[rg1]

I shall be made redundant in January so I'm seriously thinking about going window cleaning with wfp. I've tried to read as many posts as possible to understand the process and wether it's a worthwile venture.

I appreciate that it won't be easy, but just a few questions to ask of the more experienced guys here.

1. Is there enough work out there if I go putting flyers through letterboxes?

2. What length pole will I need for max. 3 storey house?

3. Are fibreglass poles ok to start with?

Any help and advice would be much appreciated. 

(I live in the S.E close to Gatwick airport and there a quite a few window cleaners in the area)

[ian1972]

theres loads of work out there mate its just going getting it 24ft pole will do most 3 story

[Window Washers]

theres loads of work out there mate its just going getting it 24ft pole will do most 3 story

I would go 30ft min on 3s work as 24 ft will not do the job on a lot that we do, not trying to diss the guy that said it in any way just saying it from where I am sat.

if only doing small new houses no sky lights all good if that is not the case then 24ft is not going to be up to the job in hand.

Ian

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

It wouldn't be a bad idea to practice the mop and blade technique on your own windows between now and January.
I say this as it is best to know and master ALL skills within the window cleaning industry.
If your WFP system brakes down, you can still carry on with Traditional method until the system is fixed.
This way you won't lose any income.





Matt

[rg1]

Ok well thanks for the advice on the pole. can anyone answer other questions in op?

Thanks

[concept]

I have a 25ft pole, and it reaches every window on my round, including all 3 stories.

On some 3 story houses it is at its absolute max, so I would go for a 30ft as advised, given the option.

My 25 ft pole is fibre glass, and when fully extended, its damned heavy, so a 30ft would probably finish me off. Maybe buy a 25ft fibre glass to get you started, and invest in a longer carbon pole like the SLX from Gardiners Pole Systems once you get established a bit, which is exactly what I am doing.

[R W C]

I shall be made redundant in January so I'm seriously thinking about going window cleaning with wfp. I've tried to read as many posts as possible to understand the process and wether it's a worthwile venture.

I appreciate that it won't be easy, but just a few questions to ask of the more experienced guys here.

1. Is there enough work out there if I go putting flyers through letterboxes?
Theres enough windows out there for you.

2. What length pole will I need for max. 3 storey house?
24ft would be ideal.

3. Are fibreglass poles ok to start with?
Id say fibreglass is fine for 1st and 2nd floor, anything more is too heavy, if you have the money to get a carbon fibre pole i.e the gardiners pole its small enough for ground and will reach 3rd floor too and you wont need to get another pole. http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/Gardiner_Pole_Systems_SL-X.html

Any help and advice would be much appreciated. 

(I live in the S.E close to Gatwick airport and there a quite a few window cleaners in the area)

[traps7]

My 25' SLX will only just reach 2nd floor on Victorian houses. I end up having to get the steps out sometimes for that little extra reach.

[bobby p]

near gatwick- kerchingg !


 anywhere in southern england thats built up is easy peasey to find work-  itll take effort to find the houses that are free though  . 1 tip - dont price high  until you have at least a solid base of customers

[matt]

1 tip - dont price high  until you have at least a solid base of customers

i hate to disagree, but i will

if you price cheaply you will allways regret it,

price right at the start and you will do fine

[rg1]

Well, still a lot to think about but you guys have been great in responding to my post.

Cheers

[Niall McAllister]

as has been said, get some trad kit, 14" applicator and squeegee, bucket and bucket on a belt, and some scrims. wfp is how the majority of my work is covered, but you will always need a bit of trad for covering the little bits

[Murdie window cleaning]

I shall be made redundant in January so I'm seriously thinking about going window cleaning with wfp. I've tried to read as many posts as possible to understand the process and wether it's a worthwile venture.

I am in a similar position, I've just started window cleaning and had been looking to go out 1 day per week to start with as I have a full time job which I was looking to get out off.

I was hoping to build it up so come the new year I would then quit my full tome job and go W/C full time, but I could be out of a job come this Friday so I may have to get my skates on and find loads more custies.

Good luck 

[Skyglide]

Buy some trad kit and practice, practice, practice on your own house inside and out. Get some basic flyers and go out AND KNOCK ON DOORS, don't just flyer it through the letterbox.
See how you cope with it all, the rejections and the 'yes' I need a regular window cleaner.
Price correctly, NOT cheap or you will always regret it.
All the work you get schedule for Saturdays and build it up.
Then and only then if you think you are suited to window cleaning invest in wfp for a couple of thousand and stick at it through thick and thin or failure will loom large.
Chris

[rg1]

I shall be made redundant in January so I'm seriously thinking about going window cleaning with wfp. I've tried to read as many posts as possible to understand the process and wether it's a worthwile venture.

I am in a similar position, I've just started window cleaning and had been looking to go out 1 day per week to start with as I have a full time job which I was looking to get out off.

I was hoping to build it up so come the new year I would then quit my full tome job and go W/C full time, but I could be out of a job come this Friday so I may have to get my skates on and find loads more custies.

Good luck 

I would be interested to know what you are doing to try and get work.

Are you door knocking?

Putting out loads of flyers?

Advertising ?

[rg1]

I've decided to go for a Pure freedom set-up. I have seen the self fit options on ebay and just want to know if this is a good choice. Yes it would be nice to have it factory fitted but I'm trying to keep the expense down and to be honest, it doesn't look that difficult to do yourself.

Also, I have a berlingo van so would the 400litre system be ok weight wise. I believe payload for the berlingo is 600kgs.

[JRDEasiReach]

I have just started the window cleaning myself in the past month and have spent money on flyers and thus far it doesnt seem to be working on its own, i will have to also take a bit of time and knock on doors where i put the flyers in just as a follow up, by all means get some flyers done up for info purposes to explain who you are and what you do etc.  Its hard work but it can be rewarding, ive done about 30 jobs so far and out of that around 25 are monthly(repeat) customers.  Im using the WFP system too and tbh wouldnt have it any other way especially with the new laws on ladders going to come into force.  Theres always plenty of work for window cleaners as i have a lot of competition where i am currently but im out there, its about building up your reputation aswell as the round and if you do a good job, go back when you say you will be there word of mouth will do it for you.

Good luck!!

[rg1]

I have just started the window cleaning myself in the past month and have spent money on flyers and thus far it doesnt seem to be working on its own, i will have to also take a bit of time and knock on doors where i put the flyers in just as a follow up, by all means get some flyers done up for info purposes to explain who you are and what you do etc.  Its hard work but it can be rewarding, ive done about 30 jobs so far and out of that around 25 are monthly(repeat) customers.  Im using the WFP system too and tbh wouldnt have it any other way especially with the new laws on ladders going to come into force.  Theres always plenty of work for window cleaners as i have a lot of competition where i am currently but im out there, its about building up your reputation aswell as the round and if you do a good job, go back when you say you will be there word of mouth will do it for you.

Good luck!!

How many flyers have you been using?

[JRDEasiReach]

Well i got 2000 printed, professionally designed too and with good info on them and have around 2-3 hundred remaining, im starting to think that the knocking door option would be better coupled with handing them a flyer.

[rg1]

I think most of the experts on here would agree that door knocking with a flyer is the way to go. Time consuming but more worthwhile.