[lewissprightly]

So i started a window cleaning business about 2 weeks ago. Its a bit of a weird situation as i havent yet passed my driving test so im using a scooter at the moment. I do mainly domestic work and i use a telescopic ladder that i put on the back of the bike. Does anyone else use telescopic ladders out of interest. i have a 3.8m ladder it reaches below most 1st floor windows which is all i really need at the moment. As ive never done ladder work i wanted to know...

is it normal to be nervous when you first start using a ladder?
will the nerves fade over time?

Also id like to know does anyone have any perticular successful canvassing tips?

Im picking up a decent amount of work (between 7 - 11 houses a day on average)

well just thought id introduce myself and see if you guys can give me any help or pointers on my way. My driving test is only a couple of weeks away so if i pass ill get myself a van and in the future a waterfed pole system.

[Wc Solutions]

loving the scooter mate!

hope for your sake you pass and get a van asap!

good luck.

once you get a van you can get some good kit and make the job better and alot safer ....

[richard jagger]

Stay with the scooter its cool.

[Wc Solutions]

Stay with the scooter its cool.

be very cool in the winter!!

on a more serious note - if you are using your vehicle for your business then the road insurance is a little different.

as you are using your vehicle for business to gain income.

so basically make sure you inform the insurance company - police do stop alot of car with ladders on etc to check they have the correct road insurance

[mci services]

If you are picking up 7 to 11 customers a day you are doing fine, you don't need anymore tips honestly that is good going, you will soon have a full round and the rest will come through recommendations and being seen. love the scoot

[lewissprightly]

thanks for the feedback guys. i must admit using the telescopic ladder is a little scary at times but its all i have at the moment. im just trying to get there gradually. picked up a nice ground floor factory unit today which made my day! as i dont have to use the ladder. The scooter seems to be working really well going to be a bit gutted to part with it once i pass my test oh well nevermind lol

[cozy]

hmmmmm

[Matt Gibson]

I think from an advertising point of view the scooter is a great idea, you should keep it even after you get your van, and just try and group all the jobs you can do trad to a day or two and take the scooter to do them. ppl will get to know you for using the scooter.

[Tom White]

hmmmmm

Me too!

I smell a wind-up.   

[steve123]

April 1st was a few weeks ago  

[lewissprightly]

as much as you guys would like to think its a wind up it really isnt lol. this is how i earn a living now

jusr attached a couple more pics of my bucket set up on the top box with 2 x 5 litre bottles for water and i keep my scrims and cloths under the seat

[Craig - CW Window Cleaning]

good luck, telescopic ladder sounds a bit unstable? make sure its well footed and dont lean too much whilst up the top.

call yourself "pop pop cleaning"!

you will loose the nerves of ladder work its getting confident on them.

craig

[rob thomas]

Ask franky if you need any tips on LEAFLETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Scrimble]

hahahaha surely this is a wind up

[Klean07]

Why not ring the number then that's on his scooter?

[Steven Shoreditch]

 

[Paul Coleman]

I will assume that this isn't a wind up and offer a bit of safety advice.
IMO those telescopic ladders aren't suitable for daily use when window cleaning.  OK for occasional use to a flat roof maybe but nothing more (all IMO). Not sure how you would transport it safely either but I'll assume you've found a way to fasten it to the scooter.
When you say "scooter", I take you mean a motorised small motorbike rather than one of those things that kids scoot along the footpath, with the push down brake near the back wheel? 

[dazmond]

BEST TIPS FOR YOU?

get a sign written van ASAP and wfp system(backpack or trolley will do for starters)

design some business cards/leaflets and go canvassing

as soon as you can start building an emergency fund for when you cant work.

register with the inland revenue within 3 months and put some money aside for tax every week

get some 3.5m trade ladders/8ft pointer


get some work with a local window cleaner a few days a week until you build your round up.

[careless.david@gmail.com]

Awesome mate - lovin the scooter - you totally deserve sucess 

[www.WashingWindows.co.uk]

Hats off to you mate!

Everything crossed that you pass your test soon. With your determination there's little doubt you will do well for yourself.