[Carl2009]

So I've just started Year 7 in business and i'm doing well. I don't work long hours, leave several day's free in each month for wet days and which let me catch up or chill out. I've no mortgage, own all my equipment, have good health and a great income.

So, here's the dilemma. I'm 51 and can see a time when I might not want to carry on as I am - years away, but still. I trade as a sole trader because I'd only be marginally better off by going ltd (the accountant and I go through it regularly). I do not want to employ for a whole variety of reasons. I have an ex-custie who, with his wife, have become friends of my wife and I and he's about to come out of the services. He's around 40 and has 3 kids under 8. He'll be looking for work and I know his personality would suit window cleaning. I don't know whether he would get a lump sum when he leaves as he's not being made redundant, just coming out.

I have 2 days work a month in his nearest town (which I'd be happy to "lose") which is 25 miles away from me. In the next 2 years the town is going to get 750 new houses - they have started building now. Notwithstanding this i'm a demon canvasser and built an almost-full round in 3 or 4 months when I started. I haven't done any canvassing from then - no need to.

I can't help thinking there is a mutually profitable way forward in getting this bloke on board. I have to stress I want as little grief as possible and do not want to employ. I have an eye on the future when the lure of those damp winter mornings might not be as appealing as they are now.

What do I do?

[Bungle]

Nothing. Just carry on as you are.

[Tom White]

If this fella is army and age 40, the chances are he's done his 22 years service and will get a tax free lump sum (a big one) and an immediate pension.

However, I think he'll struggle with this kind of work.  He'll be used to working in a structured environment within a team of other blokes.  Adjusting to working in a non-structured environment, alone, takes some getting used to.  He'll be in a strange 'head space' for a while; maybe even a couple of years.

I'd probably give him a miss.

[Alistair@AWC]

Carl, you've all but said it in your post! Don't want to employ, possible lump sum, you're a 'Demon' canvasser.


Set him up as a franchisee

[Carl2009]

I agree Tosh, that he'll be in a strange place, but he's gonna have to do something. He's considering training as a tree surgeon, but that's a long training period and like I said he has 3 little uns, so the need for cash is going to be immediate - he won't be on a big pension as he's not an officer. They are hard up now and he's on £40K+ (wife doesn't work full time - just some little pin money jobs around the kids), but I'm sure he will match that with WC in no time when you add in his pension.

Keep suggestions coming!

[slap bash]

If his hard up on 40 big ones maybe he needs to comedown to earth first.

[Matt.]

Why don't you help him set up then and get a cut 10% out of all work going forward, 10% over a few years will add up towards a little retirement fund.
He can work as a sole trader, and when you get these 750 houses, that will be a lot of 10% in your pocket.
I employ lads, and over the years they come and go, I have 1 lad who I have helped set up himself, he does part time for me now and does 3 days a week for himself. I don't take nothing off him, I just like the guy, similar situation he's got a few little ones, so he can earn a bit extra.

It doesn't clash with my work so there's no issues

Matt

[SeanK]

If his hard up on 40 big ones maybe he needs to comedown to earth first.

Totally agree, not saying he that he should be living the highlife but if he's hard up on on  40k+ then he wouldn't
be somebody I would want on board.
Don't forget if  40k+ isn't enough for him now then he's going to need a lot more than that to be happy at his job,
there's no way I would want to be cleaning windows if I was just getting by on the wages.

[Carl2009]

If his hard up on 40 big ones maybe he needs to comedown to earth first.

Totally agree, not saying he that he should be living the highlife but if he's hard up on on  40k+ then he wouldn't
be somebody I would want on board.
Don't forget if  40k+ isn't enough for him now then he's going to need a lot more than that to be happy at his job,
there's no way I would want to be cleaning windows if I was just getting by on the wages.

Easy to comment when you don't know his situation....

[duncan h]

Carl, you've all but said it in your post! Don't want to employ, possible lump sum, you're a 'Demon' canvasser.


Set him up as a franchisee

I agree.
Don't break whats working perfect

[C o z y]

If this fella is army and age 40, the chances are he's done his 22 years service and will get a tax free lump sum (a big one) and an immediate pension.

However, I think he'll struggle with this kind of work.  He'll be used to working in a structured environment within a team of other blokes.  Adjusting to working in a non-structured environment, alone, takes some getting used to.  He'll be in a strange 'head space' for a while; maybe even a couple of years.

I'd probably give him a miss.

What he said

[Mike #1]

Until some lads get on the windows or self employed in general they think it sounds great until they aint getting paid all due monies and no holiday pay plenty sharp look for normal employment .

[Carl2009]

Until some lads get on the windows or self employed in general they think it sounds great until they aint getting paid all due monies and no holiday pay plenty sharp look for normal employment .

To be fair I haven't even remotely brought the subject up, so he knows nothing of my thoughts. For all I know he might say "Window cleaning - you havin a laff?"

[David Kent @ KentKleen]

Hi, here is my advice for what its worth,
 If you want to get off the tools but still enjoy an income from your window cleaning business you either need to employ or franchise. Both have there problems.
If you cant be bothered with the chew on, work like crazy yourself and maybe buy some very cheap buy to let properties to give you a little nest egg/income for when you come off the glass.
If you can be bothered, work like mad for 4 years, set up some franchised vans and get off the tools.
There is no easy solution.
 IMO, I would take a punt on your friend, sounds like he has a good reason to get out of bed and earn!
Good luck 

[bobplum]

canvass for him and sell the work to him at 3 times the value

[Danny F]

He'l be there on time no matter what id say, be a great worker, wont take poop and can take orders and learn quickly... discuss wages and situation... if use are both happy then go ahead. if it goes tits up get someone else in.

[Carl2009]

Some good ideas to think about. Thanks lads.