A small-scale window cleaning business can make as much as $50,000 a year, while a medium-scale window cleaning business can make up to $150,000, and a large-scale business can make over $400,000 per year.
The amount a window cleaning business can make yearly may not be the same across the board, as several factors contribute to how much a window cleaning business can make.
Profit Margin of a Window Cleaning Business
The profit margin of a window cleaning business varies greatly, a window cleaning business in city A may be making a 40 percent profit margin, while the one in city B may be making a profit margin of over 60 percent.
In essence, a window cleaning business is at liberty to markup its services and increase its profit margin as it deems fit. This is mostly applicable if they are servicing high-end clients or government agencies who are known to always pay high prices for premium services.
Revenue Breakdown of a Window Cleaning Business
For a window cleaning business to achieve a revenue of $150,000 per year, assuming the business operates 5 days a week for 50 weeks a year (taking account of holidays and potential downtime), that totals 250 operating days per year. If the average residential window cleaning job is charged at $60:
Daily Revenue Needed to hit $150,000 per year:
- $150,000 ÷ 250 days = $600 per day
To hit a daily revenue of $60, you need:
- $600 ÷ $60 = 10 clients per day
Thus, to meet a revenue goal of $150,000 per year, charging $60 per cleaning, your window cleaning business would need about 10 clients each day, 50 clients each week, and 200 clients each month.
These figures are based on the average charge per job and can vary depending on the services offered (like commercial vs. residential cleaning), the size and number of windows, and any additional services such as gutter cleaning or pressure washing.
Adjustments to the charge per client or operational days might be necessary based on actual business performance and customer acquisition rates.
Factors That Can Influence the Income of a Window Cleaning Business
-
The Location of the Business
Urban areas with many commercial buildings and affluent neighborhoods with large homes are places where window cleaning businesses are meant to thrive, hence a window cleaning business in such a location is expected to make more money when compared to a window cleaning business in a location where the residents have low purchasing power and would prefer the Do It Yourself (DIY) approach.
-
The Market Demand for Window Cleaning Business
As a window cleaning business, you are expected to analyze the demand for window cleaning services in your target market area before situating your business there.
Please note that to maximize the income and profit of your window cleaning business, you must consider factors such as climate, local building regulations, and the presence of competitors.
-
Your Target Customer Base
Commercial clients usually pay more than residential clients, but you must have the capacity to work for commercial clients if indeed you want to scale up your earnings.
So, the amount of money you want to make yearly as a window cleaning business will inform your decision whether to focus on residential clients, commercial clients, or both. Please note that each segment of your customer base has its own demand dynamics and pricing structures.
-
Your Pricing Strategy
A window cleaning business that charges high fees will likely make more money than a window cleaning business that charges low fees.
Please note that this is only applicable if the window cleaning businesses operate under the same conditions and have the same number of clients.
Note that some window cleaning businesses may charge lower fees but attract a high volume of clients which definitely will help them earn more money yearly. All you need to do in this regard is to ensure you set competitive yet profitable pricing for your services.
You may want to consider factors such as the size and number of windows, the level of difficulty (e.g., height, accessibility), and the frequency of service when fixing your price.
-
Quality of Your Service
A window cleaning business that always offers quality window cleaning services will retain old customers, and also get new customers from recommendations.
Of course, you know that in business, satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat clients and refer others to your business.
-
Your Marketing and Advertising Strategy
A window cleaning business that is aggressive with marketing and advertising its services will likely make more money than a window cleaning business that is passive when it comes to marketing and advertising its business.
If indeed you want to make more money as a window cleaning business, then you must be ready to invest in marketing efforts to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
This marketing and advertising strategy should include online advertising, social media marketing, flyers, signage, and partnerships with other local businesses et al.
-
The Quality of Your Window Cleaning Equipment and Technology
A window cleaning business that invests in high-quality cleaning equipment and stays updated on the latest cleaning technologies is usually known to be efficient when carrying out its business.
In essence, efficient equipment can help improve the productivity of your window cleaning business and it will allow you to take on more jobs which automatically will lead to more income for the business.
-
Employee Training and Management
Many employers want to make money from their business, but some of them usually don’t like investing in their employees. Most of them don’t know that employees who are trained and equipped are likely going to help the company generate more money.
So, as a window cleaning business, if you have employees, ensure they are well-trained in proper cleaning techniques, safety procedures, and customer service.
The truth is that happy and motivated employees are more likely to provide excellent service, and with excellent services comes more revenue for the business.
-
Seasonality
The demand for window cleaning services may increase in the spring and summer months as homeowners and businesses prepare for warmer weather. In essence, a window cleaning business that can maximize this season will likely make more money.
Please note that most people will likely not hire a window cleaning business during winter for obvious reasons, and if you are unlucky to operate your window cleaning business in a city that records an extended snowing season, your earnings will be impacted negatively.