r/WindowCleaning

Need some advice getting my Google Business Profile verified for my window cleaning business.
I’ve submitted 2 video verifications already and also filed an appeal, but both got denied. Now Google is asking for another video verification.
I’m a legitimate service-area business with:

business insurance

EIN/LLC docs

website/social media

branded materials

active residential + commercial clients

For anyone who’s successfully verified a service business after repeated denials:

What exactly did you show in the video?

Did switching to a hidden address/service-area-only
profile help?

Did showing branded equipment or your vehicle make a difference?

Any common mistakes to avoid?

Business name is Samartano Window Cleaning.
Would appreciate any advice.

For new clients I usually get there knock on the door, introduce my myself and let them then the game plan. 99% of the time starting on the outside and working my way around the going in. Just curious to see how yall do it

What are you doing in that sitimication

Any canadian window cleaners here who has ordered from WCR? I’ve done so in the past and paid 300+ for international shipping fees but I don’t want to do that again.

Is there any method to bring this cost down? Really been wanting to buy a second XERO trad pole.

I’ve had my business for about 2 years not and I’d like to start taking credit cards. My bank has options but it seems a little more complex than getting something like square. What works for you?

As the title states, I'm not a pro. I don't plan on starting a business or charging what a professional window cleaning business should rightfully charge. I work for an HOA in a cabin community in the middle of nowhere. There are very few contractors in the area and almost zero businesses or reliable people in the area, even less when asking them to drive up a mountain in a gated community to do any type of work that a homeowner may need done. So occasionally property owners will reach out to me for miscellaneous home improvement maintenance. I've done everything from tree trimming and thinning trees, to weed control, landscaping, and deck restoration. I've got one home owner that will always call me first for any and all jobs and is happy enough with my work that he sends me bonuses/tips every year, usually between $200-400.

He recently inquired about having his windows washed. I've done some store front windows in the past so I'm ok with a scrubber and squeegee (once again, not a pro). Only a few windows require a ladder. They all look straightforward. I knew they'd be pretty dirty, being on a dirt road. I could see the hard water spots as well.

I was not prepared for piles of dead bugs to fall out when I pulled the screens, or hardened dirt and sand in the tracks. A hand broom, paint brush and dry scrubbing was no use! They were way dirtier than I expected. The cabin is about 15 years old. I'm sure the windows have never been cleaned. I was prepared to charge between $10-20 per window, plus a couple bucks per screen. I've done 4 windows. I had to dig the hard dry sand out with a screwdriver, dry brush until it seemed all the bristles would come out, wet scrub the tracks, use 0000 steel wool on the hard water all before they were clean enough to use my scrubber and squeegee. I finished them off by scrubbing the screens and wiping any vinyl trim with magic eraser. I now have no idea what kind of upcharges I need to charge or any ballpark of pricing for these upcharges. The windows I've completed were basic single hung sliding windows. I have 18 to go. I spent about 2 hours on the 4 windows. I know there's got to be a more efficient way to clean the initial dirt from the remaining glass before using the scrubber. I'm not sure if it would be best to use air to blow everything or hose them down with water. I'm afraid the water could make a muddy mess that I'd have to clean. Can anyone give me a few pointers? I'm not looking to spend all day cleaning and then present him with an outrageous invoice. But, I won't cut corners and do a sub par job. Maybe what I'm worried about is giving a valued client a larger than expected (although I don't know what he expects to pay) invoice for having his windows cleaned without giving line item descriptions with the pricing. I don't know if double the price is fair or if industry standard is only a few dollars more. Any help would be appreciated! I'd like to have this job done today in no more than 4 or so hours. Thanks!

Edited to ask, is there anything that will help the glass stay clean longer other than clean screens? My cleaning solution is warm water with a couple squirts of dawn and a small squirt of Ettore squeegee off

Ps.... Sorry for the long winded explanation

Currently doing D2D. Limited budget for advertising and don't want to waste it.

I know my review count is super low, trying to change that.

Any and all help appreciated, thank you.

I am needing some new squeegee rubber and was wondering what ones you guys recommend. I mainly do residential but do have some commercial jobs as well.

I'm looking to build a pure water tank with delivery pump in the next couple weeks. Tucker fill and go is outrageously priced imo. Anyone build their own and have specific components they recommend? I'm gonna go with a 100 gal tank, I have the hose reels already, and now I am looking for a good all day battery, pump to supply two poles, and accumulator to avoid short cycling

Bonus points for details on wiring it to charge while vehicle is running, and if you have tips on a flow controller.

For people running window cleaning businesses — how are you guys managing customer replies, scheduling, and follow-ups once you start getting more clients?

I’ve noticed a lot of smaller service businesses end up replying late because they’re out working most of the day, and I’m curious what systems people actually use to stay organized.

I’ve been hearing some people still use Excel spreadsheets while others are starting to use AI tools like Vellum for automated replies and follow-ups.

Do you mainly use:

• phone/text manually
• spreadsheets
• CRM software
• automated systems
• something else?

Would love to hear what’s actually working for people right now.

I've been doing on average 1.5 homes per day Int/Ext+tracks and screens. My front delts are burnt out pretty bad after the gym and then hauling a 19' velocity around for a decent portion of the day. I do not have levelers, so I wedge an angled non slip block under the hanging foot. I know, not safe. I really need a replacement that is easier for exterior work. This ladder is perfect for interior.

What do people recommend?

Thanks!