What Do You Need to Start a Window Cleaning Business

By the tail end of this post, you’ll know exactly what you need to start a window cleaning business.

On top of that, you’ll learn how the MioCommerce window cleaning software can help you get customers, sell your services instantly, manage jobs, and boost client engagement. 

Let’s get right into it. 

How to Start a Window Cleaning Business in 10 Steps

Here’s a walkthrough of the steps to set up a window cleaning company from the ground up.

1. Get the Funds

There’s more to starting a window washing business than just having a squeegee and a dream. You need some cold, hard cash to get your business up and running. 

This begs the question;

How Much Do You Need to Start a Window Cleaning Business?

Starting your own window cleaning business is not as steep as you might think. According to industry insights, you can get your business off the ground with as little as $1,000 to $5,000.

The table below breaks down where most of your initial capital will go toward. 

Expense	Low-end	High-end
Basic equipment	$300	$1,000
Insurance	$500	$1,500
Licence/permits	$100	$500
Marketing	$100	$1,000
Miscellaneous	$50	$1000
Total	$1,050	$5,000

Speaking of getting funds, here are 5 places you can snag some cash.

• Personal savings: Your stash is often the quickest and easiest way to fund your dream.
• Friends and family: If your friends and family love you, they might just love your business idea too.
• Small business loans: Banks and credit unions can offer you the loan you need to start your window cleaning services.
• Crowdfunding: Platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe let you pitch your window cleaning business dreams to the masses. 

2. Determine Your Target Market

“There is only one winning strategy. It is to carefully define the target market and direct a superior offering to that market.” – Philip Kotler.

Identifying your target audience is the secret sauce to starting a successful window cleaning business.

According to a study by CB Insights, 42% of startups fail because there’s no market need for their services. So, make sure you nail your target audience from the get-go. 

That said, here’s a list of 10 possible target clients for window cleaning businesses.

• Residential homeowners.
• Small local businesses (think boutiques and cafes)
• Large office building.
• Schools and universities.
• Hospitals and medical facilities.
• Hotels and resorts.
• Restaurants and bars.
• Car dealerships.
• Shopping malls and retail centers (window shopping, anyone?)
• Real estate agencies.

3. Write a Business Plan

A business plan is your roadmap to squeegee success. It’s like having a GPS for your entrepreneurial journey.

The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that businesses with a plan grow 30% faster than those without.

Here are the key components of a business plan for window cleaners.

• Executive Summary: A brief overview of your business, including your mission statement and key objectives.
• Company Description: Detailed information about your business structure, services, and target audience.
• Market Analysis: Research window cleaning industry, potential customers, and competitors.
• Organization & Management: Your company’s structure and key team members’ roles and responsibilities.
• Service Line: Detailed description of your window cleaning services and pricing strategy.
• Marketing & Sales Strategy: Your plan for attracting and retaining customers.
• Funding Request: If applicable, outline your funding needs and how you’ll use the capital.
• Financial Projections: Forecast of your business’s financial performance, including income statements, cash flow, and break-even analysis.
• Appendix: Supporting documents such as licenses, permits, and detailed market research.

Each section should be thorough yet concise. It should provide a clear picture of your business vision and how you plan to achieve it.

Furthermore, remember to review and update your plan regularly as your window-cleaning business grows and evolves.

In addition, the business name should be unique and have an available domain. Furthermore, get a catchy cleaning slogan to help your business stand out.

4. Choose Your Business Structure 

You must pick the right business formation when starting your commercial window cleaning services. Why? …because your choice will affect your business taxes and liabilities. It also affects your daily business operations.

Here are the most common business structures for a window cleaner.

• Sole Proprietorship: The simplest structure, where you and the business are one. It’s easy to set up, but you’re personally liable for all debts and obligations.
• Partnership: Similar to a sole proprietorship but with two or more people sharing ownership. In a partnership, you share the risks and rewards.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC offers the flexibility of a partnership with the liability protection of a corporation. Here, your personal assets are generally safe if the business faces legal troubles.
• Corporation: This is a more complex structure that separates you completely from your business. It provides strong liability protection but comes with more regulations and higher taxes.

5. Get Window Cleaning Business Insurance 

Next, purchase window cleaning insurance. It’s like having a safety net—because life happens, and you want to be prepared when it does.

Therefore, protect your business from unexpected losses, liabilities, and accidents that could otherwise leave you in the lurch.

That said, here are the common insurance covers for most window cleaners.

• General Liability Insurance: Covers third-party injuries or property damage. For example, if you accidentally break a client’s window, general liability insurance will help cover the cost.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: If you have employees, this is a must. Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages if someone gets injured on the job.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: If you’re using a vehicle for your business, this policy protects against accidents, theft, and damage.
• Equipment Insurance: Covers the repair or replacement of your cleaning tools if they’re damaged, lost, or stolen.

Besides insurance, you also need to get the relevant business license to ensure you’re operating legally. 

Common licenses for window cleaning businesses include a general business license and a vendor’s license. Also, depending on your location, a contractor’s license or specialized cleaning permit.

6. Get Window Cleaning Supplies and Equipment

When it comes to window cleaning, the right tools can make all the difference between a streaky mess and a sparkling success.

Investing in quality supplies ensures you deliver top-notch service every time. 

That said, here’s a collection of equipment and window cleaning supplies to get your business off the ground.

• Squeegees (various sizes)
• Window cleaning solution
• Buckets (with compartments for clean and dirty water)
• Microfiber cloths
• Scrapers and blades
• Extension poles
• Ladders (safety first!)
• Water-fed pole systems
• T-bars and washers
• Harnesses and safety gear (for high-rise jobs)
• Tool belts and pouches
• Protective gloves
• Window scrubbing pads
• Window vacuums
• Drying towels

7. Set Your Rates

Setting the right rates is crucial. Price too high, and you scare potential commercial clients away. Price too low, and you won’t cover your costs.

Striking the right balance keeps your window cleaning business profitable. In addition, it helps keep your customers happy.

Here’s how to ensure you can wash windows at a price that’ll help you win and retain a steady stream of customers.

• Research Competitors: Check out what other window cleaning businesses in your area charge. This gives you a benchmark to work from.
• Consider Your Costs: Factor in all expenses, including equipment, insurance, transportation, and your time.
• Choose Your Pricing Model: Decide whether you’ll charge by the hour, per window, or by square footage. Hourly rates offer flexibility, while per-window or square footage pricing provides clarity for customers.
• Add Value: If you offer extra services (like gutter cleaning or screen repair), factor these into your pricing strategy.

How Much Can You Make with a Window Cleaning Business?

The income potential for a window cleaning business can vary based on location, target audience, and services offered.

On average, many window cleaners can make a pretty penny, especially if they scale their business effectively.

• Average Hourly Rate: $40 to $75 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job and the region.
• Residential Jobs: Typically earn $150 to $500 per job.
• Commercial Jobs: Larger contracts can bring in anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or more, especially for high-rise window cleaning.

8. Find and Wind Your First Window Cleaning Client

Your first clients are like your first dates. You want to impress them so much that they come back for your window cleaning services.

Here’s how you can charm your way into their hearts (and windows).

• Door-to-door: Old-school but effective. Knocking on doors in your target neighborhoods can help you land your first gigs.
• Create a Professional Website: Showcase your services, share testimonials, and make it easy for potential clients to contact you.
• Listing on Local Business Directories: To increase visibility, get your business listed on platforms like Yelp, Angie’s List, and Thumbtack.
• Network: Attend local business events or join community groups to spread the word about your services.

9. Grow Your Business 

Indeed, a window washing business can generate good money if you get the basics right. Better yet, you can expand your business to offer other services your target audience may be interested in.

Here are other local service businesses you can venture into to attract new clients and boost your revenue.

• Gutter Cleaning: A natural add-on service that many homeowners need.
• Pressure Washing: Offer to clean driveways, patios, and building exteriors.
• Solar Panel Cleaning: As solar panels become more common, this is a niche market you can tap into.
• Holiday Light Installation: Seasonal work, such as Christmas light installation, can bring in extra cash.
• Carpet Cleaning: Another service that pairs well with residential and commercial cleaning.
• Screen Repair: Fixing or replacing window screens is a handy service for homeowners.

10. Establish Processes to Increase Efficiency 

You must create efficient processes to keep your window cleaning business running smoothly. 

To do this, you need to invest in window cleaning software that can help streamline operations, save time, and improve customer satisfaction.

Here’s what business good window cleaning business software can help you do.

• Scheduling & Dispatch: Automate job assignments and optimize routes so you’re not wasting time or fuel.
• Invoicing & Collections: Generate invoices quickly and offer easy payment options for clients.
• Customer Engagement: Send personalized notifications and reminders to keep clients informed and engaged with your services.
• Notifications and Reminders: Automate reminders for upcoming appointments, payments, and promotions, enhancing customer satisfaction and retention.
• Reporting & Analytics: Get insights into your business performance, track key metrics, and identify areas for improvement.

In addition to the features above, MioCommerce window cleaning software comes with the tools you need to streamline your daily operations, including online booking, a SMART calendar, and more.

And, you can try our window washing software for 15 days with access to all the premium features below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Get Window Cleaning Software That Understands Your Business End-to-end

While starting a window cleaning business is easy, you need the right tools to do the heavy lifting.

The MioCommerce window cleaning software packs a host of features to help streamline your operations, manage clients, and boost your revenue.

From scheduling jobs to sending invoices, MioCommerce has everything you need to run your business smoothly.

Want to see how it works? Book a free demo today to connect with one of our product experts.