In the world of entrepreneurship, some opportunities are hidden. But others are as clear as a freshly cleaned pane of glass.
For those willing to put in the work, a window cleaning business can offer a crystal-clear path to success. And it doesn’t take much capital to dive in.
This article will guide you through the process of how to start a window cleaning business. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to turn your entrepreneurial vision into a thriving business.
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Starting a Window Cleaning Business: Pros and Cons
One of the best things about starting a window cleaning business is that it doesn’t cost much to get going. Unlike some other businesses that need a lot of money upfront, you can clean windows with just a few basic tools. This makes it easier for you to give it a try without risking too much upfront.
That’s not the only benefit. As a window cleaner, you get to be outside, stay active, and meet new people. You can also choose when you work and how much you work. Want to clean windows on weekends only? No problem. Want to build a big company with lots of employees? You can do that too.
But is a window cleaning business profitable? The short answer is: It depends. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, window cleaning business profits can be substantial and allow you to make a living as your own boss.
Of course, like any business, there are difficulties. You need to work hard to find clients and land jobs, especially when you’re just starting out. Sometimes, the weather might not cooperate and you’ll have to reschedule and lose profits. You also need to learn how to manage your time and money efficiently.
All in all, starting a window cleaning business is a great choice if you enjoy working with your hands and have the resolve to work hard to get your business off the ground.
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10 Easy Steps To Start a Window Cleaning Business
As in any field, starting a window cleaning business is a major undertaking. But breaking it down into steps makes the process a lot more manageable.
Here’s how to start a cleaning company focused on window washing:
1. Write Your Business Plan
Your business plan helps you figure out where you’re going and how you’ll get there. Brainstorm and write down the services to offer, who your customers will be, and how you’ll make money. Don’t forget to include information about your competition and how you plan to stand out.
This written plan comes in handy when you’re making decisions or looking for financing down the line.
2. Register Your Business
Now it’s time to make things official. Choose a business name and decide what type of company you want to run. Will you be a sole proprietorship, or do you want to form an LLC to protect your assets? Each business structure has different pros and cons. A sole proprietorship is the best option if you’re running a small business on your own.
Once you’ve decided, register your business with your state. If you plan on hiring people, get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
3. Price Your Services
Figuring out how much to charge can be tricky. You want to make enough money to keep your business going, but you don’t want to scare away customers with high prices. Research what other window cleaners in your area are charging for reference.
Think about your costs, like supplies and travel time, and make sure you’re making enough money to cover them. Don’t forget to factor in your experience and the difficulty of each job as well. It’s okay to adjust your prices as you learn more about your business.
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4. Get Business Licenses, Permits, and Insurance
Before you start cleaning windows, make sure you have all your paperwork in order. Check with your local government to find out which permits and licenses you need.
You’ll also want to get window cleaning insurance to protect yourself and your business. Look into different types of business insurance like general liability insurance and workers’ compensation (if you plan to hire employees). It might seem like a lot of work now, but it’ll save you a lot of trouble down the road.
5. Secure Startup Funding
Starting a cleaning business has lower startup costs than many others, but you’ll still need some window washing business startup capital to get going. Make a list of all the things you need to buy, like cleaning supplies, ladders, and possibly a dedicated work vehicle. Then, add up how much money you need.
If you don’t have enough savings to cover everything, look into small business loans. And remember: It’s better to start small and grow than to take on too much debt at the beginning.
6. Market the Business
It’s finally time to let the world know about your new venture. Start by creating a simple website that explains your services and how to contact you. Make business cards to hand out to potential customers. You can also use social media to spread the word.
Don’t be shy about asking friends and family to tell people about your business. Word of mouth is valuable, especially when it comes from trustworthy people. If you aren’t getting as much interest as expected, consider offering a discount for first-time customers to incentivize them to give you a try.
7. Prepare for Day-To-Day Operations
Running a business means wearing many hats. You need to schedule appointments, keep track of your finances, and manage your time wisely—all while cleaning windows.
Set up a system for booking jobs and keeping records. This could be as simple as a calendar and a spreadsheet, or you might want to use special software for service businesses to streamline this aspect of your business. Consider creating a daily checklist to make sure you always have all your supplies ready to go.
8. Invest in Quality Equipment
Your tools are the backbone of your business, so it’s worth investing in quality equipment. So, what do you need to start a window cleaning business?
Buy some basics like squeegees, microfiber cloths, and a sturdy ladder. As you grow, you might want to invest in more specialized tools, like water-fed poles for high windows or a pressure washer for tough jobs. Don’t forget about safety gear, like non-slip shoes and safety harnesses for high-rise work.
9. Develop Your Skills and Techniques
Even if you’re handy with a squeegee, there’s always more to learn. Look for online tutorials or local workshops on window cleaning techniques. Practice on different types of windows and learn how to handle tricky situations like hard water stains or paint overspray.
The more skilled you become, the faster and more efficient you’ll be. And that means more happy customers and more money in your pocket.
10. Hire a Team
As your business grows, you might find yourself with more work than you can handle by yourself. And that’s great news. It means your venture has grown to a point where it’s time to think about hiring some help.
Start by looking for part-time workers who can pitch in during busy periods. Train them well so they’re able to deliver the same high-quality service your customers expect. As you hire, remember to follow all the legal requirements for employers, like paying minimum wage and withholding taxes.
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5 Easy Ways a Cleaning Business Can Get More Clients
Growing your window cleaning business means attracting new customers. Here are five simple ways to expand your client base and keep your business thriving:
1. Investigate the Market
Know your area and potential customers. Are there more homes or more commercial window cleaning opportunities? Big houses or small apartments? Understanding your market helps you target the right clients with the right services.
2. Grow Your Social Media Presence
Use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to showcase your work. Post before-and-after photos and share cleaning tips. Interact with followers to build relationships. The more people see your posts, the more likely they are to remember you when they need their windows cleaned.
3. Build a Professional Network
Join local business groups and get to know other home service pros like painters and real estate agents for potential referrals. And always carry business cards—you never know when you’ll meet a potential customer.
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4. Get Referrals and Testimonials
Ask happy customers to spread the word. Offer a small discount for referrals and collect testimonials to use on your website and social media. When people see that others trust you, they’re more likely to give you a try.
5. Optimize Your Website
Make sure your website looks professional and is easy to use. Include clear info about your services and prices. Use words people might search for, like “window cleaning service,” plus your town’s name. This helps your site show up prominently in the search results when people look for window cleaners in your area.
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Win More Clients On-The-Spot With Quick and Professional Estimates
Make your estimates as clear and transparent as your clients’ windows. Use Joist to create and share estimates in just minutes with our easy-to-use mobile estimating tool. Packed with powerful features, it’s built for contractors like you, with features like Deposits, Contracts, and Photos.