[Aquaish]

Hi guys,

I am working in IT and like many ppl here who have moved from well paid jobs, i would like to try out window cleaning. Just the idea of working at my own time and pace and just being my own boss is an thought which excites me. But before I can start, there are some unanswered questions I would like answers to. I want to concentrate on cleaning windows for normal 3 bed houses. What equipment is required for this. Is a WFP necessary? and would a normal window cleaner cleaning 1st floor windows of a 3 bed house use a wfp or a LADDER??? or would they just use an extension to their T-bar? I would really appreciate it if you guys could enlighten me. I would like to start my window cleaning business in the west London area, I dont know if any of you guys work in London. If it isnt too much trouble, i am willing to offer a free days labour for some experience. And one last thing, how much would you charge for cleaning windows for a 3 bed (back and front) in london? and do you always clean back and front or just front and charge extra for back windows?

If somebody experienced could answer the above questions, it would mean alot to me and maybe change my life. I await your replies guys.

Thanks again

Aden

[ftp]

I would seriously consider the weather outside - some of us haven't been able to work at all. If you can afford it and can build a round then wfp is the way to go in the end. Don't pack your job in until you've built up a part time round unless you have the funds to buy some work. Try and find a freindly cleaner for advice and some experience. Ladders are fine to start and the cheapest way but are you happy with them?

[supernova77]

Hi guys,

I am working in IT and like many ppl here who have moved from well paid jobs, i would like to try out window cleaning. Just the idea of working at my own time and pace and just being my own boss is an thought which excites me. But before I can start, there are some unanswered questions I would like answers to. I want to concentrate on cleaning windows for normal 3 bed houses. What equipment is required for this. Is a WFP necessary? and would a normal window cleaner cleaning 1st floor windows of a 3 bed house use a wfp or a LADDER??? or would they just use an extension to their T-bar? I would really appreciate it if you guys could enlighten me. I would like to start my window cleaning business in the west London area, I dont know if any of you guys work in London. If it isnt too much trouble, i am willing to offer a free days labour for some experience. And one last thing, how much would you charge for cleaning windows for a 3 bed (back and front) in london? and do you always clean back and front or just front and charge extra for back windows?

If somebody experienced could answer the above questions, it would mean alot to me and maybe change my life. I await your replies guys.

Thanks again

Aden

Hi Aden,

Welcome to the site!

I left IT contracting 3 years ago to setup window cleaning, and for me I am glad I made the change.

However - I would seriously consider the economic situation in this country at the moment... It was a hard slog when I first started... It took a while to build up my business so that I actually had a decent wage back then... I would imagine it'll be an even harder slog for someone starting up now.

But - If you are willing to put the effort and time into it and think that there is enough work in your area then go for it. You will get plenty of good advice from this site!

I personally went WFP from day 1... Although it's important to learn trad skills as well.

Andy

[chrisyg]

Even if you do go wfp, ensure you are competent in traditional work, with both hands!

wfp failure could lead you to using ladders or doing just downstairs, and it allows to get some money in during the hard times.

Do you like working in minus degrees weather?
Getting absolutely drenched thru with sweat on hot summer days?

I hope its yes..

Your not the only one considering it, but i consider it well! It may seem and look easy, you right its an un skilled job (residentially speaking) in the norm, but its is actually rather hard going.

Personally i enjoy it, but its not for everyone, just like working in an office is not for me.

Right im off out to freeze my knackers off, and pick my fingers up (somehow) when they drop off..

[Rob.Hall]

Before you go and take the plunge get out and try it for a day.

I do not live near you so cannot help but their may be a friendly guy on here who would take you out for a time.

Learn traditional methods. Always handy.

WFP is costly and you always want more gear.

Go part time as it is not easy to build a round from scratch.

Dont believe all you read about the large incomes some people earn.

For advise on equipment  ring a company. Gardener pole systems would be a good one.

You will need to find out the tds of your water if going wfp.

This business is not easy. The weather is your worst enemy.
Of the 52 weeks of the year I have only worked aprox 45. This includes holidays.
You will need funds to cover these lost days.

I am glad that I took the plunge but I think if I had known what I know now about wfp I would have thought twice. However the good outways the bad.

I went out for a few days trading with an established window cleaner. It was hard coz he made me work hard! However by the end I had learnt most of the tricks of the trade. I am so glad that I did it. I would have gone out not having a clue if I had not done it.

If you do start up. Welcome to the wonderful quirky world of this forum and window cleaning.

[RO-Sheen]

Hi Aden,

Welcome to the site!

I left IT contracting 3 years ago to setup window cleaning, and for me I am glad I made the change.

However - I would seriously consider the economic situation in this country at the moment... It was a hard slog when I first started... It took a while to build up my business so that I actually had a decent wage back then... I would imagine it'll be an even harder slog for someone starting up now.

But - If you are willing to put the effort and time into it and think that there is enough work in your area then go for it. You will get plenty of good advice from this site!

I personally went WFP from day 1... Although it's important to learn trad skills as well.

Andy

Andy wrote exactly what I was going to write. The only differences is that I was a Quality systems auditor and not in IT. I left that job 3 years ago and went straight into wfp and love it too.

The only thing I would add is that if one of my mates approached me and asked whether to go into window cleaning now I would advise them to hold out for 12 months first due to the financial state of this country. Only a year ago I would have been encouraging them to go for it!
Picking up new jobs is a lot slower now than it was in previous years and people are cancelling as they have to tighten their belts.
Another thing, If you are in a secure job now you are advised to hold onto it. Its not a time to look for another job or retrain

[Ian Lancaster]

I agree it's perhaps not the best time to start up, but it's not the worst either.  I don't think there is ever a time that is totally unsuitable.

Granted people are cancelling, and switching to every two months, but there is still, and always will be, work out there.

If you are prepared to go out every evening for at least 2-3 hours and knock on doors, you will build up a round.  You may have to knock on 30-40 doors to get one job, but if you keep at it, and knock on another 30-40 doors, you'll get another.  Three jobs and you've got about £30-£45 worth of work.  Do that each evening for a week (say four days) and you've got £120-£180 worth of work.  That's enough for one day, for starters.  You need 20 days for a full round, that's 20 weeks canvassing, or about 5 months.

I can do it, you can do it, anyone can do it, you just need to keep focussed and don't lose heart.

Even if it took you twice as long as I've said, you still get a full round in under a year - if you've got what it takes to stick at it.

[supernova77]

I agree it's perhaps not the best time to start up, but it's not the worst either.  I don't think there is ever a time that is totally unsuitable.

Granted people are cancelling, and switching to every two months, but there is still, and always will be, work out there.

If you are prepared to go out every evening for at least 2-3 hours and knock on doors, you will build up a round.  You may have to knock on 30-40 doors to get one job, but if you keep at it, and knock on another 30-40 doors, you'll get another.  Three jobs and you've got about £30-£45 worth of work.  Do that each evening for a week (say four days) and you've got £120-£180 worth of work.  That's enough for one day, for starters.  You need 20 days for a full round, that's 20 weeks canvassing, or about 5 months.

I can do it, you can do it, anyone can do it, you just need to keep focussed and don't lose heart.

Even if it took you twice as long as I've said, you still get a full round in under a year - if you've got what it takes to stick at it.

Good post Ian.

When I started I went canvassing all day every day and made it a target to get atleast £100 worth of new work (even if it was one offs / fascia cleans etc) in that canvassing day... I would then go and do the work 2 days later... It all soon built up!

Andy

[johnny_h]

where do you live ?

[Tosh]

When I started I went canvassing all day every day

Andy

Andy,

You're a better man than me; I found out that anymore than two-hours knocking on doors did my head in; but I am no salesman; or at least I wasn't when I first started; I think I've improved.

But seriously, I couldn't do more than two-hours in a day; even though I never ever had any negative incidents and most people were really polite; even the ones who answered the door dripping wet with a towel round them!

The waiting for them to answer, my forced smile, the constant rejection did my head in.

[Klean07]

Worst part about rejection is when you know their windows are minging. They are liers if they say they already got someone.

[simbo]

think long and hard!
 for the most part window cleaning sucks!! The main reason "weather" either do it alongside another job or with other services! the streets are not paved in gold as you might be led to believe on here, don't get me wrong you can earn very good money sometimes but not everyday and taking into account days lost overall can be very low. Wf or trad to everyone you are just a window cleaner or nobody to a % of people and it does not matter if you have a big shiny van or an old banger most people still do not consider it a valid business ie they still mess you about, pay late, or not pay leave gates locked or "not today ive just farted or someother lame excuse that they just don't want to pay you. A lot see wf now and think great i'll do that but its not that easy and trad is a lot more enjoyable wf for the most part i have found very boring and at times very dificult too! Now you "will" find some real diamond customers as i have and they are the only rason i have not packed in after 4 years but i personally could never do as my only income.
my reply is not to deter you just give you something to think about
all the best paul

[Aquaish]

Hi Guys, I am astonished at the feedback i have recieved. I am very greatful for all your answers. One thing I must admit is that window cleaning may not be the most gifted job in the world, but the people who do it have a secretive community in some sense where they all look out for each other or atleast I get this feeling.
I have read all your comments about the wfp, however, i would really appreciate it if I could actually see someone using it before I commit myself. The only way I know is the traditional way and I have been told there is not alot of money in that. Is there anyone who works in the London area? I can meet you anywhere in London and spend a day with you for free, I am more than willing to help with the work for your valuable experience.

Guys thanks alot for your help.

Much appreciated

Aden

[groundhog]

One thing I must admit is that window cleaning may not be the most gifted job in the world, but the people who do it have a secretive community in some sense where they all look out for each other

Apart from the ones who want to beat you up for being on "Their Patch"!!! 

[Feen]

Aden, I think the most important thing to remember is if do decide to become a window cleaner, then your job is to clean windows. Whether you clean them wfp or trad or a mix is largely immaterial. Obviously wfp is safer than climbing ladders and can reach windows that ladders can't. Some old paint is so iffy that wfp is a waste of time and you'll be quicker and make more money trad. Before plunging headlong (financially) into a wfp set up you may want to try it out with a back pack. That's all I use. Above all else, remember you're a window cleaner, not a wfp window cleaner or a trad window cleaner, but a window cleaner.
Good luck

[stfc]

I have read all your comments about the wfp, however, i would really appreciate it if I could actually see someone using it before I commit myself. The only way I know is the traditional way and I have been told there is not alot of money in that. Is there anyone who works in the London area? I can meet you anywhere in London and spend a day with you for free, I am more than willing to help with the work for your valuable experience.


there is plenty of money doing it ladder way,i think if i earn less then £120 in a day its a bad day,average is about £170 so who ever says not much i dont think so

[foxy]

hello, i've got some thoughts on starting up! it will take you more than a day to learn the job; wfp or traditional. get a dvd that shows the basics and go for a walk about on a cold day for maybe 6 hours. the job is not glamourous and it takes time to build speed, competence and confidence. best is to start small, don't blow a load of money on gear and don't expect the world. the job security is low, there is a recession and the people who saw you as their social equal will now see you as inferior (no matter how much you earn an hour). the job is physically demanding and it is best to take it steady, you will use muscles and move in a different way, for longer than in your former job. you need some regular, steady work before you spend thousands on a WFP system (that are fast but on the whole keep a window clean, but cannot properly clean a dirty one). i hope i've not come across as a know all, these are my thought. i'm no expert and others will know more. best of luck in your new occupation.