The Washington Post Paves the Road to Service Alley

Residents of the Washington, D.C., area in need of home-care professionals can now take a stroll down Service Alley, a new online marketplace from The Washington Post.

Service Alley allows users to find, research, and contact local home improvement resources, as well as to keep records on contractors and view other users’ favorites. Logging in with Facebook allows users to see recommendations from friends.

The site is organized into three categories: Inside the Home, covering bath and sink, designing and decorating, drywall and insulation, locks, piano service, pest control, remodeling, and windows; Outside the Home, which focuses on concrete and paving, decks and outdoor structures, drainage, excavation and demolition, solar energy, and trees and shrubs; and Cleaning Services, including carpet and upholstery, ducts and vents, gutter cleaning, hazardous removal, pressure washing, and window cleaning.

The Washington Post director of new digital ventures Tim Condon said:

Service Alley is something Washingtonians need. We’ve created a trusted, comprehensive marketplace of D.C. home-improvement providers, all for free. We all want to be able to trust the service providers who work in and on our homes. Service Alley allows you to see which contractors your friends have used and recommended, and even keep track of those providers for future use. We’re always thinking of ways to provide our readers with useful tools, and we’re excited to launch Service Alley.

Source: http://www.mediabistro.com/webnewser/the-washington-post-paves-the-road-to-service-alley_b11164

Use Coupons To Help Your Window Cleaning Business

One sunny afternoon as I was standing outside a movie theater, a man in an apron came passing around coupons for his small ice cream shop across the street – A free scoop of ice cream when you buy two scoops at the regular store price. I immediately knew I was going to pay them a visit when the movie was over (true story).

That coupon for a free scoop of ice cream brought me into their ice cream shop for the very first time (and it definitely wasn’t the last). So what does this have to do with your window cleaning business? Coupons are a excellent way of attracting new AND life-time customers! They’re very practical because of being cheap to print and easy to distribute. If your not thinking of going all out you can print them on your own computer at home, maybe even pay to have them put in your local newspaper or the penny saver. You can have them delivered to local (high end) households through the post office. Put them under windshield wipers of parked cars (although this might seem annoying at times it’s good for local promotion), or pass them out to local storefronts.

Passing out coupons is one thing, but making a coupon that ACTUALLY WORKS is another. Before you start ordering coupons or using up all your printer ink think of an appealing offer. Why should they call you? What benefits come from having their windows cleaned? You DON’T want a coupon that just tells the public what you do for a living, you want a coupon that will give them a reason to pick up there phone and call you. Make your add stand out from the competition. For example almost all Temecula window cleaners in my area offer free screen washing, who REALLY cares? You’re trying to STAND OUT and be noticed (don’t get me wrong free screen cleaning is a good bait, BUT you have to admit its getting old), how about free hard water removal? Obviously not on all the windows, but why not the first one or two? How many window cleaners do you know of that make that kind of offer?? EXACTLY… You might have lost the twenty/maybe thirty dollars clearing up hard water spots on two windows but what could you have gained? The profit from the rest of the house? A referral from a very happy customer? A LIFE-LONG customer?

Don’t trick yourself into thinking the only way you’ll make money is to be stingy with your pricing, offers, and coupons. Think outside the box with your offers, and you’ll end up with a foot in over all your commercial window cleaning competition.

Source:http://www.articlesbook.com/use-coupons-to-help-your-window-cleaning-business/

Tips for Operating a Successful Window Cleaning Company

Window cleaning is a business opportunity that is lucrative, but not over saturated with competition. Starting a window washing company is not difficult, but it does require more than a bucket and a vague idea. Operating a successful window washing company involves planning, training, and the drive needed to get any new business off of the ground.

Don't Waste Money on a Window Washing Franchise

There are several window cleaning franchises that offer interested people an opportunity to purchase their own window washing business. The business is often branded with a name that is locally recognized. The new owner is able to run their own business, while receiving limited support from the home company. The problem with franchises is that they often cost thousands of dollars, and usually make the franchise owner follow certain company guidelines on billing, guarantees, and prices. Being forced to follow corporate rules often reduces the franchise owners ability to compete with other local businesses.

Take a Training Class

Starting and running a window washing business might look easy, but without any experience it will be hard to make the new business a success. Training classes are much more affordable than purchasing a franchise, and most offer the same benefits. Reputable window cleaning training schools offer hands on training, full support, and programs designed to help window washing beginners and business owners who want to expand their current knowledge.

Never Hesitate to Ask for Help

Once you've started your business, you might still need some help. When you realize your new business isn't making as much money as expected, or you are having problems keeping your clients happy take a step back and try to figure out where you might have gone wrong. If you can't figure out what you're doing wrong, consult your training school or attend a training course for the first time. Sometimes an outside pair of eyes are needed to establish what exactly isn't working.

Have you been thinking about starting your own window cleaning business? If so, http://www.windowcleaningtraining.com teaches practical knowledge to window washing beginners, and to those who have some window cleaning experience.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-for-Operating-a-Successful-Window-Cleaning-Company&id=5654465

Great Deals on Rubber!!!!

240.00 $169.00

101 RUBBER 24in/60cm SQUEEGEE RUBBER 144 PACK This is High quality natural, molded rubber. It glides smoothly and you'll love the feel! Compatible with Ettore brass and stainless, Pulex, Steccone and Unger squeegees. 30% OFF! regular discounted price. Was $240.00 Now only $169.00! Save more than 70% off from the regular single rubber price! Not compatible with Sorbo squeegees. Source:http://www.windows101.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=1446