How to Start a Window Cleaning Company

Owning a window cleaning business can be lucrative, personally rewarding, and the startup fees are relatively low. The best part? They have a tendency to grow quickly. Smaller companies who build a reputation for quality and efficient work can easily move onto bigger and more expensive contracts once they’ve got their foot in the door.
However, there are a few important steps prospective business owners need to take before getting started on your window cleaning company. If you forgo certain legal obligations or fail to use the proper equipment, your company might not make it past the first few months.
Pick A Catchy Name
It would be hard to understate the importance of picking a memorable name. There are many window washing services in any given area, and if you want customers to remember your company and also catch the eye of new clients, you’re going to want to stand out. Services aside, this is the easiest way to gain traction in a community where you don’t already have a footing.
Establish Legal Status
Once you’ve picked out a memorable name, the next step is applying for legal status. If you’re caught operating without a permit you will be subject to fines that could sink your business before you even get started.
Take the necessary steps and apply to be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company. You will choose a classification based on the ownership structure. If you’re going to be the sole owner, then you would select sole proprietorship. If you expect to have partners, you would apply for either a partnership or limited liability company.
 
Embrace Tech Tools
Especially if you’re the sole proprietor, it can be difficult to stay on top of all of the moving parts of your business. Employees need to receive timely payment, client lists need to be organized, and you need to stay on top of marketing efforts. Window cleaning scheduling software can help you stay on top of all the different aspects of your business and allow you to focus on the most important thing: washing windows.
Supplies
Part of the beauty of starting a window cleaning company is that the supplies are relatively inexpensive. Not only does this mean startup costs are low, but as your company grows, the materials needed to sustain your operation will never become a large revenue hit.
However, while the supplies might be inexpensive, it’s important to invest in the highest quality materials when you begin. The reasoning here is obvious. If you use high quality supplies, you will complete jobs quicker and customers will be more satisfied with your work. While attracting new customers is critical, retaining past clients is just as important.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Like all manual tasks, you will get better over time. Muscle memory will kick in and eventually the window cleaning motions will become second nature. However, it takes a while to get to that point, and your ability to quickly and efficiently finish jobs is directly linked to your profitability.
Take pride in your work. There are plenty of existing window washing companies that take it easy and don’t put in the necessary effort to retain clientele. They receive complaints and aren’t recommended to other companies, forcing them out of business rather quickly.
Respect Your Customers
Your clients have entrusted you to make their business or home look welcoming and approachable. If you take the job seriously, and your clients see that, they will be more likely to hire you again for future jobs. Client retention is vital to any thriving business, and shouldn’t be overlooked in favor of acquiring new clients.
When your existing clients are happy with your work, they are likely to recommend you to friends and other businesses. When your reputation grows by word-of-mouth, you solidify your place in a community and become the go-to resource for window washing services.
It can take a little bit of time to get your window washing service off the ground, but once you’ve begun, it can turn into a lucrative and rewarding enterprise. Don’t be dissuaded by initial difficulties—starting a company is hard, but if you’re able to see it through, the upside is enormous.