How to Start a Window-Washing Business

Window cleaning, or window washing, is the cleaning of architectural glass used for structural, lighting, or decorative purposes. Commercial work is contracted variously from in-person transactions for cash or barter, to formal tender processes. Regulations, licensing, technique, equipment and compensation vary nationally and regionally. Starting a window-washing business can be accomplished relatively quickly. Focus on commercial accounts, as many businesses clean their windows thoroughly each week. The key is to focus on small one- and two-story buildings, because you will not likely have the scaffolds and equipment for taller buildings. Also, most multistory office complexes probably have commercial cleaning contracts with larger window-cleaning companies.

Things Needed:

• Computer
• Fliers
• Business cards
• Window soap
• Long squeegee
• Short squeegee
• Scrapers
• Scrubbers
• Ladder
• Van or truck

Window-Washing Business Instruction:

Step 1

Create a catchy name for your window cleaning business. Obtain a DBA, or "doing business as," application through your local county administration office or city hall. Fill out the application and register your business name. Apply for a vendor's license using the same forms, as you will need to collect sales tax from your customers. Mail the forms back along with your application fee.

Step 2

Research window cleaning franchises, to decide whether you want to open a franchise location, especially if you have cash for a franchise. Contact window-cleaning franchises such as Dr. Glass or Squeegee Squad. Allocate between $5,000 and $75,000 for your window-cleaning franchise, depending on the franchise company. Select a window-cleaning franchise if you want to benefit from the training and advertising support.

Step 3

Find a wholesale supplier in your area that sells window-washing soap. Obtain all the necessary cleaning supplies including a squeegee and scrubber.

Step 4

Set up an office in your home as you may be able to use the home office deduction for tax purposes, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Use a computer for keeping track of all business customers, sales and profits.

Step 5

Contact competitive window-washing services in your area and obtain the going rate. Price your window-washing service in the range of most window washers. Lower your prices for business owners if necessary to obtain their business.

Step 6

Create a website for your window-washing business, or have a web designer create a website for you. Include detailed information about your business on the website, including the key benefits of using your window-washing service. State, for example, that your company is small and, therefore, you can provide extra personal attention and care on each job. Include your website address on your business cards, fliers and on advertisements.

Step 7

Contact small businesses like car dealerships, fast-food restaurants and doctors' offices. Speak with the owners or managers. Ask them if they use a window-cleaning service. Sell the owner on using your window-washing service if they do not use a window-washing service. Leave a business card and flier if the business owner needs to get back to you.

Step 8

Run a small classified ad regularly in your local newspaper, as long as the ad is producing inquiries and sales. List your window-washing business with your local online yellow pages, as this listing will be seen by businesses. Ask for the least expensive online listing which is usually under $20 per month.

Tip

• Be very conscientious about doing an excellent job. Your dedication will help you better acquire business customers on a regular basis. You will eventually need to hire people if you continue acquiring customers. 

Warning

• Never try to do more work than you can realistically handle. Stop your advertising temporarily if you have too much business and do not plan to hire additional window washers. 

References 

• Small Business Administration: Writing a Business Plan
• Entrepreneur: How to Start a Cleaning Service
• Mysmallbiz.com: How To Start A Window Cleaning Business
• Business.gov: Business Name Registration (Doing Business As)
• Internal Revenue Service: What You Need to Know About the Home Office Deduction
• How to Start a Window-Washing Business