Tampa Bay Business Daily

I'm thinking about starting a window cleaning business in the Tampa Bay area, does anyone have any tips?

Public Comments

1. Get a little flyer made up, (use Vistaprint.com for a professional look for cheap), have a matching business card, and another business card sized "coupon" for 10% OFF their first window cleaning job. Go door to door, starting with smaller businesses, and get a regular route. Offer deals with regular service. Do a great job. When someone says they love your work, ask if they would be willing to write a letter of referral for you on their letterhead. Make a portfolio of the referrals, before and after photos, and after the first time, call the following day to see how they liked your work. If they say they did, tell them you give a special price for contracts, and for every new customer they bring you they get 2 hours of free work. If they tell you it wasn't the greatest job, offer to go back and do it over for free. Both ways nearly guarantee you good feedback. Good luck.
2. Write a coherent business plan. Have at least 6-9 months worth of cash reserves to keep the company liquid, as it will take a period of time for you to become recognized and referred. Also, take your biz plan to your local banks, and see if they will loan you money. If not, find your local SBTDC at the community college so that you can link into SBA loans and programs...... Good Luck!!