Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Frequently Asked Questions & Useful Resources => Topic started by: taffy_2 on January 22, 2004, 11:36:48 pm

Title: start up kit
Post by: taffy_2 on January 22, 2004, 11:36:48 pm

what kit do you need to start a window cleaning buisness i.e size of squeeges size of mops etc etc

Title: Re: start up kit
Post by: STEVE71163 on January 22, 2004, 11:42:25 pm

Hi Taffy
          Welcome to the Forum ;)

If you take a look through the previous posts in this section you should find all the information you are looking for.

Steve

Title: Re: start up kit
Post by: pdhanson on January 23, 2004, 07:47:50 pm

Until recently, I'd have said that minimum start up kit would consist of the following:

2 Section Alloy Ladders (~3.5m unextended) £120
Bucket   £2.00
Applicator & T-Bar   £15
14" Squeegee    £15
4 Scrims          £14
2 Pouches     £11
Scraper £4
Any old Belt     £2
Roof rack & straps if you have a car or van £80
Insurance Policy    £110

Thats about £374


If I was starting now, I'd hesitate to get all that, instead of jumping in with that stuff I'd consider putting the money towards a pole system.

Silly

Title: Re: start up kit
Post by: matt on January 24, 2004, 12:06:40 am

2 Section Alloy Ladders (~3.5m unextended) £120

50 quid from wicks, lets face it, we only go up to the bottom of the first floor window, so you dont need a TRADE ladder

Title: Re: start up kit
Post by: pdhanson on January 24, 2004, 12:16:27 am

I started off with exactly those ladders from wickes!  They're like an old friend.  (Though they cost me £55, not £50)

I needed 3 section though, so I thought I might as well make the switch to trade as you dont get 3 sec domestic.

The 2 sections trade are about 10Kg heavier than domestic, takes some getting used to.

Some insurance companies can get funny if you dont use trade duty, but I did perfectly well with domestic for months.

Silly

Title: Re: start up kit
Post by: matt on January 24, 2004, 01:39:54 am

my local wicks have the for 50 quid, as i priced a pair up for a mate who is thinking of working 1 day a week

Title: Re: start up kit
Post by: Reflective Property Services on January 26, 2004, 04:15:06 pm

Try screwfix http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/cat.jsp?cId=101557&ts=26318 they do trade ladders starting from £70 up, cheapest ive seen

Alex

Title: Re: start up kit
Post by: pdhanson on January 26, 2004, 07:51:25 pm

That's fair comment.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend.

When you hear things like this it brings to mind just how dangerous window cleaning (with ladders) actually is.

Silly

Title: Re: start up kit
Post by: fez on January 26, 2004, 08:24:28 pm

If you buy a decent ladder (not DIY!! >:(), you'll feel more confident in your work and you'll clean faster.

Faster cleaning = more money!! Don't be a skinflint - it doesn't pay off in the end! ;)

Title: Re: start up kit
Post by: g_griffin on January 26, 2004, 09:36:20 pm

You`re right it doesn`t pay off.
Trade will last a lot longer so you don`t save anything and you will be better off( financially and safety wise) long term.

    Gerry.

Title: Re: start up kit
Post by: stevekennedy on January 26, 2004, 09:41:29 pm

If you do get the cheaper ladder, make sure you write a risk assesment to explain that, due to the nature of your work, (ie you need to reposition/carry the ladder about 200 times a day!), you are using the lighter duty. You should also keep a daily register and sign it every day to prove you have checked the ladder for defects because the HSE reckons that domestic ladders are more prone to wear out. Then if the something happens, your insurance company will be more likely to pay up.

.... or you could just buy a trade ladder  ;)

Title: Re: start up kit
Post by: fez on January 27, 2004, 01:05:38 am

For the sake of a hundred  quid, you're much better off with a trade ladder. I've got one - but I wish that I'd bought a double pointer! ;)

Maybe in the summer..................!