If you have ever pondered about how to start a window cleaning business, then this post is for you!
As a window cleaning start up you will need to consider what you will need to do to get up and running. Luckily, this post covers the first steps you need to know before you start your very own business.
So, there’s nothing stopping you from starting up a window cleaning business.
What is a Window Cleaning Business?
A window cleaning business is where you provide a service to clients that involves cleaning windows. There are two different types of window cleaning businesses and deciding whether you want to go into commercial window cleaning or residential is an important first step.
Commercial
Commercial window cleaning involves servicing commercial clients, like big companies. It is a big industry within Australia therefore, if you would like to enter this industry there are significant regulations that will be discussed later in this post.
Furthermore, due to its competitive nature it requires business owners to market themselves efficiently. This could mean acquiring contacts such as building managers, real estate agents and facility managers to help lock in consistent work. Networking with the right people in the right positions can determine how much work you will bring in.
Residential
Residential window cleaning is a less competitive market as opposed to commercial. When considering how to start a residential cleaning business it will involve you targeting residential properties that need your services. This could mean starting with a few houses in your local region and through word of mouth expanding your services.
Doing a pamphlet drop in your local community is a good idea. Also consider advertising your business on the community Facebook page to get your business out there.
Getting Started: The Pre-Planning Steps
Research
Doing your research early on will ensure that everything is in order, when you launch your business. When starting a mobile auto repair business you are going to need equipment and tools, so understanding what you will need and how much it will cost is a good place to start. You should also do your research to find the best deals to optimise the profitability of your business.
Another important factor to research is the cost of your services. In determining your price, you must look into your competitor’s charging rates. Ideally, the cheaper your services the more inclined customers will be to contact you.
However, you must be careful not to make your services too cheap for two reasons. Firstly, you need to make sure that you are making a profit. Secondly, you do not want customers to assume that your prices are low because the quality of your services are compromised.
Location
It is important to choose an appropriate location where you can operate your business. As a car washing business, you should consider the range of locations you can operate from and maybe place a limit on where you are willing to travel.
Products and Equipment
Regarding both residential and commercial cleaning, using the right products and applying them correctly is vital. That is why considering what window cleaning equipment you need will be important.
This could involve running some tests on windows or glass at home before you use a product. Causing damage to someone’s property can lead to a world of legal problems and harm your businesses reputation. Therefore, conducting some research into what cleaning products the industry trusts and what chemicals are safe is worthwhile.
Also wearing the right Personal Protective Equipment while on the job is important for keeping you and your future workers safe.
Develop a Window Cleaning Business Plan
Excellent planning will often lead to success. Using your research, you should develop a formal business plan to guide your business. This might include your:
- Business objectives and goals
- Business structure
- Target market
- Competition
- Marketing strategy
You can always seek assistance from a professional accountant or business lawyer to assist you with this, if you aren’t confident in developing a business plan yourself. It’s important to revisit and review your business plan regularly.
Determine your Business Name
Now you need to decide on a business name. Once you decide on your name, you can check the availability of the business name you have chosen.
If the name is available, you can then register your business as a trademark to ensure that you have the exclusive rights to your business name throughout Australia.
Determining your Business Structure
You will need to decide on a business structure to establish your business plan. Consider whether you will operate as one of the following.
- A sole trader is someone who owns and operates a business under their personal name.
- A partnership is when two or more people come together to form a business.
- A company is when you register your business as a separate entity from your personal affairs.
You should contemplate which structure will work best for your business goals. It is important to know what the legal ramifications are of each structure and how they can affect how you operate.
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Registering your Business
You need to register for a few things in order to make your business official. For instance:
- A business name
- An Australian Business Number (ABN) to help the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and customers identify your business.
- It would be good practice to also register your business as a company (ACN) so you can benefit from limited liability.
- Register your Tax requirements.
- Ensure that all relevant licences or permits are valid.
Source Insurance
Insurance is the most important step when setting up your business. It is imperative that you protect yourself and your business from any legal action. Firstly, you will need a type of public liability insurance, this will be beneficial for you and your business when customers or staff experience injuries on site or otherwise.
Public liability insurance from insurance companies such as BizCover can help you protect your property and your employees from damage or injury.
Additionally, you will want to ensure you have worker’s compensation set up for these instances. Finally, you will need a form of coverage for all your equipment to protect against loss, damage or theft.
Hire Employees
You will want to consider hiring additional staff to help ensure that your business runs smoothly, especially as it expands. You will need to decide how many employees you are looking to hire and what type of employment they will receive. Will they be full time, part time or casual workers?
You will then need the appropriate employment agreements drawn up and signed. There are different types of employees that you can hire, learn more about how they may affect your business in the Webinar below.
Marketing Your Window Cleaning Business
Now all you need to have a successful business is working on appropriate jobs. When considering how to advertise your window cleaning business to help you attract individuals or companies in need of window cleaning work you may want to implement a strategic marketing plan to cover all your bases. This will allow you to gain insight into your target market.
It will also be beneficial in helping you understand what is the most effective marketing method to reach your target market. Some marketing methods you may choose to use include starting a social media page or putting an advertisement in your local newspaper. Another simple and effective approach of reaching new customers is through word of mouth.
Having an online presence is important even for construction companies. Using websites like Shopify or GoDaddy can help you create a well-established business so that your customers can easily find you. Additionally, you should set up and maintain a website which means you need to consider any website terms and conditions to ensure that your customers are safe.
Considering the Law
Depending on whether you are a residential or commercial window cleaner your legal requirements can differ.
Window Cleaning Licenses
For larger scale projects as a commercial window cleaner, you will need to acquire rope access/ abseiling licence. The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) outlines the requirements.
As a residential window cleaner, licence is not necessary, but is a good qualification to have. Additionally, having a Certificate II in Cleaning Operations is a great step in understanding cleaning requirements in a variety of different fields.
Commercial Requirements
Before you can start you may need a minor maintenance license if you plan on completing work over $5000 in NSW. You must lodge an application and provide payment for this license in person at Services NSW.
On top of this, you must follow all industry Work Health and Safety guidelines as well while working on a commercial premise. This could mean you need to devise your own work health safety policy which covers your business. If you are unsure what this means, talking to a compliance lawyer could be a good way to start. This will help you understand exactly what you need to comply with.
Legal Documents you will need
To get up and running, you should consider these legal documents so that you can protect your business. Some documents you should consider include:
- A Cleaning Services Agreement can outline the service you provide so that your customer can know what to expect.
- A Employment Agreement can outline your employee’s responsibilities and their obligations to your business.
- A Refund Policy allows for you to inform your customers of your refund policy.
- A Tax Invoice allows you to create a formal request for payment and ensure your records are up to date.
How Lawpath Can Help
At Lawpath, we can help guide you through starting your own window cleaning business. One of our Experienced Lawyers can provide you with all the legal information and requirements necessary for your business to succeed.
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