Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: James Styles on March 19, 2019, 06:00:25 pm
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Hi guys I’m looking for some advice here as I’m kind of in a predicament.
Im looking at starting up my own business as a window cleaner but from researching on here things are a lot more complicated then I thought.
I was originally looking at getting ladders but to get roof racks fitted to my car is very expensive due to my model of car and it being 3 door, would be looking at £100ish, so I then thought I’d be better off just going the wfp route to then find out all about having to use pure water which is more hassle and expense.
I have thought about using a long pole in traditional cleaning way but I’m not 100% sure I could do a top job which I want to do to keep customers and gain work. I could buy a soft roof rack (to use ladders) which is mainly used for surf boards so I’m not totally confident they would be safe.
what would your advice be on which way to go, my budget is £300, any help massively appreciated.
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Hi guys I’m looking for some advice here as I’m kind of in a predicament.
Im looking at starting up my own business as a window cleaner but from researching on here things are a lot more complicated then I thought.
I was originally looking at getting ladders but to get roof racks fitted to my car is very expensive due to my model of car and it being 3 door, would be looking at £100ish, so I then thought I’d be better off just going the wfp route to then find out all about having to use pure water which is more hassle and expense.
I have thought about using a long pole in traditional cleaning way but I’m not 100% sure I could do a top job which I want to do to keep customers and gain work. I could buy a soft roof rack (to use ladders) which is mainly used for surf boards so I’m not totally confident they would be safe.
what would your advice be on which way to go, my budget is £300, any help massively appreciated.
are you currently working?if so id wait until i had a bit more money together first.....also you need to find out the tds of your tap water...if its below 100 then DI only will be easier to purify your water....
forget ladders,wfp is the way to go.....your cheapest route will be a backpack on a foldaway trolley,a few 25L barrels and a 22 ft CLX pole from gardiners......also trad gear(14in squeegee,Tmop and scrims,bucket with a lid,detergent,scraper,etc)....
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If 300 is your budget i would recommend going the trad route until youve built a round and have more spare income to expand. Though it might be very tight with that budget.
Ladders, roof rack, bucket, scrims, bucket on belt and then choice of tools. Pulex are perhaps the cheapest to begin with but they are also very good. 18inch channel with handle and an 18inch T bar with water wells and a good 18inch sleeve.
Then practice, practice and practice and go canvass.
For water fed, you need a tds meter to check your meter. Then you will know if you should go DI route or Reverse Osmosis route.
Then go gardiners for your poles n brushes n pole hose. Pure freedom has best price on a microbore main hose and then you need a reel, battery, pump and control panel.
Or
Diy trolley, but even DIY will be under 200 just for trolley alone.
So going by your current finances or budget you said, then i think you know which route is only available at the moment.
However if your able to wait until funds allow, then wfp would be the best route.
All the best in the new venture
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Hi James - which area are you in? Maybe someone close to you on here might have a few spares you could have?
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If 300 is your budget i would recommend going the trad route until youve built a round and have more spare income to expand. Though it might be very tight with that budget.
Ladders, roof rack, bucket, scrims, bucket on belt and then choice of tools. Pulex are perhaps the cheapest to begin with but they are also very good. 18inch channel with handle and an 18inch T bar with water wells and a good 18inch sleeve.
Then practice, practice and practice and go canvass.
For water fed, you need a tds meter to check your meter. Then you will know if you should go DI route or Reverse Osmosis route.
Then go gardiners for your poles n brushes n pole hose. Pure freedom has best price on a microbore main hose and then you need a reel, battery, pump and control panel.
Or
Diy trolley, but even DIY will be under 200 just for trolley alone.
So going by your current finances or budget you said, then i think you know which route is only available at the moment.
All the best in the new venture
dont take any notice of this james........ ;D
do NOT go the ladder route.....and certainly dont buy a 18inch squeegee,its far too long....a 14in channel will be perfect....
a backpack and foldaway trolley with cost you around £130-£140,no need for reel,battery,pump,control panel as its all in the backpack,just use extra long pole hose for now when starting off.......
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If 300 is your budget i would recommend going the trad route until youve built a round and have more spare income to expand. Though it might be very tight with that budget.
Ladders, roof rack, bucket, scrims, bucket on belt and then choice of tools. Pulex are perhaps the cheapest to begin with but they are also very good. 18inch channel with handle and an 18inch T bar with water wells and a good 18inch sleeve.
Then practice, practice and practice and go canvass.
For water fed, you need a tds meter to check your meter. Then you will know if you should go DI route or Reverse Osmosis route.
Then go gardiners for your poles n brushes n pole hose. Pure freedom has best price on a microbore main hose and then you need a reel, battery, pump and control panel.
Or
Diy trolley, but even DIY will be under 200 just for trolley alone.
So going by your current finances or budget you said, then i think you know which route is only available at the moment.
All the best in the new venture
dont take any notice of this james........ ;D
do NOT go the ladder route.....and certainly dont buy a 18inch squeegee,its far too long....a 14in channel will be perfect....
a backpack and foldaway trolley with cost you around £130-£140,no need for reel,battery,pump,control panel as its all in the backpack,just use extra long pole hose for now when starting off.......
You forgot the price of a pole and processing pure water.
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If 300 is your budget i would recommend going the trad route until youve built a round and have more spare income to expand. Though it might be very tight with that budget.
Ladders, roof rack, bucket, scrims, bucket on belt and then choice of tools. Pulex are perhaps the cheapest to begin with but they are also very good. 18inch channel with handle and an 18inch T bar with water wells and a good 18inch sleeve.
Then practice, practice and practice and go canvass.
For water fed, you need a tds meter to check your meter. Then you will know if you should go DI route or Reverse Osmosis route.
Then go gardiners for your poles n brushes n pole hose. Pure freedom has best price on a microbore main hose and then you need a reel, battery, pump and control panel.
Or
Diy trolley, but even DIY will be under 200 just for trolley alone.
So going by your current finances or budget you said, then i think you know which route is only available at the moment.
All the best in the new venture
dont take any notice of this james........ ;D
do NOT go the ladder route.....and certainly dont buy a 18inch squeegee,its far too long....a 14in channel will be perfect....
a backpack and foldaway trolley with cost you around £130-£140,no need for reel,battery,pump,control panel as its all in the backpack,just use extra long pole hose for now when starting off.......
This sounds good, do you have any links to equipment in that range that’s decent/reliable.
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What car do you have
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Thanks for the replies guys, so from my understanding using a long pole that’s not water fed on upstairs windows could not work?
I’d rather not go the ladder route to be honest as it’s carrying them around and getting roof racks on my car is about £100 anyways.
I could stretch to 400 for equipment if it’s gonna set me up properly for wfp.
Where would I go for pure water to just buy some barrels? How much is it.
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If 300 is your budget i would recommend going the trad route until youve built a round and have more spare income to expand. Though it might be very tight with that budget.
Ladders, roof rack, bucket, scrims, bucket on belt and then choice of tools. Pulex are perhaps the cheapest to begin with but they are also very good. 18inch channel with handle and an 18inch T bar with water wells and a good 18inch sleeve.
Then practice, practice and practice and go canvass.
For water fed, you need a tds meter to check your meter. Then you will know if you should go DI route or Reverse Osmosis route.
Then go gardiners for your poles n brushes n pole hose. Pure freedom has best price on a microbore main hose and then you need a reel, battery, pump and control panel.
Or
Diy trolley, but even DIY will be under 200 just for trolley alone.
So going by your current finances or budget you said, then i think you know which route is only available at the moment.
All the best in the new venture
dont take any notice of this james........ ;D
do NOT go the ladder route.....and certainly dont buy a 18inch squeegee,its far too long....a 14in channel will be perfect....
a backpack and foldaway trolley with cost you around £130-£140,no need for reel,battery,pump,control panel as its all in the backpack,just use extra long pole hose for now when starting off.......
You forgot the price of a pole and processing pure water.
i was merely stating you can get a cheap trolley going the backpack route NOT the price of all the stuff he ll need for WFP spruce! ;D
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What car do you have
Fiat punto active 3 door 09 plate
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Hi James - which area are you in? Maybe someone close to you on here might have a few spares you could have?
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Is this a wind up or what 👍😂
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If 300 is your budget i would recommend going the trad route until youve built a round and have more spare income to expand. Though it might be very tight with that budget.
Ladders, roof rack, bucket, scrims, bucket on belt and then choice of tools. Pulex are perhaps the cheapest to begin with but they are also very good. 18inch channel with handle and an 18inch T bar with water wells and a good 18inch sleeve.
Then practice, practice and practice and go canvass.
For water fed, you need a tds meter to check your meter. Then you will know if you should go DI route or Reverse Osmosis route.
Then go gardiners for your poles n brushes n pole hose. Pure freedom has best price on a microbore main hose and then you need a reel, battery, pump and control panel.
Or
Diy trolley, but even DIY will be under 200 just for trolley alone.
So going by your current finances or budget you said, then i think you know which route is only available at the moment.
All the best in the new venture
dont take any notice of this james........ ;D
do NOT go the ladder route.....and certainly dont buy a 18inch squeegee,its far too long....a 14in channel will be perfect....
a backpack and foldaway trolley with cost you around £130-£140,no need for reel,battery,pump,control panel as its all in the backpack,just use extra long pole hose for now when starting off.......
This sounds good, do you have any links to equipment in that range that’s decent/reliable.
gardiner backpacks are good.....BUT id buy a tds meter first and check your tap water!
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A Fiat’s no good, you need a Mondeo.
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i think the fiat puntos payload is around 190kg.....so he ll be able to get half a barrel of pure water in the back without it being overweight.......
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I have a pinto like that stuck in the back of my mother in laws garage , from memory you would get 3 barrels in that and a backpack that’s your lot .
I think you need a rethink
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I've never driven one, so I can't really comment.
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You don’t want to
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If 300 is your budget i would recommend going the trad route until youve built a round and have more spare income to expand. Though it might be very tight with that budget.
Ladders, roof rack, bucket, scrims, bucket on belt and then choice of tools. Pulex are perhaps the cheapest to begin with but they are also very good. 18inch channel with handle and an 18inch T bar with water wells and a good 18inch sleeve.
Then practice, practice and practice and go canvass.
For water fed, you need a tds meter to check your meter. Then you will know if you should go DI route or Reverse Osmosis route.
Then go gardiners for your poles n brushes n pole hose. Pure freedom has best price on a microbore main hose and then you need a reel, battery, pump and control panel.
Or
Diy trolley, but even DIY will be under 200 just for trolley alone.
So going by your current finances or budget you said, then i think you know which route is only available at the moment.
All the best in the new venture
dont take any notice of this james........ ;D
do NOT go the ladder route.....and certainly dont buy a 18inch squeegee,its far too long....a 14in channel will be perfect....
a backpack and foldaway trolley with cost you around £130-£140,no need for reel,battery,pump,control panel as its all in the backpack,just use extra long pole hose for now when starting off.......
We both know that Daz but James might not. :)
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You'll need a roof rack anyway to carry your pole. Doubt you will get it inside a punto.
Dont scrimp on pole quality you will regret it. Probaly will cost you your entire budget too.
Dont forget to upgrade your insurance.
Take your time and do some more research and use the time to save. More you invest the more chance of success.
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To start off with why not just concentrate on bungalows where you can get away with trad (without ladders) - you may find you need a "hop-up" or some kind of step though...
OAPs generally live in bungalows & OAPs generally like clean windows. It does restrict you somewhat but at least it gets you into window cleaning and allows you to save up for some decent WFP equipment.
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I have a pinto like that stuck in the back of my mother in laws garage , from memory you would get 3 barrels in that and a backpack that’s your lot .
I think you need a rethink
3 barrels would be ok for me, only going to be using the wfp on top windows, plus I won’t be super busy for a while.
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Hence my reply.
Hes really going to struggle with the budget he currently has.
Yes a backpack from gardiners, plus vat and delivery is around £110 or so and then he will need a descent trolley. Ie perhaps a handy sack trolley which is around 60 quid. But what about a pole, spare pole hose and water production and storage.
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James
My advice:
Google: Gardiners water fed pole systems:
1. Backpack.
2. Clx 22'.
Plus all the correct connectors.
Find a local window cleaner, who sells pure water.
Also:
25 litre barrels x 8
Cloth for wiping ground floor window sills.
Plus:
Do some research
All the information is on this site (use the search facility)
All the information is on youtube.
Put the hours in, do the research and get in them corners!
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You'll need a roof rack anyway to carry your pole. Doubt you will get it inside a punto.
Dont scrimp on pole quality you will regret it. Probaly will cost you your entire budget too.
Dont forget to upgrade your insurance.
Take your time and do some more research and use the time to save. More you invest the more chance of success.
What poles would you suggest then? I will be able to fit the pole in my car.
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James
My advice:
Google: Gardiners water fed pole systems:
1. Backpack.
2. Clx 22 foot.
Plus all the correct connectors.
Find a local window cleaner, who sells pure water.
Also:
25 litre barrels x 8
Cloth for wiping ground floor window sills.
Plus:
Do some research
All the information is on this site (use the search facility)
All the information is on youtube.
Put the hours in, do the research and get in them corners!
Thanks for the good advice and info mate. A question I have is where would I buy pure water and how much is it?
What connections would I need to buy?
It’s all new to me.
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Hi James - which area are you in? Maybe someone close to you on here might have a few spares you could have?
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James
My advice:
Google: Gardiners water fed pole systems:
1. Backpack.
2. Clx 22 foot.
Plus all the correct connectors.
Find a local window cleaner, who sells pure water.
Also:
25 litre barrels x 8
Cloth for wiping ground floor window sills.
Plus:
Do some research
All the information is on this site (use the search facility)
All the information is on youtube.
Put the hours in, do the research and get in them corners!
Thanks for the good advice and info mate. A question I have is where would I buy pure water and how much is it?
What connections would I need to buy?
It’s all new to me.
If you can't be arsed to do the research, then you won't make it as a window cleaner. It's up to you.
Sorry to be harsh.
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Seems a lot of people try put you off on here (not all) but people talking about my car not being able to fit poles or barrels is negative to me, I’d make it work, doesn’t matter if I’d have to pull back seats down I’d have no issue and I’m determined, any actual advice on backpacks, poles, where to purchase water etc would be very welcome.
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You'll need a roof rack anyway to carry your pole. Doubt you will get it inside a punto.
Dont scrimp on pole quality you will regret it. Probaly will cost you your entire budget too.
Dont forget to upgrade your insurance.
Take your time and do some more research and use the time to save. More you invest the more chance of success.
What poles would you suggest then? I will be able to fit the pole in my car.
Robbo has given some good advice above.
Clx or if can afford the better slx 18 or 22 for 2 story buildings. An slx 25 good for 3rd floor town houses or reaching over larger extentions or conservatories.
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Hi James - which area are you in? Maybe someone close to you on here might have a few spares you could have?
Hi I’m in Birmingham
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James
My advice:
Google: Gardiners water fed pole systems:
1. Backpack.
2. Clx 22 foot.
Plus all the correct connectors.
Find a local window cleaner, who sells pure water.
Also:
25 litre barrels x 8
Cloth for wiping ground floor window sills.
Plus:
Do some research
All the information is on this site (use the search facility)
All the information is on youtube.
Put the hours in, do the research and get in them corners!
Thanks for the good advice and info mate. A question I have is where would I buy pure water and how much is it?
What connections would I need to buy?
It’s all new to me.
If you can't be arsed to do the research, then you won't make it as a window cleaner. It's up to you.
Sorry to be harsh.
Ok cheers awesome ;D
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Hi James - which area are you in? Maybe someone close to you on here might have a few spares you could have?
Hi I’m in Birmingham
I think Oliver James is in your area and he sub contracts work to other window cleaners . I’m sure he’s on here somewhere
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You'll need a roof rack anyway to carry your pole. Doubt you will get it inside a punto.
Dont scrimp on pole quality you will regret it. Probaly will cost you your entire budget too.
Dont forget to upgrade your insurance.
Take your time and do some more research and use the time to save. More you invest the more chance of success.
What poles would you suggest then? I will be able to fit the pole in my car.
Robbo has given some good advice above.
Clx or if can afford the better slx 18 or 22 for 2 story buildings. An slx 25 good for 3rd floor town houses or reaching over larger extentions or conservatories.
Ok cheers pal, I’ve looked on gardiner website and this back looks good https://gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/all-products/pure-water-systems/portable-systems/the-gardiner-backpack/new-gardiner-pure-water-backpack-v3-22-litre.html
Would any pipe fit into this backpack or would it have to be gardiner brand?
Would the ones you mentioned fit with this?
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Hi James - which area are you in? Maybe someone close to you on here might have a few spares you could have?
Hi I’m in Birmingham
I think Oliver James is in your area and he sub contracts work to other window cleaners . I’m sure he’s on here somewhere
That sounds good, I’d like to build my own round mainly though, just need to get all my gear, leaflets and business cards are ordered.
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Hi guys I’m looking for some advice here as I’m kind of in a predicament.
Im looking at starting up my own business as a window cleaner but from researching on here things are a lot more complicated then I thought.
I was originally looking at getting ladders but to get roof racks fitted to my car is very expensive due to my model of car and it being 3 door, would be looking at £100ish, so I then thought I’d be better off just going the wfp route to then find out all about having to use pure water which is more hassle and expense.
I have thought about using a long pole in traditional cleaning way but I’m not 100% sure I could do a top job which I want to do to keep customers and gain work. I could buy a soft roof rack (to use ladders) which is mainly used for surf boards so I’m not totally confident they would be safe.
what would your advice be on which way to go, my budget is £300, any help massively appreciated.
are you currently working?if so id wait until i had a bit more money together first.....also you need to find out the tds of your tap water...if its below 100 then DI only will be easier to purify your water....
forget ladders,wfp is the way to go.....your cheapest route will be a backpack on a foldaway trolley,a few 25L barrels and a 22 ft CLX pole from gardiners......also trad gear(14in squeegee,Tmop and scrims,bucket with a lid,detergent,scraper,etc)....
Hi mate no I’m not currently working so can’t save more, I’ve ordered my leaflets/business cards, I’m just now looking to get my equipment so I can start canvassing.
Would I need a TDS if I’d be purchasing pure water?
I have all the traditional equipment apart from ladders as I have no roof rack, I’m thinking the wfp route could be the best option.
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Is this a wind up or what 👍😂
What you on about?
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Seems a lot of people try put you off on here (not all) but people talking about my car not being able to fit poles or barrels is negative to me, I’d make it work, doesn’t matter if I’d have to pull back seats down I’d have no issue and I’m determined, any actual advice on backpacks, poles, where to purchase water etc would be very welcome.
I hope you dont mind me asking, but how old are you? Im guessing between 18 and 22 with this attitude. You mentioned youve been researching on here and yet it appears you have not. Sorry if thats blunt.
The reason for the question about the car is for you to be safe in it with the extra weight and equipment that you would need and not about what you can squash into it.
If youve researched on here you will know theres basically 4 ways for you to get your water. This depends on your tap tds. Im sure from ur research you know what tds is. From here you can either use just a DI or twin DI.
The second option is to use a reverse osmosis. Either a small and perhaps cheaper option to begin with a small 350 gpd unit and storage tanks to hold the water. Or third, use a bigger, quicker RO like a 4040 and store your water.
The fourth is to buy your water of someone local or if you have a supplier like "spotless"water for instance.
Plenty of people are giving you advice, it depends on how you want to receive that advice to if you deem it negative or not.
Blunt perhaps but true
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I have a pinto like that stuck in the back of my mother in laws garage , from memory you would get 3 barrels in that and a backpack that’s your lot .
I think you need a rethink
I don’t have a pinto it’s a punto :P
Also, cheer up will ya.
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Hi James
I dont think people on here are trying to put you off there just telling you how it is. If you think £400 is going to set you up properly it simply wont. Fair play to you for having the initiative for giving it a go but you really need to sit down properly and think it through on how your going to go about it
Before you start throwing out the questions spend a week or 2 going through all the back posts then come back.
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don't buy a trolley! my daughter is 9 stone and easily carries a back pack all day long... (not on her back , by the handle )
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Seems a lot of people try put you off on here (not all) but people talking about my car not being able to fit poles or barrels is negative to me, I’d make it work, doesn’t matter if I’d have to pull back seats down I’d have no issue and I’m determined, any actual advice on backpacks, poles, where to purchase water etc would be very welcome.
I hope you dont mind me asking, but how old are you? Im guessing between 18 and 22 with this attitude. You mentioned youve been researching on here and yet it appears you have not. Sorry if thats blunt.
The reason for the question about the car is for you to be safe in it with the extra weight and equipment that you would need and not about what you can squash into it.
If youve researched on here you will know theres basically 4 ways for you to get your water. This depends on your tap tds. Im sure from ur research you know what tds is. From here you can either use just a DI or twin DI.
The second option is to use a reverse osmosis. Either a small and perhaps cheaper option to begin with a small 350 gpd unit and storage tanks to hold the water. Or third, use a bigger, quicker RO like a 4040 and store your water.
The fourth is to buy your water of someone local or if you have a supplier like "spotless"water for instance.
Plenty of people are giving you advice, it depends on how you want to receive that advice to if you deem it negative or not.
Blunt perhaps but true
My reply there was because some are just looking to take the mick (like I said not all) just a couple who seem to be looking down on me or putting me off.
I appreciate that about the weight but what I’ve been trying to say is I’m not going to need loads of barrells as I’ll only be using wfp on the upstairs windows and I’m not going to be busy for a while (then I could look at upgrading to a van or bigger car)
I am 32 years old, just looking to better myself and have my own business, I do appreciate all the help and advise, just don’t appreciate people trying to knock me or say “is this a wind up” or knocking my car/ideas.
Yes I know what a TDS is but I’d more be looking at buying pure water if there is a supplier nearby.
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don't buy a trolley! my daughter is 9 stone and easily carries a back pack all day long... (not on her back , by the handle )
A backpack would suit me fine, I’m a tall strong guy, what one do you use mate and has it been reliable?
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Hi James
I dont think people on here are trying to put you off there just telling you how it is. If you think £400 is going to set you up properly it simply wont. Fair play to you for having the initiative for giving it a go but you really need to sit down properly and think it through on how your going to go about it
Before you start throwing out the questions spend a week or 2 going through all the back posts then come back.
Yes I agree most are just telling me how it is but sum just want to try degrade.
I don’t see how £400 won’t be enough?
What I need is a backpack/tank (bout £100)
Pole (about £120) few barrells of pure water (not sure price of that but doubt it’s over £200) ???
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You are gonna need more than a few barrels of water me thinks you are not really understanding this Wfp nonsense quite yet !
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My reply there was because some are just looking to take the mick (like I said not all) just a couple who seem to be looking down on me or putting me off.
I appreciate that about the weight but what I’ve been trying to say is I’m not going to need loads of barrells as I’ll only be using wfp on the upstairs windows and I’m not going to be busy for a while (then I could look at upgrading to a van or bigger car)
I am 32 years old, just looking to better myself and have my own business, I do appreciate all the help and advise, just don’t appreciate people trying to knock me or say “is this a wind up” or knocking my car/ideas.
Yes I know what a TDS is but I’d more be looking at buying pure water if there is a supplier nearby.
Just ignore the put-downs & go for it. We all had to start from somewhere....
As far as pure water is concerned. Spotless Water - at B5 7EJ (if that's anywhere near you). Otherwise just call a local window cleaner and ask to buy some.
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Try ebay, when i started 6/7 years ago i got a tank, ro, reel/hose and a couple of poles for 350. Got me started then I upgraded as and when i could.
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Hi James. Malc the Mod here.
If you have no job then how do you pay your way or do you have savings or live with family?
I suggest the following if you have monthly bills to pay.
Get a part time wage job covering three days a week. Use the rest of your time (three days ) to canvass and build up a round with your backpack and barrels. Have a goal of being able to upgrade in six months
A Punto will not last very long if you have any success at this (this is a good thing) but you can buy a trailer if you have a garden you can lock it in. A small trailer will allow you to carry 8 barrels or a 200L tank which should last you a day for tops only.
Your next goal should be to get a van that will let you carry you plus 400L minimum and you can start doing the downstairs and move more quickly and earn more.
Don't try and reinvent the wheel. The best way by far for a window cleaner to make 2K then 3K then more per month is by canvassing hard and having a van plus a tank.
Best of luck.
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Take a look at gardiners website and you can see for yourself how much the equipment is. Alex's poles come with pole hose adequate for the pole and pole only, so you will need to buy extra pole hose min 10 metres.
On average a barrel of water would last around 4 basic houses upstairs only but that is when you know what you are doing. To begin with you may end up using a barrel a house. Thats not a dig its how it happens and how you learn. You also need to have a good flow and cant be skimping on water if you want good results. Also look into univalves
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It’s hard not to come across as not taking the P , I’m not by any means , you have £400 in your pocket and no clue what to spend it on or how all this works , save what you have and go offer your blood sweat and tears to another W/c a bit of free labour in return for a bit of insight .
I’m miles and miles away but have a tank pumps poles hoses all sat doing nothing , you could have them but it’s no good having them if you got no way to house them !
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You also need resilience and a thick skin in this game.
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On average a barrel of water would last around 4 basic houses upstairs only but that is when you know what you are doing. To begin with you may end up using a barrel a house. Thats not a dig its how it happens and how you learn. You also need to have a good flow and cant be skimping on water if you want good results. Also look into univalves
Brings back memories, I remember my first house, a 3 bed semi. I must of used 100 litres of water on it. :-\
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On average a barrel of water would last around 4 basic houses upstairs only but that is when you know what you are doing. To begin with you may end up using a barrel a house. Thats not a dig its how it happens and how you learn. You also need to have a good flow and cant be skimping on water if you want good results. Also look into univalves
Brings back memories, I remember my first house, a 3 bed semi. I must of used 100 litres of water on it. :-\
Exactly my point , nobody else is putting it how it really is , there is a bit more to it than buying a backpack and pole , if you can’t produce the water let alone carry it you’ve no chance
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Hi James. Malc the Mod here.
If you have no job then how do you pay your way or do you have savings or live with family?
I suggest the following if you have monthly bills to pay.
Get a part time wage job covering three days a week. Use the rest of your time (three days ) to canvass and build up a round with your backpack and barrels. Have a goal of being able to upgrade in six months
A Punto will not last very long if you have any success at this (this is a good thing) but you can buy a trailer if you have a garden you can lock it in. A small trailer will allow you to carry 8 barrels or a 200L tank which should last you a day for tops only.
Your next goal should be to get a van that will let you carry you plus 400L minimum and you can start doing the downstairs and move more quickly and earn more.
Don't try and reinvent the wheel. The best way by far for a window cleaner to make 2K then 3K then more per month is by canvassing hard and having a van plus a tank.
Best of luck.
Hi mate. I have some savings (about 2k) but I don’t want to be blowing all that when I don’t have any customers yet, I’m looking to spend 400ish. I live with two friends and my bills are very low, even if I can make £200 a week I could save.
Rather than get a part time job (which is easier said than done anyway) id rather start building my round starting out in my punto and wfp then once I get bigger I could upgrade my vehicle.
Surely my punto could hold a couple of 25l barrells?
I’m going to be doing just houses so I’d think until I’m busy two 25l barrells would do, upstairs windows are usually quite small.
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You also need resilience and a thick skin in this game.
I worked for a window cleaner for 2 years back in 2007, he used to do them traditional way with ladders leather and scrim, was pretty simple, just seems some are trying to make this seem way more difficult then it actually is with the wfp nothing to do with needing a thick skin, it’s just cleaning windows.
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On average a barrel of water would last around 4 basic houses upstairs only but that is when you know what you are doing. To begin with you may end up using a barrel a house. Thats not a dig its how it happens and how you learn. You also need to have a good flow and cant be skimping on water if you want good results. Also look into univalves
Brings back memories, I remember my first house, a 3 bed semi. I must of used 100 litres of water on it. :-\
Exactly my point , nobody else is putting it how it really is , there is a bit more to it than buying a backpack and pole , if you can’t produce the water let alone carry it you’ve no chance
So why have I seen people working from there cars with like 4/5 massive barrells and a back pack, they’ve done it for years, I’m not looking to produce the water there’s a spotless water station 22 minutes from me.
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I have just looked and there is a spotless water supply 22 minutes from my house a 3p a litre, that’s good right?
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50 L of water will do you for about 30 minutes non stop cleaning , thats on established windows and being up to speed .
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You are going to be spending more on petrol than you are earning
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You also need resilience and a thick skin in this game.
I worked for a window cleaner for 2 years back in 2007, he used to do them traditional way with ladders leather and scrim, was pretty simple, just seems some are trying to make this seem way more difficult then it actually is with the wfp nothing to do with needing a thick skin, it’s just cleaning windows.
Totally wrong.
Wibbly is right.
Unless you have a thick skin, you don't stand a chance dealing with customers.
You won't last 2 minutes.
You'll be 'winging' about the people on the nasty forum giving you a hard time. Oh you've already done that!
I'm based in Bournemouth.
If you can drag your sorry arse down here for a day, i'll take you out with me.
Up to you.
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Just as well make a day of it , Robbo aint majorly far from me , when you are done with him pop down to Plymouth and get all this free gear I offered you , then spend that money on a van or suitable car to put it in , within a week you will be minted because its that easy ::)roll
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You also need resilience and a thick skin in this game.
I worked for a window cleaner for 2 years back in 2007, he used to do them traditional way with ladders leather and scrim, was pretty simple, just seems some are trying to make this seem way more difficult then it actually is with the wfp nothing to do with needing a thick skin, it’s just cleaning windows.
Totally wrong.
Wibbly is right.
Unless you have a thick skin, you don't stand a chance dealing with customers.
You won't last 2 minutes.
You'll be 'winging' about the people on the nasty forum giving you a hard time. Oh you've already done that!
I'm based in Bournemouth.
If you can drag your sorry arse down here for a day, i'll take you out with me.
Up to you.
I dealt with hundreds of customers back then, i chatted with them, dealt with any enquiries, collected money, no issues at all.
Nasty people on the forum haha don’t make me laugh, everyone on the internet thinks they are invincible behind a screen it’s just they way it is in the modern world, I just give it back.
No I don’t fancy driving 2 and a half hours to do your work for your lazy ass :P
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You also need resilience and a thick skin in this game.
I worked for a window cleaner for 2 years back in 2007, he used to do them traditional way with ladders leather and scrim, was pretty simple, just seems some are trying to make this seem way more difficult then it actually is with the wfp nothing to do with needing a thick skin, it’s just cleaning windows.
Totally wrong.
Wibbly is right.
Unless you have a thick skin, you don't stand a chance dealing with customers.
You won't last 2 minutes.
You'll be 'winging' about the people on the nasty forum giving you a hard time. Oh you've already done that!
I'm based in Bournemouth.
If you can drag your sorry arse down here for a day, i'll take you out with me.
Up to you.
I dealt with hundreds of customers back then, i chatted with them, dealt with any enquiries, collected money, no issues at all.
Nasty people on the forum haha don’t make me laugh, everyone on the internet thinks they are invincible behind a screen it’s just they way it is in the modern world, I just give it back.
No I don’t fancy driving 2 and a half hours to do your work for your lazy ass :P
If your that used to it all why you on here asking for help? ::)roll
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You'll go far with that attitude for sure ::)roll
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Just as well make a day of it , Robbo aint majorly far from me , when you are done with him pop down to Plymouth and get all this free gear I offered you , then spend that money on a van or suitable car to put it in , within a week you will be minted because its that easy ::)roll
I know it isn’t easy to build a big round, getting customers canvassing, marketing, building a good reputation etc, anyway I think you’ve served your purpose on my thread, thanks mate for the encouragement and useful information you have been a huge help ::)roll
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Well James, I wouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water.
You have had a lot of good advice on here and I hope you succeed.
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You also need resilience and a thick skin in this game.
I worked for a window cleaner for 2 years back in 2007, he used to do them traditional way with ladders leather and scrim, was pretty simple, just seems some are trying to make this seem way more difficult then it actually is with the wfp nothing to do with needing a thick skin, it’s just cleaning windows.
Totally wrong.
Wibbly is right.
Unless you have a thick skin, you don't stand a chance dealing with customers.
You won't last 2 minutes.
You'll be 'winging' about the people on the nasty forum giving you a hard time. Oh you've already done that!
I'm based in Bournemouth.
If you can drag your sorry arse down here for a day, i'll take you out with me.
Up to you.
I dealt with hundreds of customers back then, i chatted with them, dealt with any enquiries, collected money, no issues at all.
Nasty people on the forum haha don’t make me laugh, everyone on the internet thinks they are invincible behind a screen it’s just they way it is in the modern world, I just give it back.
No I don’t fancy driving 2 and a half hours to do your work for your lazy ass :P
James
Good luck.
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You also need resilience and a thick skin in this game.
I worked for a window cleaner for 2 years back in 2007, he used to do them traditional way with ladders leather and scrim, was pretty simple, just seems some are trying to make this seem way more difficult then it actually is with the wfp nothing to do with needing a thick skin, it’s just cleaning windows.
Totally wrong.
Wibbly is right.
Unless you have a thick skin, you don't stand a chance dealing with customers.
You won't last 2 minutes.
You'll be 'winging' about the people on the nasty forum giving you a hard time. Oh you've already done that!
I'm based in Bournemouth.
If you can drag your sorry arse down here for a day, i'll take you out with me.
Up to you.
I dealt with hundreds of customers back then, i chatted with them, dealt with any enquiries, collected money, no issues at all.
Nasty people on the forum haha don’t make me laugh, everyone on the internet thinks they are invincible behind a screen it’s just they way it is in the modern world, I just give it back.
No I don’t fancy driving 2 and a half hours to do your work for your lazy ass :P
If your that used to it all why you on here asking for help? ::)roll
To ask about wfp equipment, if it’s worth going that route, which is the best products or if I should go traditional. Nothing to do with customer service. I’ve had some helpful replies, some have just been people trying to take the p.
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You also need resilience and a thick skin in this game.
I worked for a window cleaner for 2 years back in 2007, he used to do them traditional way with ladders leather and scrim, was pretty simple, just seems some are trying to make this seem way more difficult then it actually is with the wfp nothing to do with needing a thick skin, it’s just cleaning windows.
I find that offensive :'(
It takes years to master the art of wfpoling
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You also need resilience and a thick skin in this game.
I worked for a window cleaner for 2 years back in 2007, he used to do them traditional way with ladders leather and scrim, was pretty simple, just seems some are trying to make this seem way more difficult then it actually is with the wfp nothing to do with needing a thick skin, it’s just cleaning windows.
If it’s just cleaning windows, why all the questions?
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You also need resilience and a thick skin in this game.
I worked for a window cleaner for 2 years back in 2007, he used to do them traditional way with ladders leather and scrim, was pretty simple, just seems some are trying to make this seem way more difficult then it actually is with the wfp nothing to do with needing a thick skin, it’s just cleaning windows.
If it’s just cleaning windows, why all the questions?
My questions are about WFP equipment, how the system works and which backpacks/poles are best, not how to clean windows.
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I seen posts on another forum saying how aggressive/hostile/awkward these forums are but Jesus they was not kidding, luckily I can deal with it and just give it back but damn this place is hilarious, come here for some advice and it’s as if some of the window cleaners on here must have inferiority complex or something. Thanks to those who actually have been welcoming and tried to help.
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You have been offered a day out with an old timer ;D and free gear from another old timer , albeit it with a bit of a drive , would have only cost you petrol in order to save money to set up and see first hand how it all works , sadly though I feel you have burnt the bridge before you even got half way over the thing .
Good luck bud !
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I seen posts on another forum saying how aggressive/hostile/awkward these forums are but Jesus they was not kidding, luckily I can deal with it and just give it back but damn this place is hilarious, come here for some advice and it’s as if some of the window cleaners on here must have inferiority complex or something. Thanks to those who actually have been welcoming and tried to help.
But what you don’t seem to be grasping is, people are trying to help by saying it’s not just a case of splashing some water on a window and they come up gleaming. There is a bit more to cleaning windows using a water fed pole than you think.
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Hiya James! ;D
Ok, I thought that I would make an effort and give you my opinion on what you should do. You say you have £2k in savings, and you dont want to "blow" it all on window cleaning equipment, but you need to change your mindset.
2 Grand is actually a fairly decent budget to get you started. I would use it all if you want to start up in window cleaning properly.
Van £800-£1200, (03 plate connect, combo, etc)
£1200-£800 left for poles, tank and bits and bobs, if you DIY you will be able to do all this.
Now when it comes down to generating the business, prepare to spend at least 5 years growing and honing the work before you have any sort of round that you can rely on for a decent income. If you canvass relentlessly, you might be able to bring in around £18k a year of new business, and you will sit down, do the math and say to yourself well that's £90k in 5 years, jees window cleaners must rake it in!
But bear in mind UPTO 2 thirds of that business over the 5 year period will be: deaths, house moves, dross, messers, and "not today thankyous" I like to call them dead business. So you must account for that when you plan your growth
An EXAMPLE........
New Business Signups
Year 1) New :£18,300
Year 2) New: £14,500 - minus Dead Business YR1 £6,000
Year 3) New £16,600- minus Dead Business YR1 £5,700, YR2 £5,000
Year 4) New £12,300- minus Dead Business YR1 £800, YR2 £700, YR3 £2000
Year 5 New £9,500-minus Dead Business YR1 £300, YR2 £500, YR3 £1200, YR4 ,£4000
5 Year Summary
New signups £71,200
Minus Dead Business £26, 200
Customer list value after 5 years £45,000
So thats sort of how it really goes, and dont forget the ones that are worth keeping you must always bear in mind that at the end of any working day, its likley that you will stacually only get a 3rd or half the payements in for the day with the rest of the payments to follow in 2 or 3 weeks, plus there are taxes to pay and expenses. Again, its best to try to think in terms of thirds.
So if you take your £45,000 and allocate 15k for tax, 30k for yourself and the business.
Its not so easy to make a living from it.. you have to really want it. Many start up in this business becouse it looks like easy money, but more often than not they give up in 3 or 4 years.
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You have been offered a day out with an old timer ;D and free gear from another old timer , albeit it with a bit of a drive , would have only cost you petrol in order to save money to set up and see first hand how it all works , sadly though I feel you have burnt the bridge before you even got half way over the thing .
Good luck bud !
Sarcastically offered gear by the one taking the mick the most on my thread and doing nothing but knocking me, dude just bore off.
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I seen posts on another forum saying how aggressive/hostile/awkward these forums are but Jesus they was not kidding, luckily I can deal with it and just give it back but damn this place is hilarious, come here for some advice and it’s as if some of the window cleaners on here must have inferiority complex or something. Thanks to those who actually have been welcoming and tried to help.
But what you don’t seem to be grasping is, people are trying to help by saying it’s not just a case of splashing some water on a window and they come up gleaming. There is a bit more to cleaning windows using a water fed pole than you think.
Yes I totally understand that and it’s why I’ve been asking for advice on wfp, I wasn’t coming on here for people to take the mick and just pick holes in everything and try discourage me, the ones who have genuinely gave me constructive advice I appreciate.
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I thought you were leaving the forum with mr Pryor ??? That’s what you said in your post wasn’t it ?????
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Yeah i know.. ;D
::)roll ::)roll cant stay away! :-*
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I seen posts on another forum saying how aggressive/hostile/awkward these forums are but Jesus they was not kidding, luckily I can deal with it and just give it back but damn this place is hilarious, come here for some advice and it’s as if some of the window cleaners on here must have inferiority complex or something. Thanks to those who actually have been welcoming and tried to help.
But what you don’t seem to be grasping is, people are trying to help by saying it’s not just a case of splashing some water on a window and they come up gleaming. There is a bit more to cleaning windows using a water fed pole than you think.
Yes I totally understand that and it’s why I’ve been asking for advice on wfp, I wasn’t coming on here for people to take the mick and just pick holes in everything and try discourage me, the ones who have genuinely gave me constructive advice I appreciate.
You need to get out there with someone who knows what they are doing to show you the ropes as like others have said it takes years to fully master wfp.
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Yeah i know.. ;D
::)roll ::)roll cant stay away! :-*
Wait till Dry clean gets back from his ban😱😱
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Sell your car and buy a van.
If you try hard you could build a van mount for a few hundred quid with second hand gear.
Tank - £50 or so off eBay.
Battery - £45 for a 70ah one new
Pump - £15 off eBay
Reel - hoselock £35 b&q
Hose reel £45 of eBay (microbore)
Pole - £100 for a 22ft fibreglass one
D.I vessel about £35 second hand off eBay
Sack of resin £70
Few fittings £20
TDs meter £4 eBay
Infact I have a spare 500l tank, 2 spare batterys a spare 22ft pole, hoselock reel/hose, spare backpack and few pumps in my garage as thats what I started out with.
Come up to Yorkshire with £300 and I will kit your van out with the above and show you how to use it.
There ya go.
Then order £10'000 leaflets for about £60 and pound the streets knocking doors posting a leaflet to anyone not in. Spend the rest of you time hammering Facebook groups twice a day.
Within a couple of months of you give it your all you will be up and running.
Or you could fanny about with trolleys/trad gear from your car, I'm sure you could make it work but having done all that when starting out I can tell you I would just jump straight into a van mount.
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You have been offered a day out with an old timer ;D and free gear from another old timer , albeit it with a bit of a drive , would have only cost you petrol in order to save money to set up and see first hand how it all works , sadly though I feel you have burnt the bridge before you even got half way over the thing .
Good luck bud !
Sarcastically offered gear by the one taking the mick the most on my thread and doing nothing but knocking me, dude just bore off.
I offered it you , you took me the wrong way , back in 2005 when I joined I was as green as you , the only difference was though that I didnt have a feckin great know it all chip on my shoulder like you do , I listened to people and took the humour with a pinch of salt , cos i got stick too you know .
And if I had of got offered what you have been offered tonight I would have been over the moon mate , not Charlie big spuddin it !
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Yeah i know.. ;D
::)roll ::)roll cant stay away! :-*
😂😂. Only teasing you mark
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Dont bother Gomo , what you give him wont be good enough mate , I dont often get arsie on here but he has gripped my poop today , the world owes this bloke a living !
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After all "It's only window cleanining " , how hard can it be ;D
Thats all I'm saying ;D ;D
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Perhaps James is Dry Clean ?
He's gripped my poop today ;D
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Perhaps James is Dry Clean ?
He's gripped my poop today ;D
Na, more like Lee Pryor, throwing the toys out the pram is a dead giveaway😂
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Interesting........
From total noob to experienced expert in 30 posts 👍 all without doing a single search on the forum or any research that’s freely available across the interweb.
We all started out with little or no knowledge, learning something new is like that, but seeing as you have put about practically no effort in looking at different wfp equipment that you can’t even ask what pole or make would suit me best I sadly can’t see you getting the venture off the ground
People are here to help but currently your wasting their time (and good will) never mind your own
Good luck in trying
Darran
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You also need resilience and a thick skin in this game.
I worked for a window cleaner for 2 years back in 2007, he used to do them traditional way with ladders leather and scrim, was pretty simple, just seems some are trying to make this seem way more difficult then it actually is with the wfp nothing to do with needing a thick skin, it’s just cleaning windows.
Totally wrong.
Wibbly is right.
Unless you have a thick skin, you don't stand a chance dealing with customers.
You won't last 2 minutes.
You'll be 'winging' about the people on the nasty forum giving you a hard time. Oh you've already done that!
I'm based in Bournemouth.
If you can drag your sorry arse down here for a day, i'll take you out with me.
Up to you.
I dealt with hundreds of customers back then, i chatted with them, dealt with any enquiries, collected money, no issues at all.
Nasty people on the forum haha don’t make me laugh, everyone on the internet thinks they are invincible behind a screen it’s just they way it is in the modern world, I just give it back.
No I don’t fancy driving 2 and a half hours to do your work for your lazy ass :P
People are offering you sound advice and free equipment and you are biting the hand that’s trying to help you , not very sensible is it , you are asking very simple questions one muinit then the next telling us you have done it before something doesn’t add up hear
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Is this the guy on the other forum who is claiming benefits and wanting to only work a few hours a month so he doesn’t loose them ???? Asking for very similar advice ?..
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Is this the guy on the other forum who is claiming benefits and wanting to only work a few hours a month so he doesn’t loose them ???? Asking for very similar advice ?..
Looks like it.
WE DON'T NEED TWO TOPICS ON THIS - MERGED
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Is this the guy on the other forum who is claiming benefits and wanting to only work a few hours a month so he doesn’t loose them ???? Asking for very similar advice ?..
No that’s not me, I want to be fully off benefits and working full time.
Look I’ve been in a bad mood today due to tragic news in the family a few days ago, so I apologise if I have been a nob in my replies to anybody, I honestly ain’t a bad guy I’ve just had a rough time in life and want to do something with my life. If people want I will be on my way.
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I’d like to apologise to everyone, I acted poorly today on the forum, I let some personal life issues get the better of me, could admin please delete this thread so I could start a fresh on these forums, again many apologies.
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“So if you take your £45,000 and allocate 15k for tax, 30k for yourself and the business. “
Sounds a lot of tax ???
Do you use an accountant or your fingers?
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“So if you take your £45,000 and allocate 15k for tax, 30k for yourself and the business. “
Sounds a lot of tax ???
Do you use an accountant or your fingers?
I think he meant 15k for tax and large accountants bill 😂
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Just read all five pages and came to the conclusion that Lee Pryor is winding everyone up! Different name of course!
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Looking back now it's a hard long road starting a window cleaning round.
Especially so when you are new as you don't have the knowledge or experience to grow the round fast.
It takes many years to not only master cleaning quickly but to also get the right customers and the right processes in place to maximise earnings
It all seems so easy now you forget how long the road was and how many hours of work were put in and how much money lost or wasted etc.
I started out with a absolutely nothing, just split up with my ex, homeless (my mum let me stay in her spare room lol but still) and jobless. Managed to find a part time job then invested everything I earned back into the business over the next 2-3 years.
It's only the past year where I've started being able to save money and feel comfortable.
It's not easy, forget equipment the biggest thing you'll need is determination, the weather, the customers the sleepless nights wondering how you can get more work etc.
Its the hardest thing I've ever done but the most rewarding. Not only physically but mentally as I was a person with low self esteem and confidence thinking I'll always be working for minimum wage and always be skint etc. But starting a business and actually succeeding has changed my mindset entirely and my woldrld view. I now know I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. This game has not only changed my life financially but I have become a totally different person.
So embrace the hard road ahead, the only person that can stop you is you.
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I remember spending an hour on a 1st clean for £6 ... only for the customer to fob me off and not pay :'(
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Looking back now it's a hard long road starting a window cleaning round.
Especially so when you are new as you don't have the knowledge or experience to grow the round fast.
It takes many years to not only master cleaning quickly but to also get the right customers and the right processes in place to maximise earnings
It all seems so easy now you forget how long the road was and how many hours of work were put in and how much money lost or wasted etc.
I started out with a absolutely nothing, just split up with my ex, homeless (my mum let me stay in her spare room lol but still) and jobless. Managed to find a part time job then invested everything I earned back into the business over the next 2-3 years.
It's only the past year where I've started being able to save money and feel comfortable.
It's not easy, forget equipment the biggest thing you'll need is determination, the weather, the customers the sleepless nights wondering how you can get more work etc.
Its the hardest thing I've ever done but the most rewarding. Not only physically but mentally as I was a person with low self esteem and confidence thinking I'll always be working for minimum wage and always be skint etc. But starting a business and actually succeeding has changed my mindset entirely and my woldrld view. I now know I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. This game has not only changed my life financially but I have become a totally different person.
So embrace the hard road ahead, the only person that can stop you is you.
To James Styles ...
See those bits above I've highlighted in red from Gomo? That is what you should take from this thread and run with if you haven't got big money to chuck at this.
Part time wage job and build the round with determination. When the wage job gets to you you will know you are building a future for yourself.
Get a job in ASDA or Aldi where you can get food discount! ;D
You've made some honest comments in the small hours of this morning and I'm sorry for what you are going through. Rather than delete the thread I suggest you get pen and paper and make note of the excellent advice to be found here - look for the diamonds in the rough as it were!
I'm locking this thread so it will slowly sink in to oblivion - please stay and join in the forum - what other trade/job could you get this much advice on how to start for free?