[Karl Inskip]

I am starting a new cleaning services business soon (mainly window cleaning) in the south-east area (Bedfordshire) of England. I have told a few people about it and although i have recieved a lot of positive feedback I am worried I may not be able to get enough customers to work 5 days a week for 12 months of the year, what did you guys do when first starting out to gain customers?

Thanks.

[Ian Lancaster]

Depends how dedicated you are.

You won't get enough to make a living for perhaps a few months.  You need to set yourself targets and stick to them.  The only sure way to grow a business is by canvassing so you need to plan to knock on X no of doors for (say) 3 evenings a week every week and Saturday and Sunday during the day.

You have to learn to take the knock backs - you spend 2-3 hours knocking and get no takers - if you give up then you won't make it, the ones who do shrug it off and carry on.

As a guide, I have built six rounds in the last three years, each turning over an average of £850/week by doing as described above.

There is work out there, it just depends if you have the will and determination and self belief to go and get it.

If domestic window cleaning is not your thing, then you need advice from someone else - we only take commercial on our own terms if we get asked fot it - never go looking for it.

[R W C™]

Ian just out of curiosity do you do the Demelza Childrens hospice in Rook Lane, My daughter goes up there, she was there last week.

Back to the post,

As Ian said knock knock and knock some more, always have a smile, say hello to anyone you see as you never know if they will want your services,

Chris

[stevehinnis]

Karl
What Ian said is exactly what needs to be done. It is the best answer you will ever get .Follow his advise as stated and you will build a business.
Steve Hinnis.

[Ian Lancaster]

Ian just out of curiosity do you do the Demelza Childrens hospice in Rook Lane, Chris

No

But we do a lot of those lovely big houses in Rooks View - just behind the hospice.

[R W C™]

Ian just out of curiosity do you do the Demelza Childrens hospice in Rook Lane, Chris

No

But we do a lot of those lovely big houses in Rooks View - just behind the hospice.

 

That was going to be my next question, nice little hidden estate there, someones got a nice round if theyve got many in there.
Ill find out who does it as I know all the people in there as they got a soft spot for my daughter, you should approach it, they got 3 big connys round the back, Im back up there soon ill have a word, if it wasnt a hour 45 mins from me id of approached it myself,

[Ian Lancaster]

Thanks Chris.

We tend to steer clear of commercial, over the years I've had lots of aggro from that kind of work and my lads prefer the simplicity of domestic.

We do a few commercials, but only if they agree to my terms: pay on completion of work and presentation of invoice.  We're not into waiting weeks for payment and then having to chase, send threatening letters etc.

But thanks anyway

[martinsadie]

I am starting a new cleaning services business soon (mainly window cleaning) in the south-east area (Bedfordshire) of England. I have told a few people about it and although i have recieved a lot of positive feedback I am worried I may not be able to get enough customers to work 5 days a week for 12 months of the year, what did you guys do when first starting out to gain customers?

Thanks.

i bought a big round

[G Griffin]

I am starting a new cleaning services business soon (mainly window cleaning) in the south-east area (Bedfordshire) of England. I have told a few people about it and although i have recieved a lot of positive feedback I am worried I may not be able to get enough customers to work 5 days a week for 12 months of the year, what did you guys do when first starting out to gain customers?

Thanks.

i bought a big round

You mean window round don`t you? Can`t be drinks 

[martinsadie]

I am starting a new cleaning services business soon (mainly window cleaning) in the south-east area (Bedfordshire) of England. I have told a few people about it and although i have recieved a lot of positive feedback I am worried I may not be able to get enough customers to work 5 days a week for 12 months of the year, what did you guys do when first starting out to gain customers?

Thanks.

i bought a big round

You mean window round don`t you? Can`t be drinks 

stopped drinking in rounds years ago,go at my own pace now and fewer bad heads 

[mfwindowcleaner]

I am starting a new cleaning services business soon (mainly window cleaning) in the south-east area (Bedfordshire) of England. I have told a few people about it and although i have recieved a lot of positive feedback I am worried I may not be able to get enough customers to work 5 days a week for 12 months of the year, what did you guys do when first starting out to gain customers?

Thanks.

find a early morning part time job ......... i got a job in tescos cleaning in the morning 5am -9am  then canvassed till about 1pm    built up my round and still brung in some pennies .... needless to say im not working there anymore but the monthl pay helped out .... dont get sidetracked though ...knock on them doors and build it up ... my biggest incentive was working at tescos was crap and as soon as i was earning a near full time wage i packed it 

[creggan]

ask a mate or brother who is working if they could give you a hand for 1-2 evenings per week canvassing. they dont want a share and you have your business built much quicker