How to Start Window Cleaning Services
Starting a business that requires elbow grease is an entrepreneurial enterprise for which you don't need a string of academic degrees or certificates. One such business is a window cleaning service. Once you have created your company name and obtained the necessary licenses and permits for your area, you can make your business successful if you apply universal business principals that will help you gain a wide customer base and large profits.
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Instructions
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Determine if you know how to clean windows. It sounds simple, but, if you have not worked for a window cleaner or gained experience in some other way, your learning curve may be longer, and you won't be able to earn as much at first. Also, if you make many mistakes, you risk alienating customers who will not call you back or recommend you to others.
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Purchase your supplies. A professional window cleaner needs commercial squeegees, sponges and cleaning solutions. Compile a list of reliable suppliers. Ask to apply for trade credit, so you won't have to pay for the supplies until after your customers pay you to clean their windows.
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Decide if you need to hire employees right away. If demand is high, your company will be able to clean twice the windows in the same amount of time as you could by yourself. However, this will take a large chunk out of your profits. Calculate the difference and figure out if you must start advertising for help or if it can wait.
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Establish your price list. Call other window cleaning services to find competitive rates. Then add up your material and labor costs for each standard-size window, increasing the cost by size. Figure out the profit that you want to make and add it to your price. Staying in the range of your competitors is important, but don't shortchange yourself. Quality and customer service are valuable assets.
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Advertise effectively. Place coupons in mailers and weeklies, where customers may look for a window cleaning service. Since you will likely have repeat customers, starting out with a low-price new-customer special can help you establish a strong client base.
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Make a presence in the community. Start by offering your services to people you know. Join the Chamber of Commerce in your town and neighboring areas. Businesses need their windows cleaned, too. Sponsor a window washing display at a community fair. Let attendees try their hand at cleaning a prop window.
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Have a real person answer the phone. Whether you pick up the line, or have an employee or an answering service perform the task, avoid having a message machine greet your potential customers. After you schedule an appointment, be prompt and neatly dressed. Professionalism is important for all types of businesses.
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Make sure your customers are happy with your work before you leave and redo any areas that are streaked or do not fit your standards of service. If you damage an item, such as a screen, replace it promptly.
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Ask for payment after you complete your service for residential customers. If you have large commercial clients, bill them regularly and collect payment, if necessary. Don't compromise your company's cash flow and growth by being strangled with accounts receivable.
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