[Mark Eatwell]

HI All

Recently been made redundant and having no luck finding work - 20 years of office boredom and hell !

Been thinking of getting into windows for a while anyway to see more of the kids but really don't know where to start.

Would any of you be kind enough to give me a few pointers and estimate of start up costs for WFP complete system ? My guess is £ 3- £ £ 4 k ?

Any help very much appreciated.

all the best

[windiewasher]

Stay in the office its dry and warm

[Ian Lancaster]

Hi Mark,

There is a wealth of advice on here regarding equipment etc.  Your biggest consideration is how to acquire enough work to earn a living.

Again you will find lots of advice.  Almost everyone on here has started their own round and built a worthwhile business.  It takes determination and self belief, and an awful lot of effort coupled with countless rejections.

Search through the posts about 'canvassing' etc - that's the best place to start.

If you think you have the drive and confidence to do it the world is your oyster and by far the best way is to build your own business, but if you want to consider becoming part of an 'umbrella' organisation where you have help and support on tap and a guarantee of work, have a look at our website: www.ianlancaster.co.uk

Whatever you decide, best of luck

[SunShineCleaning]

Hi Mark. Where are you based? I'm always happy to have a chat with new starters. 

Feel free to call me or email.

[Mark Eatwell]

Hi Mark,

There is a wealth of advice on here regarding equipment etc.  Your biggest consideration is how to acquire enough work to earn a living.

Again you will find lots of advice.  Almost everyone on here has started their own round and built a worthwhile business.  It takes determination and self belief, and an awful lot of effort coupled with countless rejections.

Search through the posts about 'canvassing' etc - that's the best place to start.

If you think you have the drive and confidence to do it the world is your oyster and by far the best way is to build your own business, but if you want to consider becoming part of an 'umbrella' organisation where you have help and support on tap and a guarantee of work, have a look at our website: www.ianlancaster.co.uk

Whatever you decide, best of luck

Many thanks Ian

[SunShineCleaning]

HI All

Recently been made redundant and having no luck finding work - 20 years of office boredom and hell !

Been thinking of getting into windows for a while anyway to see more of the kids but really don't know where to start.

Would any of you be kind enough to give me a few pointers and estimate of start up costs for WFP complete system ? My guess is £ 3- £ £ 4 k ?

Any help very much appreciated.

all the best

The first thing to think about is FUNDING.

How will you fund the setup costs?
        I'm guessing there's either redundancy money or savings.
         £3-4k would be sufficient for a small van and basic Water Fed Pole equipment.
        If you can spare more it pays in the long run.

How will you replace your salary?
        Many think you can draw a replacement salary from day one.
        If you purchase work or a franchise then you can.
        If you hope to pick it up as you go along you will struggle.
        Can you afford a franchise/purchase work. Is one available?
        If the answer to either is no what funds can you live on (Wife/savings/redundancy etc)

To really set up with a solid base I recommend you dont draw any of your income for 3~6 months.
After that time pay yourself 50% of the first months turnover.  Repeat this (paying yourself 50% of the turnover from 3-6 months ago for the first 18 months)

Canvassing or leafleting?
         Without knowing your area and background it is difficult to know what will work best.
         One thing is for sure, of you never ask you never get.
         Hit the doors and ask. View it as an 8 hour a day job. Chances are you will pick up some work.
         Be aware that March is when all the part timers come out of mothballs.

Can you do the job?
         The best way to find out is to work with someone for free for a week. Everyone's a winner.
         Don't expect to be an expert overnight.
         Don't give your money away to any fool that says they can help you.  
         Find out if you can do it first!
         Most can be gleaned for free or with some reciprocal help.

Have a think and post your thoughts or give me a call.i

[Mark Eatwell]

THANK YOU very much, will read and come back. much appreciated.

[AuRavelling79]

THANK YOU very much, will read and come back. much appreciated.

Unless you have ten thousand in redundancy to wade straight in I advise you to get a 3/4 day a week part time job such as B and Q or what have you; build your kit and fill up the other one/two days.

In a year you will know whether to go full time w/c or not. 

[A & J Owen Window Cleaning]

Great advice above, and good luck with your venture.
Just something to think about, I came from an office job and it's a big culture shock. Firstly, working in all weathers and secondly no more perks from employment etc etc.
Saying that I don't regret it for a second but you will have your days when you wonder if you've done the right thing!

[wfp master]

do you  ever get hungry?

[SunShineCleaning]

do you  ever get hungry?

 

[wfp master]

do you  ever get hungry?

 

think about it.

[Wc Solutions]

Just don't do what alot of new guys do - spent a few k on kit n a van with no work! Seen it so many times

[Tom White]

Just don't do what alot of new guys do - spent a few k on kit n a van with no work! Seen it so many times

Good market in second hand systems though! 

[Ian101]

best piece of advice I EVER got was from this forum

2 words

"Minimum Price"

good luck !!

[richard jagger]

Come on Ian what advice is that two words, Very Confused .

[Ian Lancaster]

Come on Ian what advice is that two words, Very Confused .

Errmm......

What he said:

"Minimum Price"

................or am I missing something?

[bobplum]

HI All

Recently been made redundant and having no luck finding work - 20 years of office boredom and hell !

Been thinking of getting into windows for a while anyway to see more of the kids but really don't know where to start.

Would any of you be kind enough to give me a few pointers and estimate of start up costs for WFP complete system ? My guess is £ 3- £ £ 4 k ?

Any help very much appreciated.

all the best

THE BEST ADVICE is too buy my SLX35  for £250.00 of me,12 months old good as new

[Dani J]

Hi Mark,

There is a wealth of advice on here regarding equipment etc.  Your biggest consideration is how to acquire enough work to earn a living.

Again you will find lots of advice.  Almost everyone on here has started their own round and built a worthwhile business.  It takes determination and self belief, and an awful lot of effort coupled with countless rejections.

Search through the posts about 'canvassing' etc - that's the best place to start.

If you think you have the drive and confidence to do it the world is your oyster and by far the best way is to build your own business, but if you want to consider becoming part of an 'umbrella' organisation where you have help and support on tap and a guarantee of work, have a look at our website: www.ianlancaster.co.uk

Whatever you decide, best of luck

Many thanks Ian

Go with Ian Lancaster, He can show you all the pit falls,.
HE IS YOUR MAN.

[PurefectWindowCleaning]

The part time job/build a round via canvassing and leaflets has to be the best route to go down.

Do not do what I done, which is get a loan, spend the bloody lot and have hardly any work to make the repayments... ive been to hell and back beleive me.


Best of luck, you dont know unless you try.

 (working for someone for a day or two to get the hang of things is a good shout)