[sham33]

I've read on here about a BWCA price guide with pictures of typical properties.  Some say it is unrealistic is this what you use?

Any one got a link to this guide? Thanks.

[Carl2009]

I do what a lot of guys on here do, and estimate how long it's going to take me and what I want to earn as an hourly rate (taking into the fact that you can't work every day because of weather, sickness, holidays, bank holidays, van breakdowns/MOT, equipment failures etc etc.). Basically 20 min job is around £12. Poor access, call the night before, less regular than 4 or 8 weekly, position on a road (i.e. whether it gets filthy or just normally dirty), whether (in my patch) it's a farm (always very dirty, hose trailing through cow poop, grit inside pole that needs washing out etc) all adds to this basic figure.

My advice would be: hide the tats and grow your hair if you are a skinhead - look smart and conventional; ditch jeans and a T shirt and get a 'uniform' (mine's black Dickies trousees and a white polo sirt; a black gilet; a black fleece). Say hello to everyone you see on the street, be reliable, do the best job you can every time, do the occassional easy freebie when you have time and the weather is with you - but always point it out to the custie, knock or ring on bungalows in case they are indisposed. Basically, fit in and be professional.

When pricing explain there's no limescale in the water you use if you are wfp and show them the indsides of your van - digital flow controllers are great as they look hi-tech. Explain you clean the frames every time. Explain you are insured and you pay tax where others doing it for tuppence may well be signing on or have second jobs or be retired and doing it to top up the pension.

There are a lot of lads running around doing a lot of windows and not earning a great deal. You can be busy but you want to be profitable. If you have fewer well priced jobs it leaves you with the same income and time to take on more of the same. The reverse is also true.

These are just my opinions.

Cheers



Stick to your guns

[TomCrowther]

I agree with all that Carl said. If someone wants to work for say £4 a house then good for them, but they will have a weak business in my opinion. Ignoring the tax free element, you take 30% off for tax and ni, then deduct expenses and it won't leave much profit. Leaving them forced to work in all weathers and struggling to meet enexpected bills.

[Window Washers]

I agree with all that Carl said. If someone wants to work for say £4 a house then good for them, but they will have a weak business in my opinion. Ignoring the tax free element, you take 30% off for tax and ni, then deduct expenses and it won't leave much profit. Leaving them forced to work in all weathers and struggling to meet enexpected bills.

Just a thought, maybe some can clean in the rain because thiere business is strong enough to be able to.

[Granny]

I agree with all that Carl said. If someone wants to work for say £4 a house then good for them, but they will have a weak business in my opinion. Ignoring the tax free element, you take 30% off for tax and ni, then deduct expenses and it won't leave much profit. Leaving them forced to work in all weathers and struggling to meet enexpected bills.

I totally agree but basically I think there is a load of c**p boosted on here at times. 
Of course I want to clean for £10 not £4 do you think I'm stupid:? but when I am surrounded by other window cleaners who are prepared to do it for £3 - Well, market forces are market forces.
I certainly don't want to go canvassing for hours and hours turning down every job I have a chance for 'cos it don't pay enough until I get the magic 1 in 10 or 20 job that pays well, it's bad enough just getting enough jobs as it is.
g.

[gary999]

had a good week earnings wise,obviously i work in all weathers,today been the worst
wind and rain worst combination when wfp used about 25% more water with extra rinsing

[GB Window Cleaning]

had a good week earnings wise,obviously i work in all weathers,today been the worst
wind and rain worst combination when wfp used about 25% more water with extra rinsing

YEAH I USED MORE WATER TOO WITH THIS WEATHER!

[Paul Coleman]

In recent years, I have worked in the rain a lot more than I used to.  During those few years, I lost two customers over it.  In recent months, I stopped working in heavier rain.  I lost four customers fore taking too long between visits (none of them bothered phoning me either).  Two of the jobs were pretty decent ones - the other two not so bothered about.  I asked the ones that cancelled if they would have been OK with me working in heavy rain.  Of course not they replied.  I pointed out to all that they can't have it both ways (though I was more polite about it than that).  Damned if I do. Damned if I don't.  In future, I carry on working except in the very worst of it.  Lesson learnt.

[GB Window Cleaning]

In recent years, I have worked in the rain a lot more than I used to.  During those few years, I lost two customers over it.  In recent months, I stopped working in heavier rain.  I lost four customers fore taking too long between visits (none of them bothered phoning me either).  Two of the jobs were pretty decent ones - the other two not so bothered about.  I asked the ones that cancelled if they would have been OK with me working in heavy rain.  Of course not they replied.  I pointed out to all that they can't have it both ways (though I was more polite about it than that).  Damned if I do. Damned if I don't.  In future, I carry on working except in the very worst of it.  Lesson learnt.

good story! i work in ALL weather except HEAVY HEAvY HEAVY did i mention it has to be very very very heavy weather. oh and thunder 

top tip for thise dont like the rain.... water proofs and a peaked cap to keep the rain out for eyes when looking up!