[Glyn H]

I thought it would be interesting to see the level of trade on CIU

[Londoner]

Why?

I never discuss figures - earnings or turnover on the forum . I would advise others to do the same. A poll like that just encourages the idiots to bang in stupid numbers that are nowhere near the truth.

There are people out there reading this forum because they are looking at starting up. When they see the figures these idiots post they believe them. Its not fair on them and its not fair on us.

[ftp]

Market research possibly?

[Glyn H]

almost 50% less than £50K, does that mean wfp systems manufactures are going to be bringing out more affordable hot wfp systems?

It doesn’t mean this figure is necessarily representative of the industry in general.

[Ian Rochester]

So we currently have 9 businesses on here earning more than £5m PA from cleaning?  Yeah, I believe that!!!   NOT!

Ewan's right, we have a Thermopure System which we bought second hand with the van (only 80,000 ltrs used through it) and it is really coming into it's own now, the lads who are using it love it and have already been out working in freezing conditions, they're well wrapped up in Berghuas jackets and sealskin extreme winter gloves and putting in a full days work.

Our other team, which we just started earlier this year, are using a cold water system and have been struggling to get started before 10am on  a couple of days because of the cold.

If good quality hot systems were cheaper to purchase I'd have another one tomorrow.

[Glyn H]

So you only have a certain type of customer your products are aimed at?

This is one of the most basic of rules of business - Know your Target Audience.

Any one can choose to buy anything from anyone they like, but the businees that is selling or providing the service nearly always has an "ideal" customer.

Starbucks doesnt expect local builders to pop in to have a muffin and a cappichino of course some builders will go and buy their snacks but not in general anymore than a local cafe would expect to be serving all day breakfasts to Stock brokers, Barristers or Insurance under writers.

You are not likly to see adverts from Rolex,Sunseeker,Lobb Shoes, Saville Row taloring or luxuary properties in budget magazines.
Ipods the latest mobile phone, football gear is not likely to be seen being advertised in Homes and Garden or Country Life.
This is realistic and sensible marketing
  

[Glyn H]

There are people out there reading this forum because they are looking at starting up. When they see the figures these idiots post they believe them. Its not fair on them and its not fair on us

I dont think any of the £250,000,000 PA companies post on here which is why I set the upper limit at only £5 million.
Certainly the environmental specialist cleaning companies with billions of pounds of turnover dont, so whats the problem?
Their are not many of any type of business that turnover less than £100,000 a year so I cannot see thousands flocking to become cleaning contractors.

[BDCS]

But ?  I think you find that should you be selling window cleaning equipment then your target may well be window cleaners ! If a window cleaner wants a rolex he'd best go to Paris and nick one. If your just starting up and simple enough to take too much heed of the earnings quoted on here then your going into it with your eyes closed and bound to fail anyway

[Glyn H]

If a window cleaner wants a rolex he'd best go to Paris and nick one. If your just starting up and simple enough to take too much heed of the earnings quoted on here then your going into it with your eyes closed and bound to fail anyway

Their are many sucessful window cleaners that I deal with on an everyday basis that you cannot have encountered.
Many drive top of the range cars for example  a Bentley, several Porche Cayennes, BMW VW 4x4 Mercs etc etc and a great deal wear Rolex's or Breitling's

[BDCS]

Yes sorry your right - Now I think about it they do all have posh watches and top of the range cars

[Glyn H]

Yes sorry your right - Now I think about it they do all have posh watches and top of the range cars   

Just goes to show that the potential of the cleaning industry is not appreciated.
The Companies owned by the guys I am refering too are cleaning the thousands of landmark buildings in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool etc.

[ronnie paton]

GLYN many who get that far dont start of from the bottom all though some do, they either have lots of money or lots of contacts or both.

most window cleaners and cleaning companies are small comapnies and that is not just cause they have no ambition its just cause its so competitive, i mean we dont offer a unique service and have the whole market to our selfs.

many distrubeters are doing discount cause there feeling the pinch and i feel it will start to all get more competitve very soon.


 

[BDCS]

No Ronnie you must be wrong - his point is that you should be buying omnipole gear then you too can buy a posh car and watch. Theres going to be hundreds of us cleaning landmark buildings in London.

[Glyn H]

BDCS
You think if a window cleaner wants a half decent watch he has to steal it!!
Quite why from Paris is a mystery.
Doesnt say a lot for what you believe the morals are of the average window cleaner, does it.

This is another post that has gone over the very heads its supposed to inspire to acheive better things.

[BDCS]

Lighten up Glenda ! The Paris thing - a gang wandered into a top Paris jewellers and robbed millions of diamonds and those posh watches. This post was nothing to do with your shoving a gutter vac out at a hefty price tag so you can have a porsche and a rolex ? How much is a gutter vac system ?