Testing A Business Before Starting

[spudger]

Hi. Im looking for some basic info on what I might need to start.

In short Im starting a window cleaning/guttering business and currently have flyers on order to test the demand in my area. I'm currently working and will initially be doing this in spare time/weekends.

If/when I start this full time Im sure I'll need public liability but Im not sure what else.

Im a bit of a jack of all trades and dip my toe into courier work as well so would be interested to hear anything regarding insuring a van for both purposes.

Ive got plenty more questions but not much time so I'll post anything I think of later.

Thanks

 

[Stocker]

Hi Spudger, test one business idea at a time. As you sound like you are happy to graft you will make it work.

 

[fisicx]

In short Im starting a window cleaning/guttering business and currently have flyers on order to test the demand in my area.

There is probably loads of demand for these services - but most people will already have someone they use. We get our gutters cleaned once a year and use the same bloke everyone else on the street does.

So you need to offer something they want or need not something they may already have.

 

[Deleted member 61074]

There is probably loads of demand for these services - but most people will already have someone they use. We get our gutters cleaned once a year and use the same bloke everyone else on the street does.

So you need to offer something they want or need not something they may already have.

Thats true enough, but i have found window cleaners give up after a year or 2. Plenty of business for someone reliable. Leafleting with show you were the void is.

 

[makeyourbusinessbetter]

Well done, you're doing the right things.

1. Test the market, see what the demand is like in your area
2. Get a few initial customers, then grow from there
3. Don't give up the day job, start part-time

Opportunities - domestic; older people, busy professionals, busy families. Commercial; businesses looking to save money

Services - regular - window cleaning, year round. Extra - guttering, seasonal

Reputation - by far the best form of advertising is referrals; current customers recommending you to new customers. Be reliable, do a good job, be presentable.

Profile - have your phone number clearly shown on van and workwear, keep flyers and business cards in van and pocket, when you are working in a new area post a few flyers through the surrounding doors, always leave business card when finish a job so they can pass it on to new customers

Service
Don't price too low, offer a good service at a good price
Don't overstretch yourself, make sure you keep good standard of work
Confirm next visit when you finish at end of current visit

Other
Record your sales in a duplicate book and give top copy as receipt when you finish job
Don't lose invoices and receipts for any purchases and expenses, keep them together

Good luck with your business.

Gordon

 

[spudger]

There is probably loads of demand for these services - but most people will already have someone they use. We get our gutters cleaned once a year and use the same bloke everyone else on the street does.

So you need to offer something they want or need not something they may already have.

No way of telling if they already have it so best to drop some leaflets and find out I guess. I see a lot of dirty clogged gutters and have never seen anyone doing the job although a quick google shows companies offering it, but no-one specific in my area.

Well done, you're doing the right things.

1. Test the market, see what the demand is like in your area
2. Get a few initial customers, then grow from there
3. Don't give up the day job, start part-time

Opportunities - domestic; older people, busy professionals, busy families. Commercial; businesses looking to save money

Services - regular - window cleaning, year round. Extra - guttering, seasonal

Reputation - by far the best form of advertising is referrals; current customers recommending you to new customers. Be reliable, do a good job, be presentable.

Profile - have your phone number clearly shown on van and workwear, keep flyers and business cards in van and pocket, when you are working in a new area post a few flyers through the surrounding doors, always leave business card when finish a job so they can pass it on to new customers

Service
Don't price too low, offer a good service at a good price
Don't overstretch yourself, make sure you keep good standard of work
Confirm next visit when you finish at end of current visit

Other
Record your sales in a duplicate book and give top copy as receipt when you finish job
Don't lose invoices and receipts for any purchases and expenses, keep them together

Good luck with your business.

Gordon

Definitely not giving up the day job yet. Thanks for the pointers on invoices, that and the legal/health and safety side of things I have limited experience with.

Referrals are definitely key, my dad rarely advertised his business but the phone never stopped. He's a great help but I like to get and outside perspective on things.
Thanks

 

[Marketing King]

Hi i canvass for windowcleaners so any help you needlet me know