i've been reading this with interest. it seems to me that places vary a lot.
i couple of years ago i had a one off job in norwich city centre. there must have been a dozen boys out window cleaning all looking at us. i was in early the other day and nothing much has changed.
now i am sure that some places make money but not round here they seem to be cutting each others throat and end up lucky if they have 2 shops next to each other. one boy i chatted to, seemed to think a fiver for big shop front was top money.
none seem to have any decent gear, not a decent signed van in site just dodgy old motors. in the suburbs you see some nice vans and boys earning good cash.