How To Price Window Cleaning Jobs
We have determined that window cleaning companies charge anywhere from $4 per basic window in/out on the low end to $8 per window on the high end. Storm window cleaning can be and usually is priced much higher because of the amount of work, not just in cleaning them but also the time it takes to take them apart and re-assemble them. French panes (small
cut ups) are often charged at $1 in/out to $1.50 in/out for each individual window cleaning pane.
The two things that will determine what you charge is how many windows, the height and number of stories as well as if any window screens need to be removed and reattached after the cleaning. You should also be aware what your market will bare.
Pricing commercial window cleaning work is slightly different. Usually a per cleaning window price will be lower than residential window cleaning work. Reasons for this include such things as level of competition in your area, simpler window styles (usually), more frequent visits (sometimes by contract of weekly/monthly/quarterly etc.) In many cases you may be ask just to clean the outside glass only. Pricing of anywhere between $1 per pane side to $2 per pane
side is quite common for ground level commercial glass but may need to be increased depending on other variables. (see below).
If you are looking at going after store front window cleaning work, it is often a good idea to set a minimum per service stop because some stores may only have a few pieces of glass. If you’re aiming at getting many small stores in one area location, you may want to set your min per stop at around $15 and test the waters for going up from there. The one main characteristic in doing store front window cleaning work is that although you may make a smaller amount per stop, you plan to make it up in volume (number of stops per day). Some window cleaners prefer this type of work because a storefront window cleaning route of weekly/bi-weekly/monthly accounts means consistent earnings throughout the year, even in the cold winter months.
Variables In Window Cleaning Pricing
All the pricing guide info offered above is taking into consideration that the window cleaning jobs are pretty straight forward. But there are always going to be variables that may affect what you
end up charging per job such as how dirty the glass is, what is the access to the glass like, do you need to use ladders or extension poles, any obstacles to make window cleaning difficult, any stains or hard water spots to remove? etc.. In time you will even come across glass that is so corroded due to neglect that the only option is replacement. Just remember, whatever extra work you face on the job, make sure you charge for it.
Is Your Pricing Too Low/High?
A window cleaner who had been in the business for many years once told me that you should aim for landing around 70% of your bids. If you consistently win more bids than that then your prices are probably too low. Likewise, if you consistently land fewer bids than 70% then your prices may be too high. I would say this is very true when it comes to residential jobs and larger commercial jobs. The only time one should ignore this rule is when bidding store front. Store front is the most competitive area in window cleaning and many small businesses are price shoppers so be prepared to hear a lot of “no’s” while canvassing for clients. Home owners can be price shoppers too but don’t feel bad if you lower your price to land some window cleaning jobs in the early stages of your business. You gotta eat right? Plus, you can chalk everything up to experience in the long run.
In Conclusion
Don’t be afraid to network with other local window cleaning companies. The good ones won’t be afraid to share information with you and will encourage a healthy marketplace for everyone. But stay clear of those competitors that offer rock bottom prices. They may appear to be constantly busy but what’s the point if they’re not profitable, right?
AcroTechcsi.com is a full service exterior maintenance company, providing window cleaning, gutter cleaning and pressure washing.
AcroTech is currently offering franchise opportunities contact us to see our proven model.