[BSL]

This has probably been gone through loads of times but I've searched and quite find the answers I'm looking for, thanks in advance for any replies.
We run a successful cleaning & maintenance company and are looking to expand into windows.
Questions I have are:-
What would the best system be for new operatives - don't plan on doing this myself so will need to be pretty simple to use/train people on.
second hand kitted out van/vs new system? the cost implications aside are we better going for new system for reliability, can easily install system into a van myself (ex mechanic)
What is the most cost effective & reliable/usable system out there for a new install into van?
Are you better to prep water in van or onsite to fill into van? Space isn't an issue for us at unit so toying with the idea of doing water so staff just have to fill up and away they go - if that's the best way what setup do you use?
We have an existing portfolio of customers that will hopefully give us a start, however do you find it better to do lots of advertising  to get new work or would you suggest trying to buy a local round to get started?
Sorry for all the questions & thanks for any replies

[Smudger]

Interesting q's

I'm sure you'll get lots of differing opinions on what's right and wrong, TBH there are many factors as to what is the correct advice,  example - single van, multi vans ? Two men in a van or one ?

Who's going to train your first employee to do windows ?? ( ideally should be you as with out experience you can't sort out problems/issues or understand/be sympathetic as to what's going wrong)

Good luck with this thread

Darran

[nathankaye]

So, just to understand.....your asking experienced window cleaners about how to get into our trade and then asking if should be aggressive in taking hold of this market whether you should undercut to get a foot in.........to even ask this latter point gets my back up straight away

Good luck with finding some advice on how to steal from our earnings.......but i might have misunderstood your question

[Smudger]

Now now, I think you are far to sensative about others undercutting you !! 

Darran

[BSL]

Smudger - thanks for your reply and good points, to answer one of my own questions I'll probably try to buy a local round and get myself and another trained up during the handover then see how it goes. To start with I see it being a single van/man, business growth will dictate additional men/vans - I'd like to think our local reputation on other services will hopefully help generate additional business.

Nathan - I'm not trying to steal anyone's earnings, merely seeking advice on the best setup and hopefully to gain valuable opinions & advice from experienced people in the trade. I've been in the cleaning game for 20yrs and have helped/trained many people in that time. I don't see anything wrong with asking advice - how did you get started? Have you learned anything from a forum - perhaps a new technique/system?  Perhaps I could have worded my post differently? I'm nowhere near you anyway!

[nathankaye]

Now now, I think you are far to sensative about others undercutting you !! 

Darran

 . Perhaps,,,,,,,,its been one of those days n mrs has been on bed rest for last 3wks, difficult pregnancy of 3rd child. Think im suffering from phantom pregnancy with all harmonal changes with her

Apologies guys

[steve rix]

If you want any reasonable answers on this forum NEVER say you are going to undercut the competion. NOBODY gains only thr customers.

[Shane sharples]

DO NOT UNDERCUT , I think that's wrong on so many levels to go on any forum and say you want to start a business should You aggressively undercut ..... do you think we would all say yes come and undercut us , that's a great idea!
Stupid question

[BSL]

Ok guys point taken - sorry if I offended anyone... Didn't mean aggressive undercutting just lots of marketing, I perhaps worded it incorrectly - I've amended my original post & removed the undercut part.....never really been my thing to undercut people, I already have a successful business, just looking at opportunities to grow it, I've always sold the quality of service we provide.
So back to my questions, can anyone give me some advice on the best system to buy and the best setup for it?

[dazmond]

Ok guys point taken - sorry if I offended anyone... Didn't mean aggressive undercutting just lots of marketing, I perhaps worded it incorrectly - I've amended my original post & removed the undercut part.....never really been my thing to undercut people, I already have a successful business, just looking at opportunities to grow it, I've always sold the quality of service we provide.
So back to my questions, can anyone give me some advice on the best system to buy and the best setup for it?

type it into the search function at the top of the forum.most of us that have been on here for years  cant be bothered anymore.we all had to do lots of research and spend time/money on the right set up for US.this will vary from person to person depending of type of business,facilities,employees etc.i will say that these companies provide all the equipment you need and have a good reputation.i suggest you give them a ring.

gardiners/grippamax
pure freedom
x-line
window cleaning warehouse
windowcleancentre

[SeanK]

Agree with Dazmond, get in contact with one of the companies he mentioned and they will sort you out with the equipment and
system plus show you how to use and maintain it.
For some reason undercutting seems to be a touchy subject on here and gets some into a tizzy, I would say a fair few on here
thought it was an option when first starting out especially if they where starting in an area that already had a good number of
shiners.
I cant say if it works or not as I haven't knowingly tried it but I have had customers who have went to cheaper and in all honesty
they are not the type of customers you would be looking to build a window cleaning round with.
 

[slap bash]

I do believe this fella will undercut as he said before he amended his  thread . It`s at times like this, it would be wise to just lurk and learn but now you want instant answers. So I do agree with Mr Kay you are right to protect your business and industry. We offer up far too much business  knowledge to someone who will not give back much to this industry. My feeling is to go out and spend some money to learn and don`t expect all for nothing.   
Just by the way this sneak comes in here and get strait to the point wanting to know all the ropes then amends the truth and rubs everyone up the wrong way.
I am not against helping chaps to improve the future.
But THIS A SEASONED BUSINESS MAN.  My answer is NO.