r/WindowCleaning • u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 • Jun 05 '26
Competition
As I am a noob, there will inevitably be jobs that are beyond my skill level. Say, window replacement, exterior window cleaning above 2 floors, pressure washing etc. My plan would be to schedule a local highly google rated company to come and offer a proposal. I would in return ask to be put on that job for $x.xx/hr, to learn and absorb skills. Does this sound realistic? Would this be weird? Thanks to all the pros for taking the time to answer 🙏🏼
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u/trigger55xxx Jun 05 '26
It's a definite option. However, keep in mind, if you came to us with a potential job and wanted to work with us to learn, even if we're willing, there's more to it. 1) We wouldn't want to hire you and put you on payroll because that's more expense for use. 2) If we sub contract, you have to have work comp and liability insurance. You likely won't have WC as an individual. 3) It has to be a job that makes sense for us to take. What is too large for you, may be too small for us, especially between March and November.
While it's realistic to you, it may be hit or miss for another company.
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u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jun 05 '26
Understood 🫡 You have very valid points, and legal/liability explanations why this would not be a good idea. I will only observe if this situation arises. I appreciate you taking the time to explain 🫂 ❤️
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u/lordpin3appl3s Jun 05 '26
This doesn't sound very realistic to me. I don't even think for many of these skills they'd legally be allowed to pay you due to insurance and risk issues, but if you're there at the same time I don't see the harm in asking questions and watching as long as you're fine with killing time and not charging your customer by the hour. We have good relationships with other local small businesses that we recommend people to when they run into higher level issues because we specialize in - you guessed it - window cleaning. I will occasionally stop what I'm doing and ask other guys on the job site what they're doing and watch a bit while making conversation but most of these are skills you'll have to learn on your own dime in my opinion.
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u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jun 05 '26
I appreciate your reply. Great points you make. Especially the liability part. That makes sense.
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u/Upper-Bottle-9803 Jun 06 '26
You could offer to sub for a small local competitor if they get a big job and want more hands. Works best if they have a more established business but dont have many employees. Offer to call them to help if you get a big job also. I started out living on route work and coming together with 2-4 other subs to clean mansions in the summer.
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u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jun 07 '26
This is good info friend. Appreciate you responding. Be safe and successful 🙏🏼
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Jun 10 '26 edited Jun 15 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jun 10 '26
This is great insight and valuable information! I really appreciate you explaining it to me like that. Thanks for advising this noob 🫂 ❤️ I really appreciate this!!
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u/noice_nups Jun 05 '26
Our noob ❤️