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starting out using trad

fozzer

New member
Messages
10
Location
liverpool
hi guys so I have recently just got in to window cleaning but have only done my own windows using trad I want to start developing a round my only concerns are the ladders the ones I have got are heavy and at present can not drive (working on getting my licence) i will only be doing ones on my estate, what can I do to prevent it from slipping without someone footing it.

any help much appreciated

thanks in advance

 
ladder spikes are what you need . mine are fitted permanently year round, id not ne without mine.

 
Good luck ! These guys on here I believe are the best they have helped me heaps ! With answering my stupid questions ! And overall everyone here has a great sense of humor you will learn a lot from these old timers

 
foot the ladder - YouTube

this is what u need there ace there is a few other different types u can get to b honist with in a few months of wrking u should not need it as u will get a fiel for the ladder an no its limits the only time i use this is on wet decking an wet slipry tiles ect

 
can someone recommend me some ladders that are light and will reach semi dethatched bedroom windows. as I have no car working towards licence.

 
This might be controversial, but this is just what I would do if I was in your situation, so take for what its worth.

The reality of the situation is that unless you are very lucky, you will struggle to get enough customers within walking distance in your first year to match even the crappest of jobs IMO. So with that in mind...

I'd have a 1 year plan.

I'd forget all about setting up the business until I get my driving license, (but I would at least get all my ducks in a row, as well as offering my services to neighbours/friends on a casual basis, (basic tools only).

I'd get any job that pays a reasonable wage to get regular money coming in.

In that year I would achieve my license, have a business name ready, have a website in the process of being set up.

I'd save all the money from my job and get everything to a stage where it is ready to go,but without investing any money at this stage....

I'd get a list of all the tools I need, and all the places I will buy them from.

I'd get a list of suppliers for branded gear, business cards, flyers etc. And have all the in for ready for when I need to pull the trigger.

I would use the full time job to build up enough money to buy all I need, as well as enough to pay my bills, and any other outgoings for at least 3 months. If you are still living at home you should be able to save loads, it only gets harder as you get older.

When the year (or whatever time period you give yourself) is up, if you still want to do it, you will have everything you need in place... Buy the car/van, and all the gear you need, and go for it!

*In that time I would also read every thread that has been posted on here, as well as using the search function to fill in the blanks./emoticons/wink.png *

 
hi guys so I have recently just got in to window cleaning but have only done my own windows using trad I want to start developing a round my only concerns are the ladders the ones I have got are heavy and at present can not drive (working on getting my licence) i will only be doing ones on my estate, what can I do to prevent it from slipping without someone footing it.
any help much appreciated

thanks in advance
images


if you got no one to foot you, I'd treat your self to one of these for decking coz u will go skating.

Me and my bro use double 11 rung ladders for residential.

I personally hate "A"frame ladders and think they need a hammer taking to them. When doing ups they leave a load of shite on the frame which can make you infuriated.

But I do use a 6ft "A" for doing downs.

hope this helps.

 
This might be controversial, but this is just what I would do if I was in your situation, so take for what its worth.
The reality of the situation is that unless you are very lucky, you will struggle to get enough customers within walking distance in your first year to match even the crappest of jobs IMO. So with that in mind...

I'd have a 1 year plan.

I'd forget all about setting up the business until I get my driving license, (but I would at least get all my ducks in a row, as well as offering my services to neighbours/friends on a casual basis, (basic tools only).

I'd get any job that pays a reasonable wage to get regular money coming in.

In that year I would achieve my license, have a business name ready, have a website in the process of being set up.

I'd save all the money from my job and get everything to a stage where it is ready to go,but without investing any money at this stage....

I'd get a list of all the tools I need, and all the places I will buy them from.

I'd get a list of suppliers for branded gear, business cards, flyers etc. And have all the in for ready for when I need to pull the trigger.

I would use the full time job to build up enough money to buy all I need, as well as enough to pay my bills, and any other outgoings for at least 3 months. If you are still living at home you should be able to save loads, it only gets harder as you get older.

When the year (or whatever time period you give yourself) is up, if you still want to do it, you will have everything you need in place... Buy the car/van, and all the gear you need, and go for it!

*In that time I would also read every thread that has been posted on here, as well as using the search function to fill in the blanks./emoticons/wink.png *
words of wisdom

 
I have six sets of ladders dotted around my town. I cover areas with each individual set of ladders. I have over 300 on my books now and in my 5th year. Just plug away at it. First couple of years are key. Very hard Building the round is hard, lots of first time cleans . You can under price jobs etc. But. once you get the experience. You'll soon learn. It's an ongoing learning curve. ABRU 4.7m are the best I have come across for foot work. Light and only 2m. You can get them even cheaper at a Homebase or B&Q 15 percent off weekend. Window Cleanesr were using ladders a long time before motors came along. Get as many bungalows, ground floor shops as you can. You ain't got to fork out for fuel and all that sign writing. You will see it all. People spend a packet and they crash and burn. Keep things simple and work hard. "You cant do this, You cant do that". I disagree. You will not know until you try. I cant see (visually) well enough to drive. It's the mentally of people that gets to me. You can achieve your goals with a positive attitude and willing to work for it..... Good Luck...

 
Have you considered using a wagtail on a pole rather than a ladder? It will defiantly be easier to manoeuvre and keep you on ground level. Id consider that if I was on foot, in fact it was a similar method I used to start out. Take a look on youtube for examples on method. Good luck!

 
Or you could take advice from @Green uses @boarcity has first hand experience of how they can let go in the wet and then you're on your arris

 
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