Hey guys!
WFP systems just are not that popular at this time in my area from what I have seen. (Central Texas)
The reasons are that most residential windows over here have screens. You have to remove the screen in order to wash the window so you either gain access by ladder or go inside and pull it loose so you can clean it.
I suppose you could use a WFP for all the outsides but then there is the issue of the frequency of cleans.
We do houses usually 2 or 3 times per year. Not very often.We charge about $10 per window for inside and out.
The average house over here these days is getting larger and more luxurious; usually 2 floors; high entrance areas, and at least 4 bedrooms. Many houses have 30-50 windows. So it is an all day event.
I have been getting an average of $300 plus per house. In many situations I am charging closer to $400 and even $500. If you charge less, the customer still expects perfection so might as well charge for perfection.
We almost always do the insides also. In my business I have 4 people that do commercial only; 3 that do houses(I sometimes do them; so that is 4), and 3 that do janitorial ; no windows.
I often think of dropping the smaller commercial accounts because of the time it takes for scheduling, collecting payment; any complaints; and counting on people to do them on time.
The real money over here is in houses. My goal is to focus on that area mainly because I have a call up list that is year around.
Time spent on organizing people and their schedules is time taken away from the real money makers.
I get fed up with counting on people to do a job on time and correctly. It is not a science! Right now I am fed up. Even paying people well it does not matter; a turnover is common after 6 months.
Altho I do have 6 that have been with me for over a year now. It is that 33% of the accounts that is a pain in the rear.
I may eventually buy a wfp but right now there is no justifying the expense. I am fascinated by what I here from you guys.
Houses over here are accessable; screens;frequency of cleaning/scrubbing/traditional appropriate.
I have never seen a wfp system at work over here in 25 years of business.
Our markets are different in the States. As far as weather over here where I live it does get hot; so you start early quit early.
Our winters in Texas are mild. I think when it is really cold up north they add antifreeze or other things to their water and bundle up.
I love the window cleaning business. We are very busy and it is a blessing. Where I live the economy is really booming.
Gas prices are becoming outrageous tho.
Hugs,
Texas Girl
