Nice to hear more of your story Dan. I'd love to hear what advertising methods you used to double your customers in a year. It's a shame you didn't try to get something for that hard work by selling your work off. I used to just switch off the phone, put a message on the machine and on the website saying we are full. Now I just use pricing to control the flow of new customers. I don't advertise in any kind of a big way, and I answer every enquiry. I have my Google business page, my website, van is wrapped, uniforms with logo, and I will pop flyers out in select Areas from time to time. I have little 'we clean your neighbour's' slips I'll stick through the neighbours of my customers. Just to keep things compact. If I get over booked, I'll re-quote any under priced jobs we have.
Was looking for you on you tube answers why I hadn't seen anything recent. Glad your sorted and in a better place. All the very best Andy @apc Window Cleaning Window Cleaning Service
Also it would be intersting to hear how you managed to gain so many customers that could really help people looking to grow or even us established guys who want to top up our rounds.
I have a gardening business and I have a similar story! Having a big business wasn’t for me and I’m on my own and have good regular quality customer base which is enough for me no stress and earn enough money. At least you gave it a go but nothing is worth more then your generally health and happiness!
Nice to hear you say that between 300 - 400 customers is right for one man. I have about 300 and find that it still gives me a bit of flexibility but keeps me busy.
Scaling a business is not the problem, scaling a domestic window cleaning business is the problem. To many customers to deal with, to many variables, VAT (B TO C), to low barrier to entry (any staff with the slightest ambition will leave and start them selves) Good videos Dan, many people will learn a lot from these experience. Remember, if you don't try you will never know. It takes balls and effort. Theres a few in the industry that have scaled successfully domestically, but theres exceptions to every rule. It's not a good model to scale unfortunately. The reality is, when you start properly employing people (PAYE) you need contracts in place for work. No good taking people on self employed basis as it devalues the business when it comes to sale. Nice to see you back , good luck.
That is all very true. I came to that realisation during my expanding stage. I looked at the unicorns in the B - C market and thought that was the rule! I feel like I learnt a lot from my experience that I could potentially take into new business venture in the future.
Hi Dan loved how you explained everything and took responsibility. Would love to have a chat with you if possible as am looking to go into partnership window cleaning with one of my friends who has been doing it for a year now.
Seems it was definitely the right decision for you & the family, some great advice in their for anyone who is busy regarding getting the right type of jobs & customers & letting the bad ones go is vital imo.
Good to see you back on you tube Dan. Always wondered what happened. went through a similar thing about 20years ago. Been doing my own thing ever since with no regrets. 👍🏼
Hi Dan, really enjoy your videos as I did previously when you used to upload. Keep going and would be interesting to see what the future holds. A video about your plans for the future would be good to see.
We need to put ourselves first sometimes , it can depend massively what frame of mind your in , I politely passed some enquiries on to another window cleaner last week because I was Maxd out with homelife , we all need a breather and to reset every now and again, look forward to the next one 👍🏻
Happy days Dan loved all of your previous content & looking forward to more! Bring it on & hey just remember we are all only human @ the end of the day 👌
Great video dan ,pleased you got plenty of work ,and you are now well and truly sorted out with how many clients you ideally want and running the business how you want too.less stressful for you,i think every contractor wants that i certainly do.see you next time best wishes tom.
It's a great feeling getting rid of work you don't like doing or bad payers etc. That's my focus these days, quality not quantity. I still take on new work but I drop the odd job off as I go but it's a never ending process.
Glad to hear your back on track and feeling happier, it really is all about a happy balance between home and work, I know what you mean about turning work down, everytime the phone rings I find myself agreeing to price more work, something I’m really trying to work on not doing, 😅 anyway look forward to more content! And all the best for the future Dan 👍🏻
Saw the othe clip. Subbed up now. I think best to stay as a one man op tbh....the red tape and other ballache nearly cost you the business and you gave it your all.
I remember choosing to close a successful plant export business back in 2004. I have run the business for a number of years. But that business model was in decline and I wanted to focus on our property business. Many people said I should have sold the business, and not close it. However, the would not have been fair on the buyer for many reasons. Sometimes in business and life we know it is time to walk away.
Deffo sounds like your in your perfect place now, so nice one! Ive often thought about picking the best jobs (for whatever reason that may be) and having each day as a nice happy place to be, rather envious of that lol I think sometimes its hard to not make jobs personal, like, its just a job, turn up, clean, get paid. Rather than you need to know about the customers life or name etc etc and they know you, that was deffo an odd place to be when we started to grow, I look at it way different now, its just a job number, i dont need to know who they are.
VAT is nasty a Tax on turnover, not profit! If your costs are fixed it is a pain in the a$$ and no better when you are burdened with it and trying to get bellow the threshold. I took my turnover to 240k and then needed to de-register I worked for a full year for a loss because 20% had to go to the Taxman.
@@dansmithsonI’m amazed to hear that! Did your accountant give you the reason he recommended against the flat rate scheme? Flat rate (11% in the first year, then 12% thereafter) is specifically designed for businesses, like cleaning, that mainly sell labour rather than products, as there isn’t much you can claim back.
Wow that took a while to deregister! But you managed to get through it and all the rest. Like you say not a bad postion to be in too many customers. Thin it out to how you want it for an easier life. Mate i am a sucker for taking on family members too LOL.
Do you think it’s still a business that’s worth starting these days as the market seems pretty flooded? With the cost of living crisis are you finding people still want your regular service? Thanks
Dan you should had lad working in your van from day 1 as your expanding lads who’s working with you also gettin trained up as you go …. As you grow then add another van put lad on van take on another lad do the same train him up then when your ready add another van same process… repeat
@dansmithson so it's not that easy. Always had an interested in working for myself and came across your channel. Don't want to earn 80k just around 30k a year. 👍
I was assuming you be using go cardless and requesting all the customers payment by direct debit. Also was it never an option to put another guy in the van with you as probably would have been a better fit.
@dansmithson Ultimately, none of us are getting any younger, and it's wise to start planning for the day you may want to step back from the business. Yes, you've expanded quickly, and it didn't quite work out, but that might be because it was too much too soon. Even putting someone part-time in the van can free you up to focus on other priorities, allowing you to build a stronger foundation for growth. I'll be optimistic, but 350 to 400 customers is too much for one person. For example, with 315 customers, I'm already generating 70K a year with the help of my two sons. We'll likely grow up to the VAT threshold, and at that point, my sons can take on more of the day-to-day tasks, which would free me up to focus on scaling the business gradually or taking on other projects. Plus, having a backup plan is essential-if something were to happen, like getting sick or injured, it’s important to know how the business would continue without major disruption.
It seems you didn't find anything to leverage against the higher costs. All the Amazon vans for example are taking business away from the High Street. Well done for trying.
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice to hear more of your story Dan.
I'd love to hear what advertising methods you used to double your customers in a year.
It's a shame you didn't try to get something for that hard work by selling your work off.
I used to just switch off the phone, put a message on the machine and on the website saying we are full. Now I just use pricing to control the flow of new customers. I don't advertise in any kind of a big way, and I answer every enquiry.
I have my Google business page, my website, van is wrapped, uniforms with logo, and I will pop flyers out in select Areas from time to time. I have little 'we clean your neighbour's' slips I'll stick through the neighbours of my customers. Just to keep things compact.
If I get over booked, I'll re-quote any under priced jobs we have.
Thanks for sharing the last year. Great to hear you are happy. Looking forward to the Vlog and the tips vids.
Thanks Ched👍
Was looking for you on you tube answers why I hadn't seen anything recent. Glad your sorted and in a better place. All the very best Andy @apc Window Cleaning Window Cleaning Service
Also it would be intersting to hear how you managed to gain so many customers that could really help people looking to grow or even us established guys who want to top up our rounds.
I'd like some advise as a new carpentry company I don't wonna be spending money on leads
Fair play to you for staying strong!!!! 💪
I have a gardening business and I have a similar story! Having a big business wasn’t for me and I’m on my own and have good regular quality customer base which is enough for me no stress and earn enough money. At least you gave it a go but nothing is worth more then your generally health and happiness!
Yeah seems like a lot of guys have even given it a go and scaled back or are just wise enough to not attempt it in the first place and stay solo.
Nice to hear you say that between 300 - 400 customers is right for one man. I have about 300 and find that it still gives me a bit of flexibility but keeps me busy.
I would say 300 regular customers is the sweet spot. That leave a bit of time to fit in one off jobs like jet washing etc.
@ completely agree.
Scaling a business is not the problem, scaling a domestic window cleaning business is the problem. To many customers to deal with, to many variables, VAT (B TO C), to low barrier to entry (any staff with the slightest ambition will leave and start them selves)
Good videos Dan, many people will learn a lot from these experience. Remember, if you don't try you will never know. It takes balls and effort.
Theres a few in the industry that have scaled successfully domestically, but theres exceptions to every rule. It's not a good model to scale unfortunately. The reality is, when you start properly employing people (PAYE) you need contracts in place for work. No good taking people on self employed basis as it devalues the business when it comes to sale.
Nice to see you back , good luck.
That is all very true. I came to that realisation during my expanding stage. I looked at the unicorns in the B - C market and thought that was the rule! I feel like I learnt a lot from my experience that I could potentially take into new business venture in the future.
Good to see you back. Did wonder where you had gone. Picked up a lot of tips from all your vids so look fwd to seeing them again
Thanks Pete👍
Its nice to see you back !. So any chance of a walk around your van. I vaguely remember it. 👍
I will deffo get a video like that done mate👍
Hi Dan loved how you explained everything and took responsibility. Would love to have a chat with you if possible as am looking to go into partnership window cleaning with one of my friends who has been doing it for a year now.
Seems it was definitely the right decision for you & the family, some great advice in their for anyone who is busy regarding getting the right type of jobs & customers & letting the bad ones go is vital imo.
Thanks man👍
Good to see you back on you tube Dan. Always wondered what happened. went through a similar thing about 20years ago. Been doing my own thing ever since with no regrets. 👍🏼
Hi Dan, really enjoy your videos as I did previously when you used to upload. Keep going and would be interesting to see what the future holds. A video about your plans for the future would be good to see.
Thanks very much. I’m going to be on RUclips for the long run from now on 👍
We need to put ourselves first sometimes , it can depend massively what frame of mind your in , I politely passed some enquiries on to another window cleaner last week because I was Maxd out with homelife , we all need a breather and to reset every now and again, look forward to the next one 👍🏻
Very true!
Happy days Dan loved all of your previous content & looking forward to more! Bring it on & hey just remember we are all only human @ the end of the day 👌
Thanks Robert👍
Good to see you back Dan and thanks for sharing the journey with us! Would be great if you could let us know how you were growing?
Great video dan ,pleased you got plenty of work ,and you are now well and truly sorted out with how many clients you ideally want and running the business how you want too.less stressful for you,i think every contractor wants that i certainly do.see you next time best wishes tom.
Thanks Tom👍
Great video, I’m only a painter & decorator yet my business costs are shocking especially van costs with DPF going wrong then advertising
Business cost really do feel like they are at an all time high don’t they!
It's a great feeling getting rid of work you don't like doing or bad payers etc. That's my focus these days, quality not quantity. I still take on new work but I drop the odd job off as I go but it's a never ending process.
It really was nice to drop the bad ones!
Glad to hear your back on track and feeling happier, it really is all about a happy balance between home and work, I know what you mean about turning work down, everytime the phone rings I find myself agreeing to price more work, something I’m really trying to work on not doing, 😅 anyway look forward to more content! And all the best for the future Dan 👍🏻
It can be hard to say NO can’t it! If you can master the art of saying NO, that would be a good place to be.
Saw the othe clip. Subbed up now.
I think best to stay as a one man op tbh....the red tape and other ballache nearly cost you the business and you gave it your all.
Enjoyed the videos from before, welcome back, glad you in a better place
Thanks!
Good to see you back Dan!
Thanks man👍
I remember choosing to close a successful plant export business back in 2004.
I have run the business for a number of years. But that business model was in decline and I wanted to focus on our property business.
Many people said I should have sold the business, and not close it.
However, the would not have been fair on the buyer for many reasons.
Sometimes in business and life we know it is time to walk away.
That’s very interesting. Very nice of you not to just sell it on and not worry about the industry being on the decline!
I was just about to employ somebody and get another van 😂after your story I will stay on my own 😊
Looking forward to future videos. 👍
Interesting to hear the ups and downs of running a business like this. Never thought it would be so complicated to de-register from VAT!
Very easy to set up being VAT registered! They make de registering much more difficult!
Great video, Dan
Thanks 👍
Deffo sounds like your in your perfect place now, so nice one! Ive often thought about picking the best jobs (for whatever reason that may be) and having each day as a nice happy place to be, rather envious of that lol I think sometimes its hard to not make jobs personal, like, its just a job, turn up, clean, get paid. Rather than you need to know about the customers life or name etc etc and they know you, that was deffo an odd place to be when we started to grow, I look at it way different now, its just a job number, i dont need to know who they are.
Yeah that’s true. Just turn up, do a good job and get paid👍
Once you expanded how many jobs did you have on books for 3 vans etc
Good stuff! What were you doing to get more clients previously?
I spent a small fortune on marketing 😆
On the other hand, a nice position to be in picking the cream of the crop !
👌👍
Been watching all your vids and the old ones you used to have.
Quickie question, how did you get your new customers? When you was trying to expand.
What’s the process of “selling” a job? How do you value that?
VAT is nasty a Tax on turnover, not profit! If your costs are fixed it is a pain in the a$$ and no better when you are burdened with it and trying to get bellow the threshold. I took my turnover to 240k and then needed to de-register I worked for a full year for a loss because 20% had to go to the Taxman.
VAT really is silly! Why tax turnover?? I completely understand taxing profits but turnover just doesn’t make any sense!
Its supposed to be on top of what we charge but for service businesses like cleaning and gardening its a killer. @@dansmithson
Another cracking video! Talking about the VAT... were you not flat rate??
Thanks man. Nah I wasn’t on a flat rate. My accountant told me not to.
@@dansmithsonI’m amazed to hear that! Did your accountant give you the reason he recommended against the flat rate scheme?
Flat rate (11% in the first year, then 12% thereafter) is specifically designed for businesses, like cleaning, that mainly sell labour rather than products, as there isn’t much you can claim back.
@@floatyjoe6500only if your turnover is below £150,000 once you hit £151,000 you have to go full 20%
Quality customers over quantity. I can't imagine chasing all them for payment
Wow that took a while to deregister! But you managed to get through it and all the rest. Like you say not a bad postion to be in too many customers. Thin it out to how you want it for an easier life. Mate i am a sucker for taking on family members too LOL.
It really did take ages to de register! The process to register for VAT was so easy! They made it difficult and a long process to de register!
@@dansmithson Shows you that they make more money that way, totally mad how it takes a long time. Not fair when your life depends on it.
are you not on any forums Dan
Do you think it’s still a business that’s worth starting these days as the market seems pretty flooded? With the cost of living crisis are you finding people still want your regular service? Thanks
Good window cleaner will rarely lose customers. But getting a compact round is very difficult with the number of window cleaners
Dan you should had lad working in your van from day 1 as your expanding lads who’s working with you also gettin trained up as you go …. As you grow then add another van put lad on van take on another lad do the same train him up then when your ready add another van same process… repeat
Can I ask how much water do you use a week ? And how much water do you pay per month? Please
Love the videos
How did you grow so quick Dan? thanks
Lots and lots of money spent on marketing. I’ll do another video talking about that 👍
@dansmithson that would be awesome mate!
Can you not go on 7.5% flat rate VAT?
What will you do if you get an injury?
What are your charges?? How many houses do you do a day???
That question is to broad my man. Lots of different factors involved.
@dansmithson so it's not that easy. Always had an interested in working for myself and came across your channel. Don't want to earn 80k just around 30k a year. 👍
good vid have you got the same van mate
Yeah man, same van👍
Stay under the vat limit simply
Whereabouts are you based?
Mr Happy window cleaner lol
I was assuming you be using go cardless and requesting all the customers payment by direct debit. Also was it never an option to put another guy in the van with you as probably would have been a better fit.
Nope not a viable option to have someone in my van full time.
@dansmithson Ultimately, none of us are getting any younger, and it's wise to start planning for the day you may want to step back from the business. Yes, you've expanded quickly, and it didn't quite work out, but that might be because it was too much too soon. Even putting someone part-time in the van can free you up to focus on other priorities, allowing you to build a stronger foundation for growth. I'll be optimistic, but 350 to 400 customers is too much for one person. For example, with 315 customers, I'm already generating 70K a year with the help of my two sons. We'll likely grow up to the VAT threshold, and at that point, my sons can take on more of the day-to-day tasks, which would free me up to focus on scaling the business gradually or taking on other projects. Plus, having a backup plan is essential-if something were to happen, like getting sick or injured, it’s important to know how the business would continue without major disruption.
@@dansmithson😂😂👊🏻
It seems you didn't find anything to leverage against the higher costs. All the Amazon vans for example are taking business away from the High Street. Well done for trying.
Thanks👍
What did you use for advertising to grow as yuck as you did mate?
Really interesting content, glad you're in a good place Daniel San
Keep them coming, you are window cleaning gold..
Thanks my man👍
Your health is more important.
Very true 👍
4 days ago you said your business had failed!, now its scaled back!, 😂😂😂
You alright?
Whats funny?
@@traceyrogers5125 is it failed or is it scaled back? Uncertainty, the unexpected , is the essence of humour .