[forestwindows]

Hi all,

i have been cleaning by myself for 4 years now and wondering if i should expand into employing someone else and also getting into commercial work, does anyone have any tips for employing? and also tips on how to get in with commercial customers, my round is 99% residential at present but want to start earning more money and have a more varied work day. thanks in advance

[forestwindows]

thanks Ewan, the harris pole is great for residential work and has lasted longer than carbon pole i used to have, and no I wouldn't use it for commercial work. I can certainly do my numbers and my wife is a fully qualified accountant so that might help if not!
i was just looking for tips at getting started with commercial contracts and the best way people have found to get in with companies and if anyone has any templates for leaflets or letters, and also do you guys charge more per window for commercial work, i try and base residential work at £1 per window.
thanks again pal

[Skyglide]

Stick to residential, don't employ. Keep it simple and you'll be quids in.

[richard jagger]

If you what to do commercial and employ go for it. Don’t let these negative bunch inhabit your business. They are not involved in your business and do not know were you are going with it so. Talk to job seekers and they will help you get someone with financial help to. A lot of these guys are not business advisers. That’s why they do not employ any one. They seam to forget they were once looking for a job. What skill one needs to employ is to be a leader with good interpersonal and manager skills.This will all come with time.

[forestwindows]

Thanks ewan and wizkid, I don't know why some people are so negative either, I am wanting to expand to make a better life for my family in the long run, I suppose if I expand and it goes t1ts up I still have my existing residential work to continue on my own. I know it won't happen overnight but I will be mad and regret it if I never give it a go I suppose. (He who dares rodders!!!) Any more suggestions / help would be greatly appreciated 

[Paul Coleman]

Thanks ewan and wizkid, I don't know why some people are so negative either, I am wanting to expand to make a better life for my family in the long run, I suppose if I expand and it goes t1ts up I still have my existing residential work to continue on my own. I know it won't happen overnight but I will be mad and regret it if I never give it a go I suppose. (He who dares rodders!!!) Any more suggestions / help would be greatly appreciated 

First of all I will say I've never employed anyone.  This is mainly because since switching to WFP, I find it is possible to earn a pretty decent living without the bother of employing.  Of course it's possible to do it though - so long as you're prepared to accept increased stress level - at least initially.  It would also help if you have a bit of money behind you or, at the very least, are creditworthy.  Plenty of people have done it.  Some prefer to be franchisers.  Some prefer to employ direct.  Some prefer to use subcontractors (being careful that they shouldn't oficially be classified as employees).
The first two names that spring to mind on here to ask about such matters are Dave Morris (Dave @ St Ives), and Ian Lancaster.  Both good guys who wouldn't put you wrong.

[stfc]

give us a email at markswindowclean@hotmail.co.uk and ill advise you

[chopsie]

I am interested Ewan, why can't harris pole users (staff) earn £100 a day? I have an SLX  and never used a harris. Just I am intrigued why it is not possible (In you view) 

[chopsie]

Oh I see. I have to say I am so glad i payed out on my SLX, I use it all the time. I have a 17 foot xtel and its a piece of crap!!!!

[prestigeclean]

if you really want too go forward in this business then you have to take someone on , my guys went out on there own for the first time yesterday and it felt very good that they were earning me money , i am out on monday on the knocker to build up my second round happy days regards alan

[forestwindows]

Time chopsie, Harris pole will do the job but at the expense of your time. Get your equipment set up for your customers so you can get on then off the job in the shortest possible time.

Keep up to date with new equipment, especially those that reduces your cleaning time, always weight up the price differences of equipment to the time benefit and your hourly rate.

Chances are you will have one main wfp make sure it the best for you and not because it’s priced cheap or expensive, whatever it cost it will be worth it.

harris takes seconds to extend (half a turn is normally enough if you know what your doing) and is light, perfect for residential customers, but like i said i wouldn't use for commercial, thanks for the advice so far people, think i will still go with the more optimistic ones though as yes i can earn a living on my own but want more than that for myself and to give some people a wage too.