Large complex, primarily commercial

[jonzjan]

I am a new window and janitorial business in a rural county. Northern California. I want to learn how to market and contract window cleaning for large complex's(Apartments, Hotels, County/City). Any advice always helps.
I have big expectations for this coming spring (residential), but in the county next to my own there is a robust thriving metropolous. I would like to travel and tap their financially well off communities. Does the "KNOCK KNOCK" really work?
Just one more I promise. I have noticed that window cleaning pro's are using pressure washers for exterior surface cleaning. Is this the best extra service to offer and how would you recommend i properly clean window screens? Ok, I lied, is there a tool for screen removal?

Thank you for your time

[satdann]

for proper screen removal call a window installation company or your local hardware store they can tell you how to remove and what is the proper cleaning method just an idea

Pam

[satdann]

I will check back on the post because I would like to know how to get gov/city contracts for window cleaning

[logan5127]

Try to find out who is head of Maintenance Dept in your county and who is your County Executive. Once you find out see if you can find out where they are working go up to them and just start talking to them . Tell them what a good job they are doing. After a few kind words then tell them you have started a business yourself. After establishing a little chit chat then give them your card and let them know you are around if they ever need any assistance. Don't just walk up and hand them your card. They have so many people trying to sell them stuff that they are tired of talking to them. In fact if you called them for an appointment they will probably put you off. Remember your first impression is very important. After around a month go back and say you saw them and just wanted to say hi again. Ask how everything is going. After a few words give them another card and say well keep me in mind if you need anything done.
What I mean by all this is that it is very important to establish a relationship . It is hard sometimes with a short introduction. But if they see you often and see that you are friendly, professional and have a good personality then they are more likely to try to give you some work.
Also find out what the price limit is for the county to be able to do a job without it having to be bid out. In my county it is $500. So if at all possible I stay with in that limit. If they have multiple jobs you can break it down and give separate prices.
As far as State contracts, find out if you need to be on a State Bidding List. In my state, if a state job needs to be done my company name must be on that list.
Make sure you have all your business requirements such as liability insurance/Workman's comp.
Note:Window cleaning has an extremely high Workman's comp rate.

[jonzjan]

Thank you Dan. I do appreciate your time and I will go ahead with the maintenance dept. I did talk to a county dept and was told that every department contracts their own work individually, but that doesn't really sound accurate.
One Last question if you have a minute. Workmans comp is something paid for an employee not the proprietor of the business?

Thanks again,
Josh

[logan5127]

I think that is correct but look at the bigger picture. If you start to grow you will need employees and you want your prices to cover that extra cost. Your county may require a workmans comp certificate so check into what you need to do with your agent.