Hi,Im patrick,I will be starting a window cleaning buisness soon.Been remodeling bathrooms for 15 years but economy killed my fathers 45 year old biz that i joined in '95.
So,my gamble of my life is trying to start a money-maker cleaning windows,I am very particular when it comes to a perfectly clean window on my own stuff but figure I would need to accept ‘slighty’ lower expectations if I am in buisness.I signed up here and made the final decision this is my path so any and all help is greatly appreciated.
I’m the Dangerous one but you can call me Dange…Just start flosting threw and you’ll garner a bunch of hi end info…Do you have any industry questions ? That’s a good place to start !
btw,my 21 yar old son needs a summer job,is it possible to make enough money for two?
We get health insurance through wifes job so thats not a problem,but,just curious how much money
could be earned on a 22 window colonial with double hung windows and price of same house with
handwashing just exterior windows on the same 22 windows?
Really need some basic advice here,right now my dad is dipping into retirement money(thinking we dont know,lol) to pay us.
Good man I must say for a grumpy ole italian plumber! lol
Hey Ghostwriter. I am new also. Great info on here. I went to the store on this website and got the starter kit and some extra rubbers and rags. Since it’s possibly two of you, you might want a couple extra squeeges. The pros here will put you in the right direction. Welcome to the club. I’d get at least basic liability insurance. You will need to contact the state or city you will be working in to see if you need any licenses. And if you do work at Walmart, make it cleaning thier windows in your own business.
Hey man welcome pull up a chair its alot of info on here that will help you. You will be suprised how many people on here are willing to help you. And they are even nicer in person(what up Seth). If you have a question just throw it out and watch what happens.
Welcome Patrick, Almost a year ago i was just like you. There is definitely money to be made. It depends on you and how much you put into your company and how much you really want to see it succeed. I started with a 25ft ladder with standout, Smaller step ladder for indoors. 1 buck 1 scrubber and a squeegee. You can get all these supplies through WCR shop. not sure about the ladder but that is the easy part, getting all the tools needed to do a successful high quality job. Pick everyones brain here. They are more than willing to help. Also there is a lot of business tips tricks and advice in the forums to help you succeed.
So here’s my opinion for the perfect formula for getting started.
Get some customers. I’d do this before anything.
The cheapest and best way to get started is go door to door, ask if you can give an estimate, if they say yes walk around the house and put out a number (you will get the number wrong at first, this is the best way to learn) Personally I aim to make $40/hr. When I started I took anything, I think this is a great tactic at the beginning. As my customer base grew, I my price went up, I had a lot of original client quit me and some were happy to pay the higher price. As you get more clients you can be more choosie
Once you have some clients get the basics:
A. A ladder that’s at least 18 feet to get most one story and two story homes.
B. Get a squeegee, washer (can be a rag at the beginning), bucket, dawn dishsoap , and a bunch of towel. I’d say get 25 to start (these must be lint free or low lint towels)
C. Some optional cheap basics, A scaper & #0000 steel wool
This is the bare minimum of stuff to get started, you can do a great job with just this, other things help, but you can figure that out as you go.
If I was at the beginning again this is what I would do, there is tons of stuff you can buy, some of it great. There are hours of content and video on this website a lot of it good, but if you want to make money, you have to go out and get a customer. Then let it build.
Don’t get caught up in planning, this business is not rocket science. It’s hard work, and rewarding work.
There are plenty of snow/rain days that you can look at the content and videos on this website anyway.
Welcome to the worlds ultimate window cleaning website. We of course have all the window cleaning supplies you need. Check out the starter kits as a good place:
Welcome soon to be fellow window cleaner! As mentioned lots of info here on the forum, wish this was here when I started, but hey still learning from everyone here. : )
I would get a small start up kit, and I suggest a hip bucket be in that list. Especially for Res work, people don’t like dirty water dripped on their white carpet! LOL. Also buy a couple extra channels so you can cut down the size you need on the true divided light windows.
As you cold call, or canvas areas with a flyer, take time to clean your windows at home and friends and families houses. This will no doubt help you when that first job comes in.
As far as can it support two families? Many people here are doing just that and more. What you put into it… exactly my man! ; )
Thanks for all the great advice,had no internet for over a week and couldnt respond! problem corrected permanatly now
I will be picking up my starter supplies today and start on family and friends at a super low price for them as I get my feet wet(or hands) in this endeavor.I am down to one obstacle at the moment,a small truck,recently bought a 89 Mustang for 1300 dollars but will probably sell and find small truck to carry ladders and supplies.Im actually pretty nervous about this whole thing,but would imagine thats a normal emotion starting a small buisness.
Patrick
Yes, that’s a normal feeling when you start a business. Personally I still use my car (1996 Saturn SL2) for everything. I have a 18 foot cost cosco ladder ( the walmart, little giant) it costs like $200 and it folds up and fixs in my back seat. I have a 45 foot WFP (water fed pole) for all real high jobs. A 18 foot ladder will meet your need on most one story and two story homes. All my supplies fits in a trashbag full of towels, a tool box & a bucket. Don’t freak yourself out, just get out there and get a customer, friends and family are a great place to start IMO, then knocking on doors.
Once you get your first paying gig, your nerves will settle. It’s the fear of loss that’s making you nervous. Start a business is great because you are in control of how much you loss and the opportunity is endless. Don’t be afraid, you are providing a valuable service, that people need & want, this is your ability to earn income, it’s hard work and an honorable profession.
only have 6 postings so not allowed to pm yet LOL
southington is my town,let me know if you service this town and we can work something out,if not i’d love the help on getting started.
Hey, I used to go through Southington on the way to visit family in Middletown back when I was a lad. If you can meet up with Art(buddyo) sometime you’ll learn alot. He’s the real deal in WC things.
