There is an account that I believe I have a shot at getting, doing there monthly window cleaning, with several locations, totaling over $1000. They have around 6 or so medium size panes of glass that are scratched on the tint side of the window at one of there locations. (Former employees used razor blades to remove store advertisments stuck onto tint side of windows) (They no longer put them on the tint side, but now on the outside glass because of this issue). Now I can be a hero if I offer to take care of this scratched tinting problem, and it may very well help me get the regular window cleaning work from them. FYI, I would not get involved with just the tint work by itself.
Question to you all is, if you think I should learn how to remove and apply tint? (As it can be a nice addition to window cleaning, even though I know it can be very tedious work. And no doubt a learning curve). Or should I just sub it out to another company who does this sort of work, and be done with it?
Assuming I sub it, How would I bring the sub into the deal? Have him go direct to the store? Or work for me, and therefore get paid from me after I get paid from the store? Should I add a surcharge so I make some money on his work? What kind of contract do I use if the tinting company works for me on this project?
Leo, leo, leo…
My you are an opportunistic guy aren’t you? Cleaned ANY windows yet? I’m all about learning new things, but I also believe in getting good at one thing, and then moving on to the next. Honestly, I do not know the first thing about tinting windows. If you really think you can land this deal, then just sub it out. You hire the sub, he completes the work, you get paid, you pay him, or vice versa. Could turn out to be a good relationship for both of you.
So I guess my point is - get good at window cleaning, or window tinting, or mobile drive thru window repair…whatever. Just get good, then get going…Good luck.
I have seen my share of film(tint) on windows, doors, and skylights and typically the crummy short lived results have been due to the install. I have seen bubbles as large as my outstretched hand. I have a guy who I refer not sub, because the quality of his work and his professionalism is outstanding. Which leads me to your question “Or work for me, and therefore get paid from me after I get paid from the store?” I no longer sub through anyone anymore because of this very reason. We as window cleaners expect to be paid upon completion of services(residential not route-work) so why would it be different for your sub? I have always figured that if the GC was making $$ off of my service then he should be the one to wait to get paid.
Good luck w/ the job Leo
This is a chain store, hence route-work, so I’m thinking I’ll have to wait to get paid. Not sure though. Maybe the referral thing is a good idea. That way, I’m not held liable for anything.(Presuming all goes well between them two) And I still am playing a role in expediting the job getting done, thereby becoming a further perceived point man in such issues with the store. Anotherwords, maybe it just makes me look good. Either way actually. Whether I sub it, or refer it. I’ll just have to get a feel for it when I talk to them about it.
i agree with aintjemama…
i have done my fair share of installing window film and let me tell you it is a whole 'nother animal. you dont just decided to install film one day, it takes a lot of time and patience… which i dont have either of which is why i stopped installing. also the hardest part of installing film is honestly the prep and getting the window and frame super clean… bc if you dont, you get those little bubbles around the edges…
refer the job to a company, follow up with the customer… if it works out that the company did a good job sub it next time
i am a very experienced tinter as well as window cleaner. GREAT MONEY!! if you can clean a window you can tint.made as much as $150 an hour. hardest part is learning about the tint not installing.if you need any help call me up (623)206-3860.
Leo, if you are going to sub it and take a profit, pay when sub is done and don’t eat until you get paid by the customer. If your cash flow doesn’t allow this. Sub it. Otherwise, you might end up leaving your sub hanging while you wait around - 30, 45, 60 days - for the commercial customer to play their process to payment. This happens and you lose a good sub relationship. For the time being, make the referral and get back to glass cleaning. You could charge a referral fee to the tinter, but this feels like bad business to me, so I never charge a referral fee when I pass business on. You’ll be the go-to guy again if the work gets done well and quickly and affordably whether you do the work or not.
Exactly… And if you refer some1 who’s work u are not familiar with and they come up short in any way… well then it’s u bud who the client will blame.
Do you have any customers at all? Its great that you have your mind going on how to do things, but how about sticking to working on one thing first.
How many windows have you cleaned bro?
Just LEARN Leo, if you try too hard…people will see that, and see you as a sucker that is desperate. You need to project the opposite. I know how it is when you first start, I know you have noticed alittle irritation with some responses, so before making mistake after mistake…you should listen to what is being said man. These guys have all been there, and you still may succeed, but you will have a better chance if you LISTEN to what is being said.
I have a buddy that has been tinting for 15 years now, he swears that’s why he has a drinking problem:D
I have people asking me all the time to put tint on, I won’t touch the stuff and I have several years experience with vinyl, its so much easier just to buy the pro a case of beer;) (after the work is done, of course)
:eek:
:o 
