How to Start a Ground Floor Window Cleaning Business
Starting a ground-floor window-cleaning business is a great way to break into entrepreneurship. Start-up costs are relatively low, since you won't need high-rise cleaning equipment, and overhead is minimal. You can start on a part-time basis, which means you won't have to quit your current job until you need to. You can even work out of your home until your business takes off. Make a name for yourself among local small businesses by providing efficient, reliable and competitively-priced service.
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Instructions
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Determine, what, if any, additional services your window cleaning business may offer, such as graffiti removal, paint removal, glass restoration or pressure washing for sidewalks or awnings.
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Establish a professional business. At a minimum, you will need to register your business with your county clerk. If you're operating under another name, you'll either need to file a Doing Business As permit or elect to incorporate or form a limited liability company.
Generally, forming an LLC will ensure that your personal assets are covered, a luxury you won't have as a sole proprietor. However, one-man LLCs may fall under different rules. For information on the best route for your window washing business, consult an attorney familiar with helping small businesses get established.
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Contact your current insurance provider to purchase liability insurance for your business. A small policy may cost less than $1,000 per year, but it may save you tens of thousands of dollars. If your current provider doesn't offer business insurance, they should be able to connect you with a company that does.
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Purchase cleaning brushes, squeegees, ladders, power washers, rags, gloves, billing invoices, graffiti removal products, extenders, scratch removal kits and cleaning products. Invest in a uniform or a polo T-shirt with your company's logo and outfit your commercial vehicle with your business information. Consider hiring a 24-hour answering service to take calls; you won't want to take calls while meeting with clients.
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Create a budget to help you determine what you need to charge in order to be profitable. In a spreadsheet, list the cost of your supplies, car insurance, insurance, business cards, gas, estimated car maintenance for oil changes and any office supplies. According to Cost Helper, expect to charge $2 to $7 per pane.
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Learn the bidding process for window washing. You'll need to ensure that you have the right equipment, manpower and time allotted to get the job done on time. Don't bid on jobs that won't prove lucrative, just to gain clients. Be willing to let other companies underbid you; they may be cutting corners by hiring employees off the books or skimping on insurance. You know what your services are worth, so don't sell yourself short. When bidding on a chain of businesses, consider the mileage between each location and the time it will take to get to each.
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Don your uniform, gather some business cards and hit the streets. Start in an area with a high concentration of one-story businesses and go door-to-door, introducing yourself to the person behind the desk (or counter). Ask to speak with the manager and then present your pitch. This is your opportunity to sell yourself. Be sure to shake her hand, look her in the eye and keep your presentation brief. Hand her a business card and thank her for her time. Contact property managers at new construction sites who might need of a window washer during site cleanup.
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References
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- Photo Credit cleaning and sanitation products studio isolated image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
