New to the forum - help appreciated!

[Ben Wright]

Hi guys,

My name is Ben. I'm 21 (and 3/4) and I've joined the magical world of window cleaning! This forum attracted me as I have seen a few people on here who have websites I've looked at in the past in order to get ideas - learn from the best eh!

I'm located in Stoke-on-Trent and I'm starting up my own window cleaning business. Only thing is, it's not that straight forward. I've got hurdles to leap and any help will be greatly appreciated /emoticons/smile.png

The situation is this. I'm getting married in April and need to build up a minimum of £1200 of business in order to just live. I've got it up to the £300 mark in 2 months, I'm currently in talks with some big companies for commercial work and already have a big mobile retailer on my list of customers.

I couldn't afford to buy a van so I've adapted. I have a Vauxhall Corsa (new shape) with a Pure Water Trolley system (Water Genie) and this set up works fantastic! I'm pretty healthy and strong and don't find the work draining physically but I'm after tips to help me expand and become successful. Some questions I have are:

1) What do you find the best/most effective way of building your customer base?

2) How quick did it take you to get to the £1200 mark?

3) Commercial, Domestic or both?

4) Anybody with commercial customers, how did you achieve them?

5) Any other helpful information? /emoticons/smile.png

Thanks in advance guys and see you around /emoticons/smile.png

 

[Tuffers]

Welcome to the best window cleaning forum there is Ben :thumbsup:.

Is the work you have compact? Is there potential to gain more work by canvassing the areas you currently work in? Try going out into the sticks to drum up more work, some windys CBA to drive out into the country. You'll find big houses and friendly folk there.

Do commercial and domestic, but don't rely on the commercial. I personally find a lot of commercial a PITA, cr4p parking, usually off my route, late payment etc. I much prefer domestic.

My website has paid for itself many times over. Get one!

Get a van when you can afford one. Turning up to do big commercials in a car doesn't come across as professional in my eyes.

You'll be earning £1200 a week if you're fully committed :thumbsup:

 

[daviesboycleaning]

In my opinion websites are the way to go , along with canvassing . Commercial is harder to get and not amazing money , so I would focus on building up your houses . Houses are regular and in general more loyal .

So I would put all your resources and effort in to building good houses , the only way your going to get 1200 worth of houses , which might take time is , price right , find new untouched areas they Are out there and canvases every night till you achieve your goal . Good luck mate .

 

[TolishAPurd]

Sounds like you've got your head screwed on mate. If your car is the only option for the time being, you can make the best of it by keeping it very clean, and getting some good sign writing on it. It makes it seem like a deliberate business action,and you could claim its better access in tight streets etc.

Websites are good but it often takes a little time to get them seen unless you are in an area with hardly any other competition.

 

[cheapncheerful]

hi and welcome..Ben Wright not that far from me..../emoticons/biggrin.png

 

[andy w]

Hello from me as well :thumbsup: good luck /emoticons/wink.png

 

[Tony Hall]

Hello Ben, as the others have said welcome to the best window cleaning forums in the world....We've got a great bunch on here:thumbsup:.

 

[Duncs]

hi ben welcome to our forum hope it all works out well

get door knocking Ben as much as you can its the best way to go, the work will come mate

there is loads of work for every one

 

[andy w]

Hey duncs happy birthday :balloondance:

 

[windowsurfer]

Hi Ben, my advice for door knocking is get a haircut, thats when I have canvassed, you look good,feel good(dont look in the mirror, you lose all confidence), get straight to the point " Hello, do you require a window cleaner", try and be brave and not offer to work for silly prices you will regret it. All the best

 

[norm]

welcome @Ben Wright good luck and keep off cheapncheerfuls patch :rofl:

 

[monkeyman]

Hi Ben, just keep knocking, I thought it probably wouldn't be worth it as the weather was changing. But then after some good advice from the boys on here I got back out there. Done 4 first cleans today. Good look.

 

[monkeyman]

And as wimdowsurfer says look smart, and be likable. If people like you it your half way there.

 

[Ben Wright]

Thanks for all the positive feedback. When able, I probably will be investing in a van. The only other thing I have to take into account with it is my insurance. Insuring a van is expensive for me with only being 21 (even though I have 3 years no claims).

I look forward to seeing you around /emoticons/smile.png