Hi guys, I just got everything up and going for my own window cleaning company. My name is Dan and my company is Glasscleaners, LLC and I’m located in North Phoenix around Paradise Valley.
I have been cleaning windows all over the valley for about 10 years now, mostly doing work as an independent contractor for various people. After some bad experiences regarding people not paying and such I made my decision to start up my own thing. Took me a while to get the funds to make things happen and be totally legal so I don’t need to worry about anything. It’s the only way to do it in my mind. So after a couple years of thinking, planning and saving here I am.
Been reading the forum here for a long time and thought joining was a smart move. I really like the way everyone is a community and will help each other out. Sometimes people crack me up so I appreciate the stress relief as well. I think the best way to make things work is to listen to people who have companies that are going good. I’m more of an observer type than a big talker but I know people here will be great help when I do have something I need to figure out. I don’t expect much, just want to make an honest living and live life.
A little more about me is that I have lived in about the same area of Phoenix since I was born. I really don’t like heat but this is home I guess. I’ve never run my own business before and am super determined to make it work. I’m a single father with custody of a 3rd grader and supporting him is not something I can fail at so I’m highly motivated. Other than cleaning windows, which I think is the most relaxing job there is, I like to sail on Lake Pleasant just North of Phoenix and I have been known to play a video game or two. When I am not doing that I am usually playing my guitar, bass, or trying to learn to play my Roland drums.
Well, that’s about all there is about me, so hello and I’m super excited to get things up and running.
I’ve got quite a few ideas, sadly lacking in funds to do many of them. I’m not really sure what will work best so I got a copy of the Window Cleaning Marketing Blueprint book and read through it for ideas. I think for now my best bet will be fliers and maybe some EDDM when I can afford it. I’ve got a couple ideas about donating some money from sales and getting my name out that way. Any suggestions or ideas would be welcomed.
Slow so far but making progress. I already have a pressure washing guy I clean windows for which keeps me busy about one day a week. I’ve gotten everything set up like my website and had shirts made up and am awaiting some postcards so I can put out some fliers next week. I’m trying to find some good places that I can leave a stack of cards in hopes of people seeing them and wanting something done. So far I have only gotten two residential customers. Both went well and are interested in getting it done again in about 4 to 6 months.
I really want to figure out how to add one new client every day. I think that would end up being great after a little while and I’d be going good. That probably isn’t realistic at this point though is my guess. Does anyone have any secrets for picking up the first customers so word of mouth can start growing? I thought maybe I would offer everyone I know a great discount for telling one or two people each about me. I expect to be a little negative financially until things pick up anyway. Has anyone had that work out for them? I feel it’s almost unethical to have people I know review my work though. I definitely don’t want to send out the wrong image or anything like that.
Don’t go offering discounts for referrals. You risk tainting that relationship. They’ll refer you anyway. Don’t make them into your sales people. Now a thank you and maybe a Starbucks gift card sort of thing is a surprise and they will be yours for life. Also when your having that rough sales day don’t give discounts just to “get the work” it WILL work but it becomes your only tool and you’ll sell yourself out of business with it. Nothing worse then having to show up to a job you undercut yourself on every month.
You make some really good points, I wasn’t even thinking that way. You are totally right, last thing I want is to kick myself for underbidding. Starbucks card is a good idea, it’s basically giving a discount but one that is a one time thing for sure and my price remains intact for next time. I appreciate the insight.
