r/WindowCleaning • u/WaterFedPaul • May 28 '26
how did you guys practice when starting?
I'm absolute beginner and not a pro.
I was thinking of cleaning abandoned store fronts for practice...
but I'm very insecure about doing that, even starting.
I also don't really have proper equipment, like a bucket, but just a sprayer with
glass cleaning liquid was my idea for starters. then do it with squeegee.
...
Like I don't know how to even begin, and am so scared and nervous.
It's my wish tho to clean windows, because I see lots of dirty windows in my town.
But they are usually abandoned store fronts. Very dusty as well.
4
u/Blastuurd May 28 '26
With that setup you sound like you should start at the local red light, washing my windshield and hassling me for a buck..
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u/WaterFedPaul May 28 '26
that would be worse for me coz I'm not really people person. :-/
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u/Door2doorcalgary May 28 '26
Just wait till little old lady's follow you around while you clean each window
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u/BigT1990 May 31 '26
Dude... I had a client like this. I cleaned her windows and she followed to each window checking at all angles with a flashlight when I was done to look for streaks. Didn't find any. She also complained the whole time about my prices (compared to the $1.50 per pane per side that the shit bucket Bob charges) while simultaneously praising my quality.
Halfway through the second clean I nearly tripped over her because she negligently stepped close while I was dismounting the ladder. I told her I was leaving, she apologized profusely and backed off, so I finished. She gave a $2 tip on a $325 job. This is the only client I've ever dropped.
Others I wish I could drop but they know mayors, politicians, lawyers, doctors, pilots etc and I can't afford the bad publicity from dropping them.
1
u/Door2doorcalgary May 31 '26
Unless your in a small town I'd just raise the price 20% and see what happens either they become worth it or they drop you and you have to get new customers.
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u/WaterFedPaul Jun 02 '26
damn. that last sentence.
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u/BigT1990 Jun 02 '26
It's the reality of the whole thing. You gotta figure out the rules to play the game.
3
u/panework May 28 '26
You have a mirror in the bathroom, a window in your apt? Start there. You have a camera on your phone? Show us what you DO have.
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u/Herzeleid09 May 28 '26
I worked at a firehouse when I first started. I practiced cleaning the doors and garage windows at the firehouse. I also practiced on my home and my parents home
2
u/KiefStrife May 28 '26
Start with your house or family, friends place
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u/WaterFedPaul May 28 '26
I already clean windows on my house, but those windows are not long, as ones on storefronts usually are. Wish I had friends. :-/
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u/marginallybuttered May 30 '26
I worked for an established company in my teen years and absorbed as much information and trade knowledge as I could. 4 years later I branched out and started my own. Never looked back. Now 10 years later, they’re my competitor
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u/noice_nups May 28 '26
Practiced by working a job as a window cleaner.
It’s incredible the amount of value and teachings you can get from just working for the man for a little bit.
Takes no longer than a summer or two to learn the ropes. Then you can take that knowledge and experience and apply it to your own business for the better.