[Karl1991]

Hi guys,

Been reading the forums for a while and decided to register!

Anyway, my plan is to start up trad after the summer, get a £2500-£3000 loan from the bank (I know, not the best way to go about it but no other option really)

This should get me a reliable van, all the tools, insurances and a bit of marketing.

Ive got about 3 years experience window cleaning both trad and WFP but i'm currently in an unrelated job due to getting laid off last year!

The idea is just to canvass like mad every day until I build up enough customers, I don't have high bills to pay or anything like that as i'm only 21 and living with the old dear 

Sorry about the essay, any advice or ideas would be appreciated, Cheers!

[windiewasher]

Jump straight in wfp.if you have nearly 3k you can do it easy.

[Karl1991]

I have thought about it but it is the monthly cost putting me off, and more things to go wrong; especially because I would have to buya cheap system. I want to eventually become WFP but to start off I think trad is a cheaper and safer option?

[windiewasher]

I have thought about it but it is the monthly cost putting me off, and more things to go wrong; especially because I would have to buya cheap system. I want to eventually become WFP but to start off I think trad is a cheaper and safer option?

Monthly cost?
Get trolley or backpacks or diy system.

[formb]

Monthly cost?

 

Water, resin, extra fuel, maintenance.

The cost of cleaning a window trad is virtually nil. Just time. Not so for WFP.

[Karl1991]

Yes such as the water bill, replacing the filters etc

[SunShineCleaning]

Where in the country are you?

I would suggest you have a look at some of the DIY setups. You could easily set up for £3k wfp.

[Karl1991]

I'm in Bedfordshire mate.

[AuRavelling79]

I'm in Bedfordshire mate.

Listen to the advice and go wfp. You won't regret it.

[SunShineCleaning]

Matt  Bateman has a van and some equipment he may let you buy.

[chez]

I want to eventually become WFP but to start off I think trad is a cheaper and safer option?

Sorry dont think trad is a safer option, using a ladder can be hazardous to your health! Wfp is safer and you can do it quite cheaply yourself.

[SunShineCleaning]

I want to eventually become WFP but to start off I think trad is a cheaper and safer option?

Sorry dont think trad is a safer option, using a ladder can be hazardous to your health! Wfp is safer and you can do it quite cheaply yourself.

I presumed he meant safer financially.

[Karl1991]

Sorry yes I did mean safer as in financially, I'm not in the position yet to finance anything just wanted some advice before I went ahead and did anything, cheers for the help so far though

[davids3511]

I started with a £180 backpach, £50.00 di vessel, £80.00 brodex predator, vikan sill brush £30 out of a £900 rover 45. Sack of resin £70.00. Was doing 2k a month like this before I went with a van mount. It's tough like this but can be done until cash is flowing a bit better.

[Smudger]

Forget Trad ( only trad internally or for very old fashioned customers in bungalows )
i set myself up with a decent van and system for £1600 inc.  a pole ( all be it Brodex  )

yes there are costs to WFP but when trad i averaged 12 houses a day ( various sizes )
with WFP i average 28 per day ( various sizes = to 45 standard 7 window semis )
 more cleans means more cash and covers any running costs

Darran

[Karl1991]

Thanks for the replies. David how did you get all that equipment so cheaply?

[Karl1991]

http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/shop/index.php?option=com_aceshop&route=product/product&product_id=1377

Would something like this be ideal to start?

I would have to add an RO system because of the hard water in my area, found fairly cheap ones online.

[Michael Peterson]

if you have a van you can kit it out with everything for about 1000

[HampshireWindowCleaning]

Water bill will be a big overhead if you choose wfp, just had my first bill since going on meter 3 month ago and they reckon my bill for the year will be over £800 at current usage rate, used to be half that

[poleman]

Water bill will be a big overhead if you choose wfp, just had my first bill since going on meter 3 month ago and they reckon my bill for the year will be over £800 at current usage rate, used to be half that

£800 a year!!! I pay £300 a month in Poole (two vans)

As said on here! please go WFP might cost more to start up but you will get that back in no time and you wont have the problem trying to change your customers over to WFP later on