usa gpd= £200.ro di unit
10ltr di resin = £45.
250 Litre Flat Tank =£125
100 Metres Microbore = £45+vat hose
100 PSI Shurflo 12V water delivery =£100
Varistream Digital Waterflow regulator=£93
Deep cycle battery =£60.
hose conectors fittings £20. (includeing bits hose needed)
B&Q harris pole £18.00
Salmon brush £6.00
Jets angle adapter £10.00
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: peter holley on November 05, 2008, 09:21:54 pm
if i was 18  and had your attitude and enthusiasm, i would give my job up and just GO FOR IT!
if you want to succeed as much as your post says then it willwork for you

we can do anything
regards

BARAK OBARMA
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: jefftemperley on November 05, 2008, 09:31:30 pm
lots of people start in this game but dont last , so be sensible stay in your job and build a trad round first ,while its growing you should be able to do your round on a sat and keep your job mon-fri.

when you have your speed up you should be able to do 20 houses a day, so 4 sats a mth = 80 houses x £10 each average =£800 on top of your bread and butter.

if you get to that point then think about leaving your job and trying to double you customer base, then if you manage that invest in wfp kit and double your customer base again as you will be working twice as fast.

if along the way you find this game is not for you you would have spent a lot less money finding out!

good luck
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: wightsurf on November 05, 2008, 09:44:06 pm
The thing is  ;D He's scared of hieghts....
So can't do trad.Which i agree is a shame as what you just said Jeff is the right way to go about it.
Maybe do the same but with  a water fed pole see how it goes. You can always sell the gear on flea bay
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: seandyer2003 on November 05, 2008, 09:49:45 pm
i would get used to wcleaning trad first, if you can do trad you will stick wfp easy, but you will also have a better understanding of what is going on cleaning the glass, the different types of stain etc. Many who start wfp just stroke the window and walk off wishing it is clean, but good luck to you!!

Although i cant help but agree with malc about education while its free. i started many a college course and never finished it wanting to earn money and have a good laugh but if i stayed at it id have a degree by now, and prob not be much worse off as i have spent all i earned :) although i would of been skint i would have a good chance of earning good money without the hassle of self employment, but i do enjoy being my own boss and being in the driving seat of my own businesses, and i wouldnt change it now to be fair, i am happy, and the money is coming slowly but surely, i have doubled my annual turnover in the last 12 months, and will again in next 6-12....

So go slow, learn the trade and if its still for you - go for it, dont take any heed of posts about what you should earn every day but do take yourself seriously, and do quote sensibly, not just to get the work as you will regret it later, so dont be scared to say "no that is my price i cant go lower"..offer a longer frequency instead, say 2 monthly instead of 1 for another £1 or £2 i find that usually works, if not they are just tight and would be a pain in your butt anyway

If you ever need any help most on here are good so you are in the right place!!

Rant over :)
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: peter holley on November 05, 2008, 09:57:22 pm
lots of people start in this game but dont last , so be sensible stay in your job and build a trad round first ,while its growing you should be able to do your round on a sat and keep your job mon-fri.

when you have your speed up you should be able to do 20 houses a day, so 4 sats a mth = 80 houses x £10 each average =£800 on top of your bread and butter.

if you get to that point then think about leaving your job and trying to double you customer base, then if you manage that invest in wfp kit and double your customer base again as you will be working twice as fast.

if along the way you find this game is not for you you would have spent a lot less money finding out!

good luck

i like your website by the way, its uncluttered and direct, very informative, i like the map with the circle ;)

i undersand your reasoning about not giving his job up but he is 18 living at home...£650 a month can be replaced very quickly within a matter of months....if  james had a family a mortgage etc that would be a different matter.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on November 05, 2008, 10:12:30 pm
jefftemperley and seandyer make good sense
he only does 25 to 30 hours a week so has time to canvass and build some work up
as for ladders ,practice builds confidence and makes you aware of limitations to their use
trad is an invaluable skill and imo MUST be learned
i will also make the point again that he is working in an area where there is already a fair level of competition and it is increasing
if he can canvass up some work then all well and good,but he does not have to give up the day job just yet and i think he would be foolish to do so at the moment
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: peter holley on November 05, 2008, 10:20:30 pm
yes i understand.... its good advice ,but i sense he is going to go ahead ... from his post it reminds me of what i was like at 18..... :olol    oh dear ithink il go to bed.... ::)it's late ::)
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: pjulk on November 05, 2008, 10:27:56 pm
With your budget you could do it that money will get you escort van probably about a 94 - 95 model.

I think you are going to only just scrape by on the money for a wfp system.
And then you will still need traditional gear and ladders even if its only for access.

If i were you get a little escort van get it signwritten and traditional gear and a good set of ladders ( You will soon overcome you fear of heights ).

And when your financies are better go WFP.

You could even buy WFP bits each week until you have everything.

Another thing don't pack your job in build up a round in your spare time.
It take time building up a round and at the moment its not easy getting customer.

A lot of people start up window cleaning and most pack it in.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: seandyer2003 on November 05, 2008, 10:34:08 pm
ps, i was petrified of heights and now i bounce up ladders, and down, i love it, and nothing scares me which is a bad thing ! but you will over come it quickly, its good in the beginning as you will need to be careful till you get used to setting ladders, soon it becomes second nature..so dont let that fear stop you learning trad, as it is dirt cheap to get set up cleaning trad, £100 max and you are away earning, if you invest wfp before you are sure its for you, you may not get back what you invested as diy wfp are ten a penny and not worth much 2nd hand
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: peter holley on November 05, 2008, 10:38:40 pm
no! start wfp... i cant believe the advice to go trad :o if you start trad you will have a nightmare converting your custies whenyou go wfp
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: bwoofie on November 06, 2008, 12:21:57 am
1. learn a bit of trad cleaning cos you will allways need it!
2. Glean all you can from the guys on here, then make your own mind up
3. Get a WFP backpack system, smartest way to get of the ground
4. Use your own car to start of with if you are on a tight budget, the backpack will easily fit into it
5. using the above and your own savvy, if you want it you will get it!
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: Londoner on November 06, 2008, 07:23:35 am
How many bungalows are there in your part of the world? Why not start canvassing a few for a but of part time "work experience" doing them trad. Keep your earning separate and see where you go from there. You will learn so much, not only about window cleaning but also about what you want to do.

Think of it as a long term project. Personal development.

I would never think its a good idea to give up a job in the present climate, even if its boring.
 
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: gerard mcmanus on November 06, 2008, 07:31:54 am
A couple of things pal. I was in a very similar possition to you when I was 18 and think you are on the right track, you can make more than just a good living with window cleaning, but here is where I think your inexpierance might hinder you in the long run.

Buy a better van, pay it up if you have to, and dont just quit your job. Start window cleaning now, and window clean when your are not in the supermarket. This will give you a head start.

The reason I say this, is that you really want about 400 customers, but it takes time to accuire them, and accuire good ones at that. When you are drinking from a bottle of the barrel you get all the crap, that everyone else left, and you will find yourself wanting to do allot of refining.

Also as a few have said, learn trad methods, which will take you a while to get used to, but if you only do outsides, you'll find you dont get allot of, one larger jobs ad two commericial contracts, as they tend to want both inside and out done, so if you cant swivvel, you might find it difficult.

£100 marketing is way of as well, my local newpaper charges about that for one add on there front page. You should get out and start knocking doors right away, you can start making up flyers, brochures and poster etc now, when you are still in the planning stage.

Hope that all helps

Gerard  :)
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: Brownie10 on November 06, 2008, 08:08:07 am
James I too am 18

Go for it, I went staright in with water fed pole. But you do get asked a lot to do insides so learning trad is important- Im getting better all the time.

Also dont be afraid of the initial investment, you sound keen enough and you will soon pay it off. If not, someone on here will buy it off you ;) Set yourself some targets in terms of getting new work each week for motivation. Plus everyone on here is great for help.

Im still learning to drive so have to walk around with a 70litre trolley :o but because of the area Im still earning more than my friends with just over half a days work!

Lovely jubbly

Rob
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: karygate on November 06, 2008, 09:01:11 am
first off no one can decide for you . secondly if i was 18 and still living at home with no commitments i would go for it . the mistake i made was waiting till 36 and being made redundant. but why not do your job and build your round up at the moment.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: davids3511 on November 06, 2008, 10:01:56 am
and £700 for a wfp system no way try again

Why not, a backpack from WCW is £80.00, add a water butt and an RO unit. Well under £700.00. In fact probably under £200.00. Brodex 18 footer and he's off.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: Chris Galloway on November 06, 2008, 10:17:41 am
and £700 for a wfp system no way try again

Why not, a backpack from WCW is £80.00, add a water butt and an RO unit. Well under £700.00. In fact probably under £200.00. Brodex 18 footer and he's off.

well thats a very good idea initially. As to start he wont have that many customers - then he can work to a bigger system.

Just make sure, you get wfp experience! all too many start ups get a system and have no idea behind the theory of how it works (the water tech side) or how to use the system properly.

Keep hold of a second job to as long as possible, it can be a source of money until WC takes of properly. Get a evening job, or one thats during the hours of darkness (which is after 4pm now that winter is among us) There is a lot of good info in this thread, just make sure you read it all, and take on board the fundamentals.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: James W on November 06, 2008, 05:58:09 pm
Hi,

Thanks for all the replies.

So is one of the general concenuses that I wouldn't be able to get a WFP system for around £700? I've seen one on a site, a van mounted system. Wouldn't it be much kop? If so would a trolley or backpack system be better?

Maybe something like this -
http://www.surecleansystems.com/proddetail.asp?prod=16

Would that be any good?


Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: SherwoodCleaningSe on November 06, 2008, 06:07:21 pm
You'd still need to buy the water purification equipment unless you was going to collect rainwater.  An RO and DI system can set you back 200 - 1500 depending what you get.  £200 won't be enough if you are going to only use wfp.

Simon.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on November 06, 2008, 06:13:04 pm
james
how far from spalding are you ?
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on November 06, 2008, 06:36:56 pm
hello ???
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: davids3511 on November 06, 2008, 07:53:34 pm
You'd still need to buy the water purification equipment unless you was going to collect rainwater.  An RO and DI system can set you back 200 - 1500 depending what you get.  £200 won't be enough if you are going to only use wfp.

Simon.

This guy's only starting up, it isn't like he has 500 monthlys. He may not need an RO, maybe DI only is a possibility. That way a sack of resin and a DI unit off ebay will only set him back about £140 and he is set to go.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: scud on November 06, 2008, 10:25:44 pm
  James

   I am in spalding, and as LJ says, we are very well served for window cleaners, more than 20 well established cleaners in spalding alone, the general consensus around here is that none of us would want to be a new starter!
  I have seen a few new starters come and go already this year, generally see a couple each week, all the commercial is pretty well tied up and a closed shop - you will not get much if any at all on that front.
  There maybe houses out there, but there is also alot of established cleaners, and we tend to pass the work between ourselves.
  I do not wish to put you off, just stating how it is, by all means e-mail me marcaluzzi@aol.com if you want a chat, but it will be poor news.
  As of interest, who is your mum's cleaner before you ga and ask him anything??

  Sorry
 
    Scud
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: Trotsky on November 06, 2008, 11:39:05 pm
Hi,

Thanks for all the replies.

So is one of the general concenuses that I wouldn't be able to get a WFP system for around £700? I've seen one on a site, a van mounted system. Wouldn't it be much kop? If so would a trolley or backpack system be better?

Maybe something like this -
http://www.surecleansystems.com/proddetail.asp?prod=16

Would that be any good?




As stated earlier, people start, then give up... But one thing is for Certain!
If they give up... they sell their stuff!
CHECK OUT EBAY!
They have a sales page on this site as well!

Become a heating engineer... people always need heating!
Or... or I say a Hairdresser...
Just think of all the girls you would meet in such a small environment, Oh to be 18 again! ::) 8) :o
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: James W on November 07, 2008, 02:19:27 pm
I'm 10 miles from Spalding.

So would you recomend not starting up at all?
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: MNWC on November 07, 2008, 02:37:31 pm
10 miles from Spalding is a big place.......Where ??
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: MNWC on November 07, 2008, 02:42:10 pm
I may know where you could get some work
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: sean.w.c.s on November 07, 2008, 05:20:18 pm
 hi  i start up 12 years ago when i was 18  it was very hard work still is! go and get a trade  even if  you dont use its good to fall back on.  have you tried insuring a van - that will be possibly over £1000  so add that to your loan amonth and public liability ins to. you need 30 £7 pound houses to pay your out going if you pay insurance monthly. save up first get sum money behine you buy sum work and build it up.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on November 07, 2008, 06:55:16 pm
I'm 10 miles from Spalding.

So would you recomend not starting up at all?
no but i would not recommend chucking your job in to start from scratch
tlindsayjames@yahoo.co.uk
we can give you some advice and help but its quite tough round here at the moment
canvass up some work and supplement your income first
then decide :)
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on November 07, 2008, 06:58:31 pm
I may know where you could get some work
yeah long sutton and sutton bridge ;D ;D
they have a big fat lazy knacker of a window cleaner out that way
i keep getting asked to go out there and do a proper job for em ::)
but the bloke cuts such a pathetic figure its hard not to feel sorry for him ;)
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: MNWC on November 07, 2008, 07:08:15 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: scud on November 07, 2008, 07:12:13 pm
  I have seen 2 more around here today!

  Went out to Crowland this afternoon and several of my customers said they have had a few fliers through the door in last couple of weeks.
 
 
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on November 07, 2008, 07:14:13 pm
do you really know where there is some work ??? ??? ???
i lost 2 more this evening
one works at estate agents (not fussed about her too much,never very friendly and looked like a tranny) other at lingarden,just been laid off
so if you have a sniff of owt send it my way ;D
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: MNWC on November 07, 2008, 07:17:00 pm
Sorry to hear that, Im off out canvassing in the morning !!!
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on November 07, 2008, 07:18:53 pm
  I have seen 2 more around here today!

  Went out to Crowland this afternoon and several of my customers said they have had a few fliers through the door in last couple of weeks.
 
 
i am gonna try out gedney drove end,holbeach st. marks and st. matthews and lutton this wknd
less than six months ago i had a waiting list ::)
all on the round now
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: MNWC on November 07, 2008, 07:26:26 pm
holbeach clough/ cowbit  ???
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on November 07, 2008, 07:32:14 pm
jason does holbeach clough
i started him off down there nearly 2 years ago with about 150 squids worth
he picked up loads on that road from saracens head to holbeach bank end
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: scud on November 08, 2008, 07:43:45 pm
  Cowbit is well served, in fact is over served.

  LJ, got  another in Moons Green Moulton needing a window cleaner if you are interested, I have no spare space on that part of my round.
Title: Re: Thinking Of Starting Up
Post by: MNWC on November 08, 2008, 08:59:31 pm
Cheers for that  ;) ;)