[Steve-Robert]

I am about to start a round up,but only at the waiting for the equipment stage.a mate is selling me his van and on board WFP system (350ltrs),but thats not for another 3 weeks.what can i do in the meantime....company name,doorknocking,accountant etc etc.
sorry for being a novice but I'm determined to do this.done it before but working for someone in Cornwall and only grafted,I didnt know the start up details.
any help/suggestions gets rep from me !
cheers.

[Ian Lancaster]

Any business is useless without customers!

Before you get too involved with all the other stuff, get out there and find out for yourself whether you have what it takes to build a round.  Many, many would be window cleaners buy themselves a full whistles and bells set-up, only to find that all that fancy equipment means nothing to Joe Public - they are not going to be queueing up to beg for your services!

Knock on doors and then more doors, and then more doors.  Start compiling a list of customers, it doesn't matter if you're not going to be ready to clean for a couple of weeks, tell them that and they'll wait.

Once you know you can grow a worthwhile business you'll still have plenty of spare time for all the other things - you're not going to be run off your feet for a few months yet!!

Best of Luck,

Ian

[TomSE]

Get doorknocking or leafletting whichever you want to do. If your not afraid to knock doors maybe post flyers around for a few days and then follow them up with a knock the next week. Tell them that you were working for someone but start on your own in say 3 weeks time from when you knock and book them in then.

If you've got your prices sorted in your own mind then good if not sort those out and when knocking if they say they already have a window cleaner politely ask the ones that seem nice how much he charges and if he does a lot in the road. That'll give you a good idea of what to go for. Also if the charge is something silly like £5 all round and he does most of the road, at least you know not to bother with that road and move on. (Just my opinion as started myself not to long ago and thats what I've done)

If I were you I wouldn't book any in for a few days after your wfp equipment comes just to give you some time to get set up, don't want to be late for the first cleans. When I got my first wfp equipment a few months ago it didn't all run as smoothly as I hoped and a few odd bits weren't delivered on time so no need to get yourself in a panic.

Sort a name out and get some business cards sorted. Tbh you probably won't need an accountant just yet, also a good idea to look at public liability insurance as gives you peace of mind from the off, plus its something you can use to big yourself up a little when talking to prospective customers.

If you used to trad in cornwall then you wont need to practise, if not then would be a good idea to get some trad gear and practice at home as even if your wfp only you will at some point get asked to do the insides. And if you havn't used wfp before watch as much on youtube and read as much on here and then practise at your own home. Also get your mate to tell you all the tips he can.

Hope that helps

Tom

[robertphil]

buy local street maps, plan where you will canvas so you don't miss any back streets

[Steve-Robert]

thanks very much chaps,good advice.
the WFP is already working on the van i'm buying and already had a go,its easy.
I've been told not to bother getting a limited company and to set up as a sole trader as he does.
customers wont be a problem.
you probably have a local 'facebay' page (facebook page for buying and selling things) and initial enquiries 'anybody need a window cleaner in xxxx area' ? and i got lots of replies from people who have never even seen a window cleaner,let alone get theirs done.
off out today and the rest of the week door knocking.

once again,thanks for the advice.

[SB Cleaning]

I would use the 3 weeks to try and find someone local to show you the ropes of wfp to see if you like it and get a bit of knowledge.

[SB Cleaning]

Sorry just re read the thread I see you have some experience....door knocking it is

[telfordwindowclnr]

You will find all the knowledge you need on here mate. We have it all. From 2-bit lackeys to professors!

Hope your new venture goes well. Grow in a recession and in the good times, you will go a long way.

[Steve-Robert]

can anyone tell me what to expect to pay to register as a sole trader ?
found a site that does it online but they charge £92,and to inform HMRC asap ?
is that about right ?

and essential paperwork to start includes: liability insurance,crb check ? get accountant,business cards and business bank account ?

 

[tlwcs]

can anyone tell me what to expect to pay to register as a sole trader ?
found a site that does it online but they charge £92,and to inform HMRC asap ?
is that about right ?

and essential paperwork to start includes: liability insurance,crb check ? get accountant,business cards and business bank account ?

 

60 pence mate.
Just put a stamp on an envelope to your local tax office telling them the date you started.
I would also find a local accountant to help you when you need to file your tax return.
Tony