[jonnypneumonic]

Sorry - This is a newbie posting.

Hi folks, i'm still at the planning stage and really just wanted to join the forum to test the waters (no pun intended) and learn a little bit about the reality of the job. So far this site has been a real eye opener.

I've no experience of window cleaning (i'm from a sales / management background) but really think W/C ticks all the boxes i'm looking for in a job; hours, flexibility, exercise, open air, customer contact, own boss and of course lets not forget a good income.

I would like to ask:  Given all you know from your years of experience, if you had a choice would you still opt to start a W/C business today ?? 

I'm at the stage now where i need to make a decision as to whether I'm going to start-up or not.  There seems to be far more to this job that you first think; courses, certification, council registration, equipment, chemicals, customer / round tracking software ....... list goes on and on.

The only thing that's really stopping me jumping in with both feet it this current financial climate. Is this downturn effecting W/C or is this one of those industries that can weather the storm?

Secondly i'd like to ask:  Where would you suggest i go for my supplies / equipment; is there anything you think i should get (excluding experience with a time served W/C) that perhaps i'd overlook? I'm in the Highlands just outside Inverness, so i'm not sure where my local supplier would be (HIS perhaps).

For those in my area / close to my area, can you tell me if there is enough business out there to support another W/C? 

I'll be working mainly to the east of home (e.g. Forres, Findhorn and mainly Elgin) concentrating on mainly the residential market; not being a lover of heights i'll need to use the WFP systems i've seen spoken about so often on here. I'm guessing 5hr days and five days per week; offering a schedule return based on 5-6wks between washes.

Is there anything else i'm either forgetting or missing. All advice appreciated


J.

[simbo]

big factor where you lve must be weather, even if wf you still need to learn how to trad clean as wf not a magic tool. I have been going 4 years now and to be honest if i had a decent job i would stay in it at he mo. Don't get me wrong this can be a great job but has lots of down points also ie no holiday pay lost earnings through weather mostly boring as hell at times and soon becomes just the same as any other job really. I would first try to teach yourself to trad clean lots of video's on you tube to copy use ladders first as you soon get over the "fear" and if you like it then go from there before spending out on systems etc, wf and window cleaning is not for me anyway something i would like to do 5 days a week. Also while wf does sometimes make life easier it is still very hard on muscles and joints which i am unfortunately finding out.
Learn to trad clean firt as i beleive the good trad cleaners tend to be good wf and a lot of the time is actually easier!
all the best paul

[jonnypneumonic]

Thanks for the reply.

I was always planning to concentrate on traditional W/C for the day to day work, but can definately see the advantages of having a WFPS for those higher / difficult to reach windows; bare in mind its all castles in these parts (joke).

Yeah your right, weather is one consideration, but no more than anywhere else i wouldn't think. I'm a hands-on kind of guy and not the kind of bloke to stop because of the likes of rain (listen to how brave i am sitting at my desk in the warm) unless its really sheeting-it-down / hail / snow / tornado of course. At those times i think i would concentrate on canvassing, leaflet dropping and door knocking; any excuse for a walk - lol.

I'm planning to go out with a local W/C for a while to learn the tricks of the trade, as i'm only too aware just what an art good window cleaning is. I've been stunned by just how much is involved in this; the equipment and chemical options being vast (and costly). I wont have the money for the WFPS to begin with as i'll be starting from a very basic budget (squeegee ... and a bucket if i'm lucky - lol) but will be looking to gather in all the necessary kit asap.

Due to my present circumstances i can be quite flexible with my initial hours / days worked, certainly for the first 6-9mths. So intend to spend a reasonable amount of time building up the business, gaining customers and establishing a round that will provide the returns i'm hoping for. After all every castle needs a solid foundation.

* Thanks again.  I'll go take a look at YouTube and see what i can find.


J.

[simbo]

good for you mate, all the best i had nearly 80 customers while i still worked so the jump was a little easier, sometimes wish i still did it that way as i really miss working in a team a lot more than i ever thought i would!!!
paul

[jonnypneumonic]

I'm getting a real "wouldn't do anything else - i love W/C" feel off this site. It seems consistent throughout, which is unusual as normally i'd expect a small number of fed-up / disgruntled people; but no. Really gives me a confidence boost in the industry.

Supplies & Equipment .... That's another subject i'm interested in, but i think i'll start that as another thread.


J.

[elite mike]

if your going the trad route  ,give these guys a try

www.windowcleancentre.co.uk/

very reliable

good luck

mike

[Fieldsy]

if your going the trad route  ,give these guys a try

www.windowcleancentre.co.uk/

very reliable

good luck

mike

I second that, used them for all my new equipment. Ordering was straight forward, and it was delivered within two days. Excellent service   

[Davie T]

As you are Scottish, contact Cleantech in Kilmarnock.  Google them

[paulben]

I was made redundant 4 years ago and scared of heights too so thought i would try window cleaning kill or cure .Heights not a prob now just be sensible with a ladder . Practice makes perfect 1st job i did was a real dogs dinner but i got asked back . I do round every 4 weeks weather permitting . wouldnt go back to workin for someone else now . wfp was my best investment . it takes a while to build a round nearly gave up in 1st 6 months due to lack of work now turning new customers away so dont give up too soon.