[Gargaax]

Hi
I'm reasonably new to this board and although I'm not a window cleaner (yet!) I am very seriously considering joining the business.
This website is absoluately fantastic and i am very impressed how you all share knowledge, support and help each other. It is full of useful information and has got me thinking about alot of things I wouldn't have even considered but could you experienced window cleaners tell me the pro's and the con's of the business please?
Also, If you can think of any information I may not have considered regarding setting up, advertising, tax etc. How do you know if you are intruding on someone else's patch or is it acceptable to do this??

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks
Adie

[Trevor Knight]

Hi Adie,

Pro's - You are ya own boss, the work is rewarding and you can earn good money if you stick at it, you work in cash most of the time and the longer you stick at it the easier it becomes. New work is always available, overheads are relatively low. Once established word of mouth takes over and your reputation grows. Opportunity to get other work for wet weather, gutters, fascias etc... Generally if you can hack it the work is rewarding and fun and the summer brings lots of wonderful opportunities to admire the local scenery, if ya get my drift!!

Con's - Stigma of being a window cleaner despite we are a good bunch really and earn good money!! Bloody hard work, every house has about 5 upstair windows, climb a ladder 5 times a house 30 - 40 times a day and ya know about it. Rain!!! Cold in winter!!! Collecting in the evenings!! Make sure you are fully insured for YOU and the business, god forbid you fall off your ladder or worse still go through a conservatory roof you need peace of mind to know you and the customer will be taken care of! Don't be a cowboy and risk it, it is really not worth it!!

Wish you the best of luck, any specific help feel free to ask, if can help you i will, my email is info@firstcleanservices.co.uk

Good luck!!

[Gargaax]

Thanks Trevor for the info. I think the 'Scenery' is the real selling point and now on my way to B+Q to buy a ladder!!!

I was thinking about testing the water without getting Insurance but after your advise I think I will go ahead and get some cover.  Thanks again for the help

[Trevor Knight]

Go to T B Davies for your ladder, 02920 713000 - national delivery, quote product code 1103-003. this is a 4m Double Aluminium Ladder, 10 times better than the cheap stuff B + Q sell, much safer as well. £76.11 + VAT and delivery is £10  I think.

[simbo]

even better try midland ladder co on the net ,just bought a 23 feet total height 3 section ladder 8 feet closed height with safety feet fitted and delivered for £112 lovely ladder feels really safe
good luck
paul

[gaza]

GARGAAXI HOPE YOUVE NOT GONE A BOUGHT ONE OF THOSE 49 SQUID B/Q LADDERS,THEY WILL BE VERY DANGEROUS.

tHEY ARE ONLY DESIGNED FOR DIY USE
They are to light to hold themselves long against a wall in light/med wind. The only thing there good for is occassional access to flat roofs.
I made the same mistake and they nearly killed me{they collapsed} fell 16 ft head first into a yorkshire stone brick wall
 gaza

[Gargaax]

Thanks Guys for the advise and info. Don't worry I havent given B+Q my business and will look into the two recommendations that ye mentioned.
If you do think of anything else to warn me against please feel free. My address if youwant to contact me directly is adiegargan@hotmail.com