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Viscount

  • Posts: 49
5 weeks back on the glass
« on: July 11, 2023, 09:58:59 pm »
So, after twelve years out, I've been back window cleaning 5 weeks.

Main thing that's changed: electric hose real. Man, can't believe I used to wind my hose in all day long.

Everybody's in. Like, I know not everybody's in, but so many people working from home on zoom calls. It's really hard to pee in the drain under the kitchen window nowadays. I have a bottle in the back of the van to sneak a pee.

Cups of tea were quite common, now they're very few and far between.

Quality of poles and brushes is so much better. I had the first SLX. Now it has quick release goose neck, push fit parts, twist to release jets. Just everything is so much better. Not sure when it got this good, but it wasn't back in 2011.

Other than that, same old same old.

Oh, and you don't realise how hard it is. I kept fit and did pushups and pull ups and weights, but after 3 days, of being back in the game, I couldn't move my arms. I just couldn't go out to work for a day and had to soak in muscle relaxing Radox to recover. Took about 3 weeks to get totally fit again and I barely feel it now. Muscles from working out are useless next to muscles from hard physical work.




deeege

  • Posts: 5008
Re: 5 weeks back on the glass
« Reply #1 on: July 12, 2023, 06:16:38 am »
Welcome back. You the guy who sold up to start teaching? How have you found building a round from scratch in todays climate?
"....and it's lend me ten pounds, I'll buy you a drink, and mother wake me early in the morning."

Ggh

  • Posts: 1776
Re: 5 weeks back on the glass
« Reply #2 on: July 12, 2023, 07:19:24 am »
Audible is your friend.
When I started in 2015, I had digital radio with headphones, crap coverage and short battery life. Now I can listen to see almost anything on my phone, to try and distract me from my dull but dreary existence.
What did you teach? (Don’t reply ‘children’).

dazmond

  • Posts: 23966
Re: 5 weeks back on the glass
« Reply #3 on: July 12, 2023, 08:11:40 am »
I agree Audible is fantastic with one Bluetooth ear bud in for working.

Of course electric reel,hot water and extreme poles as well as cleaner planner and electronic payments have made my window cleaning business a doddle (compared to my ladder days with pen and paper and hours of collecting every week!)😄

My round is very profitable for hours worked these days but I'd hate to start from scratch now.

Have you bought a round after 12 years away from window cleaning?
price higher/work harder!

Viscount

  • Posts: 49
Re: 5 weeks back on the glass
« Reply #4 on: July 12, 2023, 09:12:25 pm »
I'm building from scratch. Big task. I've done mass leaflet dropping and canvassing. Although it's been tough, it's really building up.

I taught primary, so a bit of everything, but I was head of maths, so had to justify the kids achievements even when I had nothing to do with them. It sucked.

I don't even think during the day, I'm just focused on first cleans and getting business in. When it's all up and running, I know I will need podcasts and whatnot.

dazmond

  • Posts: 23966
Re: 5 weeks back on the glass
« Reply #5 on: July 13, 2023, 04:59:37 pm »
You ll get more brews once you get to know your customers if your starting from scratch again.also you ll notice a lot more customers have ring doorbells and cameras all over the place.dont even think about peeing in a grid these days!bottle in the van always!

Well done for teaching for 12 years.its a hard job and not many stick at it for as long as you did.👏
price higher/work harder!

dazmond

  • Posts: 23966
Re: 5 weeks back on the glass
« Reply #6 on: July 13, 2023, 06:34:32 pm »
I'm building from scratch. Big task. I've done mass leaflet dropping and canvassing. Although it's been tough, it's really building up.

I taught primary, so a bit of everything, but I was head of maths, so had to justify the kids achievements even when I had nothing to do with them. It sucked.

I don't even think during the day, I'm just focused on first cleans and getting business in. When it's all up and running, I know I will need podcasts and whatnot.

Are you building it up as a full time business?(eg 5 days a week).

I try and work 4 days a week these day(usually mon- thurs)cleaning 5-6 hours per day...

I love having a 3 day weekend every week.it keeps me sane and I don't get too bored of window cleaning and work much more efficiently.👍
price higher/work harder!

H2GoKent

  • Posts: 532
Re: 5 weeks back on the glass
« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2023, 07:22:10 am »
I listen to a fair bit on BBC sounds, podcasts of all sorts on there.  One earbud, that way I don't ignore people

A manager is generally someone who has been promoted to the position by someone else who didn't see them as a threat.
Hence all people are promoted to the level of their incompetence

Stoots

  • Posts: 6211
Re: 5 weeks back on the glass
« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2023, 11:40:02 am »
I'm building from scratch. Big task. I've done mass leaflet dropping and canvassing. Although it's been tough, it's really building up.

I taught primary, so a bit of everything, but I was head of maths, so had to justify the kids achievements even when I had nothing to do with them. It sucked.

I don't even think during the day, I'm just focused on first cleans and getting business in. When it's all up and running, I know I will need podcasts and whatnot.

Are you building it up as a full time business?(eg 5 days a week).

I try and work 4 days a week these day(usually mon- thurs)cleaning 5-6 hours per day...

I love having a 3 day weekend every week.it keeps me sane and I don't get too bored of window cleaning and work much more efficiently.👍

I'm trying to make mine a 3 day week now on the windows and save the other 2 days for something else.... but it's easier said than done with the weather. Supposed to sling it down this afternoon so that will force me into 4 days.

5 days of windows is just torture  ;D

zesty

  • Posts: 2452
Re: 5 weeks back on the glass
« Reply #9 on: July 18, 2023, 02:58:31 pm »
My neighbours must wonder whats wrong with me, I’m home at 12:30 pm  average now.

Proper part timer these days.

Gets to 1pm and I start feeling anxious 😂