[Mike Banks]

Hello.  I am starting out in window washing and just started my research.

I think it will be a good move for me,  as it looks good, and hope to build a round up in a few months.  Is this possible?  I have some money set aside to buy a second hand van with a  system built in.  I have seen a few on ebay.  Would this be the right thing to do? or is it better to get the van some place else?

Thanks.

[Smudger]

have a read through some threads - there are a couple of others starting out - it's not always easy you have to put the work in and too build up customers you need to be out there canvassing as well as leaflets etc..

buying the equipment is the easy bit - don't overpay for a van with a system as you can do a DIY system reasonably cheaply - what's your water TDS - will you need an RO system or just resin ?

Darran

[SB Cleaning]

All depends on what area your in, some areas are saturated with cleaners its getting tough out there.

[Mike Banks]

Cheers.

I am not sure what you mean by tds but this is something I need to look at, thanks.

I am going to work with leaflets to begin with.  I am going to be offering a special deal to start with to test the water as I know there are a lot of competition.

how big pole do I need?  I don't want to be using a ladder so need one that will do everything. 

[Smudger]

well, like I said - what is the TDS of your water - how are you going to purify it  ?

I think you have much research to do before going out buying poles etc...

find out the basics first

Darran

[Dry Clean]

Cheers.

I am not sure what you mean by tds but this is something I need to look at, thanks.

I am going to work with leaflets to begin with.  I am going to be offering a special deal to start with to test the water as I know there are a lot of competition.

how big pole do I need?  I don't want to be using a ladder so need one that will do everything.

When it comes to window cleaning special deals dont work, you either need and want a window cleaner or you dont, special deals tend to attract those who want a one off at a lower price and messers who will jump ship when another special deal comes their way.
Undercutting is another no no for the same reason.

[nathankaye]

Hello.  I am starting out in window washing and just started my research.

I think it will be a good move for me,  as it looks good, and hope to build a round up in a few months.  Is this possible?  I have some money set aside to buy a second hand van with a  system built in.  I have seen a few on ebay.  Would this be the right thing to do? or is it better to get the van some place else?

Thanks.

There's a search facility on this forum which holds a stack of answers to help you on your way.
In addition, don't take our answers in the wrong way, as we're not trying to discourage.
Yet, many have come into this field of work expecting to make big bucks fast, sadly this won't be the case and certainly not in the couple of months that you've asked.   There's  a new lad, who's started a thread further down the listing. You will do well to read his thread as he's put a lot of work into building a sustainable round over a number of months and so far has gained 40 customers, which shows its not as easy as you may think.

Be wary of special offers, the general public aren't stupid and will use you for the freebies or discounts which you offer and then dump you for the next newbie to come along.  That's why a huge amount don't use gimmicks or low prices to undercut. The 2nd reason is that customers wait a long time sometimes for a decent/reliable cleaner to come along and when they find one, regardless of how much they pay, they won't be in a hurry to change.

I've been in this trade a long time, started traditional cleaning and now I'm wfp, but before I made that jump, I did a lot of research into how it works, the equipment needed (of which there is a lot), water tds, reverse osmosis, double DI etc etc for a number of months before I made the jump and then it was a steep learning curve. Many find the same and that's people already in the game. So take it steady, research well, soak up the advice and don't expect smooth sailing.
All the best

[Dry Clean]

Leaflets don't work for everybody so you have to be prepared to door knock/ canvass if they fail, this puts many newbies off.

[Smudger]

NK - THAT is probably the best post you've ever made - I'm gobsmacked 

Darran

[tlwcs]

There's a search facility on this forum which holds a stack of answers to help you on your way.
In addition, don't take our answers in the wrong way, as we're not trying to discourage.
Yet, many have come into this field of work expecting to make big bucks fast, sadly this won't be the case and certainly not in the couple of months that you've asked.   There's  a new lad, who's started a thread further down the listing. You will do well to read his thread as he's put a lot of work into building a sustainable round over a number of months and so far has gained 40 customers, which shows its not as easy as you may think.

Be wary of special offers, the general public aren't stupid and will use you for the freebies or discounts which you offer and then dump you for the next newbie to come along.  That's why a huge amount don't use gimmicks or low prices to undercut. The 2nd reason is that customers wait a long time sometimes for a decent/reliable cleaner to come along and when they find one, regardless of how much they pay, they won't be in a hurry to change.

I've been in this trade a long time, started traditional cleaning and now I'm wfp, but before I made that jump, I did a lot of research into how it works, the equipment needed (of which there is a lot), water tds, reverse osmosis, double DI etc etc for a number of months before I made the jump and then it was a steep learning curve. Many find the same and that's people already in the game. So take it steady, research well, soak up the advice and don't expect smooth sailing.
All the best

Ok. What have you done with him, where is he and who are you?

[Mike Banks]

thanks,  you have been very helpful.   I will do a trail run on my leaflet to see if my offer works.   I don't like the thought of cold calling.

I am thinking of just getting a pole with a scrubber and a squeegee on it to start with while I investigate a bigger system.  I think I need to take my time spending my money.

[nathankaye]

If your using trad tools, especially on a pole, that requires a lot of skill and practice. More so than wfp.
However, either option, the main advice is, practice, practice practice.

[Dave Willis]

Cleaning windows is the easy bit, a child could do it. Don’t believe the Bollox spouted on here. The hardest part is building up a good customer base fast and keeping it. There’s guys on here who’ve been cleaning for years and still don’t get enough work. Research how and where you intend to produce pure water first then how you intend to carry it. It’s the easiest job in the world for some. Most complicated for others😂 If you have plenty of motivation and a bit of luck you could be on your way.

Ps. Don’t try trad cleaning with a pole.

[nathankaye]

Cleaning windows is the easy bit, a child could do it. Don’t believe the Bollox spouted on here. The hardest part is building up a good customer base fast and keeping it. There’s guys on here who’ve been cleaning for years and still don’t get enough work. Research how and where you intend to produce pure water first then how you intend to carry it. It’s the easiest job in the world for some. Most complicated for others😂 If you have plenty of motivation and a bit of luck you could be on your way.

Ps. Don’t try trad cleaning with a pole.

Not related to main theme,  but Dave give it a rest mate. Why do big corporate businesses keep renovating or why do they continue to advertise when they are the market leaders and well established.
Granted, some want to build a round to x amount of customers and reach X level of income and be content with the same routine, day in, day out. Others do not!

Back to the thread.
Yes window cleaning is relatively easy, it's just window washing. Yet many will smear or leave spotting etc etc, for various reasons. One of which is technique on either wfp or trad. So no, it does require a certain level of practice. That's why when ones employ, there is the need to train. 😂 Or would you send a complete newbie out on your work and say, don't sweat it, it's a doddle 😂😂.

So yes, as many have said, research n practice and continue to interact on the forum.    Let ones know how your getting on and what advice has helped and which hasn't etc. Make it a two way communication, especially with how u get on with your promotions

[James Styles]

I don't like the thought of cold calling.

I understand it’s a bit daunting but I’ve found its the quickest way to get customers and build you’re round.
Let us know how you get on and good luck.

[Dave Willis]

Don’t tell me to give it a rest Nathan thank you.

You don’t need training to clean windows. Couple of goes on your own property and relatives should get you started. Like I said before, the hardest bit is building a round fast enough to survive and earn a living particularly if jumping ship from employment .  My advice would be to go straight for water fed pole. Second hand van and cheap as possible. Improve your equipment as the money comes in.

[Dave Willis]

When I started I was still employed so could build the business alongside even so the day came to jump ship to self employment. This is when you get the sudden dip in income. Cold calling isn’t for everyone but if you have a friendly smile and communicate you will pick up work. Do a good job at a fair price and the work will snowball. When you can afford it get a website - commercial customers search them.

[nathankaye]

Don’t tell me to give it a rest Nathan thank you.

Sorry Dave, did you take it personally.,,,,,its not nice is it! However you feel you can directly/indirectly attack other people's methods or thinking and it's OK?
What's good for the goose n all that......


Your advice is surely appreciated, as is everyone else's on here and that's why it's a good sounding board. However, some don't attack other people's approach and simply go in with their advice and leave the recipient to come to their own conclusion.

Sorry, moan is over

[Smudger]

Don’t tell me to give it a rest Nathan thank you.

Sorry Dave, did you take it personally.,,,,,its not nice is it! However you feel you can directly/indirectly attack other people's methods or thinking and it's OK?
What's good for the goose n all that......


Your advice is surely appreciated, as is everyone else's on here and that's why it's a good sounding board. However, some don't attack other people's approach and simply go in with their advice and leave the recipient to come to their own conclusion.

Sorry, moan is over

Huh?
Thats what I thought Dave had done

[Mike Banks]

well I gave out about 50 leaflets today, but it was  a but wet, so only did a few.


One guy came out of his house throwing it back at me telling me to get a proper job !!   is this normal, as I felt a little embarrassed, and with the rain, I just went home.
 

[andyM]

One guy came out of his house throwing it back at me telling me to get a proper job !!   is this normal, as I felt a little embarrassed, and with the rain, I just went home.

He was probably right in all honesty.
I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat wondering where it all went wrong for me.
Years ago I really should of listened to the advice Teacher's gave me at School and tried harder.
I mean when i was a kid i assumed i would grow up to be an Astronaut, Professional Football Player or even James Bond but instead i've ended up as a poxy window cleaner scrubbing bird poop off of people's windows to earn a crust?!!       
 

[Shrek]

well I gave out about 50 leaflets today, but it was  a but wet, so only did a few.


One guy came out of his house throwing it back at me telling me to get a proper job !!   is this normal, as I felt a little embarrassed, and with the rain, I just went home.

😂

[Shrek]

I can’t believe your giving out leaflets for something you have no idea about, you’ve had no practice, no equipment, your offering ‘special deals’ yet you don’t even know how to clean a window and don’t know what TDS is 

How on earth are you even going to price a job up if you don’t know how long a job takes 

[Dry Clean]

well I gave out about 50 leaflets today, but it was  a but wet, so only did a few.


One guy came out of his house throwing it back at me telling me to get a proper job !!   is this normal, as I felt a little embarrassed, and with the rain, I just went home.

Mike if it wasn't for having to deal with the public this would be a great job, just be thankful you're not a postie, you wouldn't believe some of the crap they have to take. at least when they get too rude we can give it back.

[nathankaye]

Don’t tell me to give it a rest Nathan thank you.

Sorry Dave, did you take it personally.,,,,,its not nice is it! However you feel you can directly/indirectly attack other people's methods or thinking and it's OK?
What's good for the goose n all that......


Your advice is surely appreciated, as is everyone else's on here and that's why it's a good sounding board. However, some don't attack other people's approach and simply go in with their advice and leave the recipient to come to their own conclusion.

Sorry, moan is over

Huh?
Thats what I thought Dave had done

Yes and that's the point,, he doesn't like it when it's done against him, like so many on here 

[deeege]

well I gave out about 50 leaflets today, but it was  a but wet, so only did a few.


One guy came out of his house throwing it back at me telling me to get a proper job !!   is this normal, as I felt a little embarrassed, and with the rain, I just went home.

Sounds like an encouraging first day 😂

Whereabouts are you based Mike?

It might be worth asking someone local to you that posts on here if you can tag along with them for a day. This may not be for you and you’d be better off finding out before you make any big purchases.

[nathankaye]

well I gave out about 50 leaflets today, but it was  a but wet, so only did a few.


One guy came out of his house throwing it back at me telling me to get a proper job !!   is this normal, as I felt a little embarrassed, and with the rain, I just went home.

Sounds like an encouraging first day 😂

Whereabouts are you based Mike?

It might be worth asking someone local to you that posts on here if you can tag along with them for a day. This may not be for you and you’d be better off finding out before you make any big purchases.

Sound advice!
Also Shreks advice is spot on, you have to learn how to walk before you can run! Then your in a much better position to shake such comments off from passive aggressive strangers, as it pro ably won't be the last.  Also you won't get embarrassed when they say things like that, because when you do eventually get established and with good prices you can laugh it off.  Sadly at the moment your not in that place, so bite the bullet, dig deep and soldier on,,,,,,,,, if this is something you do want to get into

[Mike Banks]

I can’t believe your giving out leaflets for something you have no idea about, you’ve had no practice, no equipment, your offering ‘special deals’ yet you don’t even know how to clean a window and don’t know what TDS is 

How on earth are you even going to price a job up if you don’t know how long a job takes 

that because I spent many hours last night going through posts, and watching u tube like people suggested to me.   I need to test the market before i invest too much.   My biggest worry is finding out if its the right move for me.   Friends think I am being silly doing this, and after my experience today, I am wondering,

[G Griffin]

I can’t believe your giving out leaflets for something you have no idea about, you’ve had no practice, no equipment, your offering ‘special deals’ yet you don’t even know how to clean a window and don’t know what TDS is 

How on earth are you even going to price a job up if you don’t know how long a job takes 

that because I spent many hours last night going through posts, and watching u tube like people suggested to me.   I need to test the market before i invest too much.   My biggest worry is finding out if its the right move for me.   Friends think I am being silly doing this, and after my experience today, I am wondering,

That's the spirit!
What did you do before, Mike?

[nathankaye]

I can’t believe your giving out leaflets for something you have no idea about, you’ve had no practice, no equipment, your offering ‘special deals’ yet you don’t even know how to clean a window and don’t know what TDS is 

How on earth are you even going to price a job up if you don’t know how long a job takes 

that because I spent many hours last night going through posts, and watching u tube like people suggested to me.   I need to test the market before i invest too much.   My biggest worry is finding out if its the right move for me.   Friends think I am being silly doing this, and after my experience today, I am wondering,

If you Learn from the advice given, especially on pricing, then with determination your friends will be apologising. Keep focused on the end results and that will help you through the journey. Like we said before, it isn't an easy journey.
However let's say for argument sake you price a 3 bed basic semi at £15 (yes prices vary considerably throughout areas) and it takes you 20 minutes (it can be done quicker, but this is a journey) and 20mins for the next house.  That's £30 quid an hour to begin with, which may be more than your friends are on per hour!  Then as you progress it can improve, as you clean more houses per hour etc. Have that as your drive and you may over come many obstacles in your way.

[Smudger]

Sounds like your better off staying employed

You need to have a thick skin , as yet your only popping a leaflet through the door - how you going to actually handle customers ?

If you can't get out there now and deliver a few hundred leaflets then I don't think your going to make it self employed

Sorry - that's my opinion
Darran

[The Jester of Wibbly]

I would not worry about what friends think. If they are true friends they will support you in anything you do.    It's just a job at the end if the day and how you make your living has the same results... An income.

I had a few people stick their noses up at me when I started.   But these same people are now jealous of the holidays i take and the gadgets I buy.  All the nice things they can only dream of.   Yet I'm doing half the hours they do with half the stress.  Who's laughing now 

[Ooooooog]

You can always get new friends,

[tlwcs]

We’re your friends now 😁

[G Griffin]

Did I see 8 Weekly's name?

[James Styles]

I can’t believe your giving out leaflets for something you have no idea about, you’ve had no practice, no equipment, your offering ‘special deals’ yet you don’t even know how to clean a window and don’t know what TDS is 

How on earth are you even going to price a job up if you don’t know how long a job takes 

that because I spent many hours last night going through posts, and watching u tube like people suggested to me.   I need to test the market before i invest too much.   My biggest worry is finding out if its the right move for me.   Friends think I am being silly doing this, and after my experience today, I am wondering,

Fair play on doing some research but what I’m wondering is how can you book any customers in if you don’t have the equipment to clean the windows?

So if one of the residents at a house you knock on says yes I need a window cleaner, agrees to the price you quote and asked to be booked in this week what you gonna do? as you haven’t bought a pole, backpack or even know where you are going to get pure water?

[Ooooooog]

Don’t listen to the haters. The most important thing is getting the work. Everything else is straightforward.
Good luck!

[James Styles]

Don’t listen to the haters. The most important thing is getting the work. Everything else is straightforward.
Good luck!

Don’t think anyone is hating, I just don’t get how he is going to book in work without the equipment to do the windows?
Hopefully he has already ordered a WFP, backpack and has somewhere to get pure water.

[Smudger]

Don’t listen to the haters. The most important thing is getting the work. Everything else is straightforward.
Good luck!

Don’t think anyone is hating, I just don’t get how he is going to book in work without the equipment to do the windows?
Hopefully he has already ordered a WFP, backpack and has somewhere to get pure water.

I hope the ref. was regarding the idiot who came out with his flyer 

Darran

[dazmond]

Hello.  I am starting out in window washing and just started my research.

I think it will be a good move for me,  as it looks good, and hope to build a round up in a few months.  Is this possible?  I have some money set aside to buy a second hand van with a  system built in.  I have seen a few on ebay.  Would this be the right thing to do? or is it better to get the van some place else?

Thanks.

There's a search facility on this forum which holds a stack of answers to help you on your way.
In addition, don't take our answers in the wrong way, as we're not trying to discourage.
Yet, many have come into this field of work expecting to make big bucks fast, sadly this won't be the case and certainly not in the couple of months that you've asked.   There's  a new lad, who's started a thread further down the listing. You will do well to read his thread as he's put a lot of work into building a sustainable round over a number of months and so far has gained 40 customers, which shows its not as easy as you may think.

Be wary of special offers, the general public aren't stupid and will use you for the freebies or discounts which you offer and then dump you for the next newbie to come along.  That's why a huge amount don't use gimmicks or low prices to undercut. The 2nd reason is that customers wait a long time sometimes for a decent/reliable cleaner to come along and when they find one, regardless of how much they pay, they won't be in a hurry to change.

I've been in this trade a long time, started traditional cleaning and now I'm wfp, but before I made that jump, I did a lot of research into how it works, the equipment needed (of which there is a lot), water tds, reverse osmosis, double DI etc etc for a number of months before I made the jump and then it was a steep learning curve. Many find the same and that's people already in the game. So take it steady, research well, soak up the advice and don't expect smooth sailing.
All the best

post of the week!i couldnt have put it better myself nathan.........

[Mike Banks]

thanks all.   


I have found a lot of threads very useful to read.

For the ones who has questioned me about when I will cleaning after I have leafleted....

As said before I was testing the demand with my leaflet drops.   I won't let customers dictate to me when they want them doing, I will tell them when I will coming to clean (within two weeks).  I want to keep my future round in some kind of order, so I want to set the rules from the start to avoid issues,

I can be cleaning within a week, buying a backack and bulding s trolly for it,  I will use spotless water to start with for my water needs.  This will only be a temp setup, and will be kept as a back up.   (providing every goes well and I enjoy it) I will be buying a van and system, probably going straight for a hot water system (still to be researched properly).    This will be sorted within 6 months.

I'm in the process of talking with Royal Mail about a leaflet drop for me.  Looking at about 30,000 leaflets to heavliy push my new bussiness and grow it fast.

[dazmond]

thanks all.   


I have found a lot of threads very useful to read.

For the ones who has questioned me about when I will cleaning after I have leafleted....

As said before I was testing the demand with my leaflet drops.   I won't let customers dictate to me when they want them doing, I will tell them when I will coming to clean (within two weeks).  I want to keep my future round in some kind of order, so I want to set the rules from the start to avoid issues,

I can be cleaning within a week, buying a backack and bulding s trolly for it,  I will use spotless water to start with for my water needs.  This will only be a temp setup, and will be kept as a back up.   (providing every goes well and I enjoy it) I will be buying a van and system, probably going straight for a hot water system (still to be researched properly).    This will be sorted within 6 months.

I'm in the process of talking with Royal Mail about a leaflet drop for me.  Looking at about 30,000 leaflets to heavliy push my new bussiness and grow it fast.

you need to learn how to clean windows first mate......i suggest seeing if you can go out with an experienced wfp cleaner first for a few days and practice on your own windows and friends and family......so this means buying the equipment first before going looking for work.....

then when your fairly confident in actually cleaning a window to a good standard you can canvass jobs and clean them either there and then or within a few days then take it from there.......

[dazmond]

I would not worry about what friends think. If they are true friends they will support you in anything you do.    It's just a job at the end if the day and how you make your living has the same results... An income.

I had a few people stick their noses up at me when I started.   But these same people are now jealous of the holidays i take and the gadgets I buy.  All the nice things they can only dream of.   Yet I'm doing half the hours they do with half the stress.  Who's laughing now 

i had the same when i started back in 1993 during a recession......."itll never work"........."window cleaning is a bummers job"....."theres too many people doing it to make a living yourself".........this just made me even more determined to make a success of it.....

[G Griffin]

"window cleaning is a bummers job"....."theres too many people doing it to make a living yourself".........this just made me even more determined to make a success of it.....

It is difficult when you first start. It can be painful but take your time and the more you keep at it the easier it gets.
You only get out what you put in..

[Shrek]

I was reading how well pressure washing jobs are paid . Iv no idea how to do it or what equipment I need but iv just delivered 500 leaflets.
I was thinking of buying a karcher from Argos when the phone rings 

[Mick Kent]

One guy came out of his house throwing it back at me telling me to get a proper job !!   is this normal, as I felt a little embarrassed, and with the rain, I just went home.

He was probably right in all honesty.
I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat wondering where it all went wrong for me.
Years ago I really should of listened to the advice Teacher's gave me at School and tried harder.
I mean when i was a kid i assumed i would grow up to be an Astronaut, Professional Football Player or even James Bond but instead i've ended up as a poxy window cleaner scrubbing bird poop off of people's windows to earn a crust?!!       

Haha mine is worse, my teacher said id end up a window cleaner...
Im guessing he wasn't expecting wfp to be invented at the time.

[Dave Willis]

"window cleaning is a bummers job"....."theres too many people doing it to make a living yourself".........this just made me even more determined to make a success of it.....

It is difficult when you first start. It can be painful but take your time and the more you keep at it the easier it gets.
You only get out what you put in..

😅😅

[Mike Banks]

Thanks again to those who have given some good advice to me.   

Sorry to see that there are a couple of negative comments, which I've also seen in other threads.

I have seen plenty of utube lessons and think its not too difficult to learn,   I will practice on my own and a couple of friends, but this wont take too long to do.  I have seen many do's and don'ts and seem many recommended methods. 


Daz, I did not know how some go about there business, so when a customer calls you, do you drop everything to go and clean it?   I would just fit it into my round order and give them a start date,  Is this not how window cleaners do this?  I would not want to keep darting from one side of the town to another.   

[Mike Banks]

I was reading how well pressure washing jobs are paid . Iv no idea how to do it or what equipment I need but iv just delivered 500 leaflets.
I was thinking of buying a karcher from Argos when the phone rings 

That's the second time now you have had a pop at me.  Do you have an issue with me?

[nathankaye]

thanks all.   


I have found a lot of threads very useful to read.

For the ones who has questioned me about when I will cleaning after I have leafleted....

As said before I was testing the demand with my leaflet drops.   I won't let customers dictate to me when they want them doing, I will tell them when I will coming to clean (within two weeks).  I want to keep my future round in some kind of order, so I want to set the rules from the start to avoid issues,

I can be cleaning within a week, buying a backack and bulding s trolly for it,  I will use spotless water to start with for my water needs.  This will only be a temp setup, and will be kept as a back up.   (providing every goes well and I enjoy it) I will be buying a van and system, probably going straight for a hot water system (still to be researched properly).    This will be sorted within 6 months.

I'm in the process of talking with Royal Mail about a leaflet drop for me.  Looking at about 30,000 leaflets to heavliy push my new bussiness and grow it fast.

It is a good ideal to set your stall out from the start, as this will also help weed out the messers. If they trully want a window cleaner, they will wait. Plus  your not chasing your tail.

However,,,,, waiting to see what the response is like before you dive in is a little naive.  What response are you hoping to gain from your leaflet campaign?  Potential customers no doubt get regular flyers through the door. 😂 I have one round which seem to be hit on a monthly basis.   The return is always what you expect and then you've wasted your money and become negative with going forward.
Or
Buy the equipment and make it work. Canvass n clean as you go along, but practice first, people can't stress this enough to you and for good reason. It doesn't matter what special offers or sales gimmicks if you can't clean effectively you will soon get a bad reputation and that's that!  Whereas practice, be confident, canvass and clean as you go and your determined to make it work as your invested in it.

[G Griffin]

Banksy, can't you work with someone for a few weeks? Gratis if you have to.
You need to build up your confidence and customers' confidence in you.
It won't be easy starting without any experience or customers.

[Shrek]

I was reading how well pressure washing jobs are paid . Iv no idea how to do it or what equipment I need but iv just delivered 500 leaflets.
I was thinking of buying a karcher from Argos when the phone rings 

That's the second time now you have had a pop at me.  Do you have an issue with me?

Yes , your attitude towards setting up a business. I find it quite unbelievable that you like the look of window cleaning so your going to go and get some customers before you’ve even practiced cleaning a window   
Who starts a business without even practicing first 
You might think it’s easy but it’s not to begin with and takes years to build a profitable round. Like NK said , there’s a lot of people who think they can fast track to the big bucks but it ain’t possible, your going to be very very slow to begin with .
Offering special deals is the kind of thing people who undercut you say which isn’t a good start either

[Smudger]

Thanks again to those who have given some good advice to me.   

Sorry to see that there are a couple of negative comments, which I've also seen in other threads.

It's no good looking through rose tinted glasses, you seem to think that it will all magically come to you - hopefully you will make a success of things - but we have seen many a noob on here - you just get a sense of who's going to make and those that won't - take heed of the 'negative' comments because at the end of the day they may save you a lot of time money and heartache

I have seen plenty of utube lessons and think its not too difficult to learn,   I will practice on my own and a couple of friends, but this wont take too long to do.  I have seen many do's and don'ts and seem many recommended methods. 


Daz, I did not know how some go about there business, so when a customer calls you, do you drop everything to go and clean it?   I would just fit it into my round order and give them a start date,  Is this not how window cleaners do this?  I would not want to keep darting from one side of the town to another.   

yes and no, - it will be your biz to run as you see fit - bear in mind you are a "service" - be bolsie with customers if you wish but at this stage I'd be flexible and just clean them - as you build up start slotting them into groups/asreas - some just clean 'roughly' four or eight weekly or monthly - I have my rounds set on 4 or8 weekly with next clean date that we stick to so round 1 ( village a ) is cleaned on a Monday - we return there four weeks later on a Monday  round 2 (village b) is a Tuesday etc..
work your rounds as it best suits you

Darran

[Mike Banks]

I was reading how well pressure washing jobs are paid . Iv no idea how to do it or what equipment I need but iv just delivered 500 leaflets.
I was thinking of buying a karcher from Argos when the phone rings 

That's the second time now you have had a pop at me.  Do you have an issue with me?

Yes , your attitude towards setting up a business. I find it quite unbelievable that you like the look of window cleaning so your going to go and get some customers before you’ve even practiced cleaning a window   
Who starts a business without even practicing first 
You might think it’s easy but it’s not to begin with and takes years to build a profitable round. Like NK said , there’s a lot of people who think they can fast track to the big bucks but it ain’t possible, your going to be very very slow to begin with .
Offering special deals is the kind of thing people who undercut you say which isn’t a good start either

Thats fine to have your opinion on things, I dont mind that, just like others who have provided me with valuable advice.     But I rather you didn't make sarcastic pee taking remarks that are not contstructive.

As said before, I can get equipment and practice within a week.  Then take it slowly on a few customers at a time,    I pick things up really quickly.   I learned to surf, play the piano and to be a good photographer by self teaching, research and utube.   I am sure window cleaning will be fine with my method of learning.

[Mike Banks]

Thanks again to those who have given some good advice to me.   

Sorry to see that there are a couple of negative comments, which I've also seen in other threads.

It's no good looking through rose tinted glasses, you seem to think that it will all magically come to you - hopefully you will make a success of things - but we have seen many a noob on here - you just get a sense of who's going to make and those that won't - take heed of the 'negative' comments because at the end of the day they may save you a lot of time money and heartache

I have seen plenty of utube lessons and think its not too difficult to learn,   I will practice on my own and a couple of friends, but this wont take too long to do.  I have seen many do's and don'ts and seem many recommended methods. 


Daz, I did not know how some go about there business, so when a customer calls you, do you drop everything to go and clean it?   I would just fit it into my round order and give them a start date,  Is this not how window cleaners do this?  I would not want to keep darting from one side of the town to another.   

yes and no, - it will be your biz to run as you see fit - bear in mind you are a "service" - be bolsie with customers if you wish but at this stage I'd be flexible and just clean them - as you build up start slotting them into groups/asreas - some just clean 'roughly' four or eight weekly or monthly - I have my rounds set on 4 or8 weekly with next clean date that we stick to so round 1 ( village a ) is cleaned on a Monday - we return there four weeks later on a Monday  round 2 (village b) is a Tuesday etc..
work your rounds as it best suits you

Darran

Thanks, I will take note of this.

[robbo333]

Hello.  I am starting out in window washing and just started my research.

I think it will be a good move for me,  as it looks good, and hope to build a round up in a few months.  Is this possible?  I have some money set aside to buy a second hand van with a  system built in.  I have seen a few on ebay.  Would this be the right thing to do? or is it better to get the van some place else?

Thanks.


Mike

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world that is window cleaning.

Personally, I don't think you have done any research, you have just come on here and ask questions, in the hope that it will give you all the answers you need.

When I started researching, I spent about 6 months using the search facility on this forum, looked at every YouTube video I could find and then begged days out with window cleaners so I could learn the practicalities of the job.
Then I asked questions (because the answers would make some sense).

Unfortunately this is not the job you think it is.
I also understand you have had some negative comments.
You will get negativity from customers...so get used to it.

Personally I would say:
Go away and do some proper research.
Don't go offering services that you can't fulfil.
Spend some time with a window cleaner.
If you are really serious, do your research thoroughly.
Then come back and ask questions.

PS
If you feel slightly upset by negative comments then don't even bother considering window cleaning.
You will have to deal with Rsoles every day.
Good luck and best wishes
Robbo

[Dave Willis]

Have you got 30,000 leaflets printed already? Will you be doing a welcome pack?

[deeege]

Where are you based Banksy?

[Smudger]

I was reading how well pressure washing jobs are paid . Iv no idea how to do it or what equipment I need but iv just delivered 500 leaflets.
I was thinking of buying a karcher from Argos when the phone rings 

That's the second time now you have had a pop at me.  Do you have an issue with me?

Yes , your attitude towards setting up a business. I find it quite unbelievable that you like the look of window cleaning so your going to go and get some customers before you’ve even practiced cleaning a window   
Who starts a business without even practicing first 
You might think it’s easy but it’s not to begin with and takes years to build a profitable round. Like NK said , there’s a lot of people who think they can fast track to the big bucks but it ain’t possible, your going to be very very slow to begin with .
Offering special deals is the kind of thing people who undercut you say which isn’t a good start either

Thats fine to have your opinion on things, I dont mind that, just like others who have provided me with valuable advice.     But I rather you didn't make sarcastic pee taking remarks that are not contstructive.

As said before, I can get equipment and practice within a week.  Then take it slowly on a few customers at a time,    I pick things up really quickly.   I learned to surf, play the piano and to be a good photographer by self teaching, research and utube.   I am sure window cleaning will be fine with my method of learning.

What sort of photography do you do ?

[Stoots]

Build, refine, build, refine, build, refine

it never ends

[james peters]

mike... seems you are serious about this and enthusiastic to get started.
one pitfall , I can see for you is if you advertise special offers on flyers.  this is a very bad idea , it will attract people that want a one off clean.
what you want right now is a regular customer base .
you may not realise it yet , but first cleans take a lot longer than a general 4 week or 8 week maintenance clean. with wfp the first clean needs a very very thorough clean!

it is always wiser to charge a first clean price. eg .. if its a regular monthly of  £12  you charge £20 on the first clean.
if its a regular of say £18 charge £28
this not only boosts your revenue each week, but it also means that if a customer is prepared to pay the extra , they usually turn out to be good customers.

do not get a huge amount of flyers printed . you will need to play around with different ideas .... wording etc .
you need to find which design is going to work .... if you get it wrong the first time and have thousand put out , you have wasted your time and money.
trust me on this ... you need to get your flyers right. so you need to experiment

good luck with everything

[Ooooooog]

Crack on Mike. Get your leaflets out and see what happens.
Window cleaning is easy. Scrub and rinse. Remember to check your work when it’s dry. Learn from your mistakes. It’s really not complicated.

[Mike Banks]

Thank you for the nice replies and advice.   its most welcome. 

I scrapped all my special offer leaflets yesterday as recommended.  Getting new ones sorted, and only getting a few done each time for now.

As for the Royal mail idea, its just all in the planning stages at the moment.   Nothings set yet, and won't be until I have sorted things out and satisfied my first set of customers.

[nathankaye]

Out of curiosity, what job or jobs have you had before and why choosing to come into window cleaning?
Many do for various reasons and not simply like one person has mentioned on here, doing so due to not paying attention at school.

Running your own business, dealing with the public both good and bad (there will be plenty of bad as well!), then the practical side of cleaning and the good old fashion British miserable weather and finally starting from scratch. Is all completely different to taking your time and enjoying photography and learning to read music and play the piano.
Many have quite a number of employees on here, who will spend a lot of time with newbies showing them the ropes as it we're and that is longer than a week.

It's good how your taking heed of the strategies so far, especially on the flyers. 
Sounds like your going in the general right distance

[Mike Banks]

Out of curiosity, what job or jobs have you had before and why choosing to come into window cleaning?
Many do for various reasons and not simply like one person has mentioned on here, doing so due to not paying attention at school.

Running your own business, dealing with the public both good and bad (there will be plenty of bad as well!), then the practical side of cleaning and the good old fashion British miserable weather and finally starting from scratch. Is all completely different to taking your time and enjoying photography and learning to read music and play the piano.
Many have quite a number of employees on here, who will spend a lot of time with newbies showing them the ropes as it we're and that is longer than a week.

It's good how your taking heed of the strategies so far, especially on the flyers. 
Sounds like your going in the general right distance

Thanks Nathan  Your videos have been great to watch.

I dont want to go into details about what i did before, but i know its been asked a few times,  I was in the Forces.   Seen and experienced things i would not like to see again.    But thats all I want to say about it if thats ok.     

[davids3511]

Where are you based Banksy?

He doesn't seem to want to say. He's been asked 3 times now. It's a shame, someone could be reasonably close and willing to bring him out for a day or two.

[KS Cleaning]

Where are you based Banksy?

He pops up all over the country doesn’t he?

[James Styles]

Hope it works out for you Mike, keep us updated with how things go, if you do order a water fed pole or backpack I would recommend the ones made by Gardiner, I’ve been very impressed with them and it seems most window cleaners use Gardiner.

[G Griffin]

I learned to surf, play the piano and to be a good photographer by self teaching, research and utube.   I am sure window cleaning will be fine with my method of learning.

At the same time? Me too!
Well, not quite. I mastered surfing on the piano and it not sinking; playing Another Day In Paradise by Phil Collins with my toes; but I had trouble winding the film on on my camera.
With those talents, you're too good to be window cleaner.

[tlwcs]

Where are you based Banksy?

He doesn't seem to want to say. He's been asked 3 times now. It's a shame, someone could be reasonably close and willing to bring him out for a day or two.

I noticed that too. 

[deeege]

Where are you based Banksy?

He doesn't seem to want to say. He's been asked 3 times now. It's a shame, someone could be reasonably close and willing to bring him out for a day or two.

I noticed that too.

Shame. He’d be welcome to come and have a chat with me, loot at my setup, even clean a few windows with me if he was local. I’m sure there’s plenty others that would do the same.

Guess he’ll learn more from Nathan’s YouTube videos instead 

[The Jester of Wibbly]

Good luck Mike.  You should be fine if you're quick to learn and not a slow burner.    Sounds like this will be a breeze for someone like you.

I tought myself when I started with only a demo from the chap I bought my first system from.  I practiced on my own home and freinds and within 2 days I was off learning from any mistakes which was absolute minimum.    No matter how much you learn you will always make mistakes.  We are all still making them.

[Slacky]

I learned to surf, play the piano and to be a good photographer by self teaching, research and utube.   I am sure window cleaning will be fine with my method of learning.

At the same time? Me too!
Well, not quite. I mastered surfing on the piano and it not sinking; playing Another Day In Paradise by Phil Collins with my toes; but I had trouble winding the film on on my camera.
With those talents, you're too good to be window cleaner.

You need to be locked up Griff   

[G Griffin]

I learned to surf, play the piano and to be a good photographer by self teaching, research and utube.   I am sure window cleaning will be fine with my method of learning.

At the same time? Me too!
Well, not quite. I mastered surfing on the piano and it not sinking; playing Another Day In Paradise by Phil Collins with my toes; but I had trouble winding the film on on my camera.
With those talents, you're too good to be window cleaner.

You need to be locked up Griff   

I think you're right, Matt  .

[Mike Banks]

Well all is going well so far.   Purchased second hand equipment over the weekend to get me started out.   Nice little trolley system that was built by the chap I got it off who has now upgraded to a van. 

He gave me a quick demo which really helped me.   I practiced a few times on my own windows and some friends on Sunday and yesterday.  Checked all this morning and all is good.  Only issue I had was runs coming from vents on one of the properties.   I have seen the other thread about this too so think I can work around that fine.

Got about 6 customers to go and do tomorrow.  I will take my time, and will pop back to check after drying,

[Smudger]

well done - keep us informed on how its all going

Darran