[Spiceman]

Hi,
We have a small contract cleaning service in the City centre/Trafford Park/Birchwood areas.
I don't want to go to the lengths of starting up a window cleaning side to the business and employing staff and all the rest involved but it leaves us at a disadvantage when quoting for business.
So we were thinking of buddying with a professional window cleaner in the area, one who has all the why's and wherefores but is not involved in office or carpet cleaning themselves.
1) Has anyone done this sort of thing and what experiences do you have.
2) Is this somthing you may be interested in.
Regards,
John
e-mail spicandspanqcs@aol.com
Perhaps this could also apply to security, waste removal and other support services. Just so long as buddys are professional, trained members of relevant associations etc. Any ideas?

[RSWindows]

I used to do it, with a company called Spic and Span in Bradford and Leeds.

It worked well most of the time. Payment was an issue, I was forever chasing money. Most of the stuff I did was large(ish) builders cleans worth a grand or more, so all the usual issues were complicated by having another company involved.

I also insisted on being in charge with regards to my part of the contract, she insisted on remaining in charge of her part, which wasn't always popular with site managers.

I eventually got fed up with it and passed another window cleaner onto her. She eventually shut her business down (due to illness) but owed him about 4 grand.

my advice, make sure you cross all the T's and dot the I's from day one.

Sound advice there!

[Spiceman]

sounds like great advice, difficult to know wether to run side by side each doing own invoices or to put forward a single image
guess seperate invoicing could be best but if i was providing the clients i think i'd deserve a cut or commission.

[David Slater]

This is an interesting idea...I'm based in Manchester so of course I think its interesting 

As already outlined, I'm not too sure I'd feel comfortable working as a subby without knowing that the main contractor was ultra rock solid (financially).

'Buddying' could be a really good idea but again, as already mentioned I think it would probably cost a few quid to set up properly.

Co-Op and Spar shops do something along these lines.

Running it something along the lines of a Co-Op? All members working together towards a single aim.
It would probably require a fair degree of input to set it up and a fair few quid in solictors fees. It would probably require a Board of Directors (or something similar) to resolve disputes and tender for work as a single entity and a Treasurer to look after the finances....no offence but I dont anyone wandering off into the sunset with MY money!!

Any ideas who would take on these roles? And how much the membership would have to pay for their services?
It would need to file accounts each year (as a seperate company) 

It is totally feasible and could challenge some very BIG players...but it would have to be right to get respect from clients and members.

I'm interested 

If its just a 'commision based' thing for finding me work that is part of an overall account then you're probably best just to offer it out to tender and that way you can keep the contract to yourself by employing subbies.

I wouldnt be interested.