It’s a strategic decision to start a window cleaning business. There are many benefits:
- You get to work outside.
- Startup costs are low.
- You don’t have to spend much time learning how to do it.
And you can grow quickly or slowly if that is what you prefer.
Before becoming a professional window washer, it is important to understand how the business works.
Find a mentor
Bottom line, you owe yourself the responsibility to get your business off to the best possible start. You can avoid many mistakes business owners make when they start servicing their businesses.
This is a business you could learn by yourself. Yes, it is possible to learn the business yourself. However, having someone trustworthy who can help you streamline the process might be beneficial.
Enhance your customer service skills
Window cleaning is a competitive industry. It would help if you offered something that your competitors don’t. Customer service is key. Before thinking about supplies, you must focus on these areas.
Appearance
You must present a professional image to potential clients. Make sure your tools are clean and your service vehicle is spotless. This will make it easier for potential clients to see you or your workers. Asking customers if they prefer that you wear masks or shoe covers will elevate you to the top.
Communication
The client must clearly understand the estimated cost of the job, the time it will take to clean, and the final price. Clear and concise communication is essential regarding estimates, invoices and time frames. Your customers will be more trustful if you communicate well. Building a relationship with your clients is possible by treating them as people and becoming more familiar with their work.
Efficiency
Customers don’t like to delay the process. Customers want it done quickly and with minimal errors. The software can play a major role in this, whether it is for pricing, scheduling, or managing your window cleaning business.
Establishing a Business
You have learned from the best and have all the necessary equipment. Now you can shine with your soft skills. It’s time to establish a legal entity that provides legal services in your locality.
Registering your business is a must. You can choose to register your business as an LLC or a sole proprietorship. Although it may be more expensive, an LLC license will provide greater protection and separation from you. It’s the best legal option if you plan to grow the business to include other employees.
Next, open a bank account and register for the accounting program. This will allow you to track business expenses, record income received, and track open accounts still awaiting payment.
Protect your Window-Washing Business
Even if you are careful, accidents can occur at any job site. Window-washing can be dangerous because you must climb ladders and use extension poles. Insurance protects you, your employees and your company. In addition, having insurance greatly improves your legal standing in front of your clients.
Here are some essential points to remember:
Liability insurance
Suppose you’re working in a house and accidentally drop a tool onto the client’s car. You are protected by liability and don’t need to pay out of pocket or out of business.
- Workers Compensation Insurance
This is required regardless of where you live. A workplace compensation board will be established in your locality. The board will take a percentage of your company income to pay your employees in the event of workplace injury.
- High Rise Window-Cleaning insurance
Because of the high stakes in high-rise construction, you will need additional liability insurance workers’ comp. You and your employees might be required to be certified and trained in safe work practices and specialized equipment.
Budgeting for a Window-Cleaning Company
Although the overhead of starting a window-washing company is lower than other labour jobs, it is still significant. If you have the right tools and software, the startup cost could be as low as $1,000.
This doesn’t mean you should use inferior tools and software because they are cheaper. To generate repeat business, you want to ensure that the work you leave behind is as good, if not better than your local competitors.
This should be the average starter kit for window cleaning:
- Minimum one squeegee
- Towels and microfiber cloths
- An extension pole
- Cleaner solution and buckets
- A ladder
- Bidding and Invoicing System
Deciding on Pricing Strategies
It would help if you determined how to price window-cleaning jobs in your window-cleaning business plan.
You might consider charging per square foot if you plan to work in office buildings. These jobs require a lot of time and are inefficient. If you’re working in a smaller, private home, it may be best to charge per window as there aren’t many windows to clean.
For medium-sized homes, you might want to establish pane–to–pane pricing. This usually ranges from $2 to $6. For large houses, it is more efficient to take the hourly route.
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