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So first off thanks to everyone for their help over the last 18 months or so. First ever clean of someone else's house today! It was only a small house 6 windows and 2 doors. It was for someone I sort of knew. Had a look round to 'quote' first. The windows weren't bad really. Couple of blown units but she was aware of this. So sprayed a bit of ubix on scrubbed and all good, lots of rinsing. Masses or rubbish in the expansion gaps, took ages to 'jet' out. Overall I spend 50 mins doing the clean. Customer was very happy, booked in for 6 weeks time. Even received a 20% tip!!!

....this year......11 jobs cleaned(8am-3pm)an hour for lunch/dodging the heavy showers,chatting to customers,etc.... 1.office block £60-00 2.office block £60-00 3.office block £65-00 4.house £40-00 5.house £40-00 6.narrowboat clubhouse £18-00 7.house £13-00 8.house £30-00 9.house £45-00 10.house £12-00 11.house £18-00 =£401-00 Not every day is this good but nice when it's due....

They aren't the only ones to bring out their own range of jet capsules to suit their brushes. Although the jets are more expensive as an accessory, the capsule can be fitted to a brush in seconds. This is a cost saving on the drama of assembling a brush for a customer order. So the labour cost saving negates the cost of the more expensive jet capsules. Their brush range is still cheaper than the equivalent brushes sold by Xline for example. Many years ago Facelift was the market leader with their range of carbon fibre poles. Their prices were eye watering and their poles were heavy.

Our Ched has a big day tomorrow! Starting out with canvassing and recruiting for his new window cleaning business start up after a long time studying and planning while on lockdown. I'd like to wish him the very best in his new venture. He's been a great asset to the forum already and he hasn't even started his business yet. Astounding!!

Go for it. I’ve gone to four days a week and wish I’d done sooner. Every weekend now feels like a mini holiday and I’ve noticed I have more energy now in the four days I do work.

Unfortunately when starting out it’s difficult to turn work down but in the long run it’s worth it , build slowly but with good customers nice priced jobs and jobs that you will want to do there is nothing worse than thinking I have to do xxx next week and not wanting to do it , sometimes the job is ok but the customer is more trouble than they are worth so it’s best to say no and walk away , I do that all the time now , I priced a job this week at £40 right on a main road so gets filthy difficult parking unless you run out 80 meters of hose and park off road , he said my last cleaner char

I cleaned for one of my customers today and she informed me that I probably won't be able to access the windows as the house will be surounded by scaffolding on my next visit. I replied by saying just let me know when they've finshed and I can pop back to clean for you. She replied saying that when I'm there again next month (this is a four weekly clean) I must knock on the door so that she can still pay me; I asked her why? She said that as I'm running a business I shouldn't refuse the regular payment for her clean as it's not my fault she's having work done on the house. How lovely is that?

I think deep down we are all nice blokes, and if we were in a bar we'd have a right laugh! It just when you read something on a forum you cannot gauge what context it is written, as you don't have a face, or a voice tone to gauge it by. So its easier to offend, or be offended due to the lack of contextual information. and no I am not on the Cognac tonight.

I used ladders for 24 years and quite enjoyed the challenge of reaching those few awkward to reach windows for most of that time. Then I made that one error of judgement whilst working from height that cost me two lots of surgery, nearly two years off work and a lot of pain, and I will be paying for it until my old age due to ongoing complications. And what for? Simply cleaning windows! I am very grateful for WFP coming along when it did as it allowed me to carry on in a job I enjoy doing, but I do wish I'd gotten into it out of choice rather than necessity. All you guys out there st

I’d personally do it my self. You can pick the houses etc. Canvassing isn’t that bad once you start, it’s almost fun. Plus your saving money too. Sorry I know that’s not what you asked.

Update 2 Weeks in. The weather has been great here for the last 2 weeks. We have dropped about 1000 leaflets and have 12 customers with about 4 more that didn't take up the quotes. About 1.2% conversion, I am happy with that as I wasn't sure on prices but as most are accepting I think it's about right. The cleaning has all been good, it is taking me way too long but I am making sure it's a great clean and lots of rinsing I am gradually learning little things as I go, like trying to hold the bottom of the pole if possible so I know where the end is, watching were pole hose is etc.

I remember him. He was a good laugh. I enjoyed the forum a lot more in those days. It was informative without all the bragging that some bring to it now., and they also knew how to bring some fun to the forum. Also miss Tuffers, Mr. Bump, Evie Stevie, Posh, Tolish a purd, Tench and several others whose names I forget

There are some things in our trade that work in our favour as businesses, at the moment. There are an astronomical number of houses being built. Every penny has to be physically worked for, physically earned. Unlike office or shop work, though these have their own challenges that would not suit me. Not everyone is willing to do manual work day in, day out. Not everyone is physically or mentally able to do it. Not everyone is willing to work relentlessly in most weather conditions. Not everyone has the business wisdom and imagination to maximise profit while minimising effor

My phone as been non stop, have been passing lots of work onto other windies. I still go and quote the odd job but we are always under pressure and behind, seriously thinking of going down to 4 days a week, need more work/leisure balance cleaning windows day in day out is soul destroying honestly believe working 4 days will restore my will to live

An update after my first week as a windy. First thanks everyone for all their help. So started Monday with a customer - acquaintance. That went well, all nice and clean customer happy, paid cash plus tip! Then we stated leaflet dropping. Over the 5 days dropped about 600 so not masses but a start. Had 1 customer email saying they had 12 windows but I said I would come and quote, turns out they had 17 windows and doors! Good job I went to quote, they were happy with price Did the job there and then and a day later she paid double the invoice! I guess it was for next clean? Did 2 quot

I admire @scottish window cleaner . Even though my previous post might have looked like I was mocking him, I absolutely was not. I do admire the man, he gets it done. I just find it tickles me that when he's going to do different types of jobs he has no hesitation in getting the kit he wants to get. He enjoys his work. It's almost a hobby to him, we can see that by his enthusiasm. Good for him, I wish I had his energy. I think it's great to be able to make your hobby your paid work. No different to being a paid fitness or football coach or a paid kayaking or mountaineering guide or coa

Smurf was a great guy for HnS tips when I first started

who wants to work 16 hours days?thats not success its being a busy fool with no other life outside of work.......25 hours a week window cleaning and earning 50k a year is success in my little world....it leaves me with plenty of time for hobbies,family and walking the dog!

We will do awkward windows and have quite a few jobs that others said couldn’t be done but we do charge a premium for doing them I say if I have to use a 2k pole to do the job it has to be replaced when it’s worn out si it will be xx tk clean that window most are happy to pay a few arnt

You don't have to reach every window just because you're a window cleaner. It's perfectly acceptable to just say that the window is inaccessible so you cannot do that particular window. When I first started I thought it looked unprofessional not being able to do them, so I'd say something along the lines of 'I can't currently reach that window but I'll look into getting an extension and then I'll do it at a future date'. Now I just don't bother, I tell them straight up that to do it will cost me 200 quid in kit so it's not financially feasible to do it, they tend to understand but it's

no......ive never done this in 28 years of window cleaning....customers have to pay full price or no clean..... special "offers" only attract penny pinching customers....i dont want that sort of customer on my books

Disagree with this one mate. Lad that works with me uses a Gardiner backpack on a trolly. 3 days a week, 12 days a month. Never misses a beat!

Hi everyone. I’ve posted a few messages on this forum recently but I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Simon and I’m a window cleaner in Barnet, North London. My work is approx 65% residential, for which I use the reach and wash system, and 35% commercial (shops). I’ve been a window cleaner for nine years, most of which time I’ve been viewing and learning a lot from messages on this forum, and feel now that I’ve gained enough expertise to give my own tips and advice. Who knows, if I had been posting from the time I started, by now I could have been up there with @Pjj a

Thanks so much gents, very kind of you to remember. I have my first customer to do tomorrow!!! So packed the car up ready. All 6 barrels filled with pure all ready to go. The first custy is one of our dog groomers. We mentioned that I was going to be cleaning windows about 3 months ago and she said she needed a windy! I said that we were not starting till second jab had taken effect and she said fine. So on Friday we took the dog to the groomers and asked if she had found a windy. She said she borrowed a ladder and tried herself!!!! Anyway I am going to clean her windows Monday afternoon

Ordinary I'd agree, however, I'm two years post separation from my ex wife and as our youngest adult son has autism and needed a stable home I willingly gave up £350k equity from our home and started rebuilding a deposit for myself. £3k is the income, you've got to deduct the cost of running the van, advertising, providing the equipment and all other associated running costs. What's left is profit and then the HMRC want 20% of that for doing the square root of f*** all. Despite all that, I'm doing well and if I keep grinding it out hopefully I'll have a place of my own in the not to

You just need to know how to clean properly with wfp NEVER OFFER TRAD AS AN OPTION , shear madness .

Just a quick update. Been using the Xtreme 22 along with the Xtreme brush and I have to say it is amazing. Wish I got it sooner. A joy to work with. Light & rigid. Genuinely don't feel like I've worked at the end of the day. And a massive plus is that my wrist seems to be getting better too. Very happy. Worth the money.

im 50 in october.....8 guys i grew up with,one who was a very good childhood friend have all been pushing up daisies for the last 4 or 5 years,some died 10 years ago in their late 30s..... when im lay on my deathbed i wont be saying "i wished id worked a bit harder or longer"...its BS..... i dont drink beer and havent got a beer belly........i like lifting weights and playing drums in my spare time......

i dont have a website or facebook for my business....all new work comes from walk ups,word of mouth and recommendation....i get a steady trickle of enquiries all year round.... its very important to keep taking new work on IMO. no matter how many years you ve been going... 1.it keeps your round fresh and more compact 2.we all lose jobs here and there due to death/moving/cant afford it,etc 3.gives you a chance to price new jobs higher 4.you can replace/dump those less than ideal jobs all our rounds need constant refining to make them as profitable as possib

Don’t know anyone who uses a scaffold tower to clean a conny roof. Totally unnecessary faffing about assembling that. Done hundreds through out my career with a ladder with zero issues

I agree @Den and @Chris34 We turn down several windows that we could reach with our 30 footer, we just say we can't reach. We very rarely use the 30. 22 ft does pretty much everything we're prepared to do. We don't swap poles or brushes throughout the day either, no matter what the window type unless we're doing a soapwash. In which case I'll swap to an older pole and brush. It isn't like golf or going from fly fishing to spinning where different gear is needed. Along with the cost of buying extra poles or extensions don't overlook the extra time effort and hassle involved. Keep it simple, e

My dad used to say don’t have things you can’t afford and I never have i wouldn’t lease a van at 3600 a year either and have nothing to show at end of 3 years paid 10k for nothing when I could have nearly paid for a brand new van . I can buy one for 5-8k that will last me 5 years possibly and even get a bit back at the end of it no brainer

Yeah @Cookie! The amount of times I have had that with phone enquiries. Also with neighbours next door or across the road from jobs I'm doing. "How much? My house is the same as this one (they very rarely are the same). I always take a proper full walk round and do a mental rehearsal. I want to see the full layout and the run of the place. Gates, obstructions, delicate trinkets, extensions, conservatories, awkward windows (there's nearly always at least one). I never sign up for a pig in a bag.

Referrals - missed that one thanks @spruce great advice. Just had another txt for a quote from Fridays leaflet, popped round as it was only 3 mins away and another custy So up to 7 now

Hi Inked It is a shame that your unit has had these issues - whilst these units are built to a price, the vast majority do not have the issues that you have experienced - even after years of use. We do indeed have these blue shells in stock along with most components for these backpacks. As explained due to the age of the unit, the undefined nature of the leak and your other issues experienced it would be better for us to have this back and properly sort for you. I believe that the team have offered that we will collect from your house or you can drop off at MyHermes if easier for yo

In a way true but the English culture is cheaper goods rather than quality. If that way changed and people thought quality and bought British then we would be a striving economy. Take the Germans and Swiss who only like quality that is why their economy is strong. Ebay and Amazon destroy local local businesses with fake and money laundering sellers. China now are destroying National parks in Africa with their mining. China basically owns Africa and they now have the power on raw materials. People when they see a picture of a hunter in Africa they are up in arms but they kno

I run a one man band window cleaning business in Liss/Petersfield, not too far from Farnborough. I'm happy to show you how I run my admin, generate work, earnings potential, how to trad, WFP etc. You could probably get everything you need to know in one day.

A swivel really helps getting awkward windows.

I use the expression “ if the wheels are turning we arnt earning “

He's certainly well prepared and deserves the success that should bring.

Well done. Putting your child first irrespective of your ex. Well done. Way too many parents can't put kids first. So we'll done. Hope you have a place of your own soon and your son can come and call it his second home.

poor bloke.. so easy to be distracted and not notice what's above you.

Very sad , I think this is a good reminder to all of us to be vigilant around power lines and always look before moving with the pole extended , this could happen to anyone of us .

To be fair it's about bloody time!! I was beginning to think summer wasn't ever going to start!!

Hi, Neil is the name and yes I run www.stayclear.com.au Your quite right, generally most clients are 1, 2 or 3 times a year, but then the homes have no comparison to the UK. Many take upto a full day to do and most cleans are inside and out. Bigger homes, bigger windows equals bigger charge but you get to do them on a less regular basis. I left the UK (Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire in 2004). The homes Ive been doing are huge! I managed to get into the luxury home market when we lived on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Due to the inept state government their and numerous

Thanks for the recommendation! They're on eBay if you use it: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363328912409 My seller name is rootek-designs. They aren't really couplers (although I'm working on one) Rather, they are extra tough protective covers for Rectus 21 type couplers. There are two versions: The Original which Pjj & Jango have earlier versions of, and the Slim version which I assume Iron Giant is using? Pics below. Any questions, please feel free to pm me. (you can buy direct with 20% discount for forum members)

I don't have a problem with doing one offs. I charge appropriately. Makes no difference to me. It's an extra bit of income. I wouldn't want or let it be the mainstay of the business.

tbh chris none of the above appeals to me.....the great thing about window cleaning is its a simple,straightforward business... 1.i text the evening before (customers who have locked gates)so they know im coming.... 2.most customers pay by BACS within 14 days(as stipulated on slips through the door)i very rarely have issues...if i do it takes 2 seconds to email them a statement of account or for them to check their online banking for a transaction.. 3.i never offer the customer anything for free(i havent in 28 years of window cleaning)

I wouldn`t even entertain the idea of a stingray on a extension pole. Even more useless.

When you switch, be confident about the method, it genuinely is better. But be prepared to back up your assertion with a very good clean because they will be taking detailed notice the first clean or two. This is problematic, as you will be obviously inexperienced with the method and you'll be cleaning windows that have never been wfp'd so they will be a lot harder to get perfect. It's going to be a hard slog getting them all cleaned and switched over and will take you longer than it did trad, but it will be worth it as it will be much much faster after that. I find it takes a