[Neil Grainger]

Hi Gents

I am considering adding Window cleaning to my carpet and upholstery cleaning service.

I am based near camberley and am getting a lot of customers asking if i do this because they cant find a window cleaner.

It would be a good add on to my business but i know nothing about the rules of window cleaning and whats the right equipment to use just to get started.

What are the rules on ladders, can I still use ladders as it will all be 2 storey properties.

Cheers

Neil

[mark dew]

Yes you can use ladders.
But as you are an internal cleaner you might be better off buying a water fed pole set up. That way you will have the tools to market a total internal/external clean, which would not be possible with a ladder for windows above conservatories as an example.
If you just want the tools as an add on then the cheapest way is to buy a RO unit from here:
http://www.ro-man.com/
and then buy a backpack and pole which will reach most windows. Maybe a 24ft xtel hybrid or something that closes up small. You could setup for around £600 initially.
Also, if you are an employer you would be better off providing your employees with the safest tools for them to do their job.
But you can still use a ladder if that is the way you want to go.

i know nothing about the rules of window cleaning

am not sure what you mean but having a minimum charge and pricing enough to want to turn up for the next couple of years are good rules to follow.
It makes a big difference coming home from a days work happy, rather than coming home thinking you want to drop a job cos you've underestimated the price.

ps ask for best places to buy backpack as prices do vary a little but are around £160 i think?? Couple of hundred for a RO and spend a couple of hundred on a decent pole to begin with. Rain water butt from BnQ at home to store pure water and 25 litre barrels or a tank in your van and you are good to go.

[Helen]

Hi Gents

I am considering adding Window cleaning to my carpet and upholstery cleaning service.

I am based near camberley and am getting a lot of customers asking if i do this because they cant find a window cleaner.

Positive side this is good. Negative side from experience the people that"can't find a window cleaner" are usually ones who have been "bad payers" and dropped or "not today merchants" when you turn up and have been dropped 

It would be a good add on to my business but i know nothing about the rules of window cleaning and whats the right equipment to use just to get started.

Personally would get yourself a "trad kit" and do your own 10 times in a row, to give yourslef an idea what it could be like. As you are in Camberley. A1 cleaning supplies the necessary for trad method 

What are the rules on ladders, can I still use ladders as it will all be 2 storey properties.

You can still use ladders, but would suggest you search for working at height regulations and trawl read through themCheers

Neil

Be prepared to work in all weathers and all year round, most customers now require an all year round service and most do not mind if it rains.snows etc. Seeing as you already do carpets and upholstery cleaning, do not make your window cleaning schedules too rigid as you will need flexibilty to fit wc'ing in around your existing business.
Why not ask a local wc'er if you can go out with them for a day to see what it is like.....just an idea