How to start a window cleaning business

Starting a business can be a challenging task, and the window cleaning industry is no exception. However, if you’re looking to be your own boss, work on your own terms, and make as much money as you want, then starting a window cleaning business might just be the right choice for you. In this article, we’ll provide a general overview of how to start a window cleaning business and discuss why it could be a good business to start.

Why Start a Window Cleaning Business?

Cheap to start with great rewards

One of the biggest advantages of starting a window cleaning business is that it requires relatively little start-up capital compared to many other types of businesses. Yet, the potential rewards can be significant if you put in the effort.

Your going to need insurance so check out our post about: insurance needed for a cleaning business

Be your own boss

Owning a window cleaning business means you are your own boss. This provides you with more control over your working hours and the work you take on.

High earning potential

As a business owner, you have the potential to make more money than you would as an employee. The earning potential will depend on various factors such as your pricing strategy and the number of customers you have.

All year round repeat business and one-offs

Window cleaning can offer both repeat and one-off business. This means that there is the potential for steady business throughout the year.

Flexible hours

Another benefit of owning a window cleaning business is that you can choose when to work. You can decide to work part-time, full-time, or even just on weekends.

How Much Do Window Cleaners Make?

The amount of money you can earn as a window cleaner will depend on various factors such as your location, pricing strategy, and the number of customers you have. If you work for a window cleaning firm, you can expect to make minimum wage or slightly higher. However, if you own the business, you can earn between £180 and £300 a day.

In the first year, you may earn between £100 and £200 a day while you’re still learning the ropes. However, once you have a lot of customers close together, you can expect to increase your earnings.

Starting a Window Cleaning Business

1. Business name

The first thing you’ll need to do when starting a window cleaning business is to choose a name. You should think about your long-term goals and consider if you want to add additional services in the future.

2. Legal structure

At the beginning, it’s advisable to start as a sole trader so you can start earning money quickly. This is something you can change down the line if you want. You’ll also need to get insurance, and you can check out our post about the insurance needed for a cleaning business.

3. Equipment

There are two ways to clean windows: the water-fed pole method and traditional window cleaning. The water-fed pole method is considered the best by many because it can clean hard-to-reach areas, guttering, and high-rise buildings. However, it does require a higher start-up cost. Traditional window cleaning is cheaper to start and easy to replace equipment, but it has some limitations.

4. Learn window cleaning

Learning how to clean windows is not difficult, but it can take some time to perfect. Once you’ve purchased everything you need, practice on your own home, and then move on to friends and family’s houses.

5. Finding customers and marketing your new business

Marketing your window cleaning business is crucial to attract customers. There are many ways to market your business, including offering a cheap service or a more professional quality service.

6. Staying organized

Once you start getting customers, you’ll need to keep everything organized. This includes planning

Equipment

One of the most important things to consider when starting a window cleaning business is the equipment you will need. There are two main methods for cleaning windows: the water-fed pole method and the traditional method.

Water-fed pole method

The water-fed pole method is considered by many to be the most efficient and effective method for cleaning windows. This involves using a pole with a brush and water jets to clean the windows, without the need for ladders or scaffolding.

Pros:

• Can clean hard-to-reach areas
• Can be used to clean gutters, fascias, and soffits
• Can clean up to 3-story buildings and higher
• Easy to clean the frames at the same time
• Safer than the traditional method

Cons:

• Higher start-up cost
• More equipment to manage

Traditional method

Related: Window cleaning equipment

The traditional method involves using a squeegee, bucket, and ladder to clean windows. While this method may be cheaper to start with, it can be less efficient and more time-consuming.

Pros:

• Some customers prefer this method
• Cheap start-up cost
• Easy to replace equipment

Cons:

• Some windows cannot be cleaned using this method
• Can only work up to 2 stories
• Chance of falling from the ladder

Learning window cleaning

Learning how to clean windows is not very difficult, but it does take some time to perfect. The best thing to do is to practice on your own home first, then move on to friends and family’s houses.

Finding customers and marketing your business

Once you have your equipment and training in place, you’ll need to start finding customers and marketing your business. This can be one of the most challenging aspects of starting a window cleaning business, but it’s essential if you want to be successful.

Here are some tips for finding customers and marketing your business:

• Offer a discount to new customers
• Offer a referral program to existing customers
• Advertise in local newspapers and online directories
• Hand out flyers and business cards in your local area
• Create a website and social media accounts for your business

Staying organized

Once you start getting customers, you’ll need to keep everything organized. This includes planning your rounds, keeping records of customers, and keeping receipts for end-of-year taxes.

To stay organized, you may want to consider using job scheduling software. This will help you manage your appointments, track your income and expenses, and stay on top of your paperwork.

Upselling add-on services to customers

To increase your turnover, you may want to offer add-on services to your customers. These can include gutter cleaning, soffit cleaning, conservatory cleaning, roof cleaning, and patio and driveway cleaning.

However, it’s important to master window cleaning first before adding additional services. Otherwise, you may get carried away and end up offering services that you’re not properly equipped or trained to provide.

Conclusion

Starting a window cleaning business can be a great way to become your own boss and earn a good income. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful business.

Remember, it’s important to invest in quality equipment, training, and marketing to ensure that your business is a success. With hard work, dedication, and a commitment to providing excellent customer service, you can build a thriving window cleaning business that will provide you with a great income for years to come.