I met a guy in Missoula that has a window bidder on his web sit (Hanson and Hanson Window Cleaning). Check it out. It basically comes out to:
Inside and outside on ladder $9.00
Inside and outside on ground $7.00
Outide only on ladder $6.00
Outside only on ground $4.00
Does that ring reasonable to most of you guys or should I bump it up little?
Also, I was thinking about making construction cleanup an additional 30%.
Your thoughts and insight are appreciated.
Window pricing varies greatly across the country. Here in Iowa I can’t get what a wcer in Cali. So those may be accurate pricing for your area.
Depending on the window conditions I charge 2-3 times my regular price for CCU work.
How long have you been a professional window cleaner?
That’s pretty reasonable pricing, at least in my area. Not outrageously high, but not unprofitable either.
But, you may want to think about charging different amounts for different windows. Customers don’t need to know the prices you charge for every window until they get the estimate, so even if your pricing system is complex it wont really matter… only you need to know it.
I may say I charge $6 for an average sized double hung, but my definition of average is probably different than the next persons. I’ll charge slightly more for a larger one. I also charge a flat ladder fee per house ($10/1 story needing 6 footer, $20/2 story, $40/3) and usually a buck per screen.
If the house looks like it’ll be a real pain, I’ll tack on a few extra bucks to make up for it. As long as the customer is aware of this when they get the estimate and before they schedule, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it.
When I started I did the flat rate pricing for awhile. Cheap, cheap prices… like $99/2 story home in and out. That certainly doesn’t work. Charge based on difficulty.
Edit:
That guy’s estimator app is pretty sweet.
I’ve been hitting it hard for 4 months but have been cleaning windows by request for about 5yrs.
Over that time, haven’t you ascertained what price level meets your income requirements? Why do you seek the input of others out of your service area?
For wisdom man, wisdom. The previous fellow mentioned that he charges a flat fee for ladder work. I appreciate that info. That helps me. It won’t work for me but it is a great idea to tuck under my hat.
There are no more than 10,000 people any direction 60 miles from my house so although I’ve hit it hard it has been slim pickings just yet. I’m preparing for growth and education is part of the process. So is nailing down a system for charging people reasonably and fairly.
This forum has been a great resource in helping me with ideas.
Try calling up window cleaners in your area and see if they will help. There are a bunch here in San Diego, and most of us pretty much charge around the same. The prices you are talking about are pretty low for my area, I dont charge per window unless its a townhouse or apartment and then I will charge according to how bad the windows are, but I wont even do a townhome for less than 100.00. Even if it only has 5 windows.
A general bidding rule that I use is .10 cents per square foot, which works out well, that is for in/out and screens, no tracks…tracks are 5-10 bucks each for me.
If you call other window cleaners you can keep your price the same (roughly) as theirs, and everybody is happy.
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A general bidding rule that I use is .10 cents per square foot, which works out well, that is for in/out and screens, no tracks…tracks are 5-10 bucks each for me.
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I kinda use the same thing. Most houses average (at least in my area…and note that I did say average) around 1-1.5 windows per 100Sq ft of living area. Some more, some less. I used to charge about $0.10 to $0.18/sq ft.
I still do this as a part of my formula, but now I also do a window count and price per each. I take the two estimates and look at the time its going to take and make a choice. Some clients I can go high, some I have to go low. But either way, there isn’t exactly one specific formula for everyone. It all depends on too many variables.
Thanks. That is our company site, with an Estimator page.
It has proved invaluable in assisting customers in our area. (Missoula, MT)
I have always cleaned windows at a “per window rate”. At times there is a need to add something extra for impediment factors, etc.
At the rate that we charge, we can make an average of $70 per hour. So, a couple of factors in estimating are what do the competition charge, and, how efficient is the window cleaner. We have good squeegee technique and do not have to stand in front of a window and wipe missed areas and drip lines.
Key factors to us in our business is using a chemist’s solution made in Spokane, WA, and a water purifying device in our bucket. It allows us to work more efficiently, and spend less time wiping edges.
I got one of those devices from Greg for my bucket and one for my wife’s and have noticed a difference. I am able to use a little less soap and still have glide in my water. Thanks Greg.
Would you mind telling us about the “chemist’s solution” and the “purifying device”?
Also, you mention squeege technique. Is that simply the super swirl method?
It is hard to give a price without looking at a job. What if they have storm windows or they are painted shut? You might have lots of obstacles in the way to move on the inside. You may have to use a 40 ft ladder on a hill in the back of the house. These prices are a good guide line but every job is different
Spend some money on Straight Talk About Window Cleaning Bidding by John Baxter. Almost all the window cleaning supply houses around the country carry it.
If you use the prices you mentioned it will be a nice start, in my opinion. You may be a bit high you may be alittle low for your area, but I think you’ll be in the ball park.
There is a wealth of knowledge here on this forum but I still think you should buy the book. 
You are very welcome. Has worked for us during the past ten years.
Eric: The chemist’s solution is called Window Sheen, and is sold at a janitorial supply store in Spokane, WA. Bill Murry was the formulator of the solution. He informed us in 1997 that fifteen labs had been unsuccessful at breaking his formulation down. The active ingredients are, simply, a citrus base with aloe. Super concentrated. They used to sell a 16 oz bottle for $32.00.
As for the “purifying device” I am not sure if that is something that I can discuss on this forum.
The squeegee technique is the swirl method. Combining the solution, an effective technique and other factors in our bucket gives us a distinct advantage over our competition.
[QUOTE=As for the “purifying device” I am not sure if that is something that I can discuss on this forum.
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Come on, don’t hold out on us. Where cane we find out info on this water purifier?
Got any more in Greg?
There are two additional factors I consider in pricing. One is an artificial ceiling on pricing. It seems this year I’m discovering that people become very resistent when the price goes above $500.00 unless it involves multiple buildings. I’ll bid one home at $485 and another home 1,500 sq. ft. larger with comparable configuration at $585. The first owner thinks the price is great. The second owner thinks the price is way too high.
Second, a good deal of my summer business is people from all over the US. So, I’m constantly being compared in every way - price, technique, speed, customer service, tools - to their home based window cleaner. “Back home they would charge more/less.” “I’ve never seen that kind of window washing before.” I enjoy hearing about what’s going on in other parts of the country, wether from my customers or from this board.
Eric
You could contact me privately.
Either Email or telephone. (Hanson and Hanson Window Cleaning)
