[andydward]

Hi, I´m starting up in Tenerife at the moment.
have one or two commercial cleaning contracts that I´m bidding on but want to start window cleaning aswell (trad as I have no cash!!!)
Just looking to see if anyones worked out here before - any culture specific tips about picking up business etc.
For windows I´m probably gonna have to look mainly at commercial premises as their seems to be mainly apartment buildings everywhere without many windows accessible.
My own apartment for example only has one window at the front and one (unaccessible) at the back.

Any advice on picking up commercial (shop fronts etc) not sure whether to leaflet or wander in and ask?!

Was offered an apartment block - all the service areas to clean every morning for 4 hours, 5 days a week but only offering 600 Euros which I thought isnt enough. By the time I´ve paid someone and materials etc, there wouldn´t be much left. I could do the cleaning myself but again, theres not a great deal of cash in it...

Grateful for any advice tips on working out here from those who´ve done it!

[The Great One]

Hi Andy

I thought that 600 Euros was someones monthly wage?

I have often thought about moving abroad and starting up, I felt I would have to adjust my charges as it seems you cannot command as high a price on the continent.

I have never worked there so only my two pence worth I'm afraid, no doubt someone will correct me on it

Good luck

Regards

Martin

[andydward]

Need to pay about 800 Euros minimum for full time worker. Also have to pay social security which is round about 200 Euros additionally - I´m confirming this now but its definitely an issue once a monthly salary goes above a certain level.

Wages are lower here but so is the amount people will pay. I´m not sure I want to administer and manage someone for what could be 100 Euros profit a month.
the other contract available is for 1800 for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Problem there is I´ll have to pay about 1150 in salary and social security for an employee. Cleaning materials, Insurance, admin costs and from whats left I have to pay my own social security (another 200 Euros per month) according to the local chamber of commerce bloke I spoke with. He basically told me cleaning was very competitive, all the contracts were sown up between mates and companies who have been here years and that I was wasting my time - miserable sod! I thought those people were supposed to encourage you?!

I may offer to do the 1800Euro contract but less hours, the building doesnt need 40 hours a week according to the fella I spoke to about it but its what the residents assoc have stipulated on the tender. I know they´ve already turned down a quote for about 2200 from another company so may give them their price but on the basis it will be cleaned to standard as opposed being cleaned for a specific time.

What do you think??? (Hope all that makes sense....)

[Art]

Hi Andy,

 That how i quote alot of my contracts. Give them a works schedule listing all the areas to be cleaned, rather that x hours per day.
Put as much on the works schedule as possible, there still getting value for money.

Arthur

www.scsf.co.uk