How To Start a Window Cleaning Business
“How do I start a window cleaning business?” It’s a question that deserves its own post, because window cleaning businesses are unique. If you’re thinking of starting a window cleaning business you have staff hiring, specific equipment management, and even a unique marketing plan ahead of you. Here’s how to get started.
#1. Do You Need a License for a Window Cleaning Business?
Different states have different business license requirements. In some states, you’ll need a general contractor license. Others only require you to form an LLC and register for an EIN, a number that identifies your business for tax purposes. If you’re new to starting a business, first check out our simple guide on 5 Steps to Start a Business. You’ll need a business bank account, a way to do your business taxes and accounting, and legal advice as well as an insurance agent to start.
#2. How To Hire Staff for Window Cleaning
Ask your insurance agent about basic business liability and workers comp insurance, because any of your staff cleaning windows (even if it’s yourself!) will need protection against claims of incompetence or insurance coverage in case of injury on the job.
After that’s done, post an ad to hire staff on your local job boards such as Indeed or a local Craigslist. Make sure that anyone you hire is legally allowed to work in the U.S., and provides you with their social security number for tax purposes. Look for people who have a history of reliability, and can work outdoors for long hours. Window cleaning isn’t for everyone!
#3. Purchasing Window Cleaning Equipment
Did you know some window cleaning businesses only manage first-floor window cleaning? It’s one of the easiest ways to start a window cleaning business, because you don’t need expensive ladders, scaffolding, and other equipment, and there is less of a chance of worker injury from falling.
If you do decide to purchase equipment, you can purchase supplies at the local hardware store or from a window washing supply company. You’ll need the following:
- rags and squeegees
- buckets
- cleansing solution (the pros love Dawn dish soap)
- extension poles, t bars and sleeves
- harnesses to hold equipment
- gloves
- ladders or scaffolding
You might optionally also want hoses, power washers, and other equipment that brings water to the job, especially if you offer power washing of building exteriors along with window washing. Also, if you have large equipment, you’ll need specialized vehicles to transport it to job sites.
#4. How To Manage a Window Cleaning Business
After you form your window cleaning business, you’ll need a business plan and a marketing plan. Check out our handy guide on how to write a cleaning business plan, which is easily adaptable to window cleaning. The easiest way to manage a window cleaning business is to have an all-in-one software to help you schedule new clients, process payments online, and manage your contacts.
That’s where Yottled can help. Yottled is a top small business software for a reason. With Yottled you can get a white-label website or a scheduling and payment software that integrates with your existing website. You also get great client management tools and invoicing all in one place. Then you can focus on advertising, promotions, and other marketing ideas to bring in new clients for your brand-new window cleaning business.
