imho the true value of our customer bases is increasing. we need to realise just what our business acumen is worth, and see ourselves as 'owning' good reliable income streams to potential buyers.
I think it's called 'residual income' in business terms?
Anyone who buys or sells rounds i wouldn't consider to have 'business accumen'. Also the job is labour intensive and costs are relative. One of the first questions people ask is how many man hours for the money. If the profit margin is very high them the round is susceptible to price competition , or as some here call undercutting, if its priced low then it'll come as underpriced. The term 'underpriced' is a misnomer in itself as it will depend upon who is doing the cleaning. A sole trader may be happy to earn £18 PH and a 'concern' may need £30 PH to break even after costs (wages). I'm struggling to think of a good idea why such a personalised service as window cleaning would be a reliable income stream to 'whoever' has the work. I'd of thought it totally dependent upon the service levels /customer service of the operator. Also the notion 'not to undercut' is in itself a restriction of trade to the detriment of the customer. That said if these rounds for sale where such good value for money and showed such good returns surely you see them on dragons den as according to whats written they present a great return? The reality is that at best you'll work a year for nothing, then you'll start to get paid for your work. Or worse you could work for nearly two years then get paid for your work. And you have paid grands just to be able to do that!! To actually get your investment back can take maybe five years or more (rough figures going by whats been advertised lateley).
Your idea of 'residual income' is great if the vendor can guarantee it ? Do they, or do they just throw you the customer list and hope you do your best?
BTW, i think if anyone pays more that x2 of a clean they are a mug. The cheapest way to obtain work is to canvass it, thats if we're still talking about using our 'business accumen'. To use it even further a better way is to actually undercut other window cleaners, which doesn't happen (often) and thats why i think not many window cleaners actually have the 'business accumen' that you alluded to.