[M@ttS]

Hi All.

I am looking into the prospect of going it alone and starting my own business.

I've fallen upon the idea of Gutter Cleaning, well clearance should I say.

One of the main reasons for this is,

A) In the 5 years i've lived in the area there has never been an advertisment for this, and since the area is populated by the older generation, there should be scope for sales.
B) The scope for expansion, Letting agencies, Commercial, Holiday Parks.
C) Mine need doing

I've looked at the many possibilities, and believe that a gutter vac would suit my needs, however as always before taking the plunge I need to do the homework.

So could you help me with the following?


1) Im interested in the Omnipole Gutter Vac system, whats the general view on this peice of Kit? Will it clear the most stubben/Wet crud and Grass growing gutters?
2) Do others offer an "Only Clearance" service, or do you go as far as cleaning the UPVC aswell? Also would I need to rinse the gutter afterwoods?
3) Do quotations vary from area to area?
4) Do people still look at this as a seasonal thing? should I expect a drop in income?

We'll I think thats its for now,

Thanks in advance

Matt

[Robin Ray]

We offer the whole service. I think there is more work in the UPVC cleaning than the gutter clearing. You will need a ladder, the gutter vac is good and is a lot quicker than conventional methods but it doesn't cover all problems.

All the best hope your venture goes well.

Rob

[windowswashed]

Requests for gutter clearance work always follows immediately after prolonged spells of rain, then every Tom, Dick & Harry wants theirs done yesterday, if not sooner. Then it all dries up and is forgotten again until the next spell of heavy rain.

Suggest to your (gutter clearance) customers about having gutter clearance work maintained every year or two at a discounted price to gradually build up your customer base for repeat wet weather work.

[Clive McDonald]

This is not a viable business for you.

Some window cleaners do this, and then gradualy build a customer base, alongside a robust marketing strategy.


An existing wc with a large customer base, and knowledge of where the opportunities are would have a better chance.

[GWCS]

This is not a viable business for you.

Some window cleaners do this, and then gradualy build a customer base, alongside a robust marketing strategy.


An existing wc with a large customer base, and knowledge of where the opportunities are would have a better chance.

most window cleaners probably like to stick to easy windows.

You may find a window cleaner just like this to help you canvass. Worth a try but a service on its own? Im not sure, as for the rain fall problems already pointed out.

Its not thought about till the worst happens, overflowing gutters, leaks etc..

[R W C]

where are you based m@tts

[M@ttS]

@ R W C

Im based on the outskirts of Newport, S.Wales.

[seandyer2003]

I think its a viable business - IF you leaflet like mad- at least a 1000 a week if not more- on housing estates where people own there homes, also if you had enough work and wanted to be really busy then a canvasser would work well, or get out every evening and canvass yourself but thats a tall order if you are working as well!  have a signed van doing just this work and clean the upvc gutters up good, i get lots of work for gutters through website, more than i get window cleaning!! So thats another good avenue set up guttercleaningwales.co.uk or something similar bet not many have.

A business like that will thirve on marketing it like crazy - window cleaning is repeat work so not too bad but you could take contact details and every 12 months send letter or similar to say "been 1 year time to do again at 25% off " or something similar -

Go for it!!

[ronnie paton]

i dont thnk on its own its a good business i believe it to be a very good add on but i cant see you being extremly busy all year round... my opinion of course

[bluez]

M@tts

Gutter cleaning imo should include the whole job, gutter, soffit, fascia, downpipes and surface level drains. It should also include a certain amount of window cleaning as it is not always possible to leave the windows unmarked.

By lumping it all together you can charge a premium, I charge about €200 a house (don't know if those prices are possible where you are), that way I need to get about 6 / 7 houses a week to have a viable sole trader business.

My prefered method of doing this work is as follows.

1. Clear all surface level drains and drain coverings.

2. Set up ladder (yes ladder) at one end of the stretch of guttering and push all debris from one end to the other, leaving the guttering clear but not necessarily spotless.

3. Repeat step 2 at each stretch of guttering.

4. Flush the gutters out leaving clean, I tend to aim for them being functional rather than spotless and tell the customer this in advance.

5. Get wfp and wash all of the exterior pvc, followed by the windows.

6. Collect cash.

It is also worth pricing for power washing of footpaths while you are at it.

IME the gutter vac is a pretty looking tool that will add to your professional look................... but it will not speed up the process, so it will cost you money. Thats my opinion I am sure others have a different experience.

Good thing about this business is that as you drive around you can see your potential customers (their the ones with weeds growing out of their gutters) and target them directly by knocking or leafleting. 

I agree with Seandyer it is a marketing based business. Special offers and discounts are the way to go in the quiter months. 

[Robin Ray]

M@tts

Gutter cleaning imo should include the whole job, gutter, soffit, fascia, downpipes and surface level drains. It should also include a certain amount of window cleaning as it is not always possible to leave the windows unmarked.

By lumping it all together you can charge a premium, I charge about €200 a house (don't know if those prices are possible where you are), that way I need to get about 6 / 7 houses a week to have a viable sole trader business.

My prefered method of doing this work is as follows.

1. Clear all surface level drains and drain coverings.

2. Set up ladder (yes ladder) at one end of the stretch of guttering and push all debris from one end to the other, leaving the guttering clear but not necessarily spotless.

3. Repeat step 2 at each stretch of guttering.

4. Flush the gutters out leaving clean, I tend to aim for them being functional rather than spotless and tell the customer this in advance.

5. Get wfp and wash all of the exterior pvc, followed by the windows.

6. Collect cash.

It is also worth pricing for power washing of footpaths while you are at it.

IME the gutter vac is a pretty looking tool that will add to your professional look................... but it will not speed up the process, so it will cost you money. Thats my opinion I am sure others have a different experience.

Good thing about this business is that as you drive around you can see your potential customers (their the ones with weeds growing out of their gutters) and target them directly by knocking or leafleting. 

I agree with Seandyer it is a marketing based business. Special offers and discounts are the way to go in the quiter months. 

Have you ever tried a gutter vac? I thought WFP was rubbish untill I tried it out.

[bluez]

yes, I wouldnt comment on it otherwise, it is only my opinion and you know what they say about opinions

[Robin Ray]

Ok fair enough.

[M@ttS]

Hi All,

Thanks for the feedback.

Since its been noted that I should be looking into cleaning the UPVC guttering aswell, could I get away with using a gutter vac to clear, and say a backpack with WFP to clean?

Thanks

[mr D]

just a pole and garden hose. no need for pure water if your only cleaning plastics. save your money where you can tap water is good to go. I do gutter cleaning from a ladder still as I dont do enough of it to justify a gutter vac and I just use tap water then do the windows after.

[amberini]

Hi,  I did just the same as you about 6 weeks ago...  although i have been running a domestic cleaning business for  about 8 years now i needed a new direction?   so gave it some serious  thought and after months of doing my homework i too plumped for gutter cleaning.

i bought the gutter vac, power pole,  jetwash , gennie etc,  sorted my first stage leaflets, started the usual marketing and hey presto!  it has been more succesfull in my first 6 weeks than my first 6 months in the other business!!!  so much so that me & my partner have decided to change our business name to reflect the enormous prospect of this side of cleaning.

so whilst i agree it may not be everyones cuppa tea & windows are easier to both clean & build a client base around, i certainly dont agree that you should start with windows?    when you consider the comparative job ticket from each,  then the gutter vac will almost certianly bring bigger rewards.

not saying it is easy, BECAUSE believe me it isn't... in fact it is completely the opposite... but with good (not even great marketing) it will definately bring home the bacon.

if you need any help with anything regarding this please send an email & if i can help then i will.

regards
james