[jacoo]

Hi everyone
I am thinking about starting up wfp window cleaning. I am based in Surrey (Caterham). I am employed at the moment but fed up with this job. Planning to buy van and system go part time and build up my customers base. Is Surrey saturated with windows cleaners? Is it worth to try it?
Regards

[colin bird]

hi mate where theres glass theres window cleaners,you need to keep canvassing to get work,and then canvass again.
good luck

[Positivity]

Hi mate
It's always worth "trying." Is there anyone you know who might let them work with you see if you like it / can hack it?
Some on here offer to help new lads with a mornings or days work its "worth" asking.

[Mike #1]

Before parting with any money you need to know you can get customers .

If you are thinking cleaning windows is an easy option you could be so wrong ,

You dont get paid all your money every week you dont get 4 weeks paid holiday pus bank holidays and you have to go out in the freezing cold in winter it aint sunny all year round . Mike

[PAUL JAMES]

My advice and I know it goes against some opinions on here is to start by working weekends. This gives you a chance to build your customer base and also to see if you can hack it over the winter. We did it this way first year and then went for it from April. I am still working weekends but also tuesday and wednesday now. I still also work three days at my usual job so very little time off. Working towards going full time at the windows when we have enough work. The customers are also fine if you change the day of cleaning from a weekend to weekday as we have had to do with some customers. Be polite and friendly, get to know your cistomers and they will be great with any changes generally.
Good luck mate and hope it works out.

[jacoo]

Hi
Thanks for yor replays:)
I know where theres glass theres window cleaners, but form what I found on this forum in some parts of Uk there is too many of them and building a round will take ages:) I dont see many windies in my area. I know 1 but he does not want to talk about business
I got 3 days a week off so can clean these days.
regards

[Ian Lancaster]

Hi Jacoo,

The hard part is getting the customers.  If you can crack that, the rest is easy.  Before you splash out on van and system, decide how you are going to market your new business and then try it.  If you sign up enough to make it viable starting, that will be soon enough to get your equipment and van - you can tell your new customers that you are building a small customer base to start with and you will be cleaning their windows in about three to four weeks time for the first time.

There are hundreds of 'would be' window cleaners who have spent a fortune on a bells and whistles van and system, then fallen at the first hurdle of trying to find customers.  Lots of these finish up on Ebay!

Take it a step at a time till you know for sure you can do it.

[jacoo]

Thanks for replay Ian. Will order leaflets next week and give it a try:)
regards

[home6442]

Jacoo,
The fact is its nearly impossible to start a business without risking some capital.
Traditional cleaning methods would be the cheapest option to start with but then you have the safety factor.
Even if you where to spend a couple of grand on a new wfp system you wont lose a fortune on it
if you need to sell it on. [on fleebay you might even make a profit on it]
Ian is right the hard part is getting customers especially good customers, plenty of crud out there that
other cleaners have dumped, that's a not so nice part of this game that you are certain experience so be prepared and don't let it put you off.
Even if the area is saturated with cleaners it doesn't mean they are quality cleaners I honestly believe
there will always be plenty of work for honest hard working people who can do a quality job.
Go for it and good luck.

[Spruce]

Leaflets are important, but knocking on doors and talking to potential customers face to face is the best way of canvassing a new round. In my experience leaflets have a very poor take up/response.

Before you start, can you clean a window? Have you practised on your own home and family's homes? You need to understand the basics of using an applicator, a squeege and detailing so you do at least look a experienced professional window cleaner.

If you are going to start traditionally, then practise using a ladder, raising and lowering it, positioning it, climbing and descending it, as well as walking around with it without knocking things, eg., satellite dishes.

If you are going straight onto the pole, then that also needs practise on how to use it correctly. Using an applicator and squeege is still an important skill to acquire, even with wfp.

[supernova77]

One problem I see is that you keep saying "try" - is window cleaning worth "trying" - you're going to get leaflets and "give it a try"...

The only thing you should "try" is the actual window cleaning part - i.e. spend a day or more with someone to see if you like it.

Then if you want to go ahead you need to be "determined" to build a business and stick at it - if you just "try" you will give up when he first problem arises.

A google search for window cleaners in Caterham brings up quite a few results - but don't let that put you off if its what you really want to do!

Andy :-)

[Joe Shanahan]

There is lots of us in Caterham- it's not until you take up window cleaning that you start noticing the window cleaning point ladders on top of every other car!

In all seriousness Caterham is a hotbed of compact estates- all stitched up with cleaners- have put out 10000 flyers last year and probably only got 4 or 5 new customers!

[Michael Peterson]

wow i bet i could get 4 or 5 customers anywhere in the uk in 3 hours door knocking

[jacoo]

Hi
Had a chat today with local WC. Yes, there is many of them, but all busy and should not be problem with getting the work. Going next week to knock the doors:)
I decided to go with WFP. Is this one any good?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Affordable-Professional-Window-Cleaning-Systems-Self-Install-Wfp-System-/300932583998?pt=UK_HomeGarden_CLV_Cleaning_CA&hash=item4610fad23e
Regards and many thanks for replays

[GB Window Cleaning]

Hi
Had a chat today with local WC. Yes, there is many of them, but all busy and should not be problem with getting the work. Going next week to knock the doors:)
I decided to go with WFP. Is this one any good?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Affordable-Professional-Window-Cleaning-Systems-Self-Install-Wfp-System-/300932583998?pt=UK_HomeGarden_CLV_Cleaning_CA&hash=item4610fad23e
Regards and many thanks for replays

That was real nice good honest advice you got from your local windy! What a refreshingly positive change of opinion!

George

[poleman]

the most important part about building a business is getting your prices right? get it wrong and your not going to earn a living?

[dave0123]

I agree with poleman.

Getting the pricing right is most important thing you can do. Its not like other trades where ok u mess up and under priced that job u done work and don't return. window window cleaning your basically stuck with that price then every time you visit.

[windowmomma]

Its definately worth trying just remember to lower your expectations at first. In order to be a good paying job you need to build your business and name.

[jacoo]

I know it takes long time, but got positive feelings.
Say goodbye my employer - priceless