{"id":2883,"date":"2016-04-11T08:25:59","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:25:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.invoiceberry.com\/?p=2883"},"modified":"2016-10-03T21:57:40","modified_gmt":"2016-10-03T19:57:40","slug":"guide-starting-profitable-window-cleaning-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.invoiceberry.com\/blog\/guide-starting-profitable-window-cleaning-business\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Starting Your Own Profitable Window Cleaning Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

Starting a new career\u00a0is exciting, but also worrisome: what if I choose the wrong path? Even more so, if you decide to go freelancing or start your own business, not only your professional life, but also finances and family life are at risk.<\/p>\n

We understand how hard it is to make a 180-degree turn in your life, therefore we completed a detailed guide for those of you thinking about a career in window cleaning. Starting a new career is stressful, but we hope our guide will help you reach a well-thought-out decision.<\/p>\n

Who knows, maybe you will realise that window cleaning career has the thrill and excitement you\u2019ve been looking for your whole life?<\/p>\n

What is window cleaning?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Start<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cSome people do look at us as the lowly window cleaners. And I think about that as I go eat a nice big fat juicy ribeye in front of my insanely large TV.\u201d\u00a0– Marc, professional window cleaner<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

You may think window cleaning is a lowly job with no decent pay and hours of boredom scrubbing someone\u2019s dirty windows, but you\u2019re mistaken. Window cleaning is a profession requiring expertise, courage, and passion. Some even call it<\/span> a work of art<\/span><\/a>: you are the artist, and the windows are your canvas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Window washing involves the cleaning of windows, as well as decorative or lighting glass. It can be done manually, but often a variety of tools are used, especially if one is cleaning\u2026 a skyscraper\u2019s windows.<\/p>\n

As you may have already guessed, window cleaning is one of the most dangerous jobs. In fact, skyscraper window cleaning has been announced the most dangerous job in the UK, only recommended to \u201c<\/span>those with nerves of steel and an appetite for adrenaline<\/span><\/a>\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having said that, window cleaners are usually <\/span>well trained <\/span><\/a>in safety and rescue in order to avoid falls and injuries; and the lower the buildings in the area, the less you need to worry about the dangers of abseiling down 30-storey buildings. You could also consider tackling high-rise buildings in pairs \u2014 a much safer and sociable option.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is window cleaning for me?<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"High-Rise-Window<\/a>
WATCH: High-Rise-Window Washers of Manhattan<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Window cleaning businesses are in high demand because people don\u2019t like cleaning windows. It\u2019s as simple as that. Also, sometimes it\u2019s difficult or impossible to reach windows without special equipment or it takes too much time and money to clean the windows.<\/p>\n

It is hard work that includes both working at ground and upper levels. But although it sounds simple, for the reason discussed above, there are a few things to consider before you take this career path.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone thinks they can do the job but many can\u2019t. We can usually tell after the first few weeks if a person is cut out for the job.\u201d<\/p>\n

-Richie Brown, veteran window cleaner (<\/i>think-mag.com<\/i><\/a>)<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, is this job for you?<\/p>\n

If you want to start a window cleaning business you should make sure you have the following skills and qualities:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Using the right technique<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Window cleaners take their job very seriously. Leave one water mark on the window and you could get cranky for the rest of the day.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Work during any season<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      No matter summer or winter, windows need to be cleaned at the regular basis if you want to provide a reliable service. So if you choose this career, make sure you can tolerate both the heat in direct sunlight, and the negative temperatures.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Be reasonably fit<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Window cleaning is a daily workout. A 40-foot ladder can weight up to 100 pounds, and if you work on higher buildings, you may have to rappel while balancing a 50-pound bucket of water to your side.<\/p>\n

        \"High-rise<\/a>
        If acrophobia is not a problem for you, consider a career in high-rise window cleaning.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
          \n
        1. Attention to details and multi-tasking<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          As mentioned above, leaving water marks on the glass is not an option. Especially when you need to be careful not to slip at the same time.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Self-motivated<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            You won\u2019t have a boss breathing down your neck, so make sure you can motivate yourself enough to keep your business going.<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Good communicator<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Cost negotiation will be a part of your job every day, and you need to be able to stand for yourself without being rude or insulting.<\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Organised, trustworthy & reliable<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Your clients need to know they can trust you with their property, they will also expect you to be on time. Keep providing a great service, and they will become your clients for a lifetime.<\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. No fear of heights<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Although you can develop some amount of tolerance to height, it would be wise to honestly ask yourself if your fear will take over. Even if you think you can manage your fear, it is a good idea to keep your eyes directly on the window and never look down.<\/p>\n

                  Salary<\/b><\/h2>\n

                  Your salary will depend on the market you are working with. Domestic window cleaning will require less equipment than commercial window cleaning, but your salary may as well be less. <\/span><\/p>\n

                  In the US, a window cleaner working for private homes (and perhaps storefronts) might only earn $12-$15 per hour. Working in a commercial market, including skyscrapers, however, will get you $15-$25 per hour. <\/span><\/p>\n

                  Window cleaning veterans working with exceptionally high-rise buildings earn the most. If you have months or years of experience, and are qualified for working with special equipment (i.e. have the equipment <\/span>and<\/span><\/i> certificates), in New York you can earn as much as $29-$35 per hour (<\/span>nbcnews.com<\/span><\/a>). The average salary for all types of window cleaners was around $13.38 per hour in 2010.<\/span><\/p>\n

                  \"Calculate<\/a>
                  Use this online window cleaning price calculator<\/a> to determine the price of your services.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

                  In the UK, window cleaners\u2019 the rate is usually calculated per house, this could go from \u00a310 to as much as \u00a350 per property, depending on the location, and the size of the property. You could also calculate the costs like<\/span> this<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n