How to Start a Window Cleaning Business

Starting a window cleaning business requires some forethought—and some money upfront to get your business going. Here's what you need to know about starting your own window cleaning business.

 Advantages of owning a window cleaning business:

• Everyone has windows, so the work will always be there.
• It can be profitable; overhead costs are generally low, payments can be collected immediately, and there is a built-in demand for recurring services.
• Start-up costs are not prohibitive, especially if you begin with only yourself or with one partner.
• There is a satisfaction that comes from owning your own business and being your own boss. 
  
  

You may be beginning from scratch, or you may be expanding your existing janitorial business. Either way, this article will list some simple steps (no, not up a ladder) you can take to start a window cleaning business. 

1.    Look at the competition.

• Before you invest any money in materials or embark on a search for competent employees, examine the market around you. Is there a demand for the business you wish to start, or is the market already saturated?

2.    Name your business. 

• Do an online search to make sure that your business name is available. Secure the “.com” domain name for your business.
• Claim the name on Google My Business.
• Do a search on your Secretary of State's records to make sure your name is unique so that you can register it.
  
  

3.    Write a business plan. 

• The Janitorial Store has plenty of resources to help you with this task.
  
  

4.    Choose your target market. You may focus on clients such as:

• Stores
• Government buildings
• Colleges and universities
• Car dealerships (they have MANY windows!)
• Restaurants
• Gyms
• Multi-story buildings--this might not be the best place to begin because you will need a great deal of specialized equipment. (You can work up to this!)
• Apartment buildings
• Condo complexes
• Residential property owners
  
  

5.    Price your services.

• If you are a member of My Janitorial Store, you can take advantage of the Window Washing Bid Calculator. Membership also includes access to the  Download Library, a private discussion forum, access to member online events, discounts on all store purchases, and (for premium members) extensive video training and certification for you and your employees. 
  
  
• Keep in mind the fact that window cleaning businesses usually charge by the window or pane of glass rather than by the hour, although for those who do charge by the hour, the national average is $36-$58. According to Home Guide, average residential window cleaning costs $10-$15 per window, but that will vary depending on state and location. Most homeowners spend an average of $258 per full house cleaning. You can also charge to clean window screens or window tracks. For contracts with businesses that need frequent cleanings, you may negotiate a lower price.
  
  

6.    Customer service skills:

• Make sure that you are proficient in customer service skills. You will need to be personable and competent to book jobs. Once you have clients, you will need to interact with them positively to keep them satisfied.
• Make sure that you have a website set up and a way for clients to pay you electronically. In a COVID-affected world, many clients may prefer not to do business face-to-face, and your job is to make the process of hiring you, communicating with you, and paying you as seamless as possible.
  
  
• Be prepared to revisit businesses multiple times as you drum up clientele. Studies show that it can take as many as 5 follow-up visits to secure a sale.
  
  

7.    Purchase supplies. 

• You can start small and buy more expensive equipment as you expand. For example, many pieces of equipment can make ladders (which can be extremely unsafe) unnecessary. 

Basic supplies to begin with:
Squeegees
Microfiber cloths and towels
Extension poles
T-bar and sleeve
Scrapers
Cleaning solution and buckets
Ladder
Invoice system

Once you are established, you may wish to purchase a water-fed pole system. This is an extension pole made of aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber attached to a squeegee or cleaning brush. Pure water is pumped up the pole, and the brush agitates the dirt away, leaving the window to dry naturally. These poles can operate to a height of 60 feet and allow cleaners to remain safely on the ground while working. Their prices vary widely, but it is possible to spend as little as $550 and as much as $2,050.

8.    Take care of the paperwork.

• Get a business license.
• Get your federal tax ID and file under your business name.
• Find out from your city whether you need to apply for a permit.
• Contact your local small business center and get a copy of your state's small business start-up guide.  Each state has its own requirements and will have fact sheets or guidebooks that will indicate if there are specific licenses, permits, or forms you need to file before starting your business.
• Open a bank account in the name of your business.
• Form an LLC (Licensed Liability Company)
  
  

9.    Purchase window cleaning insurance for yourself and any employees.

• Insurance is important to protect yourself in case anyone injures themself tripping over your equipment or slipping on a sponge. It is also necessary in case you accidentally break something in someone's house or around their property. Insurance will help you if an unhappy customer decides to sue you. You will also gain the trust of potential clients when they see that your business is professionally insured.
• Liability insurance will protect you from any inadvertent damage you may cause.
  
  
• Workers' compensation insurance may be necessary, depending on how many employees you have and the requirements of the state in which you operate. 
  
  
  

10.    Find clients.

• This is generally done through canvassing (going door to door) and/or advertising. The Janitorial Store has a wealth of resources to help you market your business, including articles, training videos, forms, and postcard and flyer templates. If you already operate a cleaning business, begin with your current customers and set up a referral system.
  
  
• Join trade associations, the local Chamber of Commerce, and local networking groups.
  
  
• Send out press releases with your start date.
  
  

11.    Hire a team.

• There are currently 12,898 window cleaners in the United States with an average age of 48. More window cleaners are working for private companies than public, and the top 10% of the highest-paid window cleaners can earn $33,000 annually or more. This article from The Janitorial Store may interest you: What You Need to Consider Before Hiring Your First Cleaning Company Employee. 

Your window cleaning business may start small and then grow. You don't need to approach the process of starting up a business as if you are already in competition with Bill Gates, Jeffrey Bezos, or Warren Buffett. With mentorship and resources from The Janitorial Store, you can relax and focus on your own goals. 

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