This is a great concept for the solo or somewhat solo window cleaner like myself. There are customers who are willing to pay X, then there are the customers who are willing to pay more than the X’s.
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Lots of good thinking here. I’m 62, have 40 years window cleaning last February. Started with a Company then went solo to 13 helpers, too much stress and didn’t make enough more to take it. Moved and started over solo stayed that was for years. Either too much work or not enough. Been through several helpers some stayed for years.some not long. Most people annoy me when working, so I can only work with certain ones. I have 1[20+ years] who works solo doesn’t want to work with anyone, he’s great, if I had 30 of him and the work I’d be rich. I now have 2 workers not like him, not self starters. 1 for 14 years[he’s 65] and one 7 years[27], I’ve always worked with them until last 2 years[turned 60 semi retiring], I’ve become the floater and if there is too much for them to do I take up the slack, I can usually schedule any job next week and get it done. I see it as a balance, not too much not too little…
THE END GAME!!! I am there!! I have plenty to keep me busy , but don’t feel like I produce as much when I’m not cleaning windows. Should I keep working for $$$ and pay someone else to do to do other work I’m doing, I like doing my other business which is the retirement investment, real estate. I saved money over the years by always making payments on land, only started buying rentals a few years ago, all the rental money goes into the investment fund to build or buy more until I fully retire. I’ve always lived below my means and never have debt unless it’s qualify s as an investment. I really like some of what has been said about solo and me being of great value, my customers do value me showing up on the job even to just look at it and collect money, my thought have been to just work certain months, serve the best customers who scedule regular , maybe raise prices, and if I don’t have help raise the hell out of my prices and if they want me they’ll pay. Or something like that. Really a tough time.
Thought I should say , the body does break down and some things can’t be avoided. BUT not this job does not destroy your body unless you are using your body wrong!!! This is some of the best exercise and stretching one can do to stay healthy, part of why I’m afraid to quit. 62 and pain free , I’ve had the pains others talk about and fixed them by changing how I work to something that is balanced and doesn’t hurt me. I can produce more today than I ever could… another reason it’s hard to quit.
I’ll wuit writing now tho. Good nite
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^some great words there.
this is my personal opinion, so take it for what it’s worth.
i really feel like solo guys should consider having at least ONE serious helper/employee. for one main reason: if something WERE to happen to you (illness, your’s or a family member’s; injury, either at work or in an accident), your business could survive and so could you.
-the worker could still produce revenue
-the worker could train other workers to replace you
-you’ll be forced to learn how to manage other people, at least a little bit, which will be necessary if you can’t be on site all the time.
-you’ll at least have the ball rolling a little bit if it becomes necessary for you to scale up a bit.
so it’s basically a safety net, and pretty much the most practical one out there. and i believe the biggest thing holding solo guys back from hiring at least ONE worker is not personality type or lifestyle or whatever. it’s fear.
“what if i can’t get enough work to keep them busy?”
“i don’t want to be responsible for someone else’s livelihood”
“what if i can’t find any good workers?”
“what if i’m just training my eventual competition?”
all of those things are valid concerns, but can easily be overcome.
-one employee is not going to significantly complicate a business.
-if you are diligent in your prospecting for the right guy, you can find a perfect fit (it might take awhile, but you can do it).
-you can incentivize your new helper to go get your company more business.
you can get more work, you just have to go do it. you already know how.
- if you find the right personality type and set them up to succeed in your business, you don’t need to worry about them leaving to become your competition.
that’s just my thought- why not go just one small step further and create a massive safety net? it’s worth at least considering.
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As a (solo operator) how do you guys/gals plan your day from wake time to
sleep time to keep the balance between family and work time?
Can you actually separate the two?
“Time Management Technique’s” that have worked…
I keep a running list of things I need to get done for my business in a notebook. I plan to work 9:30-5:00 M-F every week. If I have any holes in my schedule either before, during or after a paying job, then I’m using that time to accomplish tasks in my notebook. If I’m all caught up on those tasks then I’m walking door to door or business to business with flyers, door hangers and cards to sell my services. I don’t work Sundays and if a client wants me to work Saturday then I charge 10% more and take a weekday off.
While I do take my work time seriously, I am also very jealous of my down time to rest and be with my wife. The whole reason I wanted my own business was to get free of the crazy hours and mental drain that restaurant work imposed. Sticking by my principles and hustling hard on work days makes down time more enjoyable and free of guilt.
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Hey Skipper. I appreciate your honesty. There are plenty of window cleaners in my area that can take care of a client the same week they call. I am glad there are other companies in my area like that. Unfortunately, I didn’t design my business that way. I created my business around scarcity and creating enormous value. For people to be willing to wait 3 years to get on my schedule, I had to create a lot value to make that work. It has worked really well. So many great window cleaners on this forum have given me advice and guided me along the way.
I know you have worked really hard building your business. I bet your clients appreciate the fact that they can call you last minute. That is great man! You are always so positive on the forum. I appreciate that.
Keep up the great work my friend!
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I would love to hear some of the things you have done over the years to help you stay healthy and “pain free” after 40 yrs of window cleaning.
Balance is key, In sports and training, dance, martial arts they teach doing things centered and balanced we tend to throw all that out the window working, and do things in a way that seems easier or takes less energy.Doing work more like exercise and putting out in the end will leave you less tired at the end of the day. I’m right handed and did everything to the right & my whole body was going right when relaxed. I learned to work left handed and switch back and forth. Better is working in the center of the body , using both sides evenly which is what I do most of the time now. It takes some thought to find that, pretend martial arts moves or dance while working helps me feel the center. That’ the core…Don’t bend over spread your legs ,do squats stay centered between your feet. let your whole top body move from side to side feet in place, really good stretches. When you pick things up --bucket - ladder do it like you mean it , weight lifting centered using you body and arms , don’t hang things at the bottom of your arm , bend you arm hold it up. Arms. hands and wrist , try to use both equal , I try not to wrap my hand around any tool , nothing needs a tight grip , If you grip it tight your wrist & arms have to twist and bend in unnatural ways, Everything kinda floats in the fingers leveraged against what your working on. Hard to describe but the tool moves different directions and the body moves back and forth but my wrist and arms are staying square with the way they are meant to. My squeegee is at the ends of my fingers. Almost did a video today but need someone to hold the camera. I don’t climb ladders much anymore , tricky to stay centered but can be done , I lean back and grip each rung , my weight pulling against my hands , my body is almost streetlight up- . trying to keep my knees in front of me , not to the sides… I believed I was doing everything the easiest most deficient way until I started making these illogical changes—The end result is I"m faster, and less tired at the end of the day and am rarely hurt or sore. More of my problems seemed beeping lazy not fully using my body. WFP neck? another chapter
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This is something I never herd of its interesting to me. People want there windows cleaned now.
How many calls do you get a year when people say can you fit me in this week or can you do it Tommorrow , an then you tell them no I have a 3 year waiting list would you like me to put you on it
I understand if your a solo guy an your booked solid I get that , but what I don’t get is that people are willing to wait 3 years to get there windows cleaned . A house built by a reputable builder yes , but window cleaning hmmm that’s odd imho.
They might say ya ok put me on the list , but will they really be there come 3 years down the road. Or will hey have found another guy that has value also
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I agree with you 100%. There is nothing I hate more than having to tell a potential client the word "NO."
I am just like any other window cleaner. I get the usual phone calls where people say…
- I need my windows cleaned this week.
- Can you clean my windows next month? I am having a party at my house.
- I need my windows cleaned now. What is the soonest you can come?
And the list goes on and on…
Some potential clients will wait to get on my schedule and others will use another window cleaning company. I totally understand and respect the fact that some people need their windows cleaned now. Window cleaning is a luxury service. No one will die nor will their home catch on fire if their windows don’t get cleaned this week. Window cleaning is not a necessity. People want to get their windows cleaned. Some will wait and some want it done tomorrow. I totally understand.
I am so glad that there are quite a few window cleaning companies in my area that people can use. That makes me feel really good knowing that these potential clients are taken care of. Honestly, I got so frustrated with having to tell people “No” that I changed the wording on my website. First sentence now reads: Unfortunately, I am not adding any new clients to my schedule at this time.
This has helped me out so much. I rarely get any phone calls now. It is always a great feeling helping out other window cleaners in my area.
Hope this explanation helps. Hope you are your family have a happy Easter!
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Great explanation and response Chad.
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I didn’t know this was Chad you changed your name. Cool. Thanks for that explanation
Glad to hear your booked up like that I’m sure you worked hard to achieve it .
Ya I can’t imagine having to tell someone sorry I have a 3 year wait., Although some people it’ would be nice 
Happy Easter ! to you, an your family too bud
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You’re welcome. I did my best to explain everything. I had to work really hard to get to where I am today. It was not easy. Thanks for the compliment. I have learned so much from you guys!
When we switched over to the new platform I changed my name. For some reason I was having trouble using Provost Services.
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Did you try putting in an underscore? The new platform doesn’t allow spaces in screen names @Provost_Services
The good thing you still have the same acct , your join date is 2008
I really don’t remember. I don’t mind using my current screen name. It’s all good.
It has worked out well.
Interesting thread! I have had employees in the passed and will probably have more in the future, but i have to admit the times when i am just flying solo are best.
Right now i am just operating by myself using squeegee gear and also water fed pole and i just find it easier and less stress than dealing with the stress of keeping an employee busy/productive.
Right now i am running my business lean and mean, i cherry pick the work that i can do safely and comfortably by myself all the money is mine (and the tax mans) but my over heads are so incredibly low. I am planning on keeping this solo ride going as i now have a large commercial window cleaning company which i pass work on to for which i get a cut…I love free money.
Anyway, great thread. @Infinity
Hey Chad if you don’t mind me asking how often do you raise your prices.
I’m just curious , and I hope I’m not getting to personal. You can pm if I am or just ignore this post all together .
Thanks bro
