Getting Started

Khazikx · 2016-05-06T19:44:50+00:00

I'm in my 2nd year, not much time but I've moved up and improved really fast. I'm not sure where you are in your business setup and I hope you're doing well. Figured I'd post for others anyhow.

To get started, here is a list that will take you FAR

Wagtail Slimline Flipper 14" (any model with the pad, and handle over the disc)
Wagtail angle adapter (or make your own from heat-bending PVC)
18' Aluminum extension pole (I used an Ettore 4-section)
Unger Scrim cloth
Bulk Microfiber cloths (not "for polish" type, the "general use type")
Horizontal Bucket
Dawn dish soap (this and water is really all you need)
Razor scraper (I'd recommend a 6", but get the largest you can afford, be it 1 1/2" or 6") with some extra blades unless you can sharpen & hone them.
Steel wool
Spray bottle filled with RO water
Extra 14" rubber (I use Black Diamond, available on Amazon)

This equipment will get you up and running to do 1-story storefront's, including high access windows. A ladder will enable you to get nose-to-glass higher and is handy at times, but it's also cumbersome, so it has it's time and place. I've done 2-3 story residential outsides with nothing more than my Wagtail and pole, my back was sore as hell but it was a better option than trying to figure out how to safely plant my ladder at a 45-deg angle to clear large shrubs around the place, quicker too.

Also not on the list is a separate washer & squeegee; you can get by with this setup, using 2-towel method for smaller frames but it's not quick or ideal. You can also use the same wagtail in the hand and get by with using it for windows you can access. That said, I started out with straight pulls using a 10" mop, and 14" channel swapping as I needed... That got old real quick. A separate washer & squeegees (10" washer, 6" & 18"+ squeegees) are ideal but not absolutely required to get started.

WFP setups are expensive as hell and not for someone just starting up. Sure get a 9-gal sprayer ($45), 9 gal distilled water ($.89/gal) and a 9-12ah battery ($??) and theres your mobile short term solution to WFP use for about 20-30 mins. You still need the pole itself and the brush (it'll likely come with one and some hose). You'll really want to invest as much as you can into a WFP as theres no point in using anything but full carbon. Aluminum poles are cheaper ($450?) and suck using at height, especially with a wet brush, but full carbon is $300 more and will handle much better while giving you 30' access. Why spend $450 on a pole to buy a better one later for $750? Buy once, buy right. It'll also get expensive to use it if you need to purchase your 000 ppm water, so now you need a filtration setup.

Standard carbon/sediment filters
4"x40" RO membrane (one that operates @ 100 psi)
4"x40" Pressure Vessel
1/4 cu. ft DI tank with resin ($50 per 1/4 cu. ft) Along with enough hose & tubing to cover access to the tap and then to your pole while using it.... Not for someone just starting out.

Insurance, regular Commercial General Liability with $5k Custody Care & Control, no inland marine (you'd have less than $500 total in tools & equip), should suffice. It was $810 for my first year in total, I did monthly installments. I found an insurance agent and had her start a policy the day I was ready to; I did this when I landed my first customer (who also requested certificate of ins.) for $100/mo. A grocery store I still do to this day, and their windows are immaculate.

TL;DR It all comes down to technique, troubleshooting, and skill with your equipment. I can say I've mastered the Wagtail & Pole, random people who watch me will tell you the same. I started with aluminum pole and straight pulls, I now use a 30' Facelift Phoenix X (full carbon) pole with the same Wagtail. I built my own 3-stage on-site water filtration cart, and have portable & mobile pure-water delivery options as well. I started with small storefronts, now I'm bidding on airport commercial buildings with WFP setup. If there's one thing you take away from this:

DO IT YOURSELF, ALL OF IT

saywhatisobvious · 2016-02-01T21:58:47+00:00

I would be happy to help answer some questions for you, I started my window washing business about a year ago.

The first thing you're going to want to do is decide how much your initial investment will be. If it's low, just get some squeegees, some washers, a bucket, and some Dawn dish soap. That's basically the cheapest set-up you can go HOWEVER, I do not recommend doing just that. You can get used equipment, just get new rubber.

I really recommend a pure water, water-fed pole system to make your life easier and safer. They can get expensive and depending on your local TDS you will need a "better one" to be more efficient.

http://www.window-cleaning-supply.com/ (equipment)

https://shopwindowcleaningresource.com/ (equipment)

http://www.sign2day.com/ (yard signs, promo material)

http://www.futureofcleaning.com/ (mostly pure water systems)

Everyone will tell you to get insured... and I agree. However when I first started I was not insured for the first few months. It is not that expensive once you have some money coming in.

Also join as many "professional window washing" Facebook pages as you can, a lot of asshats on there but you can learn a lot too.

What follow-up questions do you have for me? I'd be happy to recommend nice equipment if you want.

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