Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: takeone on February 25, 2009, 04:45:28 pm
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Hi to everyone, I'm new here and trying to open my eyes fully to the Window Cleaning game...
I've recentley been made redundant by the lovely folk at RAC Auto windscreens. Unfortunatley there is no recruitment at the mo in my game so i've been looking at maybe a whole new change (i'm 38 years old).
I looked at Plumbing (Jeez! £12,000+ for a training course!! :o ) and lots of other stuff. However, one thing I have noticed in my area of East London and Essex are lots of dirty windows and not seeing any window cleaners about...
Now i'm used to working outside changing windscreens and body glass on the roadside and i'm also fully skilled in SKY Satelite Installs & Cable / Telecoms etc, so used to ladder work.
What I need is advice on starting up basically, How much it may cost me for basic starting tools, and tips etc. I'm fine with door knocking (i've got a nice Mrs who will help) and i'm excellent with customer skills (gift of the gab so i've been told) and I work like a horse, although I would like to have a day off a week! lol.
I Have a friend who is interested in starting up with me as a business as he was made redundant at the same time.
So any advice tips? this is a fantastic forum and i've been going through all the threads which are all so informative and helpful.
I thank you all in advance for any advice you may have.
Cheers, Paul (takeone)
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hi paul
good luck on your new venture
best advice i can give you is do not go into business with your mate ;)
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paul where you
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take one.
first of all I would ring around all local window cleaners and see if you can get some work experience
or better still ask on here ,I,m sure someone will give you that oportunity,once you have got that experience preferably traditional you can then start thinking about buying/canvassing some work.
all the best
povey.
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NO business partner/mate
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you can have some experience with me i am in essex
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DON'T go the business partner route, may seem like more fun and easier short-term, but it will only cost you money in the long run, and prob just be a load of hassle, however well you get on with the guy!!
When you get a new job, ask the customer if they know of anyone who they think might require your services, get them lookin for work for you, u'll be surprised with the results...
Hope all goes well
P.S When you earn your first £25 in an hour, dont go round tellin everyone. Don't want a load of cowboys startin up in your area!!
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::)
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Hi Takeone
Might be better to "trawl" through the FAQ section of this forum. It's very good and alot faster for you. You will need all the tips and help you can get but it will save you time too.
Cozy :)
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Hi Paul
This brings back memories. I was in the same position almost 2 yrs ago and posted on here. I spent the day with a forum member who really opened my eyes. I took on board his advice and lots from the forum and am now running what could be said to be a profitable and successful business. If you state where you are from and are lucky to get an offer of spending some time out with someone who knows the score, it will be invaluable.
Ask lots of questions on here, no matter how stupid you think they may sound there's always someone willing to help.
Don't forget there will probably be quite a few others thinking on the same lines as you in this current climate, so may find the going a bit tougher than normal. But you just need to be positive.
On the partnership, definitely go it alone.
The big question is are you looking at TRAD or WFP?
Good Luck
Wayne
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I difinately agree with not going into it with your mate, it can take time to establish yourself so be prepared to be spending most of your time canvassing, and doing leaflets drops - have you got any leaflets sorted yet.
here is some useful link for you mate
www.strauss-direct.co.uk/ (http://www.strauss-direct.co.uk/)
www.ladders999.co.uk/ (http://www.ladders999.co.uk/)
www.hmrc.gov.uk/forms/cwf1.pdf (http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/forms/cwf1.pdf)
www.laddersareus.co.uk/access.htm (http://www.laddersareus.co.uk/access.htm)
www.windowcleaningcoach.com/canvassing.html (http://www.windowcleaningcoach.com/canvassing.html)
www.youtube.com/user/dontwc (http://www.youtube.com/user/dontwc)
www.signsexpress.co.uk/productsVehicle.cfm (http://www.signsexpress.co.uk/productsVehicle.cfm)
www.p2d.co.uk/acatalog/gloves.html (http://www.p2d.co.uk/acatalog/gloves.html)
www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/shop/index.php (http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/shop/index.php)
www.purefreedom.co.uk/ (http://www.purefreedom.co.uk/)
www.vistaprint.co.uk/car-magnets/car-door-magnets.aspx?xnav=LeftItem&xnid=MarketingMaterials&dng=1061557&GP=2%2f25%2f2009+2%3a02%3a41+PM (http://www.vistaprint.co.uk/car-magnets/car-door-magnets.aspx?xnav=LeftItem&xnid=MarketingMaterials&dng=1061557&GP=2%2f25%2f2009+2%3a02%3a41+PM)
Hope they help mate, the one thing you will need is determination and stick with it, nothing happens over night and you just need to keep plugging away at it. You will get there.
Good luck
If you have anymore spesific subjects you will get loads more advice, just ask.
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WOW! Cheers for the warm welcome and response guys (and girls, if any w/c exsist.. :-* )
I see the 'mate' partner route is one to avoid then? I thought we could motivate each other... I guess it must be better to go alone. I'll certainly consider that route now ;)
Hey pittmonkey, what's TRAD or WFP? i'm probably being a dummy here but does that mean Ladders or water fed pipe? If so i'm afraid it'll be ladders until I can afford the fancy stuff.
Well i've got my ideas for leaflets (i'm pretty creative like that) and will definatley canvass until the soles of my shoes have worn out. I'll go through the forum and read the threads as they are superb.
Thanks again chaps. Anymore advice etc please let me know. I really appreciate it.
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::)
lol, does that mean 'oh God, not another rookie' ;D
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you can have some experience with me i am in essex
Hi Bonsey! hey thanks for that offer! i'm definatley up for that! I need to see the real world if you get what I mean. I live in Collier Row, Romford. You nearby? Is anyone nearby who needs some free assistance and annoying questions from me throughout the day? :-\
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Takeone
I'm in Essex (Hockley)
Happy for you to tag along for a day
Can show you the ropes on wfp
Used to be trad so can show you that too!
As long as you dn't come to work in my area ::)
Give me a buzz if you want to arrange
Russ
get my no. from my webites below
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::)
lol, does that mean 'oh God, not another rookie' ;D
no .. it was aimed at earnings post above ;)
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How quickly do you need to start earning - any severance pay? What's your credit like?
What vehicle(s) are available in the household? Should you get a part time job to provide some instant income while you build your round or have you enough to go straight in?
Once you've been out for a couple of times with the helpful guys above you will get a much clearer picture of what can be achieved.
If after that you still want to join our band of "happy fools" ;D - you can decide whether to go straight to wfp - which is entirely possible and I would recommend if you can stretch to it. You don't need a fancy off the shelf system either.
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Hi Marc,
Well how quick do I need to earn? - ASAP but I can live off minimum for a while as I have no major debts or morgage. I do do a few other things while I build up a round.
Redundancy? - spent on paying off debts.
Vehicle?- we have two. I have a Vectra and we have a old banger Diesel Corsa for running about in. I'd use that for time being.
I would like to join the 'happy fools' ;D I'm gonna give it my best and take in all the support and advice from this forum.
Thanks again guys.
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you can have some experience with me i am in essex
Hi Bonsey,
What area are you in?
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I would say if your going to start in a corsa then you might struggle to go wfp for a while due to the tank and equipment you will need. Although at a push you might get away with a trolley system and a few barrels of water. So maybe your going to have to start trad and work off ladders. Don't believe the hype that there is loads and loads of work out there - there isn't, it's going to take a while to build your round to the stage of living off it. Be prepared for setbacks - poor weather and customers that like to use you. The first months are the worst when your desperate for work/money and you get turned away and can't afford to dump anyone. Good luck it's not a bad life when you get established.
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I would say if your going to start in a corsa then you might struggle to go wfp for a while...
Hi ftp, cheers for the advice. I doubt i'll be going wfp straight away as I need to build this round up from scratch. It'll be a case of roughing it for a while 'old skool' style but worth it in the long run i'm sure.
I'll let you all know how I find the experience in starting up a complete novice so maybe others in the same posistion can get a little insight.
I thank you all for you offers of showing me the ropes, hey Russ Clark i'll be in touch soon. Thanks again for all the help.
Life is a struggle and i'm finding it hard to find a job in the current crisis, so instead of sitting on my behind, i'm gonna get MYSELF a job ;)
A little hard work and self motivation never hurt anyone...