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Fast 1 *

  • Posts: 667
Re: just starting out
« Reply #20 on: January 12, 2006, 04:55:52 pm »
over the course of 8 days,me and my mate have pulled in £700 worth of work.Is this an average amount or should we be doing better?Knocking is definitely better than just delivering flyers.But definitely need more work to cover myself.Are there alot of problems collecting money from customers and,if so,are there any ways around collecting.is it worth getting the customers phone numbers to ring before collecting?cheers
wildstyles

Moderator David@stives

  • Posts: 8829
Re: just starting out
« Reply #21 on: January 12, 2006, 05:38:41 pm »
If you are door knocking and you are picking up customers you have to ask yourself why they have not already got a window cleaner

Morph

Re: just starting out
« Reply #22 on: January 12, 2006, 06:34:28 pm »
Because no-one knocked on their door? ;D

Moderator David@stives

  • Posts: 8829
Re: just starting out
« Reply #23 on: January 12, 2006, 06:46:27 pm »
I like it   ;D

Fast 1 *

  • Posts: 667
Re: just starting out
« Reply #24 on: January 12, 2006, 11:36:12 pm »
if you think like that you might as well give up.
wildstyles

craig jwc

  • Posts: 1076
Re: just starting out
« Reply #25 on: January 12, 2006, 11:43:18 pm »
if you think like that you might as well give up.

David does have a point.

You might have been lucky enough to hit a spot where there is no w/c. But i find that hard to believe.

If you have picked work up because you are cheaper than the w/c they were using then they will get rid of you as soon as another one comes along cheaper again.


Fast 1 *

  • Posts: 667
Re: just starting out
« Reply #26 on: January 12, 2006, 11:53:36 pm »
we havent been going cheap and definitely wouldnt undercut anyone.So basically,you are saying that it is pointless looking for work?if this is the case,what do you do?It appears all the windows are taken and the ones that are not taken,are not worth having.Do all window cleaners have this view?if so,im back on site
wildstyles

craig jwc

  • Posts: 1076
Re: just starting out
« Reply #27 on: January 13, 2006, 01:00:57 am »
Didn't mean you have been undercutting on purpose.
Like i said perhaps you have found an area with no w/c.
I have got customers who when i went canvassing said there is no w/c in the area only to find 2 or 3 working the same street.
I haven't found yet an area within a 35 mile radius of where i live which doesn't have a w/c service.
You will find alot of work will generate from the work you have picked up through recomendation so do a good job and you will pull in more.
Don't get put off by everything you read on here everyone has there different views and come across different experiences.

I only started doing this part-time and with the work i got through recomendation turned it into full-time.

Keep at it mate and don't get put off

Craig

Fast 1 *

  • Posts: 667
Re: just starting out
« Reply #28 on: January 13, 2006, 02:14:38 am »
I can see what you're saying.I know its going to take a good few months yet.I suppose as time goes on the round will get better and more compact.Hopefully,we will get work word of mouth also.weve also got a couple of large shops to do in a large shopping centre for good prices.Do you do schools?they cant be bad to get..
wildstyles

craig jwc

  • Posts: 1076
Re: just starting out
« Reply #29 on: January 13, 2006, 11:31:14 am »
You will need 5 million pound liability cover i think to do schools where as domestic you will only need 1 million.
I haven't looked into doing schools just yet as i work on my own but you will probably have to go through the local council in most cases.

Are you using ladders or wfp?

Going back to work now only came home to make a new flask of coffee. Can't stop drinking today ???

Craig

Fast 1 *

  • Posts: 667
Re: just starting out
« Reply #30 on: January 13, 2006, 04:32:49 pm »
not using wfp at the moment,but definitely looking into it.i have heard its hard to get a spotless finish with it.Is this true?Do the pros outdo the cons?I know on some occasions one might have to use it.I suppose when we get more established i will buy wfp.At the moment,just traditional.
wildstyles

Morph

Re: just starting out
« Reply #31 on: January 13, 2006, 04:53:16 pm »
The pros definitely outdo the amateurs!
When you start, you get spots, but they get less and less as you condition the frames and windows.
Get onto it asap  ;)

Fast 1 *

  • Posts: 667
Re: just starting out
« Reply #32 on: January 13, 2006, 06:18:01 pm »
I will keep that in mind.Is it all pretty straight forward to set up?.Do you use wfp on all domestic jobs?
wildstyles

craig jwc

  • Posts: 1076
Re: just starting out
« Reply #33 on: January 13, 2006, 11:17:41 pm »
I use wfp on all my jobs now.

I find it much easier,  quicker & safer.

When i got my wfp i just kept practicing on my own house till i got the hang of it.
It didn't take long.
I was using it on my customers within a couple of days of getting it.

If you are starting out using ladders etc when you do switch over to wfp you will have to explain to your customers the reasons why plus how it works and that the windows will be left wet.

Like Morph said get into it asap.

Fast 1 *

  • Posts: 667
Re: just starting out
« Reply #34 on: January 15, 2006, 01:56:12 am »
have you ever had negative feedback off customers?Is it really suitable for a first wash,considering the windows need scraping?How much does it cost roughly?Do you need a large van to carry it?Once again,a million and one questions.I think i need to go to bed......
wildstyles