It’s November. In some parts of the country the window cleaning season is winding down; in other parts, it’s just getting started. The key to success in the window cleaning industry, as a whole, is creating a 12-month business. Sure, you can work crazy, 12-hour days, 7 days a week and then sleep during the winter months, but who really wants that? It can be stressful and creates a financial strain without proper planning (and follow-thru). And, if you have independent contractors, it is unlikely that they will be able to access the state’s unemployment during the off-season. So, what do you do? How do you extend your season?
1. Gutter cleaning. OK. This is not everyone’s favorite job, but it needs to be done every fall and people are more than willing to pay for it. In fact, your current customer base is the perfect place to start. You already know that they do not want to climb atop a ladder to clean windows. Chances are that they do not want to climb that ladder to clean out the gutters either. Plus, if it doesn’t get done, the debris in the gutters may freeze and cause an ice build-up and possible leak. Not good.
2. Christmas lights. Back to that ladder again. Many people are afraid of heights. They would love to have the Griswold Family holiday light display, but that ladder is preventing them from doing so. Enter you. Window cleaner extraordinaire. Super hero cape and all. Offer to hang the lights right after you clean those gutters – for a fee, of course. Be sure to factor in removing them in January.
3. Big Events. Let your customers, both residential and commercial, know that you work year round. Send them little reminder notices, a newsletter or even a friendly call. Tell them you clean windows for Thanksgiving. You work at Christmas and New Year’s. Inform them that you can get things looking good for their annual Super Bowl Party. Remind them that clean windows make great Valentine’s Day gifts. Heck, offer special pricing, if you want.
The key is to think outside of the box. You can stretch your window cleaning season a little each year and build a business that is 12-months a year in no time. Good Luck!
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We are doing twice the amount of gutter as windows right now.
The thing to remember is, time is of the essence.
Meaning, once you commit to the job, you can NOT procrastinate.
– water damage happens quickly. And if you were hired to stop an overflow… it’s “on you.”
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Absolutely! Thanks for the tips!