What This Really Is
You clean interior and exterior windows for homeowners and small businesses on a recurring schedule. No truck needed. Equipment fits in a car trunk. Results are visually immediate — clients can see the value the moment you're done. Strong word-of-mouth once you have a tight route.
Who This Is For
- Comfortable working outdoors and on ladders (for 2-story work)
- Reliable and detail-focused — streaks get noticed
- Want a simple, low-overhead local service business
- Strong at direct neighborhood marketing
Who Should Avoid It
- Fear of heights for homes above one story
- Markets with brutal winters that shut down outdoor work 4+ months
- Need complex or intellectual work to stay engaged
Startup Under $500 Checklist
- Professional squeegee set (Ettore or Unger)
- Bucket, scrubber/strip washer, and window cleaning solution
- Extension pole for high windows
- Microfiber cloths for detailing
- Business cards and a simple flyer for door-to-door intro
Your First 7 Days
- Buy your starter kit ($60–$90)
- Knock on 30 doors in one neighborhood offering a free first window demo
- Take a before/after photo at every job
- Offer a quarterly recurring deal at a slight discount
- Post in local Nextdoor and Facebook groups with your before/after
- Ask every satisfied client for two referrals by name
Common Failure Points
- Using the wrong squeegee blade — streaks cause immediate complaints
- No ladder rated for the job — a fall ends the business and injures you
- Refusing commercial accounts — storefronts are reliable repeat clients
- Underpricing: $50 for 4 hours is not viable
Next Step
If this model fits your situation, the Next Step Binder gives you a structured path to stabilize income before you scale.
Explore The Next Step Binder →