[grantjfox]

hi all so i've been a member on here for a while now and i'm seriously thinking of setting up on me own, been working for a very good friend/clean it up member part time (steve-uk) for about a year now,doing windows and gutter vac. And hes finally made me think hard about going on me own.

all things like van and equipment will be easy but havent thought of a name yet or a website (is that so important) i use to be in sales so canvassing aint going to be much of a headache.

but the question im asking do you think even now with so many people at it
new starters (young family men with families) stand a chance??

i know its a ratio thing regarding getting customers but seriously you cant drive 10 minutes without seeing a car with ladders on its roof

thanks guys

[paul rulton]

go 4it buddy  plenty out there 4 every1   
wot about pristeen clean     sorry about my spelling 

[groundhog]

Hi, when I first went full time window cleaning about 7 years ago, there were hardly any window cleaners in my area. Now they are springing up all over the place with redundancies etc + people boasting on forums as to how much they earn!!  There are definately not enough custies for everyone! and the influx in cleaners is making it difficult to pick up new work, and bringing the price of window cleaning down, and our earnings with it!! As I posted a couple of days ago, out of town window cleaners are moving into my area and using dirty tactics in an attempt to steal customers!!

That said, if you really want to do it then why not start canvassing first to test the water and see what response you get, as some areas have less window cleaners than others. I built up my round very quickly, but I did it at just the right time, I wouldn't want to be trying to build a round in the current climate!! Good luck, hope it works out.

[lee09]

Tough call, do you want to do it?
Asking on here will get you a split of yes's and no's but only you can decide
What has Steve said to make you think hard?
Lee

[grantjfox]

i suppose thats the grand question do i really want to do it?
well ive seen some off the invoices from the jobs steves been sending me to and that kinda made me think!!
but also its the relaxed attitude towards work
and steve said
"were do you want to be in 6mths? still sat in ya cab moaning about the lack off work!! or sat in the cafe with me saying i took more today than i would of done all week in my cab!!!!!!!
 

[R W C™]

So steve has persuaded you to become his competition  makes good business sense,
Is your old man a cabby if so he knows me 

[GB Window Cleaning]

i agree with groundhog on this one! there is not enough work for everyone!!! thats a common misconception! w.f.p as created an influx of cleaners and its defo made it harder to get work! my advice is to look at all the aptions first and test the water also!
all the best.
george.

[mick hay]

When i started, 5 years ago, it was a case of, if i start up, it would HAVE to work!

Just come out of bankruptcy, a single dad with a son in private school, loads of overheads, so giving up wasnt an option!!

I just went for it and it worked out well for me. People said to me "not enough windows to go round"

Not a proper business, so on and so forth!!

If you want it to work, it will...simples!! As far as im concerned, i would never turn back the clock, never change what im doing, and this tio me is the most flexible business you could ever have.

Saying that....its bloody hard work...the work doesnt come to you, you have to get out there EVERY SINGLE DAY knocking on doors, 7 days a week, until you get enough to live on.
  Then you need you build on that. Its not for everyone, you need to constantly be getting your name out there.
Make sure your family is behind you, cos with someone behind you giving negatives all the time, its a struggle!!

Good luck though in what you do 


Just want to add.......ive had about 7 fellas come out with me to see if its for them, 1 is still a window cleaner. Not wanting to put you off, but he was the one who worked HARD!!!

[ascjim]

Hi if you need a website made im your man. Free hosting and so on. Here's my main site.

Email me for more information mate. J.madge@mw-computers.co.uk

[grantjfox]

thanks for the advice guys!

rwc yes my dad is a cabby in eastbourne and knows you !! and steves doesnt mind his attitude is there is plenty of work out there

and i have got some negatives from people saying im better than that or words to that affect but i think im going to go for it working part time for steve and building up my own round in between

cheers guys will keep you posted

[richard jagger]

I question you need to ask ?is am I totally  committed to work and push forward even when this are not easy and every one and situation work against you. Are you a true capitalist or enterprising enough to go it alone. We can all spend the cash. We can all be laid back. Am I driven enough. If you are not sere wait till you are motivated enough to succeed, failing must not be an option in you mind.Maybe you are just to comfortable at this moment and as one get older its more difficult.

[Gav Camm lammy 283]

listening yeah im 26yrs in game
theres work for those that want it
 look hard enuf n u will find price well
let yr reputation wok for you

[Paul Coleman]

When i started, 5 years ago, it was a case of, if i start up, it would HAVE to work!

Just come out of bankruptcy, a single dad with a son in private school, loads of overheads, so giving up wasnt an option!!

It's a big help when you've run out of choices.
It had to worek for me as well when I first started up.
Early 90s recession, signing on the dole, and not the sniff of a job.  So I borrowed an old ladder, stuck it on my Datsun Cherry hatchback, and went door knocking.  My bank balance helped me overcome any reservations about door knocking 

[karygate]

there is always work for a good reliable recommended window cleaner. go in with the right attitude and you will be ok.

[STEVE-UK]

So steve has persuaded you to become his competition  makes good business sense,
Is your old man a cabby if so he knows me 

He's a best mate and business and pleasure doesn't mix... so advised to go on his own to earn more money, He wont be my competition as I recommended he canvasses Eastbourne

[R W C™]

lol good luck, thats why Seaford got canvassed last week as I got all the Cream here 

[STEVE-UK]

LOL!! That was a bloody quick reply

[STEVE-UK]

I got those 7 blocks in seaford that was listed on here

[STEVE-UK]

RWC  - Did you get the polar vac?

[R W C™]

LOL!! That was a bloody quick reply

I dont hang about, Picked up some good work 

RWC  - Did you get the polar vac?

No I havent