"The Learning Curve" in The Window Cleaning Business - WARNING!

[@adamhofstetter9312]

I have a brand new landscaping company and we are now doing pressure washing and window cleaning. Should I start a separate business? my LND is an LLC and insured. What would you do?

[@dawhyteboiiakakevron8495]

I’ve watched so many of your videos. Last summer I started a small lawn business. With a weed eater and push mower. I’ve been trying to find other ways to have income. You have been an inspiration to me. I’ve been working at a fast food restaurant for six years now and been trying to find my way out. Thanks for all that you’ve posted and said. It’s really helping

[@keith-kalfas]

No problem! Checkout my Absolutely Free Window Cleaning Series , i'm confident that it'll give you what you need to have a breakthrough. keithkalfas.com

[@holmesmedianetwork2804]

i’m starting my window washing business now and you really are a huge help man because you talk about more than just the actual washing. appreciate these videos

[@juiceboxt.v8192]

This is probably the best window cleaning video I’ve watched..... thank you 🙏 I really needed to hear this !

[@keith-kalfas]

We all learn and help others to grow. You're doing great

[@glennrobinson7193]

@@keith-kalfas I left a reply on your learning curve video. Thankyou for your sound advice

[@glennrobinson7193]

I've been a residential window cleaner for nearly 32 yrs and incredibly I'm still learning. Every house is unique. Most customers are very appreciative. I get nearly all my work by putting my flyers into letterboxes. I'm 65 so I see that as getting paid to exercise! At 65 I'm still strong & fit, and spry as a 16 yr old. This is very good advice you're offering. BTW, the ONLY time I've seen the water fed pole method used, I saw with my own eyes water coming into inside of the house.

[@Lieto55]

Great advice for anyone in any service intensive business... My favorite was "I thought I bought that..." It takes a while to realize that you need to pin things down, with out it looking like they're signing on for brain surgery. Good customers are often made through adversity. Being able to walk the fine line between building a relationship, and having them steal your shirt comes with experience and videos like this. Good on ya! Wish I had something like this to use as a guide for my old CCTV business.

[@keith-kalfas]

+Paul Levi pretty smart

[@willjones3111]

Number 1= huck towels.. 2= glass gleam 4..3= always carry a 6" ss blade on your belt. sorbo prefered.. glass always has crap on it, paint etc.. ladders 18/19 , 24, 28/32, little giant 13 and 22 or 26.all ladders must have level legs or don't go up and a stand off at the top.poles unger shorty for 8ft windows 22ft for the occasional sky light with experience or to wipe a drip line with a huck towel. every size tbar and rubber from 6"-18 needed. french windows. ettore rubber perfect for 6",8".10" and 12" slimmer channel. sorbor or some type of thicker channel for 18" rubber. I buy a pack of 18" sorbo rubber just for the 18". then i buy a pack of 12" ettore rubber and cut them down as needed. dove tail the ends is optional. I always have two bucket on the belt with one porcupine and one soft. porcupine not used on tinted windows. If not using a water fed scrub with the porcupine and scrape the glass with the 6" blade and use the soft tbar to lather the window to rid excess dirt. fyi water fed is only great for maintaining the glass. first time is always recommended to scrape and wash. don't be fooled customers why customers contact you instead of others. the last guy probably shorted the job. Always price the job as a full job, glass, tracks, screens and yes the exterior frame. tell the customer you always assume to do a full job and if price to high work your way back. Never walk in a house with out a moving blanket or a big towel because water drops under a window should never happen, ever ,ever,ever... throw moving blanket over the bed or couch and clean the glass behind. water drops on natural wood floors,cabinets, and anything up against a window is bad, bad, bad...always always always put a towels or moving blanket under ladders inside the house so you don't mark or scratch anything.. I could go on and on with what to and not to do. but i will end with always try to pop screens from the inside.. don't be a fool and bend a screen.

[@keith-kalfas]

Genius. I want to interview you. Please email me at [e-mail]

[@willjones3111]

The Landscaping Employee Trap just sent..

[@apexwindowcleaningservices4457]

Keith, I am so glad I found your channel. I thought I was the only one who gets that passionate almost to the point of obsession about my business. I like to take as long as it takes to do the job properly. Unfortunately, I was massively underpricing myself which led me to having lots of work for not lots of money. Since watching your videos I have reevaluated my pricing structure and it has really helped turn my business around. I have recently been able to invest in newer equipment so I can do an even better job and more efficiently. Because of you, I have broken every area of my business into sections and I am working on improving each section. Thank you so much for the time you take to make these videos. I enjoy the way you think as it seems to be very similar to the way I think. Take care.

[@kenostubbs5356]

This is so true, there are not much people willing to go in depth about the do's and don'ts of business. Thank you Kieth 👍🏾

[@laurencemathewriggs8023]

got my first job today wouldn't have even tryed starting my own thing in till I started watching your youtube. keep them coming

[@SC-in4bk]

keith. my name is shawn , i just wanted to tell you thanks for your videos. I moved to california from utah about 8 months ago. I had about 8 yrs. of doing high rise window cleaning, and a few years with another company expanding my knowledge. i started to think about starting my own business , the thought of failure was always keeping me from making the move. so i started working for this guy in santa cruz 1hour each way to work at least. i worked so hard to prove myself to this company hoping i could get a supervisors position soon. i literally did the scheduling , billing estimates , bought my own tools and was using my own car!!! i was running myself ragged happily, i was determined not to fail. well i stumbled on one of your videos two days before i quit my job, and basically you helped me realize that i could easily start my own business due to the fact i had been running other guys businesses for about 8% of the profit. so i was prepared to ask for my raise on my way to work ( looking back i cant believe i ever worked a single day for a dollar an hour style pay.) i walked in opened my check and almost fainted when i saw what resembled a paycheck yet was significantly smaller lol. i got paid 546$ for a FULL week of work . knowing dam well that i had earned the company almost 3 grand that week. i didnt even talk to them i walked out and started my business 3 days later. your videos and sound advice was , at times the only help i had. i just wanted to tell ya thanks and notnto brag but bro, i made around 22,000$ in my first month in business . i live a completely different lifestyle now . i only regret waiting so long to take the leap. thank you again bro. i cant even explain how much my life has changed in almost every aspect . Iwould like to know if you have anyn specific advice on managing my listings . do you think yext is a good route to go , or should i just focus on the major five and do the listings myself . also i am using a c.r.m. called m help desk. its horrible, any advice on a new c.r.m.? sorry this was so long i am just super grateful and i wanted to let you know what your videos have done to help me. have a good day keith.

[@keith-kalfas]

+shawn cravens well thank you too sir. Means a lot

[@keith-kalfas]

I'm writing a new book right now. www.WindowCleaningBlueprint.com

[@Alwaysbrightandclear]

It’s funny going back and watching theses videos. I watched these when I first started my business and let me tell you all.... they are extremely helpful. You will come across the issues Keith goes over. Pay attention!

[@keith-kalfas]

How to make $500 a day Cleaning Windows keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/store/YFQPfxES

[@GrahamGilmore]

at 11:45 the brush is resting on the ground which can pick up dirt def don't do that. very informative video tho

[@YourUncle8501]

let the solution do the work. Do not use high pressure. Recipe for disaster. Pressure = Force / Area. Pressure means stress, stress means damage.

[@naomijames582]

I'm going to start my own window cleaning business and you have giving me so much useful information thank you so much for this

[@keith-kalfas]

Really? That's Great to Hear! I really appreciate your support and I want to see YOU become successful, if you're planning on opening a window cleaning business I highly recommend my Window Cleaning Blue Print Course, Here's the Link keith-kalfas.mykajabi.com/a/5678/BeLTzRBw let me know what you think about it!

[@AdrianRamirez-tj3st]

I just went to homedepot and bought a 6 foot stick , a squeegee, some window cleaner concentrate and a bucket im just starting

[@keith-kalfas]

Very nice bro. Keep me posted.

[@jasonroberts3863]

Good job brother. Thanks for being real!

[@Brabham26]

Thanks for the video. Would love to start seeing more window cleaning content from you.

[@keith-kalfas]

for sure. more to come my friend.

[@JasonDunlop247]

Thats a heavy old water fed pole your using keith! A Gardiners SLX is so much lighter & longer lasting . Also the latest gadget out there for controlling your water is the Uni-Valve. Instant water shut off & a great water saving device. I know you'll know all this stuff already but it looks like you could make life quicker & easier for yourself & your employees . ;-)

[@keitht.2727]

When it comes to residential, I learned by working for a reputable company to gain experience. Everything from ladder sets, placing your bucket by the entryway on a bath mat, breaking storms and screens, pricing, up-selling, etc. My dip came with my first job, doing a house with at least a thousand cut-ups. Now I'm partnered up with a residential veteran with too much work to handle himself. I do my own accounts on the weekends, but all of my clients from last year have already been done, so now I'm a bit stuck trying to land more. I'll likely send out an email blast with discounts on their next cleaning for each referral. Word of mouth has been the best marketing tool for me so far. Pretty saturated around here though. I see at least 10 window cleaners throughout the course of a day.

[@mohammadhachem398]

thank you i m learning a lot from you you are brilliant teacher may god bless you

[@horsenaround2000]

Thank you for sharing your videos, I never even thought of those. Thank you.

[@austinslawncare1604]

When I owned a sign company we used plastic razor blades to remove gunk from windows and vehicles. Never use steel blades.

[@wolfrem1991]

good luck with plastic blades in a construction clean up

[@aarontrujillo9892]

Love the valve you installed great idea

[@sbagwell98]

Currently this allusive dip is happening. I had attributed this lack of knowledge, or plain old luck. It's been 1 month today since I first began this Window Cleaning journey, thanks again for the words of encouragement and never ending knowledge. Most everything has been a reinvestment or operation costs, other entrapenuers have said to enjoy this time, that later its not as fun? And that later with more capitol there are new problems which create more. Either way I'm having some fun, just keep at it, You clean those windows! Yes I Did Start With $50, no shit. It can be done, thanks again

[@abelaxen]

Excellent info. Very professional. Thank you.

[@LADYKNICKOLE1]

For Sure! I went through all that stuff the first few years. Every now and then I still run into tricky situations. I learned to really take my time estimating new jobs, and getting ALL my ducks in a row. be VERY clear as to the customer understanding exactly what they are paying for and what is NOT included.(extras: mirrors, chandlers, outside lights etc…) they always say, after the fact, " while you're here could you do this or that (for free)? I stop that train immediately! anyway, once you learn all that, it goes a little smoother. Great stuff!!

[@Allen-pw3ge]

4:25 100 gallons of a min? 6 gallons a second? 🤔

[@jordanwindowcleaning8843]

When you use the watered do you just do squeegee and scrubber on the inside?

[@seabreezewindowcleaning2018]

Keith I love your videos, man. I was "SacrificeOfvengeance", but am now using my business name as I plan to start hitting the pavement in 2016.

[@davidmeyer2183]

Hey, love your down to earth videos. I've gone through much of the same stuff you speak of.

[@sicc0707]

Love your videos man, they've been a big help . Question do you believe being bonded is important for window cleaning ? I also do window tinting .

[@jeffersonelias7447]

This is probably a silly question but I am also trying to learn so here we go. It looked like you used customer's water (tap) in order to be bale to wash the windows. Some people would have a water tank installed in their vans so they don't have to use customer's water. Do you feel that your customers mind if you ask to use their tap? Do you charge less because you're using their water? I appreciate your help if you're willing to answer. Great video by the way, thanks a lot!!!

[@connerpeterman4945]

i love your videos been helping me get ideas for my business thank you!

[@yani1422]

There are many factors in running a cleaning business. One place I found that successfully combines these is the Gabs Cleaner Blueprint (check it out on google) without a doubt the most useful resource that I have ever heard of. Check out all the interesting info.

[@DominionRestored]

WOW! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@johnvrskovy]

how much did your triple water filter system cost you? And the de ionizer tank? What TDS will it give you? Commercial pure water system a VERY expensive. Just found out the deionizer is only good for TDS of 100 or so. Need to get something asap. Thanks. Great videos. Look forward to watching the rest of them

[@TandTWilderness]

what you think about franchise s like fish?

[@cuttysbaby]

I have a question please, it isn't for residential window cleaning but commercial. What do u do about the stuff in front of the window on the inside of the store? Do You move it back and forth?

[@daviddenson3324]

Why would you ever use a ladder on two story or less houses if you could just use the pole?

[@derxgarage2121]

When you first started do you think you messed up sometimes maybe not as perfect as you clean windows now? Did my first job today took me a while and worried the windows maybe aren’t perfect

[@chadkizewski612]

Video Topic Idea: Cold Calling Future Customers. Would like to hear your thoughts.

[@keith-kalfas]

ok.

[@matthewdoolittle4951]

I was wondering what you use in substitution for razor blades?

[@Tunago1121]

Matthew Doolittle Steel Wool and go with a #0000 grade. That's 4 zeroes....VERY important!

[@nickpalomino1153]

You read to much Keif. I appreciate your over the top drama. Keep doing you though and make sure you keep up the window/p.w game at what we need to be making. I'm 15 yrs in the game and we need cats like you to keep the new guys to make $100.00 minumu plus an hour and teach these cats to this ain't no game. A luxury service that only few of us know how we do. All love. Keep it 100%!!! By the way our biggest hustle game got us $450.00 per hour between 2 of us. With being very competitive. Just great experience and the right tools. I cant stand company's who over charge because they think they can. You got your pricing on point!!! Good man!

[@seantheberge5456]

Thank you for this. I am in the dip now....

[@josemelgar8469]

Hey Keith, How do you squeegee the high windows and do you only use water in the extended water fed pole?

[@stevenfitzpatrick4183]

in the first year, is it appropriate to answer phone calls of potential clients while on the job?

[@keith-kalfas]

oh yes absolutely.

[@timothymoelk1346]

IF ITS MONEY ON THE LINE PICK IT UP

[@Jackofalltrades999]

You have any video on collecting the payment do you do it at the end of job or half up front any advice thank you

[@catalinss8136]

I'm researching how to start a cleaning service from home and discovered an awesome resource at Enata setup system (google it if you are interested)

[@stoyanhristozov4644]

here's several ideas to think about before you setup your own cleaning business are you likely to get help from you family? Are you someone who is self-motivated? Will you stick to the plan? Do you have the funds to start? (I read these and why they work on Ayalisse Clean Biz site )

[@dshears373]

GREAT STUFF, THANKS!!!

[@leoliu4348]

do you have to ask the client permission to film their house, during the job?

[@claude-patricktv5701]

In one video you said it was possible to get a WFP for around 1200 $ , was that including the 3 filters and the deoniser , cauz i checked around and its was 3 to 4 thousands for every thng ...

[@richardborowski5463]

hey Keith could you tell me what type of insurance to get and liabilities and deductible should get , I been solo with no insurance but I am growing and need to get employees not sure how they will do thanks.

[@johnvrskovy]

me again. No Reverse Osmosis filter. Everyone says you need one. thanks again

[@AndresMartinez-vx7jp]

I love your videos keep up the good work I want to thank you for helping my business grow I wanted to see if there's a way I could get ahold of you I have so much questions and I have no one to turn to to answer them

[@guaranteedclean3178]

If you were going to spend $500 on advertising for more window jobs would you join a local networking group such as BNI (16 members) or put the money into postcards and door hangers? Curious to hear Keith's and/or anyone's input on this.

[@freshglancecleaningservice3451]

Guaranteed Clean I would go for postcards and door hangers. It has worked for me pretty good. You need to have a lot of exposure. Window cleaning service is not something many people think of, Also, make a website and advertise it on google ad and local newspapers. Many of my clients are elderly people, look for post construction, real state, small offices or clinics.

[@JasonDunlop247]

Good stuff....

[@loaginmist]

Grage vid im looking to start my business your vid is helpful thank you

[@GregsMowing]

When are you doing an interview with your wife on being a landscapers wife?

[@keith-kalfas]

trying and trying and trying. gotta catch her at the right time. can't force it.

[@helenahedgetrimming1818]

Plz don't, We don't give a crap about what you wife thinks, women are meant to be seen, not heard. Do yourself a favor and look up mgtow...

[@mariowilliams4704]

:hey Keith how u doin. i was wondering in the beginning how did u get repeat customers. did have them to sign a contract?

[@keith-kalfas]

No

[@mariowilliams4704]

Do u do contracts now ?

[@seabreezewindowcleaning2018]

+Mario Williams Starting out, try to have them sign up for quarterly service. Leave it open ended, say "I will call you in 3-4 months" or "I hope to hear from you in the next season". If you are starting out, don't put the pressure on. The work will come through YOUR quality...just my two cents. I don't pressure my clients, but that was before. On my new venture, I will be telling them 2-3 months or it will be a cleaning and a half price (Which is what my competition does as well)

[@mariowilliams4704]

Ok thanks for the info seabreeze windowcleaning. Did take you a long time to get your business off the ground seabreeze ?

[@IntegrityCleaning]

cleaning cleaning cleaning !

[@vkassociatesllc1563]

You should become an consultant. Training for Fortune 500.

[@lukiebaby1707]

You look like the youtuber “23 and 1”

[@timothymoelk1346]

COME ON BRO HE DID ALL THAT FOR A FRICKN DOLLAR A WINDOW WHAT ARE YOU SMOKE N

[@djexclusivee]

Oh man don't pressure wash any entry ways!

[@MensaCramps]

ET-tor-ray

[@dooyapa7173]

interesting points ,if anyone else wants to discover setting up cleaning business uk try Panlarko Cleaning Profits Planner (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my buddy got great success with it.