Free Window Cleaning Tips

05/12/2007 by admin.

Free Window Cleaning Tips

Traditional Window Cleaning Tips
 
1. Use The Right Tools - First of all, use the right tools. Seems like a silly point to start off with. Trust me, there are so many people that start out and use the wrong tools in this business. If you can, use a professional squeegees, soap and applicators.

2. A Clean Scrubber – There are many window cleaners that start the job off with a dirty scrubber. Make sure it’s a clean scrubber or lamb’s wool applicator, sponge and/or porcupine cleaner. Put it this way - a dirty applicator can leave dirt behind on the window and a very unhappy client. All you need to do is rinse the scrubber frequently, if you are cleaning several windows - especially the really dirty windows.

3. Holding the Squeegee Correctly – Try and hold the squeegee at an angle so the water runs down the glass; I’d say a 45 degree angle. You don’t want water flowing from both ends of the squeegee.

4. Have A Selection Of Channel Sizes or Squeegees – Throughout your window cleaning round, you’re going to tackle many different types of windows coming in all shapes and sizes. Having a wide selection of channels or squeegees will help you no end.

5.Wipe the Blade - After each squeegee stroke, always wipe the rubber blade with your lint free cloth. Placing a wet squeegee on the glass will leave a blade mark. You will get good at quickly wiping the blade.

6. Don’t Cut It In Too Close – Try to overlap each squeegee stroke by about 1½ inches if you can. Angle your squeegee so the water flows towards the wet window surface on the window, don’t cut in on the clean and dry area.

7. Be Conservative With The Water – What does that mean? Try not to use too much water when you’re applying the scrubber to the surface. I know it’s easier said than done, try practicing at home or on a friend’s window to get this technique just right. You actually want the dirt to come off the window with this solution, but not too much that you’ve got your own water shower going on leaving water on the sills!

8. Shake The Mop/Scrubber – When you’re cleaning windows outside, get rid of the excess water by shaking the scrubber in an upward/downward motion away from any windows. This will ensure the right amount of solution being applied to the surface.

9. Use Less Water Inside – If you’ve got a window cleaning job inside, use even less water than you would outside for obvious reasons.

10. Remove The Clutter – If you are cleaning inside, always remember to clear all items and clutter from the window sills (better still, ask your clients to do it). This makes your job ten times easier and allows a better clean.

This article has been written by Joe Polanksi-Smith http://www.firstchoicemarketing.co.uk/Window_Cleaning_Tips.html who is the man behind the famous Advanced Window Cleaning EBook and AdvancedPro Window Cleaning eBook found at http://www.firstchoicemarketing.co.uk/AdvancedPro_Window_Cleaning_eBook.html.

He is also a keen contributor to http://howtostartyourownbusinesstoday.com that’s a new blog for people wanting to start their own business.

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TOP TEN TIPS FOR WINDOW CLEANERS

02/12/2007 by admin.

TOP TEN TIPS FOR WINDOW CLEANERS

1. Always call the client the day before the clean. This also helps as most people will have a lock on their gate. Calling them the night before enables them to remove the lock for you.

2. Always be kind and courteous when speaking to your clients. These people represent your bread and butter and will more than likely refer you to friends and family.

3. Try to close all gates or garages after you’ve finished cleaning. If there’s one thing that upsets people more is this. Not only that, you’re prospective client across the road will be watching. You leaving the gate open isn’t going to impress them.

4. If you find the back gate is locked. Don’t worry. Just clean the front of the house and charge them half the clean price. Your client will not only be embarrassed, they’ll send you your money fast to try to paper over their embarrassment. This will allow you some revenue, even though it only half what you normally get. Better than nothing!

5. If the back door has a small pane of glass and is filthy. Take time out to clean it with your window cleaning spray. This will take you seconds, but your client will certainly notice it and you’ll be in their good books.Note: Throughout my EBook you’ll probably be amazed and surprised just how many things I do for FREE. Trust me. This will pay you dividends in the long run. It’s nice to take on new clients. It’s even better to be referred by your clients costing you nothing in the process. Studies show that referred clients are more than likely to pay more for your service and will more than likely refer you again and again and again. This is the key to growing your window cleaning without spending £000’s on advertising.

6. Unfortunately, you’re going to get a few cancellations. Don’t worry; this is normal and nothing to fear. However, for each cancellation you receive. Call the client and ask them why they want to cancel. Some of you out there may be a little scared in calling clients that want to cancel. In my experience it is normally a misunderstanding and something that can be put right. Sometimes clients don’t understand why their windows are still wet, even though you explained it to them. Simply use the letter provided in my “Stationary Kit” which explains the use of the water fed pole. This has saved my bacon more than once!I once had a client ring and cancel my services because she only wanted her windows cleaned every 3 months. Now, instead of telling me this she just cancelled. I rang her back and after getting out of her the reason for the cancellation, agreed to do them every 3 months. If I had just accepted the cancellation I would have lost 4 x £18. In my book you can actually gain clients by keeping the ones that may have cancelled. It’s much easier and cheaper to keep an existing client than spend money on marketing for new ones.

7. On the odd occasion, a client will ask you to clean the fascia at the front of the property. Use your common sense with this one. If it is relatively small, agree to clean this one time for free and let them know you’ll have to charge next time. If you charge for this service straight away, you may alienate your client and upset them. They don’t really want to pay for the first clean, but are more than happy to pay for further cleans. If it’s going to take you longer than a couple of minutes then I would charge. (Water fed pole users).

8. There a few porches or upvc fascias that are located at the front of the house and are quite small. If you have the time, just clean these at the same time you’re cleaning the windows for FREE and let your client know. This will only add 10 minutes onto your time, but your client will really appreciate it. Why should you do it for free and not charge them? Referrals referrals referrals. This again, is your choice. You can charge them if you like, but what you’re trying to do is build a solid business based on your existing clients referring you.

9. Clean and polish outside letter boxes for FREE. You’ve those external post boxes on a house (basically so the dog doesn’t chew letters and papers). Same principle. This will take you seconds and your client will appreciate it. People love getting things for FREE that they didn’t ask for. If you’re regular and offer a good service you’ll have these clients for years.

10. If you are window cleaning with a water fed pole, why not offer conservatory cleaning too! I know I mentioned it in an earlier chapter. At least 10% of your client base must have conservatories. Offer to give them a free trial by cleaning a section of it! I guarantee they’ll want it clean after your demonstration. (Water fed pole users).

This article has been written by Joe Polanksi-Smith who is the man behind the famous Advanced Window Cleaning EBook and AdvancedPro Window Cleaning eBook found at http://www.firstchoicemarketing.co.uk/AdvancedPro_Window_Cleaning_eBook.html. He is also a keen contributor to http://howtostartyourownbusinesstoday.com that’s a new blog for people wanting to start their own business.

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Window Cleaning Poles/Water Fed Poles Are They Here To Stay?

28/11/2007 by admin.

Window Cleaning Poles/Water Fed Poles Are They Here To Stay? 

Introduction 

Window cleaning poles. Also commonly known as water fed poles are fast becoming the industry standard in window cleaning.

 

The old traditional method of using a bucket and squeegee etc is being less used as window cleaners find the overall safety and flexibility window cleaning poles give you.

 

Window cleaning used to be an art form, basic in its execution, though, many tried and failed.

 

Most falls to window cleaners involve the use of portable ladders large and small that are basically mounted on top of vehicle. In recent years figures for accidents reported to HSE and local authorities show that between two and seven window cleaners have been killed each year in Great Britain and about 20-30 suffer major injuries as a result of falls involving ladders.

 

As you can expect, this is a relatively small problem as accidents go. Not if you’re a window cleaner though. A great deal window cleaners suffer less serious injuries that result in several days off work.

The man in the street would probably relish a few days off here and there, but not if you’re a window cleaner who is self employed and doesn’t receive any sick pay.

What’s The Solution?  

The window cleaning pole/water fed pole

What is a window cleaning pole/water fed pole? 

A window cleaning pole/water fed pole is basically an extended carbon fibre (or other materials) pole that is made in sections that extend. You can generally get them in various sizes from 10ft to 45ft and higher, though it is considered a little pointless going higher as they are less effective. The process of and methodology behind the pole is where pure water is pumped through a hose reel, up the telescopic window cleaning pole/water fed pole and passes through jets. These jets are located in the brush that is found at the top of the window cleaning pole. These jets spray a light stream onto the surface of the glass and the operator just agitates glass loosening the dirt. With simple upwards and sideways movements the glass is clean in a matter of seconds.

 

Any dirt or dust particles held within the glass are simply flushed away by the constant stream of water from the jets.

Can you use normal tap water to wash a window? 

The simple answer is yes. Well, yes and no actually. You can get your window clean using normal tap water, but the water has calcium particles and lots of impurities that would be left on the glass once the water dries. You would have that milky white effect where you’d be able to write your name. Not what I would call a clean window.

Pure Water You Say? 

By pure water I mean of distilled water or de-mineralised water. This water doesn’t exist naturally. It has to be made by using a process of de-ionised resin vessels, pre filters, filters and water softeners. It’s quite a simple process and pure water can be made either in a van, office or even your home. My pure water system is nicely packaged in my garage at home.

 

When this pure water is applied to the glass by way of the window cleaning pole/water fed pole, there is no mineral content or calcium etc; thus, when it dries on your glass your windows are perfectly clean since the pure water has been able to absorb the dirt.

Flexibility 

Window cleaners using these poles can now reach those hard to reach places with ease and without any risk. Since they don’t need to use ladders anymore, window above conservatories and extensions are a breeze. Windows that are 3 and 4 storeys up can now be cleaned with ease. These poles also allow you to clean window frames and window sills at the same time which gives the client an extra service and allows the window cleaner to obtain more work!

How Much Should You Pay? 

The prices on these window cleaning poles is coming down dramatically as I write. There are a few companies you can check out below:

 

Pure Freedom - www.purefreedom.co.uk (Who I Use)

Window-Tools - www.window-tools.com

Streampole - www.streampole.co.uk

 

To name a few. There are many more, just simply log onto Google and type in “window cleaning pole/water fed pole” into the search box and see what you find.

 

To summarise. The window cleaning pole/water fed pole is here to stay. With safety issues in mind and the general flexibility they give you. Window cleaners around the world are throwing the bucket and squeegee away a switching to this new method.

This article has been written by Joe Polanksi-Smith who is the man behind the famous Advanced Window Cleaning EBook and AdvancedPro Window Cleaning eBook found at http://www.firstchoicemarketing.co.uk/Advanced_Window_Cleaning_eBook.html He is also a keen contributor to http://howtostartyourownbusinesstoday.com that’s a new blog for people wanting to start their own business. 

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Start Your Own Window Cleaning Business

19/11/2007 by admin.

Introduction

So you’ve decided to start your own window cleaning business. You have your bucket, ladder, squeegee, and strip washer. Now what?

This extract from “Advanced Window Cleaning eBook” will attempt to give the budding window cleaner a brief introduction to window cleaning based on experienced professional window cleaners.

You are about to embark on running your own business and being your own boss.

You can be up and running within a week with very little capital or even experience.

Before you start, check out the My1stBusiness for great business advice, business plan documents and much much more.

When I first started I found My1stBusiness extremely useful and packed full of vital documents you’ll need in the future.

Business name:

Before you start your lucrative new business you’ve got to think of a good business name. You’ll need something you won’t hate a month later after your business cards, stationary, and advertisements are already printed! Been there got the t-shirt.

Speaking of stationary. Why not give your new business a little extra boost by grabbing some free business cards. The cards are available through VistaPrint.

Don’t get me wrong, you’ll receive various emails once you’ve signed up, but it allows you to get your business kick started with a little freebee! VistaPrint are a great company and have an excellent reputation.

I use various printers, but found VistaPrint  to be the best for quality and service. It’s not often you get something for nothing!

The business name you choose must represent exactly what you do and be memorable. A lot of new business owners choose their name (i.e. John Smith Window Cleaning Services) which is absolutely fine. As long as it’s memorable and to the point.

Once you’ve chosen a name check with company house to find out if that name is still available at www.companieshouse.gov.uk. If it is available, make sure the domain name is also available too at  (I’ll explain why later). 

If you’re based in the UK you’ll want the “.co.uk” as well as the “.com”. Whichever country you live in you’ll need the domain address that corresponds with your local area, i.e. Australia would be “.au”.

Click on the link below to find out if your domain name is still available. Domains get snapped up super fast, so if it is still available I’d purchase it straight away.

Search for a domain name

Powered by 123-reg.co.uk

This site is a fantastic starting place for the beginner.

Once you’ve purchased your domain name it needs to be hosted.

What is hosting?

Once your website is completed the site must be placed on a web “Server” (a computer which is permanently connected to the Internet). This means that your site can be accessed anywhere around the world at any time.

My favourite company is , but feel free to use the company of your choice. You may even get hosting from 123 reg too!
 
1&1 Hosting - 3 Months Free
with Bloggs, SMS, Email and More.
Register Now! www.1and1.co.uk

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Feature:

Don’t fancy doing it from scratch on you own? We can help!!
We supply the equipment you need, full 2 day professional training, your own clients from day one. Which means you’ll be earning money from the day you start trading.
Click on the link below or call us free on 0800 043 6919.
The Window Genie
www.thewindowgenie.co.uk

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Registering Your Business with Mr Tax Man

Once you’ve found a name for your business and you’ve got the domain name registered it’s time to tell Mr Tax Man than you have now started a business. The reason why you do this straight away is the fact that there are a series of fines for not letting them know.

As a new business, you have the choice of being a sole trader, partnership or limited company. I’ll give you a brief example of the 3.

Sole Trader

Being a sole trader is the simplest and easiest way to get started in business. Once you have informed the government agencies of your intentions to go self-employed, you can start to trade right away (subject to any specific licenses or insurances you might require).

As a sole trader, you can quickly adapt to changes in your business with minimal bureaucratic changes required and you have complete control over your business and accounting affairs. However, a sole trader is also responsible for any liabilities should anything go wrong. This means that any debts that the business has can be seen as your own.

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Feature:

Window Cleaning Stationary Kit
This little kit is a must if you want to start your own window cleaning business.
It will kick start your new business giving you all the documents to get you started!
What do you get?

A5 leaflet template
Health & safety policy statement
Introducing clients to water fed pole
Commercial property template
Invoice template
Method statement template
New customer terms & conditions
Please send payment slip
Quotation form template
Risk assessment template
All for just £18.99

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Partnership

A partnership is very similar to being a sole trader. This is the type of business entity in which partners share with each other the profits or losses of the business undertaking in which all have invested. Not only do both parties share the profits, they also share the liabilities too.

Limited Company

Aside from sole trader status, most small businesses set up as Limited Companies. The term ‘limited’ derives from the fact that the company’s finances are distinct from the personal finances of their owners (unlike the sole trader or partnership arrangement).

Shareholders in limited liability companies are not responsible for company debts, although if required, directors may be required to guarantee loans or credit granted to the company. In essence it is a separate entity.

At this point, I’d ask you to speak to an accountant (chapter 3) to see which direction is best for you. Everyone’s circumstances are different. For tax reasons I chose to be registered as “Limited Company”. This may or may not be the best course for you. I’ll let you decide!

Franchise

So what does a franchise give you? A franchise gives you an established name, cooperative marketing with other franchisees, bulk purchasing power, training and management expertise and much much more. There are some early advantages of buying a franchise rather than building your own business from scratch. They’re the types of advantages solo entrepreneurs might reap — if they’re lucky — after years of hard work in the trenches.

Naturally, franchising has its drawbacks, too. Agreements between franchisors and their franchisees can seem a little rigid, especially to eager, innovative self-starters who expect to grow their businesses as they see fit.

One of the other drawbacks is finance. Franchises can be very expensive to purchase ranging from £9,999 for a mama and papa type franchise to £250,000 (minimum) for a McDonalds fast-food type franchise. Ouch!

* There is another cheaper option.

* This option is cheaper than franchising

* Puts you in complete control

* For the fraction of the cost

* Gives you full training, marketing manual and handbook

* Use of business name, logo and literature

This option literally gives you the overall benefits of franchising without the costly start up and putting you in complete control of your business from day 1 with no interference or silly target setting by the “mother company”.

Purchasing a License through The Window Genie

Quite simply, licensing is a contractual permission to use a brand in association with a defined product, for a defined period of time, in a defined territory. Licensing is the process by which a brand / property owner extends a trademark or character out of its principal environment.

1. Period of License: The license will normally be granted for a two or three year period depending on the nature and life cycle of the product or service. It will then be renewable by mutual agreement between Copyrights and the licensee.

2. Territory: The license will permit the licensee to sell the licensed products and services in a particular territory. A territory is usually a town, city or county. At present we only offer these licenses in the UK.

3. Cheaper than franchising: Purchasing a license is a definitely a cheaper option in the short and long run. Gives you greater flexibility and overall control.

The Window Genie http://www.thewindowgenie.co.uk/ has more detailed information on this subject.

Financing Your Business

If you don’t feel that confident venturing out on your own and want to choose either the Franchise or License model, there are few bodies and organisations you can try tapping for financing your new venture.

Listed below: -

Small Firm Loan Guarantee scheme
 http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?type=RESOURCES&itemId=1074447105

DTI Grant for Research and Development

http://www.dti.gov.uk/bbf/BSS/page29002.html

Business Link Access to Finance service

www.businesslink.gov.uk

Enterprise Grants

http://www.startinbusiness.co.uk/flowchart/govfin3eg.htm

Prince’s Trust

 www.princes-trust.org.uk/

Services:

Next, will you be specialising in commercial cleaning, residential, or even both? If this is a new venture and you’re just starting out, I’d personally start off just doing residential houses first. Most new window cleaning business start by offering residential and store front cleaning. After a while you will find out which you prefer.

Please note: After conducting a quick survey, I found residential cleaning the most profitable and time efficient way of earning money.

Don’t get me wrong, if you get some store front work, great! In my experience, unless you’ve got several store fronts in a row and in the same street, it’s too time consuming. Most clients generally want to have a chat and gossip about various individuals in the area, to me, this is eating into valuable work time. The choice, as always, is completely yours.

Like what you’ve read so far? This extract is from the eBook “Advanced Window Cleaning” written by Joe Polanski-Smith.

Advanced Window Cleaning eBook Only £2.99

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