I'll tell you what, in theory this job should be easy, the reality is it can be a ballache if you don't have the right customers. And even if you do it never runs smoothly, there's always one to ruin your day with a not today etc.
We might be able to earn good money, but we deserve it with all the crap we have to put up with at times, bad weather, bad custys, it's not all roses is it
I believe many people come into this game thinking it's easy work for easy money. They become disillusioned when reality hits them and many either give up or trudge on, seeing it as drudgery (albeit well paid drudgery).
I believe it's what you make it. I went into it with low expectations (I started off part time working for a friend). When I went it alone I kept my sights relatively low and to this day (21 years later) I don't expect too much out of my business other than making a living from it.
I have enough work, I earn enough from it, but above all, I am content.
John
The frustrating thing is it should be easy work for way money.
You agree a monthly clean, you go out and do it and the money appears in your account. Of course we know it's not that easy, the weather will stop you cleaning it, the customer will stop you cleaning it and then never pay you.
What we need is contracts.
I think go cardless is the closest we are going to get to a guaranteed income.
But you are right, given all the problems that come with this job I can see why some people just do it part time and choose the cream work. Not a bad idea
1.the weather hardly ever stops me cleaning windows
2.i very rarely get a "not today".if i do i simply move onto my next job.no worries.
3.i wrote off £100 last year out of £43,000+ turnover.not worth bothering about.(its usually around £40-£50)
I know mate.
But in the flip side
The weather this week has meant it's been my worst weeks earnings for about 2 years! Today is the only day when it's not been sideways rain.
Ive had 3 not today's this week and dumped 2 for bring long term Messer's.
I wrote off about 500 quid at least and have about another 100 that will be written off. I don't sent 4 to small claims court, got paid for 3 and the other no response so 25 quid more out of pocket on him.
We can earn good money but to get it with have to put up with a lot of crap, not to mention bookwork, taxes advertising, fixing stuff. The list goes on.
For me the job is still a farce at times, what keeps me going is that I know one day I can be just like you with a nice round and no stress, it's just a matter of time.
BLIMEY!adam!you ve had to write off around £500 in one year? 
granted this week has been bad weather wise at times but ive still managed to earn just over £800 for 18 hours "on the glass".(3 x 5 hour days and one 3 hour day)ive started a bit later some days due to the heavy rain/wind but i battled on yesterday afternoon in stormy conditions and dodged the odd heavy shower.
ive had one "not today" all week and most work has been on one estate(70+ houses virtually all right next to each other)and a few bigger stand alone jobs.
Yeh something like that, 500 quid ish, i get a lot of canvassed work which means a lot of messers, par for the course, i dont pay much tax as i re invest most of it so save money that way.
I had a terrible week, i did £350 quid, worst ive done for a very long time...that was probably about 10 hours work, 1 day off, and the other 3 i battle sideways wind, had a few not todays and generally was fed up lol
never mind fresh start next week