How to get started in the business of window washing

[One Tough Pressure]

Tip: How to get started in the business of window washing


By Taf Baig
Window washing is labor intensive, so it’s important to use proper cleaning techniques.

The most popular and professional window cleaning methods are “fanning” and “swirling”.

Fanning, also known as “snaking,” gets its name from the movement of the squeegee across the window.

Experienced cleaners, who move the squeegee side to side in what appears to be one single, graceful movement and rarely lift the squeegee off the window, use this method more often.

Swirling is much faster and leaves fewer rubber marks than simple straight down or straight across squeegeeing.

Once cleaners know the swirl, they can just slide the squeegee back and forth across the glass in one motion without taking the squeegee off the glass.

Rely on customers

Your existing customer base is usually enough to start this business without any cash outlay. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to sell your window cleaning service.

Here are some other inexpensive ways to market this service:


Distribute business cards in all commercial buildings in your area.

Visit all grocery stores, schools, retail stores and all smaller buildings in your area, such as apartments and churches, that can easily be serviced with a ladder.

Add the words “window cleaning” to your lettered trucks.

Clean customers’ homes and offices for free in exchange for putting your sign in their windows.
Show me the money!

Keep your employees on a commission basis and use contractors who provide their own supplies, if possible.

Charge customers by the hour, whenever possible. If you can’t, figure out how long it would take you to clean a certain size window and convert that to the labor rate.

Window cleaners only charge $25-$40 an hour, but you can still make a nice profit.

With a bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing and very little cash, Taf Baig started a carpet cleaning company in 1991. He built it into a successful turnkey operation. In 2003, he sold his carpet cleaning company to concentrate on teaching others to succeed in this business. He is also the founder of Magic Wand Company, an industry respected supplier of carpet cleaning products.

[simonb]

Hi Guys
I'm from the UK. Here we knock on doors and offer our services.
Simon

[James]

Window cleaning takes a lot of pratice- Commercial is much easier than residential. It's the only surface where both side have to be cleaned to do a quality job.