How to start a window cleaning business

If you’re looking for a sores of additional income and you’re not against opening a small business, window cleaning might be the perfect choice for you. Window cleaning business is one of the rare options that require minimal start-up capital. In fact, you may purchase all necessary window cleaning equipment (including tools and cleaning supplies) and get the paperwork done for under $ 500-600.

The most amazing thing about window washing is that you don’t need to go through any professional training that takes up a lot of time and money, you don’t have to find a large vehicle to transport your equipment and you don’t have to quit your current job to be able to earn up to $1,500 or even $2,000 per month if you devote a couple of hours to window washing during the weekends.

So, you’ll be able to refund the start-up money and even get extra cash during the first month of operation. And just imagine how much more money you’ll be able to earn overtime, once your business manages to grow to the point when you can be engaged in it full-time. Are you interested in something like that? Let’s find out how to start a window cleaning business then!

Benefits of starting a window washing business

• You won’t have to borrow money from a bank to start this kind of business
• No advanced professional training required
• You may plan your schedule however you want
• The amount of money you’ll earn directly corresponds to the number of hours you’ll earn
• No matter how low or high the economic situation in the country is, the windows get dirty all the time. And someone needs to clean them. The point is, you shouldn’t experience the lack of jobs.
• The clients tend to return to the provider they’ve already worked with to get another window cleaning task done. So, window cleaning business is a repeat one. You just need to work hard to get your first customers.
• No office space needed. A desk, a laptop, a phone and maybe a notebook with a pen is all you need to carry out your business activities.
• Minimal start-up paperwork.

Steps to start a window cleaning business

1. You can’t avoid a certain amount of legal paperwork while starting a window washing business. Luckily, you won’t have to do much.
2. First of all, you’ll need to come up with a name for your window cleaning business-to-be. Some businessmen note that it’s better to choose something that starts with the first letters of the alphabet, so that your company occupies the top positions of service listings.
3. Secondly, you’ll need to go to the office of your local authorities (county administration or city hall) to file for ‘Doing business as’ license. This is important if you’re going to operate as a sole proprietor.
4. If you’re willing to start window cleaning limited liability corporation, you’ll need to apply for a completely different license. The amount of paperwork will be completely different. However, you won’t have to apply for the DBA license, unless you want to use a name for your company that’s different to the one you mentioned while filling in the LLC application form.
5. Don’t forget to legalize the financial operation of your window washing business. To do that, file for the vendor’s license. After that, you’ll be able to collect the taxes from selling your window cleaning services to your future clients legally.
6. Get insured, especially if you plant to provide commercial window cleaning services to other businesses. Limited liability insurance will do for you.
7. Consider joining a franchise. Be aware that the benefits of reaching out to wider circle of clients, marketing and advertising support you’ll get will cost you significant amount of money. If you have those in your start-up budget – go ahead. But I think that window cleaning is a sphere where you can totally run your independent business successfully.
8. Educate yourself about window cleaning. Certainly, you’ve washed windows in your house. But, commercial window cleaning includes special techniques that allow providers work faster and reach better looks. Moreover, you need to learn which window cleaning tools and solutions work the best not to spend money on less effective ones. You may check out different websites (like Thisoldhouse.com) or educational videos on YouTube to do that.
9. Set up your office space. You’ll need to keep an eye on your orders and finances, organize different papers, keep in touch with your clients via e-mail and social media. So, devote some space in your house to set up a working desk.\
10. Purchase window cleaning supplies. You’ll need a load of rags, microfiber cloths, buckets, squeegees (ordinary and narrow ones), extension poles, scrapers, window cleaning sprays and soaps, a high-quality ladder, rubber gloves and waterproof apron. You’ll find that at your local Home Depot or other supply shop.
11. Practice on your own windows and windows of your friends and family members to improve your skills, get the very first customers and referrals.
12. Think about your pricing policy. Visit job hunting websites to compare the rates of local window cleaning providers or contact them to get a piece of advice. One way or another, you’ll figure out the most suitable prices after a couple of orders.
13. Think about the way you’re going to charge people for your services. You may charge by the hour or by the number of windows. Don’t forget to consider the windows’ size and cleaning conditions (like difficult access). Include additional services like window screen cleaning while setting the price.
14. Develop a client base. You’ll need to concentrate on ordinary households who have an opportunity to hire a professional cleaner to wash their windows and smaller companies. Commercial window cleaning is the sphere you may benefit the most from. Businesses like their windows to get cleaned quite frequently.
    Unfortunately, you’re limited to 2-3-storeyed houses. Anyway, larger companies and taller buildings usually work with larger window cleaning providers.
15. Concentrate your marketing efforts on your target audience and start promoting your window cleaning services. Draw up and print out your own leaflets and business cards. You may do that at a minimal cost at home. Be active on social media. Make the most out of job hunting websites. Those are the most popular places people look for cleaning services at. Create your own profile on HireRush.com. Include some information about your business, average hourly rates, etc. Create your business profile
16. Offer repeat order and referral discounts to your clients and their friends and family members to expand the circle of your prospective clients and increase the number of orders. Seasonal discounts are something you’ll need to provide for sure. Besides, special bundle offers usually work wonders when it comes to attracting new clients or receiving new orders from the regular ones.
17. Organize your business activity. Stick to the schedule. Keep track of the number of orders, time, dates and revenue. Don’t forget to maintain the financial records. Keep the contact information of your clients to be able to send them promotion materials, reminder e-mails, etc.

As you can see, window cleaning business is one of the easiest to start and operate in. And, prospective income looks quite promising. Moreover, I’m sure that patience, passion, hard work and a certain level of self-organization is all you need to run a successful window cleaning business. Good luck!