STARTING A WINDOW-CLEANING BUSINESS: EXPERIENCE, EQUIPMENT, AND COSTS
For an enterprising entrepreneur looking to start a business, a window-washing business may be just the ticket. Industry Reports on the topic show the U.S. market revenue was $1.9 billion by 2021, and the market is expected to grow for the next several years. If you want to get in on this potentially lucrative business opportunity, here’s a guide on what it takes to get started!
The Tools and the Talent
One of the upsides to starting a window-cleaning business is the low entry requirements. A window-cleaning business is generally inexpensive and doesn’t require extensive specialized education. Of course, there will be startup expenses, and there are some skills you should have to be successful.
Being self-motivated is important, especially as a business owner. Since window cleaning is a physical job, it’s important to have the physical stamina for the work if you plan on being in the field. Windows are often high up on a building, so being comfortable with heights, such as being on a ladder, is a must. Good customer service skills will serve you well, as you’ll be interacting directly with clients. Finally, while not a requirement, having experience in the home services industry is a plus.
Once you are sure you’ve got the skills needed you should start to consider the required tools and materials. If you have a van or truck you can use already, you can start a window-cleaning business with just $1,000-$5,000 in equipment. A good starting kit includes the following:
- Squeegees
- Microfiber cloths and towels
- Extension poles
- T-bar and sleeve
- Scrapers
- Cleaning solution (regular dish soap can be used)
- Buckets
- Ladder
- Bidding and invoice system
The Work and the Pay
To make sure you apply with your best foot forward, you want your application to reflect your best qualities. Make sure your application is fully filled out with accurate and up-to-date details. To help you stand out among other applicants, consider some of the most desired qualities in a franchise:
- Capital – Franchisors want franchisees who can plan ahead, and one of the best ways to show this is by having capital built up so your location can make it through its first few months of business, even if you get off to a slow start. It also demonstrates you’re ready to make a substantial investment in the franchise and you’re in it for the long haul.
- Personality – Being able to sell a product or service is only part of the job of a franchisee. A franchisor wants franchisees who enjoy their work and are enthusiastic about providing services or products to their customers. Displaying a can-do, self-starting, motivated, ambitious attitude will make you the kind of person a franchisor wants to work with.
- Experience – A franchisor provides their franchisees with the training to understand the basics of their brand and business model. But overall business experience is a valuable quality for someone who wants to own a franchise location. If you can demonstrate you’ve handled customer relations, staff management, bookkeeping, and local marketing; you’ll present yourself as a seasoned businessperson who will be a good fit for the company.
- Skills – Finally, while training is provided, it’s helpful to demonstrate that you’ve already got skills that can be used to both establish your new business and guide its growth. Some skills are ones that aren’t taught, but acquired, like motivating employees, working with a team, knowing how to organize a business, and finding the most efficient way of doing things. Franchisors like to see applicants who come to them with some know-how in running a business and an eagerness to apply those life lessons they’ve picked up.
Start Out Strong with Window Hero
Opening and running a new business can be a difficult task, especially if you’re on your own. You can make some of it easier on yourself by joining a franchise like Window Hero. We’re a window and exterior cleaning franchise looking for eager, motivated new franchisees like you. We’ll provide you with training and marketing support. Find out more about franchising with Window Hero by applying today!