[sunshine windows]

I've now been up and running for 11 months. Pretty much from day one have visited this forum to get advice and see what the latest news is. Now i'm actually in the position where i can give a bit back.

I have built up a very good customer base and have now taken on my first employee. Still mainly domestic but gradually building up the commercial work, whenever it's more lucrative for a days work over the domestic.

For all you new guys after advice, the most important piece i can give is this. Never walk away from a job until you're completely satisfied you've done the best clean possible. It doesn't matter how long it takes you as you're not rushed for time. Yes you could be leaftetting after finishing your jobs for the day, but word of mouth recommendations will get you tonnes of work.

If you don't already include in your pricing the cleaning of frames and sills then i would advise you to do this. The amount of new customers i have picked up that moaned about their old window cleaner not doing this is unbelievable.

Good luck to all you new guys and stick with it.

Regards,
Lance

[jeff1]

Thanks lads

jeff, just cut myself a chock, cheers for that.....now lol
what about soil when my ladders sink as i walk up them

When you put your wedge under your ladder stand on the first rung and jump up and down (without lifting your feet off) and this will compress the wedge into the soil, reajust your ladders if needed, and you will find it doesn't sink anymore.

You will get used to useing it, and it will become invaluable, until you forget to pick it up one day lol (been there done that) so when you can, cut a couple more and keep them in your van.

[EasyClean]

If I ever get down in the dumps through lack of self motivation, all I do is look in the local newspaper or visit the job centre and remind myself what lousy underpriced jobs there are around here where I live and how fortunate I am to be a window cleaner even if it's the middle of winter and I've only gone out for 2 days in the week because of the lousy weather. I'd rather window clean 2 days a week and make a living for myself than go to work for somebody else doing something else getting bored stupid 5 days a week for less pay. That's how I motivate myself by keeping in touch with reality!

[geefree]

Thanks sunshine for that pep talk, its brill to hear from people who started not so long ago, and are doing so well, makes us all feel better, and taking someone too, does it mean your goals are to keep building and taking more men on, until you are earning without breaking your back?

jeff cheers for that advice again mate, its making me look forward to tomorrow more now , also with my new sturdy ladders lol

Gary.

[geefree]

Good way of looking at thing easyclean,

is it possible to catch them missed days up in  winter, or is it a case of next time around?

Gary.

[jeff1]

If you ever feel your getting low, come to the forum and tell the guy's on here, they will remind you of all the things already been mentioned on here, to try to lift your spirits.

Its the best Job in the world..........

[pylofm]

I feel great, this morning put out 624 leaflets...Had one customer that was going to have their first clean this week phone and tell me that they are now moving...so don't bother....so did have 16 customers now have 15....Onwards and upwards

Ah well have another 2 quotes this afternoon....

Dave.

[james cairns]

gazz you need to be flexible with your ladder its not like a straight jacket

move it forward a bit or back abit to adapt for the height

the ground wont sink or go above the first rung if this takes you a couple of inches of the sill redapt an inch or 2 forward

a little bit of flex thats all

hope this helps mate

ps , the secret is to do it without thinking  like any job the more relaxed you are the easier it gets

[david68]

thanks.

i had to leave a window the other day as the ground was not level, do you use chocks of some sorts, i cand afford stableizers yet.

gary.

Gazza i brought this adjustable ladder matts, Have a look.
I think they are great

Dave

[geefree]

Hi Dave

I have heard about them, but was told to be very careful on moss, (the guy who told me that may reply and explain if he reads it)

Are they around £40 Dave.



Gary.

[david68]

No i payed around £20

Dave

[AuRavelling79]

If you have to use ladders then put ladder mitts on the top and swivelling feet on the bottom.

[Fast 1 *]

pointers 

[david68]

Are pointers a "A Frame Ladder" ?

If yes would a double set of these be better than normal ladders?

If so i will invest.

I spend more money at the mo than earning it....lol   

Dave

[EasyClean]

Good way of looking at thing easyclean,

is it possible to catch them missed days up in  winter, or is it a case of next time around?

Gary.

Hi Gary, if it rains I've no chance of catching up as at last count I was up to 504 customers and it's getting too much hard work now so I've just passed some work on to a friend who's re-starting. However I clean my commercial customers regardless of the weather and if the weather is too bad I spend time doing the tedious bookwork.

[geefree]

Thanks easyclean,

will play it by ear (or sight ) regarding the rain, at the mo im ok, when it rains i leaflet drop...so i hope i get the problem later down the line ,, as that will mean ive got my round going,

i do feel a little embarrassed to ask the next question as i feel i should know....but i aint starting a fresh topic as i have too many lol..

but, i thought pointers were A frame ladders too, if so, and if aluminium, then how are they safe so high up and so narrow at the top?.... told i may be embarrassed now

[EasyClean]

'Pointers' is just a nickname for 'A' frame ladders. Most window cleaners who possess them prefer them to say normal household ladders as they feel safer up these.. The ones splayed at the bottom (aluminium) are safer then the straight ones (wooden). The pointed end at the top has a rubber block fitted to it which has recesses criss crossed to rest against the corners of brickwork or UPVC sills allowing for a better grip than metal ladders would normally. It's down to individual preference. I personally prefer WFP but use traditional ladders where required as I've not much use for 'A' ladders.

[geefree]

Ah got it, thanks for that info easyclean,(whats yer name lol)..... makes sense now.... when i can afford i will buy one o r wfp. lol