Window cleaning business

mel123

I am thinking of starting up my own little business, I work full time so prob in the beginning I will do weekends to see how it goes. It’s a window cleaning business – nothing too exciting but I think there is a niche in the market for it. Anyway, what kind of things should I consider? What do I need to do? Should I get insurance. Initially it will just be myself doing it, then if it takes off I may get someone with a van to do it. I don’t intend on using ladders, should be ok with special telescopic cleaners…I am mentioning this for insurance purposes. Should I register myself etc? Or should I just do nothing but start up for a few weeks and see how it goes, and if its successful go from there?? Should I go down the road of registering myself etc?

Any help would be much appreciated, as would links to websites which I might find useful.

Bandara

Hi Mel,

I think its a good little idea, obviously keep the day job but there is definitely money to be made at these smaller niche businesses as peoples time gets more precious they don't want to be doing these things themselves.

I would recommend you get yourself registered etc as in my opinion the biggest untapped market in the window cleaning business is the apartment blocks/management companies.

These are a dream sale if you can get yourself in the door, a lot of the management companies want their properties to look good and some even have clauses in the contracts committing them to cleanign the outside windows once a year. One average sized development equates to several hundred units. I'd be trying to contact them directly

Good luck with it anyway.

JoeTurner

Hi Mel,

Good luck with the new venture.

As an accountant here's a few things to be getting on with

- register for income tax: you'll have to pay tax and prsi on the income earned outside your normal PAYE job

- get insurance sorted: public liability at a minimum, you'll need employer's liability insurance if you take any employees on (and have to register as an employer with the Revenue)

- get income protection sorted: if you get injured while working and lose your income then you should have income protection in place - this will kick in after a few weeks if you're unable to work for whatever reason. I see from your original post that you're hoping to avoid climbing ladders but it's something you should still consider....

Hope it works out for you, there's nothing like being your own boss.....

Joe

Lorelei

Hopefully you are still looking. I'm in the business, property/facility management companies generally speaking do not pay high rates, they are limited in budget. Most commercial companies want to see registration and VAT number as well as liability insurance. Telescopic poles are all well and good however you cant do a good job on the frames. If you are working above 1st floor really then you need a lot of experience. I am in the process of buying a water fed pole system for under € 1,000.00 they can be had for as little as € 700.00 on a trolley.
You definitely need to register your company to get a company number cost € 20-40 dependant on online or not. Register for VAT even if you are not obliged to it looks better on your invoices and enables you to claim VAT back, At the same time as registering for VAT you are automatically registered for income tax etc. Open a business account to keep earnings and payments separate from your day job -it also gives you a realistic measure of whether it is paying off or not.
If you need any further advice or help send an answer with your contact details or to lorelei.sls@gmail.com. Good luck by the way where are you setting up?

MB74

Hi Mel123

As an insurance broker yeah definitely something you should consider. Doesn't need to cost too much either, taking out public liability cover is all you need at this stage.

From what I see there is always room in the market for someone who is flexible and good at their service.

Best of luck.

Michael

Ashill5

Hi Mel123,
Just came across your post and was wondering did you start up your window cleaning business! And how did you get on?? I had been thinking of doing the same as there ain't much else happening!