Starting out

[El Sombrero]

Morning all, first time posting on here so please be gentle.

I was made redundant close to ten months ago and to be honest, I have been finding work difficult to come by. I'm 32, married with kids, no money and at a bit of a crossroads really, I've always wanted to become self-employed, the enthusiasm's definitely there but, I've lacked the bravery (and the funds) required to make that next step. Subsequently, I've been looking into window cleaning via the traditional method to get me out of the jobcentre and get the £££'s rolling again. I've been acquiring some basic traditional gear over the past few weeks and have been practicing on my own gaff (neighbours think I've lost the plot!). I'm a grafter, and don't mind working on my own, I'm confident that I can make it work.

I have one primary concern and that is local competition. I live between two average sized towns with loads of outlying villages, obviously there are a number of window cleaning businesses that operate, I wouldn't say the market's saturated, but competition would certainly be stiff. I'd say about 90% use the WFP system and most look very professional bombing about in their smart vans. Do you think there's still an opportunity for me with my ladder, squeege and bucket?

Any advice would be appreciated, I look forward to reading more into the forum!

 

[SkulBlaker]

There's always opportunity for you mate, just because they have the shiny kit doesn't make a difference, get out and start knocking on doors, and the customers will start rolling in. The WFP is a great method but remember not everyone likes it, some just havnt came round to the idea about it and would prefer the traditional method, especially the older generation. Only way you can find out is by canvassing and don't be put off or disheartened if you don't get customers straight away. Get on the local Facebook groups as there are always people posting for a window cleaner on these, and then word travels fast. Don't just be a glass cleaner, explain that you wipe the frames and sills down too. And don't start actively undercutting other windies, as you will eventually be stuck with a run this worth buttons and your motivation will plummet.

 

[norm]

get out and make it happen and good luck :thumbsup:

loads of help on here

 

[Green Pro Clean Ltd]

All the customer really cares about is having clean windows, you car may not look as swish as some off the vans but it gets you there.

All you need is a good close shave, a smile on your face and spend £20 on a nice pressed polo shirt with you name on it so you look the part even if your car don't.

I was in a similar boat to you not too many years back and didn't even have a car at the time, just walked about with a ladder on my shoulder.

Stick it out, graft at it daily and this time next year we'll be drooling over your van! /emoticons/tongue.png/emoticons/smile.png)

Welcome! :thumbsup:

 

[Adams0211]

All you need is a good close shave, a smile on your face and spend £20 on a nice pressed polo shirt with you name on it so you look the part even if your car don't.

That's me done for then [emoji23]

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[Green Pro Clean Ltd]

@Adams0211!! LANGUAGE!!

I guess the filters aren't working! Calling big boss @Gav it seems the filters are no longer at 000 ppm !!

 

[Adams0211]

Whoops. Sorry.

I've come to rely on the swear filters. I was a little bit surprised when it didn't censor it but I couldn't figure out how to edit it on the mobile app.

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[Diwrnach]

Just get out there asap, I started with a squeegee, bucket, mop and the oldest ladder in existence, that I borrowed.

Doesn't take long if you crack on with it and don't give up.

 

[steve garwood]

Good luck mate (just keep out of Bromley lol)

 

[Rosewood]

Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life.

Tip toe if you must, but take that step.

 

[boarcity]

you should be startin tmoro, not next week or next month

in fact if you havnt started by next monday morning At the latest

then youre not going to do it

FACT

over the yrs iv read on these forums no end of dillydallyers who cant face doing it for real

 

[Green Pro Clean Ltd]

you should be startin tmoro, not next week or next month
in fact if you havnt started by next monday morning At the latest

then youre not going to do it

FACT

over the yrs iv read on these forums no end of dillydallyers who cant face doing it for real

Harsh but true.

 

[Gavin]

@Adams0211!! LANGUAGE!!
I guess the filters aren't working! Calling big boss @Gav it seems the filters are no longer at 000 ppm !!

What was the word. Might not be in the filter yet.

 

[Adams0211]

What was the word. Might not be in the filter yet.

****** [emoji6]

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[Diwrnach]

Quick everyone swear a lot like little kids before its banned!!!!

 

[Gavin]

Lol nooooo

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[Adams0211]

We should all help Gav out by typing loads of swear words so he can figure out which ones aren't in the filter.

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[Adams0211]

********, ****, ****, ****, ****, ******, ****, ****

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[Diwrnach]

**** **** **** ******* ******* *** ******

 

[Adams0211]

*****

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[Diwrnach]

Think the filter needs some work....