[A A R O N]

Just want to say hello to you all. Was a member on here a fair few years back and was then looking for and getting lots of advice about setting up. I never did do it back then, my job at the time became better paid with better hours which made it almost impossible to start up. Now changes in my job have resulted in me having more free time (and a lot less income) so the decision to start my business has almost been made for me.  It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since being on this forum years back, so not something I’m looking to do on a whim.

Whilst I won’t be taking any risk leaving my job until I have a half decent round on the go the initial cash outlay of buying all the equipment I will need is quite a big risk for me. When ever I was on this forum years ago the guys (many of which I see are still around on here which is great) made it sound like as long as you put the work in I couldn’t fail to get enough work.

So my question is, I guess, should I be nervous about starting up on my own, it will be a whole new world to me, one which I want nothing more than to succeed in, but is there a chance I will get no work, are there a lot more (too many) new guy out there than 10 years ago? Or is there plenty of work out there for someone prepared to put in the hard work.  It will be for the next 20+ years, I’m edging towards 40 now.

I am in the north west of England. Any help and advice any of you guys can give me will be greatly received.

Cheers
Aaron

[Aqua Power Solutions]

Aaron
If you want to spend a day with us , we can advise and give you an insight into the industry
Ed

[Slacky]

Follow NathanKaye, he's a regular on here. Bit dim, but nice guy. Gets on with his custards, fat, uses a DIY 'hot' system, works with 14 fan-jets, posts on here til 3 in the morning. Can't go wrong.

[Shrek]

Follow NathanKaye, he's a regular on here. Bit dim, but nice guy. Gets on with his custards, fat, uses a DIY 'hot' system, works with 14 fan-jets, posts on here til 3 in the morning. Can't go wrong.

😂

[A A R O N]

Aaron
If you want to spend a day with us , we can advise and give you an insight into the industry
Ed

That's very good of you Ed. Looks like you have a great set up. I do have some family over Ripon way. Would be great to have an insight into everything. If I can get over there I will certainly take you up on your offer.

Am looking at getting some lower cost equipment to get me going cleaning friends families  properties to get some practice in and build up slowly. Rather than full throttle and spend lots of dosh. You think that's my best bet?

Thanks again.
Aaron

[rosskesava]

There's always work out there to be had.

It's depends on what you're prepared to do to get that work.

[Seymour Sunshine]

Keep it organic. By that I mean go for investment out of revenue rather than capital.  Spend as little as possible to begin with and start earning a little straight away. Target bungalows and shops and get used to using a short pole so you're not going to be running up ladders. Put your earnings into getting new kit as and when you need it.

You could get away with a wagtail, a broom handle, a bottle of window spray and an old tea towel to start with. If you want to go wfp route,  get yourself a backpack and collect rainwater off a clean roof. You can make a Bently brush and stick it on a broom handle or a Harris pole. Great advantage of that is that you can then target regular houses. If you're doing wfp, learn to be as economical with your water as possible whilst still doing an excellent job.

[Og]

First tip, ask any questions on the other forum!

[Stoots]

Og is correct.

If you want genuine help and advice go to the other forum.

This forum is really for seasoned veterans who are a bit bored with window cleaning and like nothing better than to Rip the pee out of others. 

It's an amusing forum but don't expect many straight answers.

[nathankaye]

 

Follow NathanKaye, he's a regular on here. Bit dim, but nice guy. Gets on with his custards, fat, uses a DIY 'hot' system, works with 14 fan-jets, posts on here til 3 in the morning. Can't go wrong.

 

[Dry Clean]

Great info to be found on here especially from guys like Dazmond, just don't ask him about using hot. lol.

[A A R O N]

First tip, ask any questions on the other forum!

Og is correct.

If you want genuine help and advice go to the other forum.

This forum is really for seasoned veterans who are a bit bored with window cleaning and like nothing better than to Rip the pee out of others. 

It's an amusing forum but don't expect many straight answers.

Thanks guys. By the other forum are we talking about one with initials wcf?

This forum always seemed the most popular years back and the advice was always good and honest. I enjoy the banter, as long as it doesn't start offending people.

Thanks again.

[A A R O N]

Great info to be found on here especially from guys like Dazmond, just don't ask him about using hot. lol.

Yes I remember people like Dazmond. Always happy to help new guys out. I remember I always used to think how friendly everyone was compared to forums for other trades/interests. The banter was always in good humour and hope that continues.

Thanks.

[richard groves]

See if  its possible to buy ro water locally to you.  A clx and backpack would get you started for a minimal cost.

[JandS]

I'd spend some money and get a half decent set up straight away...decent equipment makes customers more prone to trusing you to do a good job.
Could you spare £1500 as an initial outlay as I did?

[A A R O N]

See if  its possible to buy ro water locally to you.  A clx and backpack would get you started for a minimal cost.

I think (correct me if I'm wrong) I could get away with DI only as my TDS is only 35ish?? So the costs look quite a bit less. Have been looking at backpacks. There are so many different options for everything. Some people I speak to seem to want a traditional cleaner too. 

[Dry Clean]

Great info to be found on here especially from guys like Dazmond, just don't ask him about using hot. lol.

Yes I remember people like Dazmond. Always happy to help new guys out. I remember I always used to think how friendly everyone was compared to forums for other trades/interests. The banter was always in good humour and hope that continues.

Thanks.

Exactly AARON as long as you don't take yourself too seriously then this is the place to be, some very knowledgeable guys on
here and most of the chancers with ulterior motives for posting have been chased off with their tails between their legs.

[Cookie]

See if  its possible to buy ro water locally to you.  A clx and backpack would get you started for a minimal cost.

I think (correct me if I'm wrong) I could get away with DI only as my TDS is only 35ish?? So the costs look quite a bit less. Have been looking at backpacks. There are so many different options for everything. Some people I speak to seem to want a traditional cleaner too. 

You're lucky to have a TDS that low - I'd recommend DI only (or double DI which will help you save on resin). I use double DI & my ppm varies between 55 & 70.

[A A R O N]

I'd spend some money and get a half decent set up straight away...decent equipment makes customers more prone to trusing you to do a good job.
Could you spare £1500 as an initial outlay as I did?

This is it I want to give a professional image from the start. To be honest I don't have £1500 without getting a loan. Did your £1500 include a vehicle or did you already have something suitable. We need a new car anyway so getting something I can use as a van and to cart the family about is an option.

My main worry is that investing £1500 or so is a fairly big risk for me so I guess I want some reassurance that I've got a good chance of succeeding. I need 1250 take home per month to replace my current income due to my pay and hours being cut.

Thanks

[A A R O N]

See if  its possible to buy ro water locally to you.  A clx and backpack would get you started for a minimal cost.

I think (correct me if I'm wrong) I could get away with DI only as my TDS is only 35ish?? So the costs look quite a bit less. Have been looking at backpacks. There are so many different options for everything. Some people I speak to seem to want a traditional cleaner too. 

You're lucky to have a TDS that low - I'd recommend DI only (or double DI which will help you save on resin). I use double DI & my ppm varies between 55 & 70.

Thanks. I'm going to have a proper look at equipment this week and get an idea of total costs and options.