[michael papworth]

There's an over-long thread on here from a lad who's thinking about kick starting his business by doing one or two freebies to get experience and a few photos.

The majority of respondents think it's a poor idea.

Could anybody in his area say something positive like: "Come out with me on &&&&day next week. I've got a couple of conservatory jobs on and you can learn the ropes and take a few photos as well."

That would seem to be a more positive response.

[johns window kleen]

This is going to make me popular with the "Do Good crowd" but maybe, just Maybe people are sick and tired of people who run other "successful" businesses  starting up in W/C, when maybe there are just a few hundred thousand Newbies out there quoting daft low prices, or even "Free's" just to get established, which in these uncertain times, does no one any good and distorts the market.

I know I am probably in the minority here, but I see mainly one way traffic when window cleaners ask for help in other areas on this forum.

[Bobs Window Cleaning]

John.

You are not in the minority. We agree and just can't bother to post :

When I was a newbie, I came on here and used the search function.....something other newbies dont seem too keen on and they all ask the same questions..

Bob

[Slash]

Sorry for putting a downer on this but what if the bloke falls through a conservitory roof,it's not all black and white I'm afraid,the majority of us are insured but I would'nt take the risk of somebody getting hurt and breaking their neck,especially a newbie!

[DaveG]

I wouldnt think twice if a local window cleaner needed help or advice , i would help no problem!
I remember when i first came on here the guys were so helpful....
Some people need to remember we all got to start somewhere and we were all newbies once

[johns window kleen]

I wouldnt think twice if a local window cleaner needed help or advice , i would help no problem!
I remember when i first came on here the guys were so helpful....
Some people need to remember we all got to start somewhere and we were all newbies once

Sorry for putting a downer on this but what if the bloke falls through a conservitory roof,it's not all black and white I'm afraid,the majority of us are insured but I would'nt take the risk of somebody getting hurt and breaking their neck,especially a newbie!

Slash,  seriously how are you gonna stop a guy falling through a conservatory roof by typing on here?
You seriously think you have to remind Newb's about getting insurance, where does it stop, what about paying tax, or correct vehicle insurance.

Would you set up a business without at least doing some basic research?

H2ose,
When you set up there wasnt a recession going on, was there.
I once too would have been helpful, and still am would you believe, but enough is enough. Can you not see whats going on out there, and I am not being alarmist. Too many businesses, the overall customer base actually shrinking, as people are rejiggling their finances, both Commercial and Domestic. Too many people underpricing.
Its getting like flooding the ports at Calais to get in. I for one am sick of this situation.

Time to wake up!!!!

[leapstallbuildings]

I wouldnt think twice if a local window cleaner needed help or advice , i would help no problem!
I remember when i first came on here the guys were so helpful....
Some people need to remember we all got to start somewhere and we were all newbies once

I have helped show people the ropes before.  I do insist that they have a PL insurance though.

[Londoner]

Over the years I have helped many window cleaners get started but help can only go so far. If people haven't got the sense to sort things out for themselves you can't spoon feed them.

[LSB]

i wish all genuine newbies the best of luck ,
but when i started out , i used hard work , common sense , trial and error , etc !

[Slash]

I wouldnt think twice if a local window cleaner needed help or advice , i would help no problem!
I remember when i first came on here the guys were so helpful....
Some people need to remember we all got to start somewhere and we were all newbies once

Sorry for putting a downer on this but what if the bloke falls through a conservitory roof,it's not all black and white I'm afraid,the majority of us are insured but I would'nt take the risk of somebody getting hurt and breaking their neck,especially a newbie!

Slash,  seriously how are you gonna stop a guy falling through a conservatory roof by typing on here?
You seriously think you have to remind Newb's about getting insurance, where does it stop, what about paying tax, or correct vehicle insurance.

Would you set up a business without at least doing some basic research?

H2ose,
When you set up there wasnt a recession going on, was there.
I once too would have been helpful, and still am would you believe, but enough is enough. Can you not see whats going on out there, and I am not being alarmist. Too many businesses, the overall customer base actually shrinking, as people are rejiggling their finances, both Commercial and Domestic. Too many people underpricing.
Its getting like flooding the ports at Calais to get in. I for one am sick of this situation.

Time to wake up!!!!

Thats not what I meant,what I meant was when I was a novice or newbie or whatever I started from scratch like doing my own house,friends and family like Wally says till your more confident and move on to other properties.
I would feel guilty if anybody had an accident on work experience where I was in charge,for that reason if I need help which I usually do I would contact somebody who has experience in the field rather than a newbie,I am just reasurred with someone who has experience thats all.