elbie
Coffee Maker
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« on: March 11, 2010, 12:14:37 AM » |
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Hi all.
This may be a long post, so best grab a coffee now...
I'm looking for feedback whether I'm on the right track. Hopefully I've read the board enough times to get the hang of the basics, although I realise some things might have changed.
Quick background. I work fulltime but may lose job in 3 months or so. In any case, I'm looking to start a part time weekend window cleaning business which will be extra cash and "insurance policy" if the worse happens.
I want to do it properly and professionally, though, rather than just jumping on the bandwagon with a squeezee and a bucket.
Pre-start-up -
CRB check
BWCA WFP course
Quotes for insurance
Time spent practicing with real window cleaner (labour for experience - anyone near Colchester who is interested?)
Time and practice on own andfriends/neighbours windows
Get 0800 number
Get website sorted
(I'll carry on in another post as this forum entry box keeps going funny if I type too much)
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paneintheglass
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« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2010, 12:22:19 AM » |
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get the quotes for insurance, bucket and squgee seems better idea to me to start as you wont have much cash if you lose job and can always change to water fed pole at later date, although if you have cash you could go diy route which would start you up cheap. Find someone to work with to get free training while giving them free labour, you will learn more there than any course, forget the 0800 no. crb and website, and that course for now they are things you can do later, not sure where ur planning on cleaning windows to need a crb check though. Oh and get out knocking doors and get some custies
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elbie
Coffee Maker
Posts: 6
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« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2010, 12:22:55 AM » |
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Start up -
Order T-shirt
Order double sided leaflets (quick detail one side, more detail the other - I'll discuss content later)
Make welcome pack
Get equipment - although will get earlier to practice (may need your help here guys, but will leave this until later, but basically I'll be working from car so I'm guessing trolley WFP system is best? Not sure about specs and costs yet)
Marketing
1 week before canvessing, do the leaflets (how long does it take you - 100/hr?)
Canvess (not looking forward to this, but no choice at this stage I guess - more questions to follow)
On the welcome pack and leaflet will be the free wash for a referral (do you also give a free first wash as well?)
Collections
Offer collection (last resort), look into Freepost SAE (why waste a stamp if they don't use it?) (EDIT - £76 for an annual license for Freepost - stuff that) and Paypal on the website.
Once I get going -
Try to put money aside for canvessers as well so if I go full time I can recruit someone to help build a round quickly.
Later on add other services such as gutter clean, driveway cleans, etc to build income during good weather, increase spend per customer and compensate for rubbish winter/rainy weeks.
(Cont.)
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« Last Edit: March 11, 2010, 12:59:53 AM by elbie »
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green and gleam
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« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2010, 12:27:32 AM » |
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i think your trying to run before you can crawl
forget the wfp training
do get some shirts
make some leaflets your self do everything nice and easy and learn dont spend money unless its earning you money
do go arround and see what the market like for what you want to sell
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im a very very intelligent idiot  |
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Peter Fogwill
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« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2010, 12:29:30 AM » |
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(I'll carry on in another post as this forum entry box keeps going funny if I type too much)
Has anyone else noticed this? I thought it was just a problem I had, it's a nuisance. Peter |
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Peter Fogwill You are not allowed to view links.
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elbie
Coffee Maker
Posts: 6
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« Reply #5 on: March 11, 2010, 12:29:46 AM » |
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Last one for the moment... I know there are quite a few new window cleaners starting up, so to try and stand out I'm going all out for the professional apprach and offer stuff which others don't (CRB - marketing - "Can you trust whos doing your windows" type of thing, Insurance - marketing - point out danger of hiring non-insured window cleaners and BWCA course - not sure how much use this will be, but people like to see qualifications plus I think I get a card to hang roundmy neck". I know several on the board have been cleaing for years and probably think some of this may be overkill, but to get the best start I'll use everything I can. While its something I want to do, there is no immediate urgency so have plenty of time to practice plus if it all goes boobs up I can sell everything anyway for a small loss. I have a f/t job plus a couple of other income streams so money, up to a point, isn't an issue to get wfp and marketing materials (but not much more  ) so I might as well use it. I live in a village between Colchester and Clacton in Essex - cheapskate area  Anyway, all advice welcomed, and thanks for reading (if you're still awake) |
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« Last Edit: March 11, 2010, 12:33:10 AM by elbie »
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paneintheglass
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« Reply #6 on: March 11, 2010, 12:30:16 AM » |
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i think your trying to run before you can crawl
forget the wfp training
do get some shirts
make some leaflets your self do everything nice and easy and learn dont spend money unless its earning you money
do go arround and see what the market like for what you want to sell
good advice, to many blow aload of cash on vans and stuff bfor they even have any customers, yes it's tax deductible but you have to be earning it first |
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stuart mci
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« Reply #7 on: March 11, 2010, 12:32:16 AM » |
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(I'll carry on in another post as this forum entry box keeps going funny if I type too much)
Has anyone else noticed this? I thought it was just a problem I had, it's a nuisance. Peter nope all ok here peter |
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what rain mrs
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paneintheglass
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« Reply #8 on: March 11, 2010, 12:34:05 AM » |
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(I'll carry on in another post as this forum entry box keeps going funny if I type too much)
Has anyone else noticed this? I thought it was just a problem I had, it's a nuisance. Peter only if I'm quoting someone keeps going up the page, still types though |
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elbie
Coffee Maker
Posts: 6
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« Reply #9 on: March 11, 2010, 12:40:47 AM » |
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Thanks for replies so far. Didn't really expect any replies so soon. Thought I was the only who put stuff on forums late at night. May be I need to get out more...
I know where you're coming from re. money - one reason why I want to do a course and pick up some experience first to make sure I enjoy it and think I can do it - although I realise there is a difference between an easy course and a sunny day with doing it for yourself in a cold wind with the rain drizzling down...
Any money I put into this I look as lost and have to be prepared to lose the lot. Hopefully it won't come to that, but thats the way I look at it. If I am jobless, then money will be tight but while I have the money now to spare (kind of) then I may as well use it to set up while I can while I have it. I don't have a reputation or years of experience behind me, so will have to go that bit further to start with.
I know I may be spending more than strictly necessary, but with so many people out there doing it, I need to stand out and use every trick. If you're good at what you do, why not shout about it is my way of thinking. Need the practice first, otherwise I'll look an a*se if I can't clean a window no matter how good the guff.
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« Last Edit: March 11, 2010, 12:55:07 AM by elbie »
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green and gleam
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« Reply #10 on: March 11, 2010, 01:06:30 AM » |
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i agree you do need to stand out from the rest but there are many ways to do that being polite and honest is a good one. i think first start by watching you tube on the squeegy method we got the best one here for that his name is wagga than as your building the round and your getting money from both windows and your other work start investing it in use your other job to help and support, but make it pay for its self. then as your coming up to a hundred custy then look at the wfp option or when you think its right. there are loads of post on here about doing things right take some time and go through the catagories and pet the owner alwasys on hand to help as are we all  |
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im a very very intelligent idiot |
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paneintheglass
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« Reply #11 on: March 11, 2010, 01:15:47 AM » |
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the info. on this site is invaluble if you browse the posts, or use the search to find something specific. There is everything from gettinging ur custies, best equipment, water fed pole when on a budget also large friendly community that usualy can answer any questions
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aquatech
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« Reply #12 on: March 11, 2010, 01:15:54 AM » |
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Whats your name mate and where are you based ? if your close enough I will give you some experience on WFP and dont mind taking you out for a day or so.
Steve
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frankybadboy
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« Reply #13 on: March 11, 2010, 09:17:06 AM » |
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bobby p
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« Reply #14 on: March 11, 2010, 09:20:50 AM » |
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i dont understand why you say "any money i put into it ,i look at as lost " . if you put your HEART into it you will be alright,but its not about flinging money at it . living where you are ,theres bags of houses, if i was you id start this coming weekend ,saturdays only (trad) and build gently
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leothelion
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« Reply #15 on: March 11, 2010, 09:28:49 AM » |
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hi, U dont need a web site or 0800 number just yet imo,also wfp training dont bother,get out there get established then maybe in 2-3 years then do it.
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45south
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« Reply #16 on: March 11, 2010, 10:08:06 AM » |
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Once you are sure window cleaning suits you, then of course trad is vital to learn but at the same time an entry level wfp set up (backpack perhaps) would keep you safer and enable you to do jobs that you may not feel comfortable with doing trad.
I have had to learn both methods at the same time and without wfp I would struggle on some jobs.
Hope it goes well for you.
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aquatech
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« Reply #17 on: March 11, 2010, 10:34:22 AM » |
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Ive helped train 2 people now and both are experienced in the art of wfp and the Ionics roadshow rolls on |
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elbie
Coffee Maker
Posts: 6
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« Reply #18 on: March 12, 2010, 11:32:11 PM » |
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Thanks guys for all your responses. Have also ordered some trad gear and will get practicing on that as well as back up, as well as insides, but ultimately will be going down wfp route once I get going "properly". At least the missus and the neighbours will be happy with all the practice I'll be putting in - will have cleanest windows in the street Website - I've found a guy who is happy to do one for me for free to help build his portfolio. Result. Anyway, thanks again and I'll keep you posted with progress. Steve - many thanks for offer. I'm in east Essex, but happy to travel to learn from someone who knows what they are doing - a small cost now should pay off inthe long run. Will PM you nearer the time, assuming thats ok. Have a good weekend... |
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ronnie B
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« Reply #19 on: March 12, 2010, 11:34:54 PM » |
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elbie
Coffee Maker
Posts: 6
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« Reply #21 on: March 12, 2010, 11:43:32 PM » |
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Let me rephrase for all you jokers out there - someone who knows more than me, at least which shouldn't be hard at the moment at least... |
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wagga
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« Reply #22 on: March 12, 2010, 11:48:53 PM » |
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(I'll carry on in another post as this forum entry box keeps going funny if I type too much)
Has anyone else noticed this? I thought it was just a problem I had, it's a nuisance. Peter Yes, but as i am often a long poster i was bound to get this. the whole page seems to twitch up an down.  |
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aquatech
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« Reply #24 on: March 13, 2010, 12:03:36 AM » |
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Window Cleaning Equipment Forum
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