How's everyone getting on??

[Danfire]

Time to spend some money to reduce it a bit ???

Been doing that every year, branded workwear, new poles, gutter vacuum, new van. I don't need anything else to do the work I do. Could get myself another new van but there's nothing wrong with the one I've got.

 

[Part Timer]

Been doing that every year, branded workwear, new poles, gutter vacuum, new van. I don't need anything else to do the work I do. Could get myself another new van but there's nothing wrong with the one I've got.

Have you got hot water ?

 

[Danfire]

Have you got hot water ?

No, my set up is fairly cheap. A bigger van with a hot water system would certainly wipe out a good chunk of this year's profits. If I was ten years younger definitely something I'd consider. I'm 51 this month and my current van and set up will probably see me through to when I jack it in. Can't see me doing this job in ten years time.

 

[Pjj]

Have you got hot water ?

Heyyyyyyy that should be my line ??????

 

[swc1]

Heyyyyyyy that should be my line ??????

Guess @Part Timeris just quicker to get a jab in ??

 

[steve garwood]

It’s about bloody time hot water was mentioned on here ??‍?

 

[mike007]

Marketing is the key to success in this business. 

Once you find what form of marketing work best in your area....its all about hitting that form of marketing constantly and hard. 

Keep your marketing simple, people dont waste time reading paragraphs (generally), they want their problem solved (dirty whatever) and you offer a solution then all they want to know is contact price and availability. 

Remember, peoples life dont revolve around window cleaning ect.

Us window cleaners only care about it ?

Window cleaning in the USA is a different dynamic than in the UK. You rarely do domestic on fortnightly or Monthly schedule. Constant marketing is only needed here if your operating more than as a sole trader, otherwise non retention of customers will usually other than the normal losing one or two, down to poor workmanship or attitude.

Been doing that every year, branded workwear, new poles, gutter vacuum, new van. I don't need anything else to do the work I do. Could get myself another new van but there's nothing wrong with the one I've got.

What about hiring a sexy 22 year old blonde as a personal assistant!!!

 

[mike007]

No, my set up is fairly cheap. A bigger van with a hot water system would certainly wipe out a good chunk of this year's profits. If I was ten years younger definitely something I'd consider. I'm 51 this month and my current van and set up will probably see me through to when I jack it in. Can't see me doing this job in ten years time.

Wait till taxes etc rise to pay for Covid....you will still be working in 10 years.

 

[swc1]

It’s about bloody time hot water was mentioned on here ??‍?

Agreed! Know we are only missing the word "Pub" ?

 

[scottish cleaning service]

Very busy, getting an add-on nearly every day now.

 

[swc1]

Window cleaning in the USA is a different dynamic than in the UK. You rarely do domestic on fortnightly or Monthly schedule. Constant marketing is only needed here if your operating more than as a sole trader, otherwise non retention of customers will usually other than the normal losing one or two, down to poor workmanship or attitude.

I agree most stateside window cleaning company's here do 2x a year service for domestics.

But here I'm the odd man out...

My customer base is only 4weekly cleans! 

I learned awhile back constant work and cash flow is a way easier way to do things. 

You guys are doing it right, carry on! ?

 

[dazmond]

No, my set up is fairly cheap. A bigger van with a hot water system would certainly wipe out a good chunk of this year's profits. If I was ten years younger definitely something I'd consider. I'm 51 this month and my current van and set up will probably see me through to when I jack it in. Can't see me doing this job in ten years time.

why not?i know 2 window cleaners who are still window cleaning and both are in their mid 70s...they look years younger than they are and both are still on ladders too!?

 

[steve garwood]

why not?i know 2 window cleaners who are still window cleaning and both are in their mid 70s...they look years younger than they are and both are still on ladders too!?

Good for them. But I’m with @Danfire here.

I intend to stop before I’m 60. World cups, The Ashes, Euros intending on living the dream ???‍?

 

[dazmond]

I hope I'm still healthy enough to be window cleaning well into old age...I never want to retire altogether if I can help it....

 

[dazmond]

Good for them. But I’m with @Danfire here.

I intend to stop before I’m 60. World cups, The Ashes, Euros intending on living the dream ???‍?

Window cleaning has never stopped me watching football.....?? hate cricket so no loss there for me....

 

[mike007]

I hope I'm still healthy enough to be window cleaning well into old age...I never want to retire altogether if I can help it....

Lot of hours to fill if you retire fully.

 

[steve garwood]

Window cleaning has never stopped me watching football.....?? hate cricket so no loss there for me....

Not just watching on tv, I’m talking about going around the world for these events.

Lot of hours to fill if you retire fully.

I have a mate who owns central glass. It’s a window/shop fitting company that installs in London and Kent.

I might do one or two days a week for him as it’s what I used to do. 
All  overheads and paperwork etc will be down to him.

I won’t need the money, but it will keep my hand in so to speak.

Got my golf, Millwall, fishing, motorbikes.

Been doing this for around 26 years now, so will be glad to do something different part time ??‍?

 

[Iron Giant]

I hope I'm still healthy enough to be window cleaning well into old age...I never want to retire altogether if I can help it....

I am the same, I don't see myself fully retiring doing 3 half days a week for example would keep me out of the house and bringing in a decent wedge but also have the time for other things as well, 

Around here in normal times, so many retired guys just go to the pub to pass the day away and socialise noting wrong with socialising but I want my days to be filled still but far more on my own terms so a light workload would keep me ticking over physically and mentally. 

 

[dazmond]

Not just watching on tv, I’m talking about going around the world for these events.

I have a mate who owns central glass. It’s a window/shop fitting company that installs in London and Kent.

I might do one or two days a week for him as it’s what I used to do. 
All  overheads and paperwork etc will be down to him.

I won’t need the money, but it will keep my hand in so to speak.

Got my golf, Millwall, fishing, motorbikes.

Been doing this for around 26 years now, so will be glad to do something different part time ??‍?

Hate golf

Hate fishing

Hate motorbikes(too many guys I know have died on them)

Millwall?as a man city fan since 1971 I dont think we are supposed to be friends???

 

[dazmond]

I am the same, I don't see myself fully retiring doing 3 half days a week for example would keep me out of the house and bringing in a decent wedge but also have the time for other things as well, 

Around here in normal times, so many retired guys just go to the pub to pass the day away and socialise noting wrong with socialising but I want my days to be filled still but far more on my own terms so a light workload would keep me ticking over physically and mentally. 

I agree...the 2 older window cleaners I know both have holiday homes and are just topping up their pensions and both work 3 or 4 mornings a week...they both look fit and healthy...one of them has been window cleaning since he was 18!so 57 years window cleaning!??

 

[Iron Giant]

I agree...the 2 older window cleaners I know both have holiday homes and are just topping up their pensions and both work 3 or 4 mornings a week...they both look fit and healthy...one of them has been window cleaning since he was 18!so 57 years window cleaning!??

Pensions of the future will pay peanuts unless you are paying in now as much as you want at retirement looking at pension projections and even paying in 1k a month isn't going to give anymore than that back,

I will work as much or as little as I want and have a good life while doing so ensuring I look after my family.