Many people are attracted to window cleaning because it seems like easy work, with not much equipment to buy.
Hours to suit, and of course, cash in hand! (The tax man doesn't need to know about that surely! Nor, really does the benefits agency!)
And there is a shortage of window cleaners, so no problem making a few quid here and there, how hard can it be? An old domestic ladder from down the market, scrim, bucket, and away you go! (Hey , you dont even need to SHAVE before you go out on the morning- great eh?)
It doesnt even matter about that nasty business with the police a few months ago, because after all, who's going to know about that?
If this describes you, then please take note:
You are letting ALL of us window cleaners down, and giving the whole business a bad name. Also, more importantly for you, you are not doing as well as you could be.
Here's some tips to bring you up to pro standard:
1)Insurance. Window cleaning involves working with people's property, and for this you should be insured. Householders are becomming more aware of this issue. (from us pros). It costs around £150 a year. Take a deep breath, pay it and forget about it.
2) Cheating the benefit system is both immoral and illegal. DSS now has several teams who comb different areas actively looking for cash-in-hand workers and randomly checking them. (I myself have been checked) Breaking the law in this way could mean a prison sentance.
Come on, fair's fair. You don't want a criminal record, and if you do it properly you'll sleep better at night. If you need advice as to how to establish your business legally and properly, just ask (here in the forum). Even if you have been operating a little bit shadily, its easy to come clean and not to be handed a big penalty.
3) Getting the correct equipment will not only make your job far easier (and therefore more profitable) but also safer, and more professional looking. Okay, it does take time to learn to use a squeegee instead of just a scrim, but this pays dividends in the long run. Again help is at hand if you need it.
The correct equipment need not cost you a fortune, and boy, will you notice the difference, (and so will your customers)
4) SHAVE EVERY DAY!! Its a small thing that makes a great difference! It takes 5 minutes, and you go from looking like a scruff to looking like a serious tradesman.
5) Dont smoke on the job. It really gives a bad impression. Go back to the van if you have to, but don't light up while working.
6) Watch your language. However commonplace swearing is to you, it offends, distances and intimidates people. This might be a challenge, but nobody is impressed by foul language.
7) Get Up Early. Making an early start will really increase your daily rate. Aim to start for 9 and finish at 5, just like a normal job. The sense of satisfaction after a proper day's work is well worth the sacrifice of a sleep-in
So come on, lets all clean up our act. And here's a strange thing: if you do you'll feel better about yourself, your job, your life.
OUT with the COWBOY, IN with the PRO
Philip
