Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: rednick on February 16, 2009, 09:56:13 pm

Title: Brick wall
Post by: rednick on February 16, 2009, 09:56:13 pm
been window cleaning full time since getting made redundant in sept.i seem to have hit a brick wall finding new work,only have enough for 2 full days a week.i've started applying for early morning and evening  office and school cleaning jobs to add to my income,does anyone else do this and has anyone hit the same wall looking for new work?
Title: Re: Brick wall
Post by: Lee Pryor on February 16, 2009, 10:02:16 pm
dont be down about it mate, it is still the winter after all and i think thats pretty good actually, the best bit of the year is just around the corner. Remember it can take years to build a good round. it took me a year to be busy every day. if your not out cleaning windows use the spare days to grow your business.
Title: Re: Brick wall
Post by: rednick on February 16, 2009, 10:13:32 pm
before redundancy i was window cleaning part time to fit in with shift work at forging factory,have done this for past 18 months,since sept.i've only picked up 10 new jobs despite canvassing most weeks,lots of new cleaners round area but i have only lost 1 job
Title: Re: Brick wall
Post by: ftp on February 16, 2009, 10:24:05 pm
Depends where you live. Many factories are laying workers off, they might have been potential customers, many could now be rivals. When i started two years ago many on this forum reckoned there was so much work out there it was just a case of going out and " filling yer boots!". I've never found this to be the case in my area. I've still got holes in my round now but i plug them with conservatory and gutter cleans. It takes time to build a good round and a bit of luck too.
Title: Re: Brick wall
Post by: windowswashed on February 16, 2009, 10:48:59 pm
Get your vehicle sign written and park it in the hotspots when you're not working (free advertising)
Title: Re: Brick wall
Post by: windowswashed on February 16, 2009, 11:07:53 pm
Nice avatar Stan ;D
Title: Re: Brick wall
Post by: steve bell on February 17, 2009, 02:56:45 am
I know exactly what you are up against. Left the Royal Fleet Auxiliary back in May last year with the prospect of a job doing those Home Information Pack things for estate agents. Hey presto, the housing market crashed. Started the window round in about june/july time and have about enough for two weeks work so far. Plus a few EPC (energy Performance Certificates) and HIP's inbetween. Could still do with a loads more windows though.
Have joined the local chamber of commerce, doing a lot of 'networking' on both HIP's and windows front and it's paying off. Everywhere I go my Girlfreind slaps me because everyone I meet eventually somewhere in the conversation gets the 'Do you have a window cleaner' speil. Just bought a (incredibly) cheap van and some magnetic signs and things are snowballing.
Did one job yesterday which then turned into gutter clean and next doors conservatory roof.
My advice, keep plugging away. Leaflets are cheap. But don't just post them, knock and try a bit of chat. If you are presentable and polite and express that you are fully insured and not claiming benefits (which oddly I've had someone knock on my door trying to get my windows and he openly boasted that was what he was doing) You should get somewhere.
Chin up, positive thought and you'll get it.
Title: Re: Brick wall
Post by: paulben on February 17, 2009, 07:48:52 am
I when I starterd four years ago I nearly gave up after 6 months due to lack of work then it just took off now have my son working with me full time . If you do a good job word will spread and the work will roll in .
Title: Re: Brick wall
Post by: AuRavelling79 on February 17, 2009, 08:04:50 pm
Nice avatar Stan ;D
put it on to please Malc Gold he thinks shes fit for 50  ;D ;D

He does, but he's a right perv by all accounts! ;D