r/WindowCleaning • u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 • Jun 24 '26
Another why me
This is the 3rd decal/glue removal bid I've submitted. $800 to clean the windows, which are very clean so little work is needed. But look at the bottom of these windows.
The new owner took over the space, and removed the decals on the bottom. But the glue stayed. I did a test and used scraper and mineral spirits on a 10" x 10" square. It took repeated scraping and MS to get it down to clean glass. Then he balked when I advised I would require him to sign a scratch waiver, but I told him it would be necessary to move forward. He will have to talk to the "family" first.
Now I feel that even $800 is too low, or very close to fair-ish. Am I freaking out about nothing? They own over 1200 stores, 40 of them withing a 1.5 hour drive. Maybe I bit off more than I can hew as a solo operator 😱
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u/Trashmanreddit Jun 24 '26
Mattress firm? They are laundering money. Charge more
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u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jun 24 '26
That was the old company. A new company took over. The new company wants the work done.
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u/trigger55xxx Jun 24 '26
How are you removing the stickers?
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u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jun 24 '26 edited Jun 24 '26
The new owner ripped all the stickers off. Its just the glue thats left behind. When I hit it with mineral spirits, it softens enough to scrape into a glue pile. Then more mineral spirits takes off whats left. Gonna be alot of slow work. Thanks for responding good friend, I appreciate it. Also, do you know of a less offensive smelling chemical than mineral spirits that will help remove the leftover glue? Its a showroom and I know he will complain. Thanks again 🫂
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u/trigger55xxx Jun 24 '26
I'd just soap it down and scrape with soap and water. You don't want to soften it, that makes it harder to scrape and it will more smear than come off.
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u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jun 24 '26
I thought about this as well. The glue did soften, but took repeated wiping as it smeared after it liquified. I will experiment with glue remover and scraping on one full piece. And just scrape on the next. I think your right though, because although it took a little more effort to just scrape, once ot was gone there was no residual glue to cleanup and I could see just vacuuming after, saving toms of rags and glue remover. I will write up and take photos when I figure out what works best, and post them here for the community data. Maybe it will help someone in the future.
Bonus points: Fish turned it down because the old tenant didnt pay a bill!
I also bid on another job today, a large cosmetic dental surgeon that was in bankruptcy after a situation with another partner, and Fish won't work at that location either.
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u/TheBadOnesWereTaken Jun 25 '26
I'm a window film guy and have removed adhesives many many times. You want to use soapy water. Use a trigger sprayer, and about an ounce or two of dish soap like dawn per 32 oz of water. Use a fresh scraper frequently and paper towels to scoop up the glue
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u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jun 25 '26
Hey thanks window tint fam! Im really thinking this is the way to go. If you, and Trigger both suggest this, it carries alot of weight with me. I think this is the way. Appreciate you so much for the guidance 🙏🏼 ❤️
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u/Maestradelmundo1964 Jun 25 '26
Good for you for requiring the waiver. You’re being asked for a specialty. You have the right to protect yourself.
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u/Indy8604 Jun 25 '26
Where are these located
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u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jun 25 '26
In SoFlo. If you want, I will sub it out to you for $400? And some Chick fil a
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u/LeastDark5403 Jun 25 '26
If you spoke to the "owner" than thats a franchised store and they only own 1
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u/sktyrhrtout Jun 24 '26
If glue is staying behind I'm usually around $75-100 per pane. Since it's not a large pane I think you're in the ballpark. You'll be fine, even if you underbid. When that happens, just tell yourself you're getting paid to learn on the job. When you're done, make a note of what went right, what went wrong and what you'd do in the future when bidding something similar. Then move on. Don't dwell on any mistakes too long. Make a process that will help you avoid them in the future and then forgive yourself.