Start a Business
How to Start a Window Cleaning Commercial & Industrial Business
Want to become your own boss? Start a window cleaning commercial and industrial business. There are many practical, financial, and psychological benefits to owning your own business.
Thinking about opening a window cleaning commercial and industrial business? We tell you what you need to know to get started.
Commercial Window Cleaning & the Relationship Factor
Commercial window cleaning has the potential to be a very profitable business sector for the right entrepreneurs. But a bucket of suds and a squeegee won't cut it in today's industry. Instead, you will be expected to clean windows on skyscrapers and architectural features that can't be safely cleaned by in-house janitorial staff.
The best commercial window cleaning companies are complex operations that incorporate technical rigging, expertise and rigid safety standards into everyday work routines. Prices are quoted on a per window basis, but high rises may be charged higher rates due to risk, rigging and insurance requirements.
Commercial and industrial clients often prefer to do business with window cleaners they know and respect. A single incident can bring negative PR to the client's business, so many clients resist switching from a proven cleaner to a relatively unknown provider. For startups, the relationship factor may present challenges for acquiring new clients. But on the upside, customer loyalty makes it easier to keep new clients once you have secured their business.
Characteristics of Successful Commercial Window Cleaning Businesses
Successful commercial and industrial window cleaning businesses don't just happen. They are the result of a deliberate effort to leverage a handful of characteristics that are common among the best in the business.
- Professionalism. Keep in in mind that your clients will be image-conscious business professionals. Window cleaning is an inherently visible maintenance activity. As such, it's important to make sure that your team projects a professional image. Uniforms, on-site work policies and procedural standards are essential in maintaining professionalism throughout your organization.
- Reliability. Commercial window cleaning clients value reliability. Delays and no-shows are no-go's with building owners who expect their properties to be maintained on time, every time. Many commercial window cleaners leverage scheduling software and even employ GPS tracking to monitor the exact locations of their crews.
- Precision. Attention to detail is an essential requirement for professional window cleaners. Missed smudges add up and can jeopardize your ability to retain valuable clients. Spot checks and other measures should be implemented in your startup to ensure quality control.
- Safety. Safety is a win-win for your company and your clients. Accidents and injuries simply aren't acceptable, especially if they can be avoided with safety equipment and training. But in the event that accidents do occur, your clients will want to be protected -- and that means you will have to demonstrate adequate insurance coverage before your team arrives on-site. For updated information on window cleaning safety, contact the International Window Cleaning Association.
How to Write an Effective Window Cleaning Commercial & Industrial Company Business Plan
It's virtually impossible for your window cleaning commercial and industrial business to succeed without an effective business plan.
A solid business plan should include verifiable industry data. Fudging the numbers is the equivalent of sabotaging your window cleaning commercial and industrial business's strategic interests.
Instead, commit to creating the most precise business plan possible. For more information about window cleaning commercial and industrial company business plans, take a look at what the experts say about business plan writing.
Evaluate the Competition
Prior to launching a window cleaning commercial and industrial business within your community, it's a smart move to see how many competitors you have. We've provided the link below to help you generate a list of competitors in your area. Just enter your city, state and zip code to get a list of window cleaning commercial and industrial businesses in your community.
Prior to opening your doors for business, be sure you fully understand the competitive landscape and where your new business will fit in.
Turning Competitors Into Collaborators
Once you've finished assessing the competion, you really ought to learn from folks who are already in business. If you think your local competitors will give you advice, you're being overoptimistic. The last thing they want to do is help you to be a better competitor.
Fortunately, somebody who runs a window cleaning commercial and industrial business in another town may be more than happy to give you a few tips, provided that you won't be directly competing with them. In fact, they are often very willing to share startup advice with you. In my experience, you may have to call ten business owners in order to find one who is willing to share his wisdom with you.
How do you find an entrepreneur who is running a window cleaning commercial and industrial business who is willing to talk to you but doesn't live nearby?
Here's one way to do it. Just use our link below, find somebody and call them.
Tips for Buying a Window Cleaning Commercial & Industrial Business
It's fairly common for window cleaning commercial and industrial business entrepreneurs to gain entry through a business acquisition.
Although buying a window cleaning commercial and industrial business offers several advantages for startup entrepreneurs, there are still several key factors to consider. Right away, you'll want to make sure the business is capable of meeting your ownership expectations.
Once you have determined that the window cleaning commercial and industrial business is an appropriate match for your goals, you will need to skillfully negotiate on price and perform a thorough due diligence process before you finalize the deal.
Explore Franchising Options
Speed to market is an essential factor in startup success. Franchise startups dramatically shorten the startup cycle, giving your business a fast track to earnings, profits and growth.
While it's true that franchising has both benefits and drawbacks, our cleaning and maintenance franchise directory will give you the tools you need to evaluate whether a franchised startup is a good fit for you and your goals.
More Advice for Startups
These additional resources regarding starting a business may be of interest to you.
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