[AuRavelling79]

Haven't had one of these threads for a while.


Here's one of my favourites.

Reinforced streamline pole hose on my reel. Saves weight and effort. Reduces strain and let's me be more productive.

Easier to lift reel out when needed to point in right direction too.

[Simon Trapani]

I wouldn’t be lifting a reel in & out for starters.
And it would be electric.

[DJW]

Breakfast before you go to bed. Heated seats and a flux capacitor bolted to the chassis.

[zesty]

Cleaning less houses for the same daily rate 

[Stoots]

I'll just wait for daz to post his usual list. I bet we all know it off by heart 


My tip go home when you've had enough don't force yourself to work past the point where you really cba. Better to regroup and go again the next day. Within reason of course otherwise I'd be on the dole.

[AuRavelling79]

I wouldn’t be lifting a reel in & out for starters.
And it would be electric.

You say that but here's the thing.

It's the weight of the hose I'm talking of whether electric or not.

And having an ultra light moveable reel on board is a godsend if parking is an issue. Can't do that with just electric.

[AuRavelling79]

Cleaning less houses for the same daily rate 

Underrated comment. Get those prices up chaps. Especially in these inflationary times with pensioners state pension having gone up 20% in two years.

[֍Winp®oClean֍]

For me the number one has to be a swivel neck! This is the one true thing that I couldn't work without. It just makes life SO much easier and more efficient. Any window at any angle, clean glass right down to the floor without bending down, or really even moving your body. Clean sills and sash runners with ease- and with a normal brush. Clean velux without changing the angle of the neck. I honestly don't know how people manage without it. Everyone that I have personally introduced them to have had the same reaction- "wow, how did I ever manage without it!"

Secondary to that would be the Univalve.

Next would be Gardiners 1.4mm jets. I'm now using around 40% less water with no negative effects! Pump speed has gone from 30-35 down to 18-20. Less water, increased resin efficiency and the next time I change my van I'm downsizing to a berlingo size vehicle. I can do a big, full-on day with 300/350ltrs now easily!!😎👌

[PHILIP HARDY]

For me the univalve was a game changer.all that messing with taps and loops on the pole was snagsville, the univalve helps control the hose to minimise snagging and saves water,
Gardener's brush & pole developments, I started with a Vikan brick and a carbon pole, remember coming home one evening and telling the missis, " I am not sure I can physically do the work".  Now if you can buy the best you can work the best.

[Simon Trapani]

I wouldn’t be lifting a reel in & out for starters.
And it would be electric.

You say that but here's the thing.

It's the weight of the hose I'm talking of whether electric or not.

And having an ultra light moveable reel on board is a godsend if parking is an issue. Can't do that with just electric.

Yeh I understand that with the hose weight. Fair enough.

But regarding parking, I binned those jobs off a long time ago.

[dazmond]

I'll just wait for daz to post his usual list. I bet we all know it off by heart 


My tip go home when you've had enough don't force yourself to work past the point where you really cba. Better to regroup and go again the next day. Within reason of course otherwise I'd be on the dole.

It's the truth though.why do you think I've lasted so long in this game?and probably will have many more years of relatively stress free,enjoyable window cleaning left in me without getting totally fed up and burned out with it all.

[AuRavelling79]

For me the number one has to be a swivel neck! This is the one true thing that I couldn't work without. It just makes life SO much easier and more efficient. Any window at any angle, clean glass right down to the floor without bending down, or really even moving your body. Clean sills and sash runners with ease- and with a normal brush. Clean velux without changing the angle of the neck. I honestly don't know how people manage without it. Everyone that I have personally introduced them to have had the same reaction- "wow, how did I ever manage without it!"

Secondary to that would be the Univalve.

Next would be Gardiners 1.4mm jets. I'm now using around 40% less water with no negative effects! Pump speed has gone from 30-35 down to 18-20. Less water, increased resin efficiency and the next time I change my van I'm downsizing to a berlingo size vehicle. I can do a big, full-on day with 300/350ltrs now easily!!😎👌

Yes. I take a swivel neck for granted. My son in law used my pole and immediately ordered one.

[AuRavelling79]

I'll just wait for daz to post his usual list. I bet we all know it off by heart 


My tip go home when you've had enough don't force yourself to work past the point where you really cba. Better to regroup and go again the next day. Within reason of course otherwise I'd be on the dole.

It's the truth though.why do you think I've lasted so long in this game?and probably will have many more years of relatively stress free,enjoyable window cleaning left in me without getting totally fed up and burned out with it all.

Take no notice of the nasty boys in the playground Daz. You're an inspiration!

[Bungle]

Best time saving tip: get your fit bird to sit on your todger while you're doing your drum session.

Effort saving tip: as above.

Money saving tip: move in with your fit bird and kick the kids out.

[Stoots]

I'll just wait for daz to post his usual list. I bet we all know it off by heart 


My tip go home when you've had enough don't force yourself to work past the point where you really cba. Better to regroup and go again the next day. Within reason of course otherwise I'd be on the dole.

It's the truth though.why do you think I've lasted so long in this game?and probably will have many more years of relatively stress free,enjoyable window cleaning left in me without getting totally fed up and burned out with it all.

You've lasted so long because of your enthusiasm and love for it.

I use the best gear available as well include regular exercise and a vastly improved diet. Still endure the job rather than enjoy it.

[Stoots]

I'll just wait for daz to post his usual list. I bet we all know it off by heart 


My tip go home when you've had enough don't force yourself to work past the point where you really cba. Better to regroup and go again the next day. Within reason of course otherwise I'd be on the dole.

It's the truth though.why do you think I've lasted so long in this game?and probably will have many more years of relatively stress free,enjoyable window cleaning left in me without getting totally fed up and burned out with it all.

Take no notice of the nasty boys in the playground Daz. You're an inspiration!

Nah just joking, Daz is a legend and I'll admit Im envious of his positivity .

How's that for nasty 

[AuRavelling79]

I wouldn’t be lifting a reel in & out for starters.
And it would be electric.

You say that but here's the thing.

It's the weight of the hose I'm talking of whether electric or not.

And having an ultra light moveable reel on board is a godsend if parking is an issue. Can't do that with just electric.

Yeh I understand that with the hose weight. Fair enough.

But regarding parking, I binned those jobs off a long time ago.

Yes. Binning not so productive work is a good reminder too.

[Stoots]

There's always exceptions to rules.

Whilst lifting a reel out onto the floor isn't as easy as using an electric one there are exceptions.

If you can only get parked facing the wrong way for example then lifting a reel out and pointing it where you want to go is a lot easier than pulling loads of hose out onto the floor, dragging it round the front of you van then dragging it all back into a tangled pile.

I have one leccy reel and 1 manual the manual I can lift out which is definitely an advantage occasionally.

[NBwcs]

Get one these.. gamechanger 


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166665078293

[dd]

Get one these.. gamechanger 


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166665078293

It can also double as a chemical dispenser. An eco-alternative to hypo.

[tlwcs]

I wouldn’t be lifting a reel in & out for starters.
And it would be electric.

You say that but here's the thing.

It's the weight of the hose I'm talking of whether electric or not.

And having an ultra light moveable reel on board is a godsend if parking is an issue. Can't do that with just electric.

I use 10 meters of minibore reduced down to 100 meters of Exceeds pole hole on an electric reel. (Waterworks latest one, fabulous bit of kit)
Tubeless connection to pole.
I’ve found this the most efficient way of working, light,  kink and leak free.
Tony

[Perfect Windows]

Work with purpose.

Vin

[DJW]

Work with purpose.

Vin

But not with a dolphin.

[Jonny 87]

I wouldn’t be lifting a reel in & out for starters.
And it would be electric.

You say that but here's the thing.

It's the weight of the hose I'm talking of whether electric or not.

And having an ultra light moveable reel on board is a godsend if parking is an issue. Can't do that with just electric.

We have electric reels and rollers under the rear bumper of the van, offset towards the rear corners. We can reel out basically infront of the van.

Under floor rollers are on my list for sure.

Electric reels a must for me now, and I’m only in my mid 30s. It’s a must for efficiency and time saving for me.

Added to the list for me is extreme poles, supreme brushes and 3 mill jets, with high flow rate. Means you can clean super quick with excellent results.

Hot water is a close second although not needed.

[windowswashed]

For me it's all been about the brush choice , flow of water, good swivel neck and high strength poles reducing the effort to clean windows along with an electric reel to simplify work

[Simon Trapani]

There's always exceptions to rules.

Whilst lifting a reel out onto the floor isn't as easy as using an electric one there are exceptions.

If you can only get parked facing the wrong way for example then lifting a reel out and pointing it where you want to go is a lot easier than pulling loads of hose out onto the floor, dragging it round the front of you van then dragging it all back into a tangled pile.

I have one leccy reel and 1 manual the manual I can lift out which is definitely an advantage occasionally.

Never dump it in a pile! You’re asking for a right mess. You have to stagger it.

[Stoots]

There's always exceptions to rules.

Whilst lifting a reel out onto the floor isn't as easy as using an electric one there are exceptions.

If you can only get parked facing the wrong way for example then lifting a reel out and pointing it where you want to go is a lot easier than pulling loads of hose out onto the floor, dragging it round the front of you van then dragging it all back into a tangled pile.

I have one leccy reel and 1 manual the manual I can lift out which is definitely an advantage occasionally.

Never dump it in a pile! You’re asking for a right mess. You have to stagger it.

Usually ends up in a pile when i have lost my rag

[KS Cleaning]

Stay off the forum during working hours.

[james peters]

For me the number one has to be a swivel neck! This is the one true thing that I couldn't work without. It just makes life SO much easier and more efficient. Any window at any angle, clean glass right down to the floor without bending down, or really even moving your body. Clean sills and sash runners with ease- and with a normal brush. Clean velux without changing the angle of the neck. I honestly don't know how people manage without it. Everyone that I have personally introduced them to have had the same reaction- "wow, how did I ever manage without it!"

Secondary to that would be the Univalve.

Next would be Gardiners 1.4mm jets. I'm now using around 40% less water with no negative effects! Pump speed has gone from 30-35 down to 18-20. Less water, increased resin efficiency and the next time I change my van I'm downsizing to a berlingo size vehicle. I can do a big, full-on day with 300/350ltrs now easily!!😎👌

thank you for this tip...... it was my first day with the 1,4mm jets today...
And yes , I did seem to use less water.....
lets see how the next few days go,,, but so far so good

[windowswashed]

I prefer using 2litre per minute rinse bars instead of 1.5lpm rinse bars, better flow and improves efficiency.

[dazmond]

For me the number one has to be a swivel neck! This is the one true thing that I couldn't work without. It just makes life SO much easier and more efficient. Any window at any angle, clean glass right down to the floor without bending down, or really even moving your body. Clean sills and sash runners with ease- and with a normal brush. Clean velux without changing the angle of the neck. I honestly don't know how people manage without it. Everyone that I have personally introduced them to have had the same reaction- "wow, how did I ever manage without it!"

Secondary to that would be the Univalve.

Next would be Gardiners 1.4mm jets. I'm now using around 40% less water with no negative effects! Pump speed has gone from 30-35 down to 18-20. Less water, increased resin efficiency and the next time I change my van I'm downsizing to a berlingo size vehicle. I can do a big, full-on day with 300/350ltrs now easily!!😎👌

Interesting......

I've tried a swivel and just didn't like it but that was many years ago now. Never tried small jets either.the new gardiner brushes make it easy to change jets so I think I'll try some as when I move in with the missus my tap tds will be 125 instead of 025 and I just can't be bothered getting an RO(I'll just carry on DI only with 2 x 25l vessels)

[jo5hm4n]

Get employees and send them out to do all the work for you, then you can doss about in the office/home or if you get bored of that do 2 days on the glass per week and 1-2 days per week on admin whilst employees do like 80% of the work.

But in all seriousness for me

1. Univalve
2. Swivel Neck
3. Exceed Hoseless
4. 35cm Dupont Sill Brush with 4 1.4mm Pencil Jets for insanely fast rinsing.
5. GoCardless all the way.  No chasing payments/debt reminders cashflow improves so much, especially if you are running more than 1 van setups.
6. Cleanerplanner / Squeegee for easier admin life.

[Missing Link]

Be organised; stay on top of the small stuff.

Keep your books up-to-date (whether electronic or manual) on a daily basis.

Always have spares and when you use one, re-order another, straight away.

Plan your week's work and order of work.  We even take into account traffic, starting in places we know there'll be less during the heavy morning traffic. 

Basically keep on top of your admin.

[Missing Link]

If there's two of you, good team work is vital.  At a job no one person should be doing nothing. 

I've worked with the same person for over 20 years (FML) and we're like a finely tuned machine.

Unless it's 'mad-week' then we fight a lot.

[michael mckeary]

Going Cashless is good in theory but I like posting a card and even collecting cash. It does take longer but one meets the customer and usually ends up with other work from them. Building a bond with the customer is the way I like to do things. 

[Smudger]

Going Cashless is good in theory but I like posting a card and even collecting cash. It does take longer but one meets the customer and usually ends up with other work from them. Building a bond with the customer is the way I like to do things.

This is excellent in Practice - when covid struck we stopped all cash - the guys get round much quicker getting on average 2 extra cleans a day and no cashing up - they download and are done - FAB!

[Soupy]

Going Cashless is good in theory but I like posting a card and even collecting cash. It does take longer but one meets the customer and usually ends up with other work from them. Building a bond with the customer is the way I like to do things.

This is excellent in Practice - when covid struck we stopped all cash - the guys get round much quicker getting on average 2 extra cleans a day and no cashing up - they download and are done - FAB!

I tried to do the same. Some of the older folks are stubborn though and won't pay any other way. They think they are doing me a favour 

[dazmond]

Going Cashless is good in theory but I like posting a card and even collecting cash. It does take longer but one meets the customer and usually ends up with other work from them. Building a bond with the customer is the way I like to do things.

Scottish going collecting is a pain esp if you ve done it for 25 years and have more than 100 customers!

I've not collected for years now due to electronic payments,the pandemic was the catalyst to get even more customers to pay by BACS....now its around 80% BACS and the other 20% a mixture of cash/card on the day

I reckon they'll be no physical cash within the next 10 years.

[Smudger]

Going Cashless is good in theory but I like posting a card and even collecting cash. It does take longer but one meets the customer and usually ends up with other work from them. Building a bond with the customer is the way I like to do things.

Scottish going collecting is a pain esp if you ve done it for 25 years and have more than 100 customers!

I've not collected for years now due to electronic payments,the pandemic was the catalyst to get even more customers to pay by BACS....now its around 80% BACS and the other 20% a mixture of cash/card on the day

I reckon they'll be no physical cash within the next 10 years.

Not sure on that - ive noticed nearly all the local chip shops and takeaways (not the big chains) have put up CASH ONLY signs this year

[simon w]

Going Cashless is good in theory but I like posting a card and even collecting cash. It does take longer but one meets the customer and usually ends up with other work from them. Building a bond with the customer is the way I like to do things.

Scottish going collecting is a pain esp if you ve done it for 25 years and have more than 100 customers!

I've not collected for years now due to electronic payments,the pandemic was the catalyst to get even more customers to pay by BACS....now its around 80% BACS and the other 20% a mixture of cash/card on the day

I reckon they'll be no physical cash within the next 10 years.

Not sure on that - ive noticed nearly all the local chip shops and takeaways (not the big chains) have put up CASH ONLY signs this year

Browns restaurant, Park Street, Bristol, Parsons Bakery, High Kingsdown Bristol and The Forge & Fern, Staple Hill, Bristol have now all recently gone "no cash policy"

[dazmond]

Going Cashless is good in theory but I like posting a card and even collecting cash. It does take longer but one meets the customer and usually ends up with other work from them. Building a bond with the customer is the way I like to do things.

Scottish going collecting is a pain esp if you ve done it for 25 years and have more than 100 customers!

I've not collected for years now due to electronic payments,the pandemic was the catalyst to get even more customers to pay by BACS....now its around 80% BACS and the other 20% a mixture of cash/card on the day

I reckon they'll be no physical cash within the next 10 years.

Not sure on that - ive noticed nearly all the local chip shops and takeaways (not the big chains) have put up CASH ONLY signs this year

I've noticed all the barbers round here are cash only most of them come from Iraq and Iran as well as car washes and some takeaways but lots of places you can't use cash at all esp in the little towns like Altrincham,the food market is cashless and has been for years now

[Smudger]

don't get me wrong I prefer cardless - so easy - I rarely have cash on me - not even a squid for the shopping trolley 

[Slacky]

In 30 years time it'll all be on the card.

We'll not know the difference. The busker will have a terminal gaffer taped to a microphone stand, tips in restaurants, taxis and hairdressers will be optional via the terminal, shopping trolleys will have a terminal on them. The next generation will grow up not having the foggiest idea what is meant when we talk about cash.

Just like Gen Z have no idea what a cassette tape is. As for re-winding a cassette with a pencil, what were we, neanderthal?

Fluff on the needle?

[Ched]

In 30 years time it'll all be on the card.

We'll not know the difference. The busker will have a terminal gaffer taped to a microphone stand, tips in restaurants, taxis and hairdressers will be optional via the terminal, shopping trolleys will have a terminal on them. The next generation will grow up not having the foggiest idea what is meant when we talk about cash.

Just like Gen Z have no idea what a cassette tape is. As for re-winding a cassette with a pencil, what were we, neanderthal?

Fluff on the needle?

I think it will be more like 5 to 10 years and there won't be cash anymore. The gov would love a cashless society, no one can avoid income tax by taking cash payments or dodge vat by taking cash! No more cash in hand jobs. It would all be very easy to trace with gov gaining access to everyone's bank accounts - that's coming very soon if not already!

[michael mckeary]

I was in Screwfix and they shouted out their wifi was down, so cash only. I was only one left in the shop. Cash will always be king so said King Charles and he should know.

[dazmond]

I was in Screwfix and they shouted out their wifi was down, so cash only. I was only one left in the shop. Cash will always be king so said King Charles and he should know.

I went food shopping the other week and forgot my wallet(never done this before).I thought no problem I'll just pay with my phone.it wouldn't work as tesco had made a computer update the night before!🤣

I had to leave my shopping there and nip home and get my wallet

I normally have both,cash and card

[dazmond]

In 30 years time it'll all be on the card.

We'll not know the difference. The busker will have a terminal gaffer taped to a microphone stand, tips in restaurants, taxis and hairdressers will be optional via the terminal, shopping trolleys will have a terminal on them. The next generation will grow up not having the foggiest idea what is meant when we talk about cash.

Just like Gen Z have no idea what a cassette tape is. As for re-winding a cassette with a pencil, what were we, neanderthal?

Fluff on the needle?

I think it will be more like 5 to 10 years and there won't be cash anymore. The gov would love a cashless society, no one can avoid income tax by taking cash payments or dodge vat by taking cash! No more cash in hand jobs. It would all be very easy to trace with gov gaining access to everyone's bank accounts - that's coming very soon if not already!

The powers that HMRC have now are vast.they can freeze all your bank accounts very easily if they suspect fraud.

[AuRavelling79]

I was in Screwfix and they shouted out their wifi was down, so cash only. I was only one left in the shop. Cash will always be king so said King Charles and he should know.

I went food shopping the other week and forgot my wallet(never done this before).I thought no problem I'll just pay with my phone.it wouldn't work as tesco had made a computer update the night before!🤣

I had to leave my shopping there and nip home and get my wallet

I normally have both,cash and card

Chepstow. Like a third world country.

Oh. It's Wales. 

[Missing Link]

I was in Screwfix and they shouted out their wifi was down, so cash only. I was only one left in the shop. Cash will always be king so said King Charles and he should know.

I went food shopping the other week and forgot my wallet(never done this before).I thought no problem I'll just pay with my phone.it wouldn't work as tesco had made a computer update the night before!🤣

I had to leave my shopping there and nip home and get my wallet

I normally have both,cash and card

Chepstow. Like a third world country.

Oh. It's Wales. 

Your Alzheimer's is kicking in, Gold, Daz lives up narth somewhere.

[robbo333]

Bin off your crap jobs!
I think we've probably all got a job (or 10) that we just hate doing, for whatever reason!
Usually we keep them because the customers are really nice (but the job is an absolute nightmare) or it's in the middle of a row that we do...etc, etc, etc.
Put the price up to match the job or bin it off.
It may not speed up your day, or make you quicker, but mental health plays a big part in our game and if you're happy, you work better and more efficiently.

[AuRavelling79]

Going Cashless is good in theory but I like posting a card and even collecting cash. It does take longer but one meets the customer and usually ends up with other work from them. Building a bond with the customer is the way I like to do things.

Scottish going collecting is a pain esp if you ve done it for 25 years and have more than 100 customers!

I've not collected for years now due to electronic payments,the pandemic was the catalyst to get even more customers to pay by BACS....now its around 80% BACS and the other 20% a mixture of cash/card on the day

I reckon they'll be no physical cash within the next 10 years.

Not sure on that - ive noticed nearly all the local chip shops and takeaways (not the big chains) have put up CASH ONLY signs this year

Browns restaurant, Park Street, Bristol, Parsons Bakery, High Kingsdown Bristol and The Forge & Fern, Staple Hill, Bristol have now all recently gone "no cash policy"

It's like a third world city. 

[tlwcs]

Heated lunch box Google it

Last nights left overs, Ginsters pasty or whatever you like. Plug into lighter socket and 30 to 60 mins later, a hot lunch.
It’s not equipment, but great if you work all day