[collins82002]

Hi everyone,
I.ve just established a new window cleaning business in my area (Tamworth) and was wondering if there was any tips anyone can give me. I want to cover all angles and get it right any thing from method statements to generating new customers.  Any help would be most greatful and where's the best place to buy ladders and what size.

Cheers
chris

Collins82002@yahoo.co.uk

[karygate]

hi chris i am also from your area. but do wfp cleaning. hope i see you around.

[pingu]

Hi Collins...the only real piece of advice that I think you should have is ...go back to the very start of this forum and read, read and read some more...

There is so much info here both good and bad but information it is.

Cheers
Dave

and Good luck.

[collins82002]

hi chris i am also from your area. but do wfp cleaning. hope i see you around.

Hi gary,

Thanks for advise what do i need for a wfp setup and what price am i looking at.  With money a bit tight a the mo i've gone for the traditional way.  I am trying to concerntrate on the commercial side of window cleaning, what would be the price guide on this cause aint done this before.  Just setting up company and hope to launch in the next few weeks.  I tried to get ankerside shopping centre but they have a regular cleaner. Its a lot harder than i thought to get customers.  Whats your angle to get customers.
cheers

chris

[Chris Galloway]

hi chris i am also from your area. but do wfp cleaning. hope i see you around.

Hi gary,

Thanks for advise what do i need for a wfp setup and what price am i looking at.  With money a bit tight a the mo i've gone for the traditional way.  I am trying to concerntrate on the commercial side of window cleaning, what would be the price guide on this cause aint done this before.  Just setting up company and hope to launch in the next few weeks.  I tried to get ankerside shopping centre but they have a regular cleaner. Its a lot harder than i thought to get customers.  Whats your angle to get customers.
cheers

chris

From that i take it your looking at commercial store fronts. Believe me thats one of the hardest jobs to get and not really worth getting into. If you looking at office's you will probably have not much chance wit all the H&S employers are being pelted with - they will insist on WFP.

this site may help you, regarding advise on most question you may have.

www.windowcleaningresources.co.uk/index.html

Getting customers is not easy, its hard work. Ive spent hundred of pounds getting flyers printed for very little gain, but for me those flyers are more about getting seen and getting known in the areas i want to work in or already working in. I see it as very much a work in progress..

The best way to get customers is meet them face to face, and be persistent, go back and ask in a few months time.

[collins82002]

hi chris i am also from your area. but do wfp cleaning. hope i see you around.

Hi gary,

Thanks for advise what do i need for a wfp setup and what price am i looking at.  With money a bit tight a the mo i've gone for the traditional way.  I am trying to concerntrate on the commercial side of window cleaning, what would be the price guide on this cause aint done this before.  Just setting up company and hope to launch in the next few weeks.  I tried to get ankerside shopping centre but they have a regular cleaner. Its a lot harder than i thought to get customers.  Whats your angle to get customers.
cheers

chris

From that i take it your looking at commercial store fronts. Believe me thats one of the hardest jobs to get and not really worth getting into. If you looking at office's you will probably have not much chance wit all the H&S employers are being pelted with - they will insist on WFP.

this site may help you, regarding advise on most question you may have.

www.windowcleaningresources.co.uk/index.html

Getting customers is not easy, its hard work. Ive spent hundred of pounds getting flyers printed for very little gain, but for me those flyers are more about getting seen and getting known in the areas i want to work in or already working in. I see it as very much a work in progress..

The best way to get customers is meet them face to face, and be persistent, go back and ask in a few months time.

Cheers chris for info. 
Who's the best for business insurance.  I've got family who are H&S qualified so they can help me with the H&S.

[WCE]

I think you misunderstood chris some what  he meant that with the wahd business will insist on wfp. If a potential job of this vein is up for grabs and it's between you and a wfp operator then 99% of the time the will go to the wfp guy. no offence but it doesn't matter how good you H&S policy is in this case as WFP is viewed as the safest option in the industry anyway.
Shop fronts - Chris is right, they are hard to get into and a lot of the time the pay is rubbish.
My advice is if you are trad and just starting out then I would stick to domestic. Get some leaflets, get and canvass and dont be afraid to knock doors. Concentrate on that first, build up some money, buy wfp and then look at commercial work. At the moment though you are wasting your time and you will make more money (and build the round quicker) if you take this advice
Pete    

[collins82002]

I think you misunderstood chris some what  he meant that with the wahd business will insist on wfp. If a potential job of this vein is up for grabs and it's between you and a wfp operator then 99% of the time the will go to the wfp guy. no offence but it doesn't matter how good you H&S policy is in this case as WFP is viewed as the safest option in the industry anyway.
Shop fronts - Chris is right, they are hard to get into and a lot of the time the pay is rubbish.
My advice is if you are trad and just starting out then I would stick to domestic. Get some leaflets, get and canvass and dont be afraid to knock doors. Concentrate on that first, build up some money, buy wfp and then look at commercial work. At the moment though you are wasting your time and you will make more money (and build the round quicker) if you take this advice
Pete    

Hi Pete,
Your comments are taken on board and will do domestic rounds what would the ideal prices be. With competition in the area is it a good idea to include the frames in the prices to secure my round.   i've got the potential of cleaning office ground/ first floor windows for a company and three 4/5 bedroom houses that come with the company as it is a child care company any price giude on that.
cheers

chris

[seandyer2003]

I try and price as close as i can to £1 a window, however in north here sometimes its a bit much so i knock a pound or 2 off if i think thye wont have it, or if they say its too much haggle a bit, but thats probably your best bet, and for bays charge 2.50 - 3.50 depending on if leaded and how many ladders moves etc

Could you not go out with a trad cleaner near you for a few hours?? offer some free labour, its a steep learning curve on your own and you may not know how to get the windows done right of you are self taught etc, you will pick up alot in a few hours with someone or on a BWCA course its one day and you will get approved by them which may help with picking up work,

Good luck

[Nathanael Jones]

I'm told the windows at the snowdome are manky,... worth a chat with the manager,....


I'm from Tamworth myself originally, Stonydelph side of it,.. whereabouts r u?

[collins82002]

I'm told the windows at the snowdome are manky,... worth a chat with the manager,....


I'm from Tamworth myself originally, Stonydelph side of it,.. whereabouts r u?

Me to stonydelph / wilnecote area

[Nathanael Jones]

I used to live in Ealingham, up by the schools.
Been in Ireland since 1990 though,.. only go back to visit family every now and then.
Nice town though,, LOTS of windows,.. I'm sure you'll do well if you approach it right!

[collins82002]

Any tips on the approach got flyers/  business cards am i missing any thing??

[foxy]

i admire your enthusiasm. if you are starting from scratch you need a good amount of luck to get a start. window cleaning can be a really good job but it takes time to get a decent income. most customers will stay with their current cleaner. most have to buy a round to get started, which can be hard. start small and build it steadily. get a few customers and spend a proportion of your window cleaning income on flyers/cards etc. this is a business expense. don't go splashing out or you are just helping the printers. it is best to go out and show your face to people, you will need some perseverence (how many e's in that 1?). best of luck - don't skint yourself buying all sorts of stuff and i got a good set of ladders from midland ladders)

[Chris Galloway]

Get some a frames made by Ramsey if your after ladders! just seek out the best deal on them, including postage.

[Nathanael Jones]

Any tips on the approach got flyers/  business cards am i missing any thing??

A small ad in the herald for the next few months would defo help.

As for other advice,..

Don't underprice just to get work,.. you'll regret it very quickly and get a bad rep when you start doubling prices on your 3rd clean!

Go WFP from the very start if you can. A backpack setup can be very cheap, add a DIY pole or 2 and you're laughing.

Organisation is key,.. know EXACTLY what your round is, when each job is due, what you're making per hour in each area etc,... this knowledge will help you identify the weak spots in your round and fix them quick. Defo get WCpro or George,... it'll pay for itself in a mater of weeks.

Market on the go,.. if you get 2 or 3 houses in an estate, every time you clean them drop a flyer in all the neighbours doors.

Make friends with other local cleaners,... their advice and help can be invaluable, and they might even throw some work your way.