What do you think of my beginners kit?

[Adams0211]

Hi guys,

I've been lurking on here for a couple of weeks now and thought it was about time I said hi and asked my first question.

After months of deliberation, I've decided to jack in my warehouse job and start up on my own as a window cleaner and hope to move on to other aspects of exterior cleaning when I can.

To start with, I plan to stick with my current job and reduce my hours as my own business takes off. Hopefully by this time next year I'll be able to completely cut ties with my current employer and work for myself full time. That's the plan anyway!

I'm currently pricing up kit and equipment and have set myself a budget of £2,000. That's for a small used Van (maybe a Berlingo or Kangoo - I would appreciate any thoughts on van size) ,all my trad gear, ladder, leaflets, business cards etc.

I've spent a lot of time researching kit and have come up with the following list.

20l bucket and lid with seal

Ergotec squeegee 6"

Ergotec squeegee 12"

Ergotec T-bar 14"

Ergotec T-bar 10"

Unger Monsoon sleeve 14" x2

Unger Monsoon sleeve 10" x2

Unger scraper 1.5" and blades

Ettore Porcupine 14" x2

Unger BOAB classic

Ergotec tool belt

Washed scrim 5 pack

Unger microwave 10 pack

Sills cloth 10 pack

Ergotec bottle holder for belt

Unger soft rubber 12" 10 pack

Unger soft rubber 6" 10 pack

Total cost £195.64 ex VAT

How's that look for the basics and what am I missing? Obviously I still need to think about ladders and a few other bits and I want to invest in some decent gloves and a bit of branded clothing.

I would appreciate any thoughts/advice.

Many thanks.

 

[rugbywolf]

You don't really need two T-bars and applicators, one with a sleeve is enough to start with, and it is cheaper in the long run to buy 36 or 42 inch rubbers and cut them down.

 

[Adams0211]

That's a good tip for the rubber. I'll amend my order. Thanks. For the sake of an extra few quid I thought it was probably worth having a back up T-bar.

 

[boarcity]

you can trim that list in half . and youd still have too much! my opinion , u need one 12 inch squeegee +a 6 inch channel , one 14" Tbar and microfibre sleeve and the 5 pack of scrim. a Boab and bucket ,you should already have a decent belt kicking around the house thatd be better than the cheapy bad quality belts sold for the job but are rubbish .

 

[Adams0211]

Thanks boarcity. Looks like I might have got a bit carried away. I guess I was thinking to the future a bit. Things will no doubt wear out, get damaged or break and I was thinking of stocking up a bit while I've got the cash and I'm in the position to.

 

[boarcity]

a Tbar should last 3 yrs minimum and a squeegee about the same. i spose a sleeve lasts 1 year minumum tho iv all mine from when i started 6 yrs ago and theyre still ok

keep posting when u start up on the ladders too.

 

[Adams0211]

I will do, cheers.

 

[boarcity]

as regards van , iv a Partner/berlingo van , i rate these vans . however if i was going it solo id choose a saloon car over a van every time , theyre looked after better for starters ,+ have a lower roof line for puttin ladders on and off .

i used a car my first 2 years and new customers always run over to a lad with a car with homemade signs / whereas a posh van they think u might be pricey . 2 lads i knew ran a red Merc 250 saloon, can u imagine swanning around in a Merc , i was as jealous as hell of them.

avnt seen them in quite a while having said that.

 

[Dave B]

Saying that boar I'd rather have a small van with the roller on the back of the roof bars instead of lifting my heavy ladders on and off the car

 

[Dave B]

I agree with boar but you need a decent pouch for your belt..the one i use has 2 compartments ..1 for sill cloth and small scraper and 1 for microfibre and little velcro front pocket for a few business cards and spare blades etc

http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/unger-ergotec-pouch.html

I have just recently replaced my home bodged one for this also..really handy and will have saved more than enough without the extra tbars

http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/BSBTH.html

 

[boarcity]

Saying that boar I'd rather have a small van with the roller on the back of the roof bars instead of lifting my heavy ladders on and off the car

roller bar! thats a downright luxury if ever there was one.

 

[Dave B]

Just getting older mate

Why lift em if i can roll em

 

[boarcity]

View attachment 3087 the stuff of dreams, the roller bar

 

[boarcity]

View attachment 3088

 

[TolishAPurd]

Agree on the rubber. I reckon I would switch out the small scraper for a 4or 6 inch as this will help with the first cleans on the early days. Those small scrapers are a bit pants especially when they get wet. I wouldn't bother with the ergotec belt either,just get the basic model or do as boar said. And I would add a bigger channel into the mix like a 16 or 18 for those bigger windows. But ultimatly you will find what works for you like everyone else has done.

A pole and a wagtail would help for those dodgy windows too if you are feeling flush.

 

[Posh]

Yes defiantly need a pole. Handy for so many things. Small steps as some ground floor windows are quite tall.

 

[Dave B]

I don't use steps

I just use the 1st section of my triples

 

[norm]

your a big boy daveyboy1 /emoticons/biggrin.png

 

[PTWC]

Get a 6" t-bar, mop and a 6" squeegee for those small windows. An absolute must in my area where there a lot of small window panes.

Good full length roof rack with roller, well i couldn't work without it personally.

 

[Adams0211]

Get a 6" t-bar, mop and a 6" squeegee for those small windows. An absolute must in my area where there a lot of small window panes.
Good full length roof rack with roller, well i couldn't work without it personally.

I've ordered it all now and got a 6" T-bar and squeegee. I picked up my van the other day and it already had a full length roof rack with roller. It has a tow bar too so I'm well chuffed with it.

 

[boarcity]

so youre RRRRready , exciting times ahead .

and how lucky is that to get a roller bar , its a good omen is that