How This Cleaning Business Makes $90K/Month
You don’t need to start a business from scratch to own a cleaning company. Martin Skarra bought a cleaning business in 2021 and has already increased its revenue by 60%. He’s sharing his growth secrets in this interview.
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The company Martin now owns started as Mercer Island Window Cleaners in 2008. Martin rebranded it into Seattle Window Cleaning when he acquired it, along with updating the logo and website, adding staff, revising the systems and processes, and leveling up their tech stack. These changes had an immediate impact on revenue, and today Seattle Window Cleaners brings in $90K/Month in revenue.
Today, Martin is sharing his secrets for how he turned his cleaning business start up acquisition into a thriving company with big revenue potential. We’ll find out how he identified the issues with his new business that needed to be fixed as well as his process for making those changes. He’ll also share how he identified which business upgrades would add the most value for customers, and how he conveyed them to his staff to get the whole team on board.
For those thinking about buying a business, Martin will share why he decided on that route instead of starting one from scratch, how much he invested to kickstart the business’ growth, and how he developed new systems to improve the workflow and increase profits. And if you’re curious how to start a cleaning business, these insights will help you avoid common mistakes and set up your company to thrive from the start.
If you found this interview helpful, make sure to check out some of our other cleaning business owner interviews:
How to Start A 6-Figure Cleaning Business ►
• How to Make $1,917/Day...
$300 To Start A $112,000/Month Cleaning Business ►
• $300 Turned Into $14M ...
Resources
seattlewindowcleaner.com/ - Find out more about Seattle Window Cleaning online
hubs.li/Q01Djyqg0 - Check out our new course on how to start your own cleaning company
www.upflip.com/blog/how-to-st... - learn how to start a cleaning business step-by-step
monday.com/ - The #1 project management software
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:06 How To Get Into the Cleaning Business
2:08 Let’s Talk Numbers
2:34 Key To Attracting Customers
4:00 Keeping Good Employee Structure
5:20 Let’s Take a Look at Clients
6:17 Advice to Fellow Entrepreneurs
8:25 More Profitable Services To Offer
9:45 Systems and Processes
12:34 The PERFECT Customer Experience
13:42 How To Rebrand Smoothly
15:33 The Benefits of Buying a Business
16:28 Generating Customers During the Slow Season
17:56 Blitz Time with Martin!
18:41 Where to Find the Best ROI
19:22 The Must-Have Equipment to Start
20:53 A Deep Dive into the Tools
22:39 Keys to Building a Reliable Team
24:00 You Cannot Operate Without THIS
25:03 Tips on Building Brand Awareness
26:32 Spotting Cracks in the System
27:29 How To Scale Your Business
28:03 Why You Should Buy a Business
29:01 Key Tools to Use
30:25 How Martin Continued To Grow
31:33 How To Start TODAY
32:13 Tricks To Maintaining Quality
34:38 Advice to Other Cleaning Businesses
35:55 #1 Factor to Revenue Growth
#cleaningbusiness #cleaningbusinessstartup #cleaningcompany
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Only thing I don’t like about this channel is that your caption says “makes xxx amount” when that’s just revenue. What you really “make” is your profit
@@jjrealestateg appreciate the feedback That is what they generate in revenue before all expenses, so all true numbers of course. Would you rather we use net profit in thumbnails?
@@paulbulanovUpFlip yes, please! Net income is a real profit
@@jjrealestateg dude he gave the monthly revenue, then the profit margins..... what more do you want, a P&L statement?
@@paulbulanovUpFlip yes what we’re really interested in is what they get to take home after all expenses
I just want to say HUGE THANK YOU to upflip, I saw your 1st video about a week or 2 ago, and now im in the process of making a detailing, home care, and home cleaning businesses. You guys and everyone you interview have given me the motivation I needed, and could never have. Once I become successful, I would love to be interviews myself and share my story.
We're so glad to hear! We'd love to feature you one day ;)
@@UpFlip I can see it happening one day🤝
hello, so 2 months later where are you?
@@s.h.vortex5883 i think where he write the comment...
@@s.h.vortex5883 don't ever stop, If something fails, adjust your strategy, improve on mistakes and keep attacking, the ones who win are always the ones that just won't quit.
No doubt one of the best videos in the upflip library! Buddy literally "cradle-to-grave" in full detail how to acquire, own, and operate a million-dollar company. Very well done and oustanding interview conducted by the host!
We appreciate that Seiben. We want our content to be as informative and useful as possible. 😀Are you currently in this industry?
Absolutely love these videos. Thank you so much Upflip
You are very welcome Daniel! 😀💖Thank you for taking time out of your day to watch and comment. We really appreciate it. What has been you favorite business on the channel so far?
As a window cleaner working one hour from this business owners service area, this info is absolutely fantastic. Thanks!
You're so very welcome Mike. 😀👍Thank you for watching and commenting on the video. We're so happy the info was helpful. How long have you been in the cleaning industry?
@@UpFlip 34 years. I signed up with Customer Factor for a CRM after watching this video. Great interview.
@@squeegeeman2000 Glad to hear! It should make your life a lot easier, and also makes all the difference when you one day hand the business over to someone else
Amazing video man! Trying to launch a business in a recession seems crazy but your videos are great man I’ll be on your channel in the future.
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all the videos are great as always. One suggestion that I have is more in-depth questions related to advertising and marketing. I know lots of business that they're great at what they do, but without customers, there is no business as well. Maybe as an idea, ask business owners would it be better to hire marketing agency for a business? or they do the ads? Thank you for the good content!
Great suggestion, we'll try to do that!
thanks for the honest answers and bullet questions
great video with great content. good job guys!
This guy is a fantastic business owner! Good luck to him and thanks for another fantastic interview!
This is very nice of you Sally. We appreciate the wonderful feedback. 😀 What are some of your favorite businesses we've featured?
@@UpFlip look at this costumer service
@@UpFlip The Shed Gal was great and the candle maker (have you followed up with her lately?). Big things happening for her! And the two guys who started a chicken farm---wonderful! So much business knowledge is shared with these interviews and can generally be applied to other models. You have one of the best channels on KZhead (another is FAIRVIEW CRITTER CAM, but that is another genre ;) ).
Love these videos. My only issue is it makes it look so easy. It's a lot harder than these guys make it look and I'd love to hear more about overcoming challenges. In my first year of business now and it's very very stressful, especially going into the off-season. I'd love to hear people overcoming similar challenges to what I'm facing
Thank you for sharing your feedback! Would love to know which business you're in so we can probably give you some advice.
I do window cleaning and started my own business, in just 4 months I have 90+ clients. It is easier than most people think if you're one to overcome paralysis over analysis. Just stop overthinking it and go out there and knock doors. It cost $0. When I think of the challenges stopping me from making more money it all goes back to me. 1. I get lazy and don't want to start my work day 2. I decide to stay home and work tomorrow 3. I settle for 1 or 2 sales... etc. The talk about easy work isn't literal but technical. Yes it is easy money and I'd rather be cleaning windows than working on a normal wage 9-5. I started with a bucket, double sided squeegee and a microfiber towels and started selling at the doors at low prices from $75-$200. Eventually after 10 houses I reinvested and bought myself a Di Filter and a waterfed pole. From there it was game. I was able to knock houses with 15+ windows in an hour if everything goes as plan. I was confident to start selling at $200-$500. The hard days are when I'm lazy and I have to drive 30 minutes across town just to knock on doors. (Note, I never had to pay for any ads) Is it hard? Mentally, yes. Is it as easy than they make it seem? It is that easy. Go knock on doors and find out. It literally takes 0 skill. My little 5 year old brother can clean a window with a waterfed pole. Off-season is coming and my play on that is switching business mottos. Instead of window cleaning I may look into gutter cleaning. I do have a list of clients I can re-sell. I also heard time/money ratio is pretty good on that and having to knock and talk to 100+ people a day. I'm confident I can sell any home service.
It’s just marketing fluff and bullshit
Fantastic approach it was a pleasure to listen to you, thank you 👍
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Amazing channel, great content!
Very informative. I'm currently working at growing my 38 year old business.
Great content 😀
Great content! Could we get more uploads of other business ideas? I believe cleaning businesses have already been mentioned several times here.
From one Norwegian business owner to another, very impressive! Lykke til!!!
Tusen takk! :D
FUh yea. Chalkka
This is the best video in the series for sure
We love to hear this Still. Thank you! 😀 Would you ever get into or are you currently in the cleaning industry?
Best part of the video is the editor notes at the top
How'd you find Mercer Island Window Cleaners that was available to buy? Did you work with a business broker or something else? Thanks
Phenomenal 😍😍😍 Thank you 🙏 so much for sharing your success
It's our pleasure ShaySpencer. 😀We're overjoyed with the positive impact that out videos have had and we can't thank you enough for taking the time out to watch. Is there any other types of businesses you'd like to see featured?
I have my window cleaning business too Growing slowly but steady
Good vibes to you! I've been contemplating on starting one as well!
@@PhilRuybal do it!
@@ElliotsWC I'm very motivated to! How has it been for you??
@@PhilRuybal good, started a year ago an have about 15 monthly accounts and have done a ton of houses, I think your first year is getting out there an trying to get that route for monthly, weekly or bi weekly
@@ElliotsWC that's awesome! I'm stoked and that's motivational! I'm glad you're making it work
I love these videos.
This makes us so happy Raquelfigueroa. Thank you!.😀We love the name by the way. What stood out to you the most about this business?
So, much, value!!! I can’t believe I got all this info for free. This is right up my alley and will be applying a lot of this info.
We love to hear this Serge K. We've got you covered with free business info. 😀 Are you starting the same type of business?
@@UpFlip No I already have a cleaning business. But just want to remove myself a bit more from it on the labor side of things.
Glad you liked it Serge!
This is crazy, $100k a month. I just brought a 40’ wfp and I’m planning to go d2d after work. My goal is to do one home per day. And this guy is doing $100k per year!!! I’m in Vancouver this guy is Seattle not too far!
He's doing 100k per month.
great video thank you
Very welcome Joe! Thank you for watching and commenting on the video.😀 Is there any way you feel we can improve our content?
Please tell me what the water tank you have is and where to buy it. Also the pole. Tku
Overall this was a great interview but there were some key questions I would have liked to have learned about like number one. Most houses have screens on the windows that don't come off. How do you navigate that? And what about going inside the house? Isn't that a pain in the butt moving furniture? Do you price it differently?
These are great questions, Chris! We'll be sure to include these questions in our next feature regarding the cleaning business. If you want to learn more about the nitty-gritty of cleaning, we do offer a course (link is in the description). Thank you for watching! ☺️
There's very few homes or structures that don't allow you to remove the screens
Very inspiring!
This is wonderful to hear Arthur. 😀 We appreciate the feedback. Would you ever consider getting into this type of industry?
I’m not opposed to the idea. I’m saving money to start a mobile oil change business but this would be a good second option specially since the mobile oil thing has a lot of regulations.
should i get the unger 2in1? i feel like it would save time and im just starting.
Love the success stories 👍
Thank you Handyman. We love these stories as well. We appreciate you tuning in with us today. 😀😀What type of business would you like to see featured on the channel next time?
We love what you do ! Meantime We wish to see bigger numbers on Upflips video. We noticed the views are dropping. We think you should do more videos on food related businesses and other stuffs like Health and wellness startup's etc...
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Gross 100k for that month. I wonder what the average is for the year and also what’s the NET pre tax. 8 employees, 360k debt to pay off each month for buying the business, insurance, maintenance and repairs, materials, marketing, etc. curious what the net is
For the year as a whole we hope to do around $750k. Payroll to employees is around $400k, marketing $45k, insurance $30k, debt service $50k, equipment and auto expenses $80k (bought 2 additional trucks this year), new Christmas lights $30k, other adm expenses around $45k. Should net out to around $70k pre-tax. We have a lot of agency over that number though. Reinvesting as much as we can right now so we can learn quickly, improve and grow as fast as possible
Forgive me if it's too personal but what % owners pay should you be looking to achieve based on that turnover?
@@martinskarra6474 what is the salary for yourself ?
Net pretax 70,000 isn't great for all the work that goes into a business with 8 workers and $750,000 in sales. Completely misleading from $100,000 month claim since its only 1 month out of 12. Also employee pay is misleading at the rate claimed of average 30 per hour. Just another advertisement.
How do you clean the inner windows with this tools, i don’t think it is practical for inside jobs
Can't understand why almost all US WFP pole systems got feeding hose outer poles instead to get them inside ... it is way easier .... greatings from Oxfordshire
I tried to start business, It's been months I didn't get a single customer call. I just tried local Kijiji marketplace. Do I have to run google ads. Is it going to be difficult because some companies are already running the ads and they have nice reviews. How I can market my business. One more thing I didn't have website.
So do you only wash the outside window?
I have an question im sorry to ask when you go to clean the residential windows should we carrying the water or they will.? Thank you upflip
@@jonathanyoung8109 Thank you so much🥰♥️
Don’t watch, this is 90% ads
Does he clean the inside of the windows too? Great content!
He mentioned needing trust of his customers because they do Indeed do insides too in many cases.
Awesome Awesome Video ..!!!!!!!
It took me exactly one sentence out of Martin's mouth to understand that he's a fellow nordmann! Lykke til videre :)
So cool! Thanks for watching and supporting our channel! ☺️
You have 9 employees... They all run their own truck and they make $35-40 an hour... meaning he spends 40-50k on employees. Then it costs easily 5k a year to maintain a vehicle like that... that's 35k... Then he has marketing costs which should be around 5% minimum so 4.5k, the insurance for all the employees probably around 5k. This guy legit makes less than his employees... He has over 100k in expenses but does 90k in sales... Wonder if he is selling a course lol
90K a month right?
That’s what I’m thinking , for one employee in California you will be spending like 8k an year on workers comp.
Ya I don't believe he pays 35hr the 12hr base im thinking he is over estimating or leaving something out
He makes $100k/mo , so he’s printing money
Where does he buys his equipment from?
Super vidéo !
Glad you love this video! Hope you also watch our other content and find value in them. Any business you want to see next? ☺️
Great video! Can you make a video about a hotshot trucking business?
Thank you Kyle.😀 Sure, we can make a video in the trucking industry. Should we do a trucking company with local drivers or drivers that go state to state?
@@UpFlip whatever you guys prefer! Over the road owner operators would be the best. That’s what I’m trying to get into
How about doing video on Yacht cleaners? Hear it pays A LOT
Can you guys do a property management company please? 😊 and more real state broker businesses
Both topics have been on our list for some time... we'll be featuring someone soon ;)
@@UpFlip great 👍
Please do a video on a mechanic or mobile mechanic business
We love this idea Ricky! Thank you! 😀 We'll be on the lookout. Are you currently in this industry?
@@UpFlip Yes, i am in the mechanic business 4 years now and would love some inspiration and tips on growing. PS: I'm viewing from Trinidad and Tobago
I’m just getting started, I am sure getting started in the winter is a bad time but there is money to be made.
There's no better time to start but now. Best of luck! 🔥
@@UpFlip thank you
12 hr in Seattle seems way low
He lost me at $45,000 down payment on a $400,000 mortgage start up cost.
Hahahahaha😂😂😂😂😂
about 3 days ago saw a video on tic toc went and got supplies spent around $110 made the money back plus $90 in about 3 hours, if you’re willing to teach your self the skills it takes it is very simple
What tank do you use and brush. Looked like you just carry that and not use the big carts I’ve see
What brand of window cleaner tools are they? I saw the green small squuegie shooting out water
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Do you carry workers compensation for every technician? If not how do you get away without carrying workers comp for every field worker.
if one of the viewers follow the guidance and if it works, it would be amazing !
Im starting this Job Wednesday and Thurday all day with some mates driving about in a van doing Window cleaning,Also doing more days next week as well,Good wages,£££££££££££££££££££££££££££ even after a full days work so glad things going my way well just lately
Hello, I Thank you very much for the very interesting and informative Video. I Thought really well of making an own Window Cleaning Buisness but i have one Question. I Live in Switzerland and here in Summer its often Raining for like 15min, so what are you doing if it is Raining while you are cleaning windows at a Customers House? I thank you forward for the Reply and wish everyone a Nice Day
You're welcome! Maybe this would help you - course.upflip.com/cleaning-business-masterclass. Good luck on your journey!
What CRM do you use or recommend?
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Customer Factor. He mentions it later in the vid.
Where from
Dude is living the dream
He is! It's time for you to do too! Are you also a business owner?
I been doing my window cleaning business for over 1 year! I work by myself but customers are a plenty...commercial only
Anything is possible when you lie.
@@randomsimpsonsquotes6033 Who's lying? Ronald!!
yea residential customers can b tedious
Hay Jeanell i am intrested in that business and I would like to speak with somebody in that market, do you think that we can get in touch by email or something like that, it will be a lot of help, thanks
Hey Tam I'm planning on getting into this myself but I was gonna go down the residential route first, how'd you go about getting strictly commercial jobs? What marketing methods/ approach did you use? Thanks!
Can you guys upload more pls
Thanks for the feedback Mathieu. How often do you think we should upload?
@@UpFlip at least 2 times a week
12/15 bucks an hour here in california is gas money earning only , cant make a living making that much an hour here
They get commission as well, that's priceless. They can easily average 35-40hr like he said.
The techs make $30 / hour while in training. After that it is commission based, which means between $35 and $40 per hour on average.
@@martinskarra6474 oh i see.. i was like wow 12/15 bucks...thats a lot of labor work
Please make a video how to get loan for business in easy and accessible manner.
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What no one talks about in these videos is health insurance. Is he providing health insurance for his employees or himself?
عمل رائع جدا والمنظفة الطويلة روعة كيف احصل عليها مثلا وانا من المغرب وكم ثمنها
Exterior only? Most of my customers for my softwashing business are asking for window washing both inside and out but I only want to do exterior. (Thanks Angi's)
That's great! How long have you been in business? ☺️
@@UpFlip Got our license in February 😁
Maybe I keep missing it but it seems like every episode you miss one of the most important questions… how do they know what to charge?
We do ask about pricing on our newer episodes. Please watch them ☺️
Research, it’s all over the web. That and a little common sense
40/hr is solid pay, but I bet cost of living there is ridiculous.
Live in the van temporarily.. How hardcore are you willing to get to end of goal line reach your goals
you should make a video with a beekeeper and discuss with him he suceeded in beekeeping
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$3K per month for advertising is crazy for his biz market.
You'd be amazed at how much some companies invest in advertising. Marketing is a wild world!
Have you ever damage a window doing commercial jobs?
No prior experience went to you tube university!!
Yea but what's their over under?
wish we had one of them cleaning brushes,Make the Job so much more easy,We wont have to carry ladders about,Also climb up and down ladders,Wont really need window wippers no more
Host is over 6 feet tall.. how tall is that dude.. very curious to know.
Only 6'4"
you should do dumpster rental business
Ok Juicy Lyrics. We'll definitely keep an eye out for this type of business. 😀 Did you enjoy the cleaning business video?
Yes but He is doing Something
I did this when I was 16 the managers and the owner makes all the money while the workers do all the work and the workers get paid minimum wage
So sorry to hear about your experience. Investing in employees is crucial as they are the lifeblood of any business. How are things for you now? Have you ventured into your own business since then?
@@UpFlip Yes I have also owned my own smalk business as well as ebay business and reselling over websites like kijiji , craigslist
Nice
Thank you Cody. 😀😀Thanks for watching. Have you checked out some of our previous cleaning business videos?
He paid $400 k for the business?!? Why he didn’t just started his own business/brand
i have 8800 shares - i hope you are correct. im in at $10/share
How many jobs a day does he usually do?
Done this most Summer time's,Get a lot of home owners who want there windows cleaned,Window Frames doors and door frames all cleaned,Me and three other work mates,Two people carry the ladder about,Other worker or me carry the bucket with window sponges in and windows wippers,Other one carry the water and Window cleaner,We all making sh** loads of money an hour,After full days work window cleaning £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ let alone a full months worth be almost like winning the Lottery,This is one of my most highest paid Job in whole history,well worth it for the good salery even after tax still good
Wow 90k a month... Starting this business first thing Monday.... $$$$$$
wow 40 all'ora? solo negli usa!
So did he buy a franchise business?
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Wow $12 an hour in America seems a little steep but I guess the cost of living makes up for it. Here in New Zealand the we get $20 an hour, which is the minimum. Then again, $4 for bread and $5 for milk. It's super expensive here.
20 new zealand dollar is the same as 12.50
@@ElCap1van 12.50 rupees?
@@pn9959 😂🤡
are u cleaning windows in nz jason m8?
I've been in construction here in the USA for 15 years and was shocked at that as well. Trash cleanup crew's here get at least $15, skilled trades are between $25-35. I made $11 my first year as an apprentice (2010), and was at $25 4 years later.
Sir how are you
I can get a whole house windows and window frames,Door windows and door frame all done in less than 10 mins,Then straight to the next house and so on,Im working £5 every 10 mins on average me and my work mates on about £30 an hour,More than what minwage is even worth,This time of year with Summer time just about here,There will be a lot of people wanting there windows and doors cleaned
I was broke living on the sidewalks until i started selling bridges now im making 20 figures and i literally work 7 minutes
🧢
I’m gonna need receipts out of my records of how you’re making that much a month power washer come on now
25k a week is a whole lot of windows lol
Hi I want doing this job
We have a cleaning course that can surely help you sort your potential cleaning business from top to bottom 👉 course.upflip.com/cleaning-business-course This course covers everything you need to know (and more!). Hope to see you as one of our students! ☺️
This is totally bullshit $90,000 a month is more than 1 million in a year cleaning I don’t think so
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Right that’s what I was thinking. He have to be making 3,750 an day , working 6 days an week to make that much of profit. At least 3 trucks/vans bringing in $1,200 a day.
If you watch the video you would hear him state that they don't get that all year round. He says he made $750k the whole year, around $70k of that was net profit. Your getting angry at someone you don't know bc you can't listen
Team of 8, brings in 90k / MONTH, pays his techs pennies. Not an easy job either.
yeah not worth working for.. but being the owner of it makes the profits...so the workers are pretty much working for nothing and making the owner taking all the profits
They get 15% commission on top of the 12 an hour, that's really good. Promotes efficiency and allows employees to make more money. They can easily average 35-40 hr.
🤵🙌
👍🏻
😂😂😂😂😂You don't need a whole lot of money? Tell that to a HS or college student.