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bruno.1977

  • Posts: 2
starting out in pressure washing
« on: March 01, 2012, 11:10:37 am »
Hi I started out in window cleaning gutter cleaning and pressure washing about a year ago and I have found that I can't stand the window cleaning.

I am moving area so therefore am left in a position where I have to start a fresh so I am thinking about dropping the window cleaning altogether and concentrating on getting a pressure washing business up and running I will continue with the gutter cleaning but want to focus on the pressure washing mainly as this is what I enjoy doing.

at present I already have a pressure washer and I am looking to get a road tow bowser to mount my pressure washer onto, the unit i have is a Lombardini diesel powered unit.

I have had a few pressure washing jobs in but nowhere near enough to make a living.

any advice on how to start would be greatly appreciated.

also any helpful information

the area I will be moving to is west Norwich in Norfolk in case you don't want to give advice to people in your area which is understandable.


Thanks for taking the time to read my post

Bruno

Rob_Mac

Re: starting out in pressure washing
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2012, 09:30:30 am »
Unless you are an absolute legend and can drum up business easily there will not be enough demand for you to make a living, without the window cleaning - in my opinion!

Keep the window cleaning, develop the pressure washing in the new area and then slow one or the other down, dependant on which way the business is going.

Rob ;D

Rob_Mac

Re: starting out in pressure washing
« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2012, 09:32:28 am »
but if you hate it then let it go and target every domestic and commercial premises with a good quality leaflet, with pictures and then offer a service that people will want to recommend

Good luck

Rob ;D

Kenny83

  • Posts: 1131
Re: starting out in pressure washing
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2012, 09:29:12 pm »
Robs right mate, it is hard getting 5 days work straight away, as Rob says, introduce it slowly along side you other business until your ready to make the switch
Pressure Washing -
www.powerwashcleaning.co.uk

bruno.1977

  • Posts: 2
Re: starting out in pressure washing
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2012, 10:51:59 pm »
sorry ive not replied sooner just had a busy couple of days 

Thanks for the advice i know what your saying but as i am moving i will have no customers to start with so do i really want to do the window cleaning.

think i need to have a serious think.

how do you guys find the best way for getting pressure washing jobs in do flyers really work?

Rob_Mac

Re: starting out in pressure washing
« Reply #5 on: March 04, 2012, 08:09:40 am »
Have you got a website, do you advertise locally, do you write letters to prospective clients, do you have another way of letting people know you are there!!

I didn't just wake up one day with a load of supermarkets to clean and an agreement that it will always be that way.

You have to let people know you are there (by any of the above) but even when you have let them know it doesn't necessarily mean that they will choose your number to ring.

You have to gain credibility by offering an excellent service, at the right price.

It isn't necessarily just about having the best website, or kit or being the most presentable pressure washer ever. Underneath all that (I don't know you) you may be someone who believes they have a given right to earn a fortune and the clients may pick up on this and you don't get work because of it. There are a million variables why a competitor may get the work and you don't.

There will be established businesses in your area, what are they doing right, copy it and then do it yourself.

I won't talk about my current circumstances but when I built my window cleaning business there were several other window cleaners already operating. I got the leaflets out, letting people know I was there, I cleaned really well, traditionally, picking customers up slowly, transferred to WFP when I was full. I tried to be the best service provider the customer had ever had. I don't really like people in social environments but seem to attract people in a client - service provider relationship and have always excelled in building client confidence.

There is no fast route for your requirements but another example of what may be required to stand out.

I finished in Southampton on Wednesday and there is a costing issue on another store that I am linked to. I wanted to get home but it was in my interest to put in an appearance at this store. It added 3 hrs to my day (not been home in a week)
I went there, had a good look at the works and then drove home. In my time I then emailed all the relevant parties and I will see what happens. I may not have been successful in achieving what I set out to do but they won't forget that I am prepared to put myself out.

Whatever it takes to get to where you need to be should be at the forefront of your thinking or go and get a job!!!

When I worked in a warehouse on £6.00 per hour I knew there were people out there earning ridiculous money, how much do you want it!?

Rob ;D


Matt Gibson

  • Posts: 2482
Re: starting out in pressure washing
« Reply #6 on: March 04, 2012, 10:30:43 am »
Great post Rob

Bruno, when I started I dropped some leaflets, I got a decent return on domestic jobs too but I also did everything rob has mentioned and now I'm getting mostly commercial. I think it depends alot on you area aswell. Just get yourself out there, flood the market with your brand name, website Facebook leaflets adverts and don't get disheartened. There's been a few time where I just didn't want to get out of bed and thought it wasn't going to work but like lee (kenny83) said on another post, it's hard going to get a full 5 days work in a row when you start.