[Blackadder]

Hi all, I've read (with a fair amount of amusement sometimes) a lot of topics on here. I've just been made redundant from a factory job of 25yrs, had enough of shift work and four walls, so I'm investing in a set of kit to start off on the road that you've all travelled! Any tips on the best kit for starters and most importantly....do you still enjoy what you do?

[Paul T]

Wfp or trad ?

[Blackadder]

Sorry, meant to say WFP.

[Fin Clearview]

Why do you want to become a window cleaner?

[Blackadder]

Like I said, been stuck inside for twenty five years, doing as I'm told, conforming all the time. Just want to be my own boss for a while and enjoy a bit of the outdoors, I know I won't be thinking that in the minus conditions but I guess it's rough with the smooth?

[ben M]

how old are you Mark?

[Blackadder]

41 and still fairly fit.

[PoleKing]

41 and still fairly fit.

You'll be fine. What part of Kent are you in Mark? 

An ex mate of mine, big fat impotent Dave, he still poles. He's 50 odd (looks about 90)
Not for long though. He's moving to Wales 'cause everyone here now knows he's a douche. Onwards and downwards eh fella.

[Blackadder]

  I'm from Gillingham, I do get a bit of bad back though, so maybe couldn't have picked a worse trade! Do most window cleaners do gutter clearance too?

[AuRavelling79]

I'm from Gillingham, I do get a bit of bad back though, so maybe couldn't have picked a worse trade! Do most window cleaners do gutter clearance too?

Not if they've got any sense they don't.

[Blackadder]

No money in it? I was wondering if to invest in a pole gutter vac and camera, to run alongside the WFP?

[PoleKing]

I'm from Gillingham, I do get a bit of bad back though, so maybe couldn't have picked a worse trade! Do most window cleaners do gutter clearance too?

Im from Whitstable. Not now though. My first football game was at Gillingham. Good game.

Gutters-I never did but do now. I save them up 'till I've got 4 or more to do in a day. get a mate to day rate me then do them all. He clears, i drink customers tea, he gets his day rate i get the balance for doing not a lot at all, customer's happy, he's happy, i'm happy.
In short, if you've got ladders, do whatever brings the $ in to start with.

[PoleKing]

No money in it? I was wondering if to invest in a pole gutter vac and camera, to run alongside the WFP?

Dont. Not yet.
Build a solid base of customers.
Give it a year or so.
Make sure you're gonna stick to it before you spend

[Blackadder]

Cheers for all your input guys. I am slightly concerned that after investing nearly 10k in all, what happens if it's not for me (or my body!) with hard work, and a lot of luck, how much on average would a first year bring in?
A good guy I know wants me to buy his franchise for 15k, then give him 23% of future earnings, but guarantees me at least 170 clients a month? Would this be a safer route???

[PoleKing]

Cheers for all your input guys. I am slightly concerned that after investing nearly 10k in all, what happens if it's not for me (or my body!) with hard work, and a lot of luck, how much on average would a first year bring in?
A good guy I know wants me to buy his franchise for 15k, then give him 23% of future earnings, but guarantees me at least 170 clients a month? Would this be a safer route???

So £25k for 170 customers?

[rosskesava]

10K...  

15k for a franchise...... 

Ye gods.

I would have said 4k maximum to get going.

[ben M]

No money in it? I was wondering if to invest in a pole gutter vac and camera, to run alongside the WFP?

Dont. Not yet.
Build a solid base of customers.
Give it a year or so.
Make sure you're gonna stick to it before you spend

+1

[Blackadder]

10k was including van, static system, decent pole, trolley and gutter vac....I think I need to reassess and I take it that the franchise for that price is a definite NO-NO?!

[rosskesava]

10k was including van, static system, decent pole, trolley and gutter vac....I think I need to reassess and I take it that the franchise for that price is a definite NO-NO?!

They can smell you have money to spend.

25k is £500 a week for a year. You could pay yourself a decent weekly wage to build up a business in that time and not pay out the 23% while doing that.

10k including van etc...... who gave you that advice? I think they can smell your money as well.

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

Hi all, I've read (with a fair amount of amusement sometimes) a lot of topics on here. I've just been made redundant from a factory job of 25yrs, had enough of shift work and four walls, so I'm investing in a set of kit to start off on the road that you've all travelled! Any tips on the best kit for starters and most importantly....do you still enjoy what you do?

I was in that position over ten years ago (apart from I left rather than being made redundant). Thirteen years of continental shifts & the same old crap day in day out!! Ten years down the line I'm working less hours, earning far more money, I'm happier, never work a weekend & I've so much work I have to turn most of it down- in the position where I can pick & choose!!

Do I enjoy it? Yes, can get a bit crappy in winter but I'd never go back to being employed!!