Since as of right now I only plan on cleaning windows temporarily and part time at first (unless I can get a lot of customers come spring) do I or should I have a business name? Is it worth it to invest in fliers and business cards? I was thinking it may be a good idea because I am starting in the wintertime so I need all the help I can get to sell cleaning services. Do I have to be licensed to be able to file taxes and write off items? Is there any one type of business setup that is best for this type of work, LLC, Inc? Do I need to be using distilled water and be bringing it with me to the job? Lastly (just for now I’m sure) do you guys tell the customers how you charge or do you just give them an estimate? What if they ask how you charge? I was just wondering this when I was thinking about how I’ll add drive time to their bill and what to say to them about that. I know that the busy season is spring and fall, but how to you get and keep busy during the middle of that such as in July? Once again, thank you to all.
-Evan
Evan,
You can start as a sole proprietor. I wouldn’t go with an LLC or corp until you decide to do this permanently. Look at Vista Print. Cards are free if you just pay shipping. Lots of cheap was to advertise. I bring water from my home, but I don’t have a water fed pole. I’m a squeegee guy. Tap water with dawn and glass gleam 4 for soap solution. You need to find out from your local city or county as to whether you need a license. Here in Idaho, I just register the name with the state as a DBA (Doing Business As) and no license for the city.
I charge by the window. I tell my customers how I came to the price I charge.
When I first started I wanted to wait until I had enough customers to actually go and register my business, but after thinking about it I just went ahead and registered it once I found a name that I liked.
Also how much more legit are you going to look with an actual business name, you might find that some people will rather hire someone that is an actual business than someone that seems they will be here one day and gone the next.
I think charging for drive time to each job is a bit ridiculous.
Charge a fair price for window cleaning and you won’t have to ask how to nickel and dime your customers.
Oh I thought most people charged for that? I was talking to some carpenters and electricians and they said they incorporate drive time into and estimate.
Carpenters and electricians and plumbers will do what they do.
I don’t think a professional company charges each customer for “drive time” because a professional company doesn’t charge by the hour. They charge for a result… In this case, clean windows.
So charge enough for clean windows that you don’t have to charge for “drive time.” Most people don’t like extra fees like that.
Ok I understand what you mean.
Build it and build it right no matter what the business and then if you want out someone will pay you for your effort.
