Start a Window Cleaning Business and Wash Your Way to Success

Window cleaning has grown into a massive industry. Modern architecture has fallen in love with transparency and, consequently, many new builds are made entirely from glass. Consumers are also becoming increasingly concerned about the way their house looks and how it is maintained. This makes them more likely to part with their money and pay for cleaning services.

It’s also good news for window cleaners across the country and anyone hoping to start their own window cleaning business. Here, we take a look at how you can start your own business, and the role franchising can play in making your dream a reality.

How to start a window cleaning business
If you’re looking to start a window cleaning business, you have one of two options. The first is to start as a sole trader and attempt to grow a customer base from scratch. This will involve knocking on doors, talking to as many people as possible, and putting leaflets through letterboxes. It can be an arduous process, and there is no guarantee that your business will succeed in the long term.

Alternatively, it’s possible to start your own window cleaning business by partnering with a franchise. In many ways, this is far preferable to going it alone. All franchisees are provided with a proven business plan that, if followed closely, goes a long way to ensuring success. A franchise will also offer its franchisees considerable support and guide them through the growth process, which can be invaluable during the difficult early days of any business opportunity.

To show how individuals could become the owners of a franchised window cleaning business, we’ve decided to take a closer look at one of the market leaders – My Window Cleaner. As one of the country’s most promising cleaning franchises, it’s an excellent investment opportunity for any budding entrepreneur.

Window cleaning business for sale – My Window Cleaner Franchise

Franchise history

The seed of the idea that would become the My Window Cleaner franchise was sown when the business’ founder, Karen Prewer, began working as a domestic cleaner. A year into the job, she began offering window cleaning services. The response from customers was impressive, and the remarkable demand for the service encouraged Karen to dedicate her time solely to window cleaning.

Not long after, My Window Cleaner was established, and the business began expanding across North London and the Hertfordshire area. As the company grew, franchising was the logical next step for Prewer. To facilitate this move, the highly experienced Ian Bradley was brought into the organisation to oversee franchise management and ensure that the correct structure was in place. In August 2017, the franchise welcomed its first franchisees.

My Window Cleaner basics

To distinguish itself from the competition, My Window Cleaner has had to develop a novel business plan that makes use of the latest digital technology. While big leaps have been made in actual cleaning technology (for example, the equipment necessary to wash second and third storey windows from the ground), this has been adopted by most independent window cleaners. Consequently, My Window Cleaner has focused on introducing innovative and unique, customer-focused, digital technologies.

Inspired by the way in which digital apps have revolutionised the takeaway and taxi industries, My Window Cleaner introduced their own digital ordering system, integrated into an app, that streamlines the booking and payment processes. The app also automates much of the administrative work involved in the management of the business, leaving franchisees with plenty of time to grow their business.

In an increasingly digital world, this is a distinctive means of establishing a strong and loyal customer base. It also means that franchisees can spend less time knocking on doors, trying to build their customer base and dedicate more time to working. In other words, franchisees start their business with an existing customer base and earn a considerable profit from the first day.

What level of investment is required to become a franchisee?

To become a My Window Cleaner franchisee, you'll need to invest approximately £14,500. This includes the £6,000 franchise fees. It may be possible to finance a considerable portion of this amount via a lending agreement with a major bank. However, some of the initial investment must come from your assets.

My Window Cleaner estimates that franchisees can achieve profits of more £65,000 within two years of opening their business. This is based on figures generated by previous window cleaning businesses.

What is included in the franchise package?

The critical component of the franchise package is the business' online booking software, as it allows customers to interact with franchisees whenever and wherever they want. The integrated smartphone app also allows the franchise staff to maintain their relationship with customers and to ensure repeat business. The franchise package’s digital focus is also reflected in its emphasis on modern marketing strategies and campaigns.

All franchisees are enrolled on a comprehensive training programme that provides them with the skills required to manage the business. This is complemented by a robust and on-going support system that gives franchisees access to a wealth of information and numerous experienced professionals, all of whom are happy to share their industry expertise. My Window Cleaner is committed to modernising the window cleaning industry, and this is reflected in their approach to franchising and business management.

What is My Window Cleaner looking for in a franchisee?

The ideal My Window Cleaner franchisee will demonstrate a commitment to the business and brand. The franchise expects franchisees to embody the brand values and to maintain their high standards. Rather than a specific set of qualifications, franchisees should display a number of personal qualities.

My Window Cleaner wants to work with ambitious individuals who are likely to expand their business from a single-van operation to a multi-van enterprise. They’ll also need to be great communicators who can offer excellent customer service and work closely with the franchisor. Finally, franchisees need to understand that the business plan must be followed to the letter if the franchise model is to work.

Other cleaning franchise opportunities

Perhaps you’re interested in helping people keep their homes looking clean and fresh but aren’t sure if a business specialising in only window cleaning is the perfect opportunity for you. Maybe traditional cleaning franchises have a stronger appeal to you, or other outdoor maintenance services like lawn care seem to fit your personality and ambitions. Here at Point Franchise, we have lots of cleaning franchises that provide exterior cleaning services such as window cleaning alongside quality domestic or commercial cleaning services. We’ve also got a range of home services franchises just waiting for their next franchisee to invest. The right opportunity for you could be just a click away …

Merry Maids

If you’re looking to provide window cleaning services inside the home, alongside a full range of domestic cleaning services, Merry Maids could be the perfect franchise opportunity for you. From regular hoovering, dusting, polishing and sanitising services to less frequent inside window washing services, fridge/freezer defrosting, skirting board cleans, vacuuming curtains and even washing walls following decorations or home renovations.

Each new Merry Maids franchisee will take part in the cleaning franchise’s world-class training programme, which it believes to be the most comprehensive in the cleaning franchise world. You’ll take part in 10 days of training, getting stuck into a pre-study pack before the programme even begins and benefitting from regular follow-ups with the franchise development team once you’ve completed it.

Merry Maids has more than 100 successful franchisees operating across the UK and has managed to establish itself as a market leader during its 35+ years of operation. It’s a full member of the British Franchise Association and part of parent group ServiceMaster, meaning it’s a legitimate opportunity that comes from one of the most trusted names in franchising.
Lawn Keeper
Lots of us have lacklustre lawns that we don’t have the time or strength to keep looking their best. That’s where Lawn Keeper comes in. Its full range of lawn maintenance services, including moss control, aeration, scarification, disease control, pest control, wetting agents and feed and weed, will give you a lawn to be proud of, no matter what’s stopping it reaching its full potential. And, considering there are estimated to be more than 20 million lawns in the UK alone, it’s a franchise opportunity that will never leave you short of business.

Lawn Keeper was founded in 1995 and has since grown to operate widely across the North of England, in areas including Bradford, Garforth, Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield, Ilkley and Leeds. Each new territory will have access to at least 100,000 households and new franchisees will be assigned their first 20 customers in the area to get them off to the best possible start.

New franchisees will receive full training and have access to Lawn Keeper’s innovative tools. These include the Lawn Analysis tool that converts high levels of enquiries into sales, without the need for intimidating hard selling tactics. Ongoing support will be provided to ensure that any questions or concerns are answered throughout your franchising journey, ensuring your business has the best possible chance at success.

The Editorial Team, Point Franchise ©