Almost everyone knows that you can make a killing if you learn how to start a window cleaning business. But, what are some of the best methods to land clients that gives proven results? How do you know what to charge, and when do you hire employees? How do you market your window cleaning business?
In this article, we are going to go over all of this. We will take a look at some of the most effective client acquisition methods, and how to consistently land clients.
Then, it would be up to you when you want to decide to hire employees, and a manager to do what you do, so that you can almost step away from the business entirely, and live the life of your dreams.
How to Start a Window Cleaning Business
If you want to learn how to start a window cleaning business, you need to learn how to start any business. Starting a window cleaning business is just like starting many other types of businesses. First, you should open an LLC.
It is as easy as that. Then, move on to the next part which is client acquisition.
2 Major Client Acquisition Methods
If you want an endless supply of clients in the window cleaning industry, you’re in luck. In the world we live in today and with the technology that we have at our disposal, it has never been more easy to find paying clients. There are two methods of acquiring clients that you could solely focus on that will fill up your docket.
- The old school method: going door-to-door, leaving a flyer for any home in which you cannot get in immediate contact with the owner. You could easily rake in on the spot sales, as well as get call backs (with the right deal).
- The new school method: this method is searching google for “*your city*storefronts”. Look for listings that have email addresses and a picture of the front of their store (a 360 degree photo of front of store and street view will work too).
You can then use a drawing software to circle the windows and put a price, and give an overall quote. A phone number is fine too. Just give them a call.
Get in touch with the maintenance manager. Some of these businesses, that will be the owner. Tell them you would like to give them a quote. You have the picture of the front of their store from google, and you can send them a quote outlining how much each window will cost.
If you utilize both of these methods regularly, you will never run out of business. I suggest sending out your team to do door-to-door, and pay them commission on each sale/window clean. Use your time to reel in the commercial clients.
Remember, a lot of other window cleaning companies have a $200 or higher minimum, so do not cut your prices too low. You’re here to make money.
Start a Window Cleaning Business Focused on Quality
Window cleaning is a luxury service for home, and business owners. Although, we can argue all day about how it saves you money in the long run. When you clean window tracks, and the other things that come with window cleaning it can actually make the home or business more energy efficient and make the windows last longer as well. But, it is a luxury service so I digress.
This solidifies the fact that you should be using the highest form of quality techniques, and products when cleaning someone’s windows.
When you start a window cleaning business you should use deionized water absolutely every time. You could use regular tap water with a tad of blue dawn dish soap(preferably) and vinegar.
Eventually, you should opt for buying a deionized water system and water fed pole setup. This one is a bit pricey, but it is well worth it.
Tap water can leave the glass looking milky, especially when the wrong chemical ratios are used. This obviously is not what you want for your customer. Would you do that on your windows? The dish soap and vinegar is very helpful in minimizing this.
Amazon sells a deionized hose spicket filter cartridge, but they only last so long and can get pricey over time. You are better off purchasing a deionized water system, and a stand alone water fed pole if you are looking for a cheaper alternative.
How You Should Price Jobs When You Start a Window Cleaning Business
Everyone prices window cleaning differently when they start a window cleaning business. Some charge per pane of glass, some charge per window, some hourly and I have even seen people charge based off of the size of the house in square feet.
We believe the last one is a mistake, because two different houses at around the same size could have a wildly different window count.
If I am speaking from experience, I charge as follows:
*How many stories(base price for 1 story, 2 story etc.) with a max amount of windows per story. Each additional window, I charge extra. Is it out or in/out? If there are French windows or doors that is an additional charge per pane(usually somewhere around $1 per pane).
It is up to you what you charge, but do not sell yourself short. If the customer wants the service, they will book.
You’ll get to the point where you know what you want hourly, and you’ll know how long each job will take, and you can adjust accordingly.
Marketing You Will Need When You Start a Window Cleaning Business
Aside from some of the marketing tactics that were mentioned above, if you are only looking to wash residential windows, or even businesses and commercial buildings as well, I would say you definitely need a good website for booking quotes, and a well optimized google business profile.
Car Marketing Magnets
You should probably get two car (or, truck) magnets with your business info, one for each side of your vehicle. You can get those here.
A-Frame Sign for Marketing
I would also get an A-Frame sign to put at the curb when you are cleaning a customers windows. I can’t count the times someone has walked up to me, and asked about the service later to become a customer.
Craigslist.org is a very good way to drum up business as well. Post in the “services” section, and let the customer know you are willing to do a free quote. Better yet, send them to your booking website to book one.
If you want to hire workers to help handle the workload you can post in the “gigs>labor” section, or the “jobs>general labor” or “jobs>customer service” section.
Conclusion
This is how to start a window cleaning business. The goal is to make good money, right? We aimed to keep this short, but to drop some golden nuggets in this post. Check out our other post for a step by step guide on, “How to Easily File an LLC Yourself”. Or, start a business with our help now.