Although this is probably a post that would be a bit more relevant at the beginning of the winter (at least in the snowy climates), I did get an email a few days ago asking: "what can I do in the winter"?. So I figured I’d post it below. Maybe it’ll give you ideas on some different services you can provide in spring, summer, fall, or winter in addition to window cleaning.  But make sure you use window cleaning as the door opener and then feed off of that with any additonal services.

Here’s the email:

Hello Steve,
I’ve been cleaning windows with your program for about 2 years.  Do you have any ideas/suggestions one can offer to get thru the winter months.  I’m located in the <location deleted> area and window cleaning is almost impossible during Dec., Jan., & Feb.

Thanks
Steve

My Response:

Hi Steve:

How have you been?  Good to hear from you.

Usually this is a question I get at the beginning of the winter.  :o )  So you’re about to come up on a wonderful time to be in the window cleaning.  Well, since you’ve been involved now for a couple of years, then I’m sure you’re aware of that already.

Anyway…I have many folks that have branched off into lots of different directions.  Some ideas:

–How about buying a water fed pole system?  This is great for the mid rise market like hotels, hospitals, etc.  They need our services all year long.  And it’s a service not many window cleaners provide.  The reason is because even though a water fed pole system isn’t that expensive, there is some investment involved.   So whereas anyone can afford a squeegee/bucket and walk into any storefront to ask for their business, not many window cleaners can do that with the multi floor buildings.  It opens up a great market for window cleaners willing to spend a few bucks.

–Gutter cleaning.  This is the other end of the spectrum in terms of investment.  Nothing.  A bit of labor is all.  But you’ve already got the ladders already, so gutter cleaning fits in nice with what we’re doing.  You may want to offer that year round and not just in the winter, but it’s something that folks would be willing to pay for in the winter where they might not be willing to pay to get their windows cleaned in the winter.

–Pressure washing.  An investment is required of course, but again, folks will pay year round for this service.  And not just houses either.  Driveways, decks, roofs, etc.  I have a number of people doing this.

–Christmas light installation.  Of course the holidays are over now, but it’s something to think about for next year.  I did a lot of this beginning right after thanksgiving until the first week or so of january.  You charge them up front for both the set up and removal.  And then you come back the first of the year to take the lights down.

I could go on and on.  There is also blind cleaning and working with the smaller storefront commercial type customers.  Although I didn’t do any storefront customers, the fact is that they do need their glass cleaned year round, so it’s an option..

Hope this helps.  Take care for now. 

Regards,

Steve 

 

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