Business plan help needed

[JamesHoll]

Hello guys 

again new guy wanting to start up and wanting help with a business plan any advice tips or help appreciated 

 

[ched999uk]

Unless you need funding what do you think a business plan will give you? In my experience it's just based on guestimates. 

 

[JamesHoll]

Unless you need funding what do you think a business plan will give you? In my experience it's just based on guestimates. 

Sorry probably a stupid post I don’t need the funding I just need advice really I don’t want to be one the eBay guys with all the gear and no idea then sell the van at a loss I need some guidelines or goals that are realistic to stick by probably something I can do myself as everybody is different but basically Im starting up from just watching videos and reading on here haha 

 

[Part Timer]

The first thing you need to find out is there a need for your services and then set your budget. All this will depend on your circumstances, how much do you need to earn a month to pay bills and how much money do you have left after you've bought your equipment.

If your relying on earning straight away I'd recommend you have at least 3 months, preferably 6 months, money set aside to pay your bills.

Only you know the above so we can't help you on that.

 

[ched999uk]

Sorry probably a stupid post I don’t need the funding I just need advice really I don’t want to be one the eBay guys with all the gear and no idea then sell the van at a loss I need some guidelines or goals that are realistic to stick by probably something I can do myself as everybody is different but basically Im starting up from just watching videos and reading on here haha 

This forum is really great it has all the info you need but you also need practical experience. Have a search for 'starting up' type of things here as there are tonnes of posts and great info. Every area is different be that prices or competition. Use google and search for 'window cleaners near me' and see how many come up!!!!

Have a look at @HWCS thread below, he and his girlfriend/wife worked mega hard and the thread is a great record of his journey: 

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Hello guys 

again new guy wanting to start up and wanting help with a business plan any advice tips or help appreciated 

Are you trying to apply for a loan or just planning your business on paper? 

There are plenty of templates available through Google, prince's trust, business bank and so on

You'll need to hone your resourcefulness from the start as this is your business and self help makes up a large portion of a business. 

Company Name

Outline business idea 

Cash flow forecast 

Survival budget and so on 

 

[JamesHoll]

Are you trying to apply for a loan or just planning your business on paper? 

There are plenty of templates available through Google, prince's trust, business bank and so on

You'll need to hone your resourcefulness from the start as this is your business and self help makes up a large portion of a business. 

Company Name

Outline business idea 

Cash flow forecast 

Survival budget and so on 

Just on paper mate got the Gardiner slx 22 pole and just ordered the pure freedom nano trolley with 8 drums I’ve got tdm of 96 so going to use a static di tank and filter for now going to coat around 2p a litre resin wise but have the advantage of it being at home instead of using spotless enquiring into uniform today going for some berghaus branded work wear so I lol professional also deciding on a leaflet design and my plan is to just knock street to street with my trolley and leaflets to hand to demonstrate or maybe even a free clean on sign up 

 

[Pjj]

Just on paper mate got the Gardiner slx 22 pole and just ordered the pure freedom nano trolley with 8 drums I’ve got tdm of 96 so going to use a static di tank and filter for now going to coat around 2p a litre resin wise but have the advantage of it being at home instead of using spotless enquiring into uniform today going for some berghaus branded work wear so I lol professional also deciding on a leaflet design and my plan is to just knock street to street with my trolley and leaflets to hand to demonstrate or maybe even a free clean on sign up 

NO NO NO NEVER OFFER A FREE CLEAN 

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Just on paper mate got the Gardiner slx 22 pole and just ordered the pure freedom nano trolley with 8 drums I’ve got tdm of 96 so going to use a static di tank and filter for now going to coat around 2p a litre resin wise but have the advantage of it being at home instead of using spotless enquiring into uniform today going for some berghaus branded work wear so I lol professional also deciding on a leaflet design and my plan is to just knock street to street with my trolley and leaflets to hand to demonstrate or maybe even a free clean on sign up 

Do not offer any free cleans or competitions. Your time is worth money.

Practice on your own home or direct family but charge everyone else 

https://www.startuploans.co.uk/business-plan-template/

 

[JamesHoll]

NO NO NO NEVER OFFER A FREE CLEAN 

Thanks for the heads up ?

Do not offer any free cleans or competitions. Your time is worth money.

Practice on your own home or direct family but charge everyone else 

https://www.startuploans.co.uk/business-plan-template/

Thank you 

 

[Deleted member 7446]

Just on paper mate got the Gardiner slx 22 pole and just ordered the pure freedom nano trolley with 8 drums I’ve got tdm of 96 so going to use a static di tank and filter for now going to coat around 2p a litre resin wise but have the advantage of it being at home instead of using spotless enquiring into uniform today going for some berghaus branded work wear so I lol professional also deciding on a leaflet design and my plan is to just knock street to street with my trolley and leaflets to hand to demonstrate or maybe even a free clean on sign up 

Please make sure you get PLI insurance. It's something many don't budget for 

 

[Jaygti]

Just on paper mate got the Gardiner slx 22 pole and just ordered the pure freedom nano trolley with 8 drums I’ve got tdm of 96 so going to use a static di tank and filter for now going to coat around 2p a litre resin wise but have the advantage of it being at home instead of using spotless enquiring into uniform today going for some berghaus branded work wear so I lol professional also deciding on a leaflet design and my plan is to just knock street to street with my trolley and leaflets to hand to demonstrate or maybe even a free clean on sign up 

Absolutely no gimmicks or demonstrations.   
Most people just want their windows cleaned they’re  not that fussed how it’s done. 
Just knock on the door and say “ I clean the windows of a house nearby and was wondering if you need a window cleaner too” or something like that. 
Most will say “ no thanks” or “ I’ve got one” .

Then just keep going until you find someone .

Never mention you’ve just started.

Practice on your own windows and frames and relatives 1st until you know you can do a good job. 
Don’t worry about speed, that will come later  Quality is everything.

expect knock-backs, but try to ignore them.

If you in a saturated area expect a long slog to get established.

Hope it goes ok??

 

[Adman]

I echo above. Don't need a business plan as such, but you do need to understand what cashflow you need to get you through your first 12 months.  From memory I needed about £20k for van, equipment, marketing etc and to cover loss of earnings in the first year (compared to my old salary to pay bills, feed kids etc)  I had savings and was the breadwinner so needed to go at it hard.  Others can survive on / with much less.

 

[laddergarder]

I think there is two things that may help; a business plan, then a business model.

Model being how it's going to work, and business plan being how your going to build it.

There is no point blindly building something that won't work, and there is equally no point drawing up plans for something you can't afford to build.

Your going to have to;

Get all the equipment you need

Practice, so your competent

Workout your likely running costs

Creat a pricing structure

Market your service

Lots of time, money and effort. Which are all limited. 

I'd get a financial forecast drawn up, so you know what everything is going to cost and where the money is coming from.

You also have to have cash flow, build up a little reserve before splashing out on any unnecessary equipment, costly marketing etc.

Having a little savings, or even a part time job while you build your customers up would also be advantageous.

 

[K in Kent]

The best custom software development company will also be able to work closely with your management and technical personnel. This will allow you to get the most for your money, while ensuring that the final product is the best possible choice. It will be able to help you avoid mistakes and provide your business with a competitive advantage. This is especially important if your project is complex or time-consuming. A custom software development company should be able to handle projects of any size, from small to large.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude as I'm sure your post is well intentioned, but quite frankly it's cloud cuckoo land.

"management and technical personnel"??  , "custom software development company" ??

He's a one-man band so there are no personnel and no budget for paying for software development. Then there's the question of what good is an app? He should be concentrating on establishing an online presence and creating a website, and perhaps developing a brand locally and promoting it. Online aspirations need to be realistc and a ranking website will pay dividends in the longer term. Leave apps to on-demand services like Uber and Pizza Hut.

 

[dazmond]

Please make sure you get PLI insurance. It's something many don't budget for 

It's only £80 for 1 million cover.thats all you need as a sole trader IMO...