Here are Some tips for Commercial and Residential Window Cleaning
Q - What exactly is tempered glass?
A - Tempered glass breaks into small pea size pieces when broken. It is found in almost every public place. Here
are some things to remember when cleaning off stickers and debris: Use a new razor blade for scraping. Stainless steel
is the best, but pricey. Scrape tempered windows after wetting it with window solution. Always scrape in one direction. Back
and forth will trap debris under the razor's edge and may cause scratches. Wipe your razors off as frequently as
possible; the least amount of debris to expose to the glass the better.
Q - How much money
can be made in window washing? 
A - The exact amount will vary on certain things, but you should be able
to make at least 25 to 40 dollars an hour. Let me explain some variables. When I first started window washing, I made great
money. However, right now I can work much faster. I do the same quality work as before, but I am quicker now because of my
experience. My customers pay me the same amount for 15 minutes of work now that they did when it used to take 30 minutes.
Remember, customers won’t care how long it takes you to complete a job; only that you show up when you say you will
and do a good job. Initial bids you make will also be a determining factor on your hourly wage, and you will want your clients
to be as close together as possible to save drive time. I started out bidding on strip malls. I might service 50 to 100 percent
of the businesses there and make 80 dollars or so in just a couple of hours.
Q
- Is there allot of competition out there?
A - There certainly is competition,
but not nearly enough! Unlike many other professions, the window washing business has a great need for responsible workers.
Simply said, there are not enough window washing professionals to meet the current demand. I don’t see this changing
for quite some time - perhaps never. Also, the service is incredibly affordable for a typical storefront merchant. Your average
ticket price might be somewhere between 12 to 15 dollars. That is a very inexpensive bill for any business.
Q - Should I wear some kind of a uniform?
A - A uniform is not necessary, but it is a good idea. In any case looking
professional is a must. You are selling your service and representing yourself as a businessperson in your community. Shoot
for the top! Currently, we both wear a logo on a t-shirt designed and printed by a client of mine. I did a trade for the service,
so the actual cost was just a little bit of time.
Q
- What is better, commercial or residential window cleaning?
A - The first year for me in the window washing business I did both. Now I just
do commercial accounts. You can be sure that if you only do commercial work people will still ask you to clean there windows
at home. I get asked this question quite often from bystanders. Also, your commercial clients will ask you to clean their
windows at home. What I like about commercial work is that you have jobs all year round. Typically, you would service
them every other week. Residential window cleaning is seasonal, but it is also more lucrative. It's just a matter of your
preference in work, and how you want to market your business. I prefer commercial, probably from my retail background, but
my partner prefers residential window cleaning - to each their own!
Q - When is the best time to start a window washing business?
A - Any time. I started mine in January and Bob started his in August. You will find that
some businesses already have a window washing service, but they are not happy with the current service. By that I mean
they do not show up when they say they will; only when they feel like it. Remember, with commercial accounts they need service
all year round. You will find that most restaurants are desperate for your service because they serve food and want their
windows to always look great. In my opinion, that would be a good place to start.
Q
- Is window washing hard to do?
A - Not at all. There is some bit of technique to washing windows
though; just like anything else. It is pretty much straightforward work, and you will get faster the more you practice. I
find window washing to be very relaxing. There is no pressure, my kids come along sometimes, and I never have any worries.
After doing other kinds of work, I can definitely say that this is very refreshing career. In addition, it is common for your
customers to be very loyal. You get to know them very well after a while, and they become your friends. In my opinion,
that is how work should be.
Q - Will this business work outside of the United
States?
A - Yes it will. We have sold training packages in many countries outside of the USA including
Australia, Canada, France, and the UK. You may find our window cleaning forum very useful in connecting with other window
washing pros in similar circumstances. The price you set for your service will certainly depend on the economy, but I understand
that businesspeople and homeowners in different parts of the world are very proud of their real estate and enjoy keeping it
pristine. Also, you may find that your competition is limited; in such a case one may be able to charge a little more!
More window
cleaning tips in our Window Washing Action Plan and Training Manual. . .
(One more - courtesy of Detroit
Sponge and Chamois!)
Relationships are all that matter in business. For that
reason, you must start thinking in terms of clients, not customers. Why?
Let me explain.
A customer is someone who buys your services. A client is someone who is under your protection and care. When
you make all your customers feel like clients, you won’t need to worry about competition, low-ball prices, or one-shot
sales. Give your clients your time—don’t rush the
conversation. When the client stops by to chat, stop what you’re doing and chat with them. Come On, I Don't Have Time For That!
If you doubt what I’m saying, think about
how you feel when you talk to someone who keeps on working and doesn’t look at you, versus when someone stops his work
to talk with you. That last one makes you feel like you’re important to them, right? When your client talks to you, ask questions about their business. Ask about their goals. Look them
in the eye. When they finish talking, ask a question. Make it
a point to communicate with owners at least once a month, and talk with them about premium services you offer.
Inject humor whenever possible. It’s just easier to be around and hire upbeat people. Everyone likes to talk to people
who make them laugh and smile. Use humor to put your clients at
ease and you’ll be building a rapport that makes you immune to competition.
