What You Need to Know to Start a Window Washing Company

If you’re looking for a business with a low start-up cost, window washing could be an ideal fit. But it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you dive in.

Safety is paramount in this industry, so make sure you and your workers wear the right personal protection equipment for working in high-rise buildings. And don’t forget to get window cleaning insurance for your employees and your business! Learn more!

Equipment

Professional window cleaning companies use a variety of equipment to get the job done. The most important tools include a squeegee, a sponge or T-bar wand to get the window wet, and a glass scraper to remove caked-on dirt or grime.

Some window washing companies also use a water-fed pole to wash harder-to-reach windows. This set-up requires a water tank and a reverse osmosis filtration system, as well as a pump to deliver the purified water to the pole.

There are many other tools that window washers can use to make their jobs more efficient and safer, such as synthetic washer sleeves (also known as sleeve mops). These fabric cylinders fit over a squeegee to spread the water or cleaning solution over the windows.

Other tools used by window cleaners include a toolbelt and a bucket to carry all of their supplies. These allow them to stay organized and keep all their most-used tools within reach.

Licenses and Permits

A window washing company needs to get a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. Some of these include a business license, vendor’s permit, sales tax permit, and commercial driver’s license.

The licenses you need depend on the type of service you offer and where you want to operate your business. It is also important to make sure you are insured, as window cleaning can be hazardous.

You may also need a business registration certificate from the Secretary of State in your state. This is a good way to distinguish your business from your personal assets, and it will help you comply with tax laws.

It is also a good idea to have an effective website and social media presence, as these can be great marketing tools for window cleaning businesses. You can use a website building platform to create a site that will not cost you too much upfront, and you can build your profile and connect with potential clients through it.

Insurance

Window washing is a high-risk occupation, so you need insurance that can protect your business from various risks and keep you and your clients protected. You’ll need general liability, workers’ compensation and commercial auto insurance.

The most common type of insurance is general liability, which protects you in the event that a customer’s property or their injuries are damaged during your work. This policy also provides protection if a client sues you for advertising injury or other damages.

You may also need commercial auto insurance to protect your vehicle, whether it’s a service truck, utility van or box truck. It’s important to have this policy in place, as it can help you pay for medical expenses and repair costs if an employee injures someone or causes damage to a customer’s property while driving a business vehicle.

Errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is another important coverage that protects you in the event that you make a mistake that causes someone to lose money. You can find more details about E&O coverage and other types of insurance on Insureon’s website.

Marketing

Whether you’re a residential window washer or commercial window washing company, you need to market your business effectively. Without a robust marketing plan, you’ll lose out on potential clients and revenue opportunities.

The best way to market your business is to create a unique selling proposition (USP) for your window cleaning services. This makes it easier for customers to understand what you do and why they should choose your business over the competition.

Another strategy is to use social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, to promote your window washing business. These platforms are free and are effective in attracting new customers.

You can also use Google My Business to help local residents find your company when they search for window cleaning services. This feature displays your information, including a phone number and address, on Google’s local listings. See More Info.