Great video Steve O. All good information. Really shows where you"re at mentally in this industry. I watched the whole video nodding my head up and down in agreement.
Definitely agree to keep it simple! It’s so easy to overwhelm newbies. I tried hiring a guy this winter (didn’t work out unfortunately). He had a bit of a learning issue so I really had to break down every little thing and had to keep it as simple as possible, definitely not easy but worth the time in the end.
great video as usual! I think pricing gets tricky when you realize others offer $1/pane because they aren't a real business. You just have to value your own time, and be consistent.
I agree getting the ticket signed after the job can be a pain. And the Fish invoices are terrible! No one knows where to sign when they take a glace and the paperwork.
I LOVE storefronts & commercial work, they're a great money maker!!! Excellent points to consider for your business in building a good foundation. I like how you touched on employees and also getting to the point as an owner of just being in sales. I'd be really interested to see a video on when is the right time to hire an employee or how to get out of the field so you have more time to focus on sales, bidding & scheduling. Maybe you already have a video on that? Thx always for the helpful content😁🤘
Elijah S. I don’t yet, I myself have only had one season that I was out of the field and doing sales and I learned a lot then. I like the physical work but a lot more could be done as far as expending the business being out of the field. When I get there and have some substantial time doing it I’ll share my thoughts. Thank you Elijah
Couple things I did with store fronts... 1) Include inside of entry doors with exterior clean. 2) Offer 1-3 free interior cleanings with weekly or every other week service.
Kevin Hargis same here we include the inside of all exterior doors when just cleaning the exterior. That’s a great idea for weekly and bi-weekly. Thank you Kevin
I price my storefronts by time and it works for me. I do think it would be hard for a new person to quote like that though. I know what my hourly needs to be and what other jobs I have near by. I like the simple tools for route as well. Ettore ledge ez with brass channels. Great video
Just started up and have my first job tomorrow morning. It's about 25 large windows inside and out plus all the sills and frames. I'm nervous as hell but excited at the same time.
did you already know: You can mount the unger handle for the big channels on most slimline-channel. turn the small screw on the backsite clockwise with out a channel. its a littel bit tricky... but it goes. Big greatings from Germany
Hi Steve, thanks for all the videos. Question, with getting employees, do you see many employees after a few months starting their own window cleaning business and taking customers from their boss and how do you deal with that? Is Luke still posting videos? or has he left window cleaning?
Steve, can you make a video on obtaining employees and how much you should pay them? Also of they are using their own car or van, do you pay their fuel and mileage?
Duston Ridinger in/out, and do consider that your areas price could be higher, I just wouldn’t go less then $3-$2.50 anywhere. Big cities I’m sure you could charge more maybe even quite a bit more. In our area there’s prices all over the place and quite a bit of pretty good competition. But from what I see on other bids for our storefronts that come around every once in a while, our prices are usually pretty close.
SteveO The Window Cleaner in my little southeast Iowa there’s been really low. I’m at about $3-4 in/out on monthly commercial and $7 on residential. Pretty close anyway!! I’ve seen .25 -.50 a side on some old bids from ppl. Ridiculous
I’m new to window cleaning I haven’t cleaned a window yet but I’m looking into getting a water fed pole. For store fronts should I go the squeegee route or the water fed pole route? I’m trying not to get overwhelmed with all of the awesome knowledge that you share I just need to get out there and clean some windows!
I would use a squeegee setup for storefronts, wfp can be extra work on simple storefronts, here is a kit that has all you need for that windowcleaner.com/products/steveos-employee-basic-starter-kit?sca_ref=3020242.k17l3JaEgS
I love store fronts, I’ve never worked at fish window cleaning so I don’t understand their commission based sales, can you explain that in a video please?
Do you use a verbal agreement, accepted emailed proposal, paper service agreement or locked in contracts? Also you said do skip when soliciting. How are you getting in touch with non mom and pop places like a Ross, Staples etc. Do you solicit them or skip
Taylor Grove verbal agreements with no contracts. I’ve just found this works pretty good but I’m not opposed to contracts especially for large commercial properties. You’ll have contact the manager, then district manager and work on that relationship with consistent following up! The larger stores can be difficult
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner Definitely, I have some hospitals and those are under contract for sure. I would just imagine you deal with a bunch of bucket bobs and was curious if you try contracts to avoid them taking your work. But I always use them on large jobs!
Older video and a good one too. Just wanted to comment on the losing the key thing. If you lose a key to a business, you'll be buying them new locks or at minimum re-keying their locks not just a new key.
I come off a touch. Ex outside 20. Inside 15. Cause inside you can’t use a pole. So the job becomes more physical , but the insides are way easier to clean.
Hey!! I am just getting into the game. Your videos have been extremely helpful! I love sales and I love window cleaning so I’m excited about my new small business. I have a question as this video was posted about 3 years ago I see. You mentioned $2.50-3 as a minimum on window panes. Has this minimum increased any over the last 3 years in the industry? Trying to get into pricing store fronts. I was hoping to stick to a $50 minimum charge on all store fronts but I’m thinking maybe closer to the $35 dollar range now. What do you think? Thanks!! I’m in the Atlanta area.
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner how do you breakdown pricing for weekly, biweekly and monthly accounts? Charge the same every time or price varies depending on frequency? Sorry for so many questions. Just getting started in business
I just started and been doing residential, it is a pain in the butt. Now for storefronts, do you have a license? or do you need a license? I am still in the process of getting insurance but I have a very special situation where I do not think I can legally get a license. 😢
For storefronts, definitely register your business with the state as an LLC for an example and make sure to have general liability insurance and a copy of your COI
Invaluable insight Steve thanks Bud! Hey do you add tax to the final quote price or does that depend how they pay? Of course we collect n pay taxes regardless. Basically with us if they need an email with an monthly invoice for sure I'm adding tax on top...
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner could you de a video or teach me on how to take payments like with card or how you charge a company. I’m new to this I’m trying to get customers now I just got the supplies I need to get started.
Do you 2 add to that if there is paper or vinyl lettering that requires additional detailing. Also How do you change your per window price based upon frequency. So if You were to quote a business for their windows cleaned every 6 months, vs 3 months vs monthly. Not so much route work but like an attorneys office. How do you change your price according to an increase or decrease in frequency? Like do you charge X amount per window and then take a percentage off with added frequency or change your per window price.
So , I know everything is relative to area and timing ect… but I’m trying to get established and I’ll charge $2.50/pane…& then had the majority of stores tell me that they have a guy who comes and cleans inside and out for $8-10 a cleaning on a store with 10 windows, counting the doors as one window 😖 now what??
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner I haven’t started yet, but I was thinking about contacting home builders for new construction cleaning; just not sure how to approach them.
"I think the minimum you should be pricing at is $2.50 to $3.00 - that should be the industry minimum overall. Don't ever go less than that." I 100% AGREE with you but man... as a cleaner for Fish, that made me laugh out loud (and cry a little internally) lol.
I won't go into how we price things specifically but just to give you an idea... I consider it a win if the amount of minutes it takes me to do a job is less than the subtotal price.
I got this restaurant owner that makes me wait like 15min-30min just for him to slip me $35 for a 3 min job lol. So annoying and debating on just dropping it. Though it’s next door to another place I clean. Would be nice to find a solution but he just wants to pay after the job is complete. Fact it’s hard to understand what he’s saying barely speaking English doesn’t help none.
Great video Steve O. All good information. Really shows where you"re at mentally in this industry. I watched the whole video nodding my head up and down in agreement.
V. Hanson thank you 🙏
No need to reply. Just read the comments below. Thanks again for great videos! They're very helpful and enjoyable.
Definitely agree to keep it simple! It’s so easy to overwhelm newbies. I tried hiring a guy this winter (didn’t work out unfortunately). He had a bit of a learning issue so I really had to break down every little thing and had to keep it as simple as possible, definitely not easy but worth the time in the end.
great video as usual! I think pricing gets tricky when you realize others offer $1/pane because they aren't a real business.
You just have to value your own time, and be consistent.
Chris Simmons thank you Chris!!
I agree getting the ticket signed after the job can be a pain. And the Fish invoices are terrible! No one knows where to sign when they take a glace and the paperwork.
🚫🐟
Awesome. Store fronts can be consistent cash cows! 😊
I LOVE storefronts & commercial work, they're a great money maker!!! Excellent points to consider for your business in building a good foundation. I like how you touched on employees and also getting to the point as an owner of just being in sales. I'd be really interested to see a video on when is the right time to hire an employee or how to get out of the field so you have more time to focus on sales, bidding & scheduling. Maybe you already have a video on that? Thx always for the helpful content😁🤘
Elijah S. I don’t yet, I myself have only had one season that I was out of the field and doing sales and I learned a lot then. I like the physical work but a lot more could be done as far as expending the business being out of the field. When I get there and have some substantial time doing it I’ll share my thoughts. Thank you Elijah
@@SteveOthewindowcleanerThx man, appreciate the feedback. I also a prefer the physical part, but do agree there's much to learn in the sales field.
Couple things I did with store fronts...
1) Include inside of entry doors with exterior clean. 2) Offer 1-3 free interior cleanings with weekly or every other week service.
Kevin Hargis same here we include the inside of all exterior doors when just cleaning the exterior. That’s a great idea for weekly and bi-weekly. Thank you Kevin
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner Absolutely! Thanks for the great video. Really summed store front cleaning up very well!
Great advice, Thanks SteveO !!
I price my storefronts by time and it works for me. I do think it would be hard for a new person to quote like that though. I know what my hourly needs to be and what other jobs I have near by. I like the simple tools for route as well. Ettore ledge ez with brass channels. Great video
Just started up and have my first job tomorrow morning. It's about 25 large windows inside and out plus all the sills and frames. I'm nervous as hell but excited at the same time.
You’ll do great! Just don’t overthink it
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner Took me 4 hours but I did it! On to another job this morning
did you already know: You can mount the unger handle for the big channels on most slimline-channel. turn the small screw on the backsite clockwise with out a channel. its a littel bit tricky... but it goes. Big greatings from Germany
Don Tümmler hey thank you for the tip 👍
You have helped me tremendously in my business. Thank you bro
Great video. Thank you for sharing.
Brandon Evans thank you Brandon!
Hi Steve, thanks for all the videos. Question, with getting employees, do you see many employees after a few months starting their own window cleaning business and taking customers from their boss and how do you deal with that? Is Luke still posting videos? or has he left window cleaning?
What do you do on interior windows that have signs stickered to the windows? A lot of gas stations have then covering 75% of every window.
Hey, SteveO. You Made this 3 years ago. It's 2023 Do you go up on storefronts? Cause of the inflation?
Yes I increased all prices by about 25%
Excellent video. Thank you. When you say $2.50 - $3.00/pane, are you talking per side? Or is this for in and out?
Same question
Great Chat SteveO!
TEAM PRISTINE thank you!!
Thank you so much for the great information on your videos
Steve, can you make a video on obtaining employees and how much you should pay them? Also of they are using their own car or van, do you pay their fuel and mileage?
Do you collect payment each time you visit a storefront or do you have them on a bi-weekly or monthly billing cycle?
Any advice on updated pricing for 2024?
Increase prices by at least 20% from this video
$3 per window inside and outside or just outside?
Inside and out at the minimum
If it’s every week than sure maybe
As always very good video.
Hey man just wondering if you could make a video on approaching storefronts and maybe a script. Just don’t know what to say I got the pricing down.
Hi,I'm just starting out and I'm in Canada, do u think I can price from $5 because of inflation,I can't find much info online
Are you talking per side or for In/Out?
Duston Ridinger in/out, and do consider that your areas price could be higher, I just wouldn’t go less then $3-$2.50 anywhere. Big cities I’m sure you could charge more maybe even quite a bit more. In our area there’s prices all over the place and quite a bit of pretty good competition. But from what I see on other bids for our storefronts that come around every once in a while, our prices are usually pretty close.
SteveO The Window Cleaner in my little southeast Iowa there’s been really low. I’m at about $3-4 in/out on monthly commercial and $7 on residential. Pretty close anyway!! I’ve seen .25 -.50 a side on some old bids from ppl. Ridiculous
I’m new to window cleaning I haven’t cleaned a window yet but I’m looking into getting a water fed pole. For store fronts should I go the squeegee route or the water fed pole route? I’m trying not to get overwhelmed with all of the awesome knowledge that you share I just need to get out there and clean some windows!
I would use a squeegee setup for storefronts, wfp can be extra work on simple storefronts, here is a kit that has all you need for that windowcleaner.com/products/steveos-employee-basic-starter-kit?sca_ref=3020242.k17l3JaEgS
I love store fronts, I’ve never worked at fish window cleaning so I don’t understand their commission based sales, can you explain that in a video please?
Do you discount weekly accounts compared to if they do biweekly or monthly?
Do you use a verbal agreement, accepted emailed proposal, paper service agreement or locked in contracts? Also you said do skip when soliciting. How are you getting in touch with non mom and pop places like a Ross, Staples etc. Do you solicit them or skip
Taylor Grove verbal agreements with no contracts. I’ve just found this works pretty good but I’m not opposed to contracts especially for large commercial properties. You’ll have contact the manager, then district manager and work on that relationship with consistent following up! The larger stores can be difficult
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner Definitely, I have some hospitals and those are under contract for sure. I would just imagine you deal with a bunch of bucket bobs and was curious if you try contracts to avoid them taking your work. But I always use them on large jobs!
Excellent info, thanks!
Damn. Learned a lot. Thank you very much.
Thank you for education
Older video and a good one too. Just wanted to comment on the losing the key thing. If you lose a key to a business, you'll be buying them new locks or at minimum re-keying their locks not just a new key.
When you're cleaning outside windows, do you double the price for cleaning inside also or is it the same price for both inside and out?
I come off a touch. Ex outside 20. Inside 15. Cause inside you can’t use a pole. So the job becomes more physical , but the insides are way easier to clean.
please i don't know if i can have a possibility to have means to talk to you personally
Why is every window cleaner on youtube working in blizzard like conditions lol.
Hey!! I am just getting into the game. Your videos have been extremely helpful! I love sales and I love window cleaning so I’m excited about my new small business. I have a question as this video was posted about 3 years ago I see. You mentioned $2.50-3 as a minimum on window panes. Has this minimum increased any over the last 3 years in the industry? Trying to get into pricing store fronts. I was hoping to stick to a $50 minimum charge on all store fronts but I’m thinking maybe closer to the $35 dollar range now. What do you think? Thanks!! I’m in the Atlanta area.
Yes minimum increased to at least $4, a $35-$45 minimum is wise in my opinion
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner how do you breakdown pricing for weekly, biweekly and monthly accounts? Charge the same every time or price varies depending on frequency? Sorry for so many questions. Just getting started in business
How would I go about landing a big office building type customer, do you usually talk to property managers?
Steve o what is the best additive to water and dawn??? Lots of salt water in the air near me by the beach
I like glass gleam 4 as an extra additive
If a store wants inside and out, every time, would you just double the price you charge for exterior?
I typically do the outside only at 60 percent of the inside and outside price
So is that 3$ per window for inside and outside? So 6$ total per window? I saw someone else ask this but I didnt understand your answer 100%.
David Schramm yes $3 inside and out
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner thanks for that clarification!
I just started and been doing residential, it is a pain in the butt. Now for storefronts, do you have a license? or do you need a license? I am still in the process of getting insurance but I have a very special situation where I do not think I can legally get a license. 😢
For storefronts, definitely register your business with the state as an LLC for an example and make sure to have general liability insurance and a copy of your COI
Invaluable insight Steve thanks Bud! Hey do you add tax to the final quote price or does that depend how they pay? Of course we collect n pay taxes regardless. Basically with us if they need an email with an monthly invoice for sure I'm adding tax on top...
how would you charge a dealership ? 2 buildings , one major showroom about 6 hr job solo traditional
How do you take payments
Quickbooks is great for that
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner could you de a video or teach me on how to take payments like with card or how you charge a company. I’m new to this I’m trying to get customers now I just got the supplies I need to get started.
2.5 wow down under its 10, does tht mean u wuld do 1 shop 4 2.5?
I charge $3.50 per window,
in & out...
$1.75 Exterior only....
$65 per hour....
Happy Days!💦
vcash perfect!! For exterior only I do 60 percent of the in/out price, includes inside of all exterior doors.
Do you 2 add to that if there is paper or vinyl lettering that requires additional detailing. Also How do you change your per window price based upon frequency. So if You were to quote a business for their windows cleaned every 6 months, vs 3 months vs monthly. Not so much route work but like an attorneys office. How do you change your price according to an increase or decrease in frequency? Like do you charge X amount per window and then take a percentage off with added frequency or change your per window price.
👍🏻
So , I know everything is relative to area and timing ect… but I’m trying to get established and I’ll charge $2.50/pane…& then had the majority of stores tell me that they have a guy who comes and cleans inside and out for $8-10 a cleaning on a store with 10 windows, counting the doors as one window 😖 now what??
Just keep trucking lol it happens to all of us. Do you go for homes and commercial buildings as well
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner I haven’t started yet, but I was thinking about contacting home builders for new construction cleaning; just not sure how to approach them.
"I think the minimum you should be pricing at is $2.50 to $3.00 - that should be the industry minimum overall. Don't ever go less than that."
I 100% AGREE with you but man... as a cleaner for Fish, that made me laugh out loud (and cry a little internally) lol.
I won't go into how we price things specifically but just to give you an idea... I consider it a win if the amount of minutes it takes me to do a job is less than the subtotal price.
I got this restaurant owner that makes me wait like 15min-30min just for him to slip me $35 for a 3 min job lol. So annoying and debating on just dropping it. Though it’s next door to another place I clean. Would be nice to find a solution but he just wants to pay after the job is complete. Fact it’s hard to understand what he’s saying barely speaking English doesn’t help none.
Ask if you can start billing him through quickbooks? I would add at least $5-$10 to the price though
@@SteveOthewindowcleaner I’ll figure something out soon. I’ll have to pull out my translator on my phone to have that type of talk lol