[scott james]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the site and what a gret place to get information.  I am here really to pick up ideas and learn from experienced Window cleaners and also ask directly some questions no one else is better equiped to answer than you guys here.

Right, I have set up a window cleaning business after a long long time of thinking about it, I have a website, facebook and started to advertise softly for now online.  I also had a batch of flyers with logo and all the information on etc professionally printed at vista and am pleased with my brand etc, although I need to start pushing it out alot more.  I have gained some customers bungalows and am completing them but this is only a handful.  

I just would like to know what your views are on promoting the business and in short geting customers in.  Flyers do not seem to work well, facebook seems good and will hammer that. Door knocking is a must as I hear that brings in the most.  I am just worried abotu volumes of customer coming in and is it good to start looking this time of year, I think people will switch off now and wondering if to start fresh in the New Year?  Any advice on the best results you guys had getting customers in would be great. I have an approcah in mind and  just wanted to ask here for some tips and experienced knowledge.

Also, I really like the WFP route and will not jump in to the top end stuff right away, I need to learn my equipment and move upwards slowly as my customer base grows (I hope) I had a local window cleaner tell me its all locked down and for miles there is no work to pick up. I am worried about that but gets me thinking.  I am in this for the long run, no fly by windy.  I want to do this and build it up, I have put soe much ground work in and got most f what I need to have done, just need know to get my WFP set up, as ladder work I do not want to do now. I really liek the WFP and want to learn and progress.

So what WFP a cheap one to start with would you guys recommed?   I was looking at the yellow and blue kolbold trolley system  one as used this once and really liked it and it set me off wanting WFP.  I dont want to spedn too much as starting and want to grow with the business and do it right.  Are there any 2nd hand systems from making the pure to the pole and cleaning, complete set ups for sale?  Where do you find them? I can not locate any. Any advide where to pick a cheapish set up would be fantastic.  I can get the Kobold set up for about £360 but wanted a 2nd hand one fully set up ready to make pure and go, for a decent price200-350 2nd hand or new if thats possible.

Thank you and a big hello to all on here, thanks for reading and thanks for staying awake reading this lol.

Scott

[slap bash]

Not a good time of the year to start a business.

[scott james]

Not a good time of the year to start a business.

I no mate, but no choice really, Its somthing I want to do and the situation I was in made it possbile now as a route to follow. I have got myself some customers and good ones, but want to start expanding now and I think New year is best, over xmas and new years, is going to be to hard, people not thinking about windows. Hence I want to get myself set up and promotions ready for early Jan and then go for it.  I have in total 8 customers now in a few weeks, just off FB and some flyers, but I want the WFP system and some advice on that or where to buy from? 

Not the best time agree but when is lol  - I am not working and recovery from an accident and loss of job  want to now follow a job role doign window cleaning of which I have though about a lot in the last 5 years, just never had the guts to try it, now I want to and love the work and lifestyle, its so me. If its a hard time, so be it I have to ride it and keep going, put a lot of ground work in and thought it be a good place to get soem advice and info.

Cheers

[sunshine windies]

I started this time of year a few years back . Just stay positive do a good job , word of mouth spreads as you earn a good trustworthy reputation . Small steps is the best way in my opinion set small targets for getting new customers by door knocking . Don't expect a huge reliable customer base straight away it takes a few years . Good luck 😊

[colin bird]

In my opinion,if you in it for the long haul,buy a van mounted system,and decent other equipment,you will then be able to concentrate on building your business and will have a reliable set.
If money is tight you may find a decent secondhand set up,guys on here are often equipment.

Regarding building your business,I would ,leave it until after Xmas,in my opinion and this is what has worked for me ,canvassing is the way to go,and also the quickest way to build a round,others have had results using flyers.
Good luck

[Jakey boy]

Keep canvassing in the new year, every evening get out and door knock, I built my round from scratch canvassing and it worked really well, but you have to be prepared to graft, it will be demoralising at times, but slowly but surly you'll get a small round together. Be polite and friendly and you'll be ok !

I started with the traditional method for years, and personally would do the same again, cheap start up, and means you can master the squeegee and ladders for when wfp can't be used etc, I also still use the squeegee and ladders for many custimers who refuse to have wfp, this in turn means more work and better prices. So maybe stick with the traditional method till September next year when it starts to get cold again.

When it does come to getting a pole system, check eBay for second hand kits, or try 'pure freedom' they sell diy kits for a reasonable price. Remember you've then got to worry about all the maintainance and making your own pure water, bigger costs etc, water bill rises. I would definatky start traditional mate, get some money behind you, and get a solid base of customers, don't get lured into a full blown setup strait away, I really feel that will benefit you in the long run.

Good luck, and keep going, come spring the canvassing will pick up a lot, I started without a website or Facebook etc, and only this year bothered with a website, I found canvassing is by far the best way to gain work, so far my website has got me a big fat 0 customers ! Of course time will tell, Google rankings are imlortant etc.

Lastly, where are you based? Someone on here may be able to give you a days work to learn the ropes...

[Ian101]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the site and what a gret place to get information.  I am here really to pick up ideas and learn from experienced Window cleaners and also ask directly some questions no one else is better equiped to answer than you guys here.

Right, I have set up a window cleaning business after a long long time of thinking about it, I have a website, facebook and started to advertise softly for now online.  I also had a batch of flyers with logo and all the information on etc professionally printed at vista and am pleased with my brand etc, although I need to start pushing it out alot more.  I have gained some customers bungalows and am completing them but this is only a handful.  

I just would like to know what your views are on promoting the business and in short geting customers in.  Flyers do not seem to work well, facebook seems good and will hammer that. Door knocking is a must as I hear that brings in the most.  I am just worried abotu volumes of customer coming in and is it good to start looking this time of year, I think people will switch off now and wondering if to start fresh in the New Year?  Any advice on the best results you guys had getting customers in would be great. I have an approcah in mind and  just wanted to ask here for some tips and experienced knowledge.

Also, I really like the WFP route and will not jump in to the top end stuff right away, I need to learn my equipment and move upwards slowly as my customer base grows (I hope) I had a local window cleaner tell me its all locked down and for miles there is no work to pick up. I am worried about that but gets me thinking.  I am in this for the long run, no fly by windy.  I want to do this and build it up, I have put soe much ground work in and got most f what I need to have done, just need know to get my WFP set up, as ladder work I do not want to do now. I really liek the WFP and want to learn and progress.

So what WFP a cheap one to start with would you guys recommed?   I was looking at the yellow and blue kolbold trolley system  one as used this once and really liked it and it set me off wanting WFP.  I dont want to spedn too much as starting and want to grow with the business and do it right.  Are there any 2nd hand systems from making the pure to the pole and cleaning, complete set ups for sale?  Where do you find them? I can not locate any. Any advide where to pick a cheapish set up would be fantastic.  I can get the Kobold set up for about £360 but wanted a 2nd hand one fully set up ready to make pure and go, for a decent price200-350 2nd hand or new if thats possible.

Thank you and a big hello to all on here, thanks for reading and thanks for staying awake reading this lol.

Scott

My advice ... don't do it find a proper job.






































  ... seriously the more you put in the more you get out ... cant answer any of your questions as too much text to wade thru ... possibly me as do need new glasses.

[PoleKing]

Keep canvassing in the new year, every evening get out and door knock, I built my round from scratch canvassing and it worked really well, but you have to be prepared to graft, it will be demoralising at times, but slowly but surly you'll get a small round together. Be polite and friendly and you'll be ok !

I started with the traditional method for years, and personally would do the same again, cheap start up, and means you can master the squeegee and ladders for when wfp can't be used etc, I also still use the squeegee and ladders for many custimers who refuse to have wfp, this in turn means more work and better prices. So maybe stick with the traditional method till September next year when it starts to get cold again.

When it does come to getting a pole system, check eBay for second hand kits, or try 'pure freedom' they sell diy kits for a reasonable price. Remember you've then got to worry about all the maintainance and making your own pure water, bigger costs etc, water bill rises. I would definatky start traditional mate, get some money behind you, and get a solid base of customers, don't get lured into a full blown setup strait away, I really feel that will benefit you in the long run.

Good luck, and keep going, come spring the canvassing will pick up a lot, I started without a website or Facebook etc, and only this year bothered with a website, I found canvassing is by far the best way to gain work, so far my website has got me a big fat 0 customers ! Of course time will tell, Google rankings are imlortant etc.

Lastly, where are you based? Someone on here may be able to give you a days work to learn the ropes...

He's round your manor Jakey...

[AuRavelling79]

Go out door knocking NOW!

Tell 'em you are expanding (not starting) in the new year and you are looking for customers then and in spring. When they say no ask if you can call again in the new year.

Then when you call again in the new year they will sub-consciously think "reliable" and be warmer to your visit. Write down all that show a glimmer of interest even if they don't take you up on it immediately.

If they want a one off clean for xmas - do it AT A HIGHER PRICE - it's cashflow for you at your stage. Clean it on a Saturday - and hand out cards to every house within line of sight before you start the house and others will see you.

HTH 

[Gerald Ash]

Hello Scot, here is what I`ve discovered works for me and will build a good business for you.
 Firstly use the leaflets in conjunction with door knocking. A leaflet to hand to the customer gives you credability as long as they`re professional. Do not knock on NO COLD CALLERS but post a leaflet through. Be polite and smile as you say "Hello, sorry to trouble you, do you have a window cleaner?" Depending on the answer, a yes is followed by ok I won`t bother you any further thank you. Not interested. Sorry to bother. If you get a no we don`t which I warn you is the least likely answer then sell your service.
As to water fed pole Window cleaning warehouse do a backpack deal for about £250 all in. As to water you can usually find a supplier not too far away but don`t pay more than 5 pence a litre.
  To be honest the windy who said there is no work about is either deluded or just plain lying. There is always work about, you just have to find it. New build estates are great but you will get a lot saying they will leave it until the building stops. I tell them that wfp will not need more frequent than 8 weeks, this won`t keep the windows and frames clean but will prevent any discolouration and damage as the dust from building can be acidic and once the building work is finished they will have lovely clean windows all year round.
 The great thing about this business is you go and get the work not waiting for it to come to you.
 Another tip is when you`ve finished a job, knock the neighbours doors and say you`ve just finished their neighbours and would they like theirs doing.
 One word of warning. You can earn upwards of 30 to 40 thousand but that is when you`ve found hundreds of regular reliable customers but they are very rare beasts.
 Good luck and remember this, every no is one step closer to a yes.

[p1w1]

Where abouts in Essex are you scott

[tonycarr]

hi scott.....whats your website

tony

[Soupy]

My advice ... don't do it find a proper job.

+1

[Scrimble]

+2 go and get a proper job

[Lee.]

Hi Scott
Having got a proper job after 10 yrs of window cleaning I decided that a proper job wasn't for me, Window cleaning is hard work but it has its perks. I was in the same position as you a year and a half ago and I have now just got enough
work to get by. My advice is to get a cheap van and get the kit it probably doesn't cost all that much more in the long run + you can offer facia and gutter cleans which will bump your money up and maybe even get you a few more customers.
Knock and leaflet every house don't assume because there windows are clean they have a cleaning. Dirty windows don't always mean they want someone to clean them. I am still getting phone calls from people who had leaflets when I started. I observed one window cleaner knocking one the neighbour next to the one he was cleaning and said "sorry I came to the wrong address last month and cleaned your front windows instead of your neighbours" She said "yes I did notice the good job you did" he said "would you like them done regularly?". I don't know if this was an accident or purposely done but fair play to the guy!
Use this time when building up your round to do an even better job and go the extra mile! your not just bulding your round you are bulding your reputation which goes a long way with neighbours.

you thought You could talk

[jonboywalton75]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the site and what a gret place to get information.  I am here really to pick up ideas and learn from experienced Window cleaners and also ask directly some questions no one else is better equiped to answer than you guys here.

Right, I have set up a window cleaning business after a long long time of thinking about it, I have a website, facebook and started to advertise softly for now online.  I also had a batch of flyers with logo and all the information on etc professionally printed at vista and am pleased with my brand etc, although I need to start pushing it out alot more.  I have gained some customers bungalows and am completing them but this is only a handful.  

I just would like to know what your views are on promoting the business and in short geting customers in.  Flyers do not seem to work well, facebook seems good and will hammer that. Door knocking is a must as I hear that brings in the most.  I am just worried abotu volumes of customer coming in and is it good to start looking this time of year, I think people will switch off now and wondering if to start fresh in the New Year?  Any advice on the best results you guys had getting customers in would be great. I have an approcah in mind and  just wanted to ask here for some tips and experienced knowledge.

Also, I really like the WFP route and will not jump in to the top end stuff right away, I need to learn my equipment and move upwards slowly as my customer base grows (I hope) I had a local window cleaner tell me its all locked down and for miles there is no work to pick up. I am worried about that but gets me thinking.  I am in this for the long run, no fly by windy.  I want to do this and build it up, I have put soe much ground work in and got most f what I need to have done, just need know to get my WFP set up, as ladder work I do not want to do now. I really liek the WFP and want to learn and progress.

So what WFP a cheap one to start with would you guys recommed?   I was looking at the yellow and blue kolbold trolley system  one as used this once and really liked it and it set me off wanting WFP.  I dont want to spedn too much as starting and want to grow with the business and do it right.  Are there any 2nd hand systems from making the pure to the pole and cleaning, complete set ups for sale?  Where do you find them? I can not locate any. Any advide where to pick a cheapish set up would be fantastic.  I can get the Kobold set up for about £360 but wanted a 2nd hand one fully set up ready to make pure and go, for a decent price200-350 2nd hand or new if thats possible.

Thank you and a big hello to all on here, thanks for reading and thanks for staying awake reading this lol.

Scott

My advice ... don't do it find a proper job.






































  ... seriously the more you put in the more you get out ... cant answer any of your questions as too much text to wade thru ... possibly me as do need new glasses.

You blind Git!!!!!

[Ian101]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the site and what a gret place to get information.  I am here really to pick up ideas and learn from experienced Window cleaners and also ask directly some questions no one else is better equiped to answer than you guys here.

Right, I have set up a window cleaning business after a long long time of thinking about it, I have a website, facebook and started to advertise softly for now online.  I also had a batch of flyers with logo and all the information on etc professionally printed at vista and am pleased with my brand etc, although I need to start pushing it out alot more.  I have gained some customers bungalows and am completing them but this is only a handful.  

I just would like to know what your views are on promoting the business and in short geting customers in.  Flyers do not seem to work well, facebook seems good and will hammer that. Door knocking is a must as I hear that brings in the most.  I am just worried abotu volumes of customer coming in and is it good to start looking this time of year, I think people will switch off now and wondering if to start fresh in the New Year?  Any advice on the best results you guys had getting customers in would be great. I have an approcah in mind and  just wanted to ask here for some tips and experienced knowledge.

Also, I really like the WFP route and will not jump in to the top end stuff right away, I need to learn my equipment and move upwards slowly as my customer base grows (I hope) I had a local window cleaner tell me its all locked down and for miles there is no work to pick up. I am worried about that but gets me thinking.  I am in this for the long run, no fly by windy.  I want to do this and build it up, I have put soe much ground work in and got most f what I need to have done, just need know to get my WFP set up, as ladder work I do not want to do now. I really liek the WFP and want to learn and progress.

So what WFP a cheap one to start with would you guys recommed?   I was looking at the yellow and blue kolbold trolley system  one as used this once and really liked it and it set me off wanting WFP.  I dont want to spedn too much as starting and want to grow with the business and do it right.  Are there any 2nd hand systems from making the pure to the pole and cleaning, complete set ups for sale?  Where do you find them? I can not locate any. Any advide where to pick a cheapish set up would be fantastic.  I can get the Kobold set up for about £360 but wanted a 2nd hand one fully set up ready to make pure and go, for a decent price200-350 2nd hand or new if thats possible.

Thank you and a big hello to all on here, thanks for reading and thanks for staying awake reading this lol.

Scott

My advice ... don't do it find a proper job.






































  ... seriously the more you put in the more you get out ... cant answer any of your questions as too much text to wade thru ... possibly me as do need new glasses.

You blind Git!!!!!

speak up I cant see that 

[duncan h]

Get a van set up. I was thinking trolley, build round then van. Don't mess around. Get a cheap van with a years MOT. Tank and pump etc is cheap enough and can be transferred to a newer van. All can be sold if it goes tits up.
Get a Good light pole, Gardiner SLX or another carbon pole.
Buying a round is an instant income that can be built on. I am still looking nearly a year on.
Leaflets work for me, but ill be canvasing in spring.
Loads of windows out there. Watch for other windys that may give you grief taking customers 

[SB Cleaning]

Not a good time of the year to start a business.

I have to disagree. ..leave it till after Xmas and get out knocking doors the customers you take on in the winter months are usually good ones that will stay

[C o z y]

Good advice here mate:

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=191894.0