Maybe you should start a thread with specific questions you may have about going after commercial. It’s a leangthy road disscussing the commercial beast.
Like I said commercial still eludes me. I still get residential by referral from storefront work. For me it starts at storefront. Rap on the door pre-open and you’ll typically find management or an owner opening the store. They will give you a couple of minutes so have your quote ready when you knock. i just count Windows, look for major obstructions that prevent quick work. Most minor obstructions can be poled behind or over and don’t really count. I’m talking about shelving against the glass or appliances blocking entire panes. Fwiw you will find people that block the glass like this don’t typically care about the windows anyway. For a couple of weeks, play with your pricing. I set up $1 a pane per side for monthlies. Get more on first cleans. If it’s your first time cleaning it, get more money. They will agree to monthly verbally and not follow through the next month, so make your money! Storefront makes money in consistent work. NOT stopping and checking" Don’t undercut the current guy. If they say “well we have a guy” that’s cool, they are interested, but currently ok with who they have. Other threads right now talk about route rot. Those are your targets. It’s cold right now you said? It’s been cold a while, I’m betting a lot of window washers have been slacking because of it. Those are accounts for the taking if you get there first.
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Thank you for that! I’ve learned something new.
So when you’re high up on a ladder it’s safe to use & won’t weigh me down?
Great idea! Maybe that’d be best after I get more experience on the ground floor and am able to take that on.
This is so helpful. The human factor that comes along with businesses. I never even thought of that, but that’s true, if people don’t keep their word, then there’s no future business.
Especially because they are businessmen (& women), I need to be prepared and have my quote ready as you said. A couple minutes can make or break a deal I’m sure.
It’s warm again, so I really want to start right now. If those people have been slacking, then hopefully they’ll welcome a new bid.
The BOAB won’t have extra weight because it is used to hold the window mop and a couple of squeegees. So, the only water in it will be the residual drips from those tools. The BOAB that I recommended has a swivel, that makes it easy to drain.
Thanks all!
Anyone is welcome to make a comment here, so feel free 
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I disagree with this. That’s not really fair to the customers you are servicing. Unless your point is that you shouldn’t get insurance until you have your first job lined up, but once you know you have work you will buy your policy.
In my opinion, many of the steps taken to establish a legitimate business would still need to be completed in order to be a legitimate subcontractor.
- Tools
- Technique
- Proper insurance/applicable licenses
While it’s true, as a sub one wouldn’t need to worry about sales tax and things of that nature, one still has to pay income taxes and follow any applicable local laws.
In my opinion, subbing is a great way to get started. However, most legitimate window cleaners won’t be interested in contracting an uninsured person. Go ahead and dot your i’s and cross your t’s now, and then you’ll be prepared to both subcontract and get your own accounts.
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Thank you for that realistic advice.
I will definitely look into it more. I’ve been searching for a reasonable, modestly priced insurance plan, that I can pay on a month to month basis and discontinue months I may be away and not working.
Yes, I will work at getting everything lined up. Every suggestion makes me one step closer to doing that, so thanks for your input!
That is very helpful! I appreciate all of your suggestions and inside advice.
I think I have the starter-kit down pat, so I can start budgeting all of these expenses 
Thank you 
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I was Just saying get your feet wet. She said she liked the profitability not necessarily the work why jump through all the hoops if your not going to stick?
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