Moerman Excelerator in action!

Have you checked out the highly anticipated Moerman Excelerator yet?! Check out two videos below that go over key features and how it looks in action!

Great thread of updates and information here.

Is This The Best Window Cleaning Video Ever?

Pat Maher is James Bond. Is this the best window cleaning video ever?

Pat Maher of "Belles Vitres" in Quebec, Canada has produced what is probably the best window cleaning video around today. Pat being a street artist, utilises many of his props' to make the video possible. Featuring his dog driving a car, doing the 'moonwalk', pedalling a mini-bike, window cleaning in a knights coat of armour, a themed 007 - James Bond, an out-take from 'psycho' & cleaning many different styles of glass to show the versatility of the Wagtail brand.

Featuring the Wagtail, the fastest window cleaning squeegees in the World, Pat swears by them. Pat is a regular contributor on the facebook Wagtail Squeegee Network. As this video gets shared, I'm sure Wagtail, will be seen by more window cleaners that are losing out on not owning one! If you haven't tried them yet, take a peek at the Wagtail full range of tools, some of the squeegees utilised by Pat in his videos. To see the video in HD - go here.

Living Smart: Should I Get Professional Window Cleaning?

Mike Giustino, owner of Affordable Window Cleaning in Round Lake, Ill. Giustino says he can finish a project that would take a homeowner five hours in less than half the time.

Living Smart: Should I get a professional window cleaning? (By Shannon Antinori) - Clean windows can make your home brighter and improve its overall appearance. A professional window cleaning can also provide an early warning of potentially dangerous problems, according to owner Bill Volkart of Dazzle Services in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here are some reasons you should consider hiring a professional window cleaning service to keep your windows sparkling and functional.

1. Saving time Cleaning your windows can be a time-consuming project, according to Mike Giustino, owner of Affordable Window Cleaning in Round Lake, Ill. Giustino says he can finish a project that would take a homeowner five hours in less than half the time.

2. Spotting general problems A professional window washer can identify problems such as sashes that are painted shut, ill-fitting window screens, wood rot on windowsills or damaged or non-functional windows. Spotting the problems early can often save you a big expense later, Volkart says - and it could even save your life. "Little things like painted sashes and clogged channels might spell the difference between getting out in case of fire or being forced to take another way out of danger in a very stressful situation," Volkart says.

3. Removing insect infestations Bees and hornets sometimes build nests behind window shutters, and wasps can build paper nests between three-piece storm windows, according to Volkart. Ladybugs also can build nests in channels, making the windows hard to operate.

4. Extending the life of a window "Old aluminum screens left in place for years gradually etch a pattern of deposits on the glass, much like lime deposits in the shower," Volkart says. The etched glass is not only unattractive, but it is also more prone to cracks and chips. A professional window washer can restore the glass and extend your window's life with a treatment of muriatic acid or, in less severe cases, Bar Keepers Friend and grade 0000 steel wool, he says.

5. Providing the right window cleaning supplies and tools Professional window cleaners can ensure that the right products are used to clean glass without damaging it. If you have leaded glass or stained glass, you may be unintentionally damaging it by using an ammonia-based window cleaner, Volkart says. With repeated use, an ammonia-based cleaner can cloud leaded and stained-glass windows, and the damage can't be repaired, he cautions. Professional window washers also have the right equipment, such as ladders and telescoping window-washing tools, to safely clean hard-to-reach windows, according to Giustino.

6. Finding the cause of spots on your windows Puzzled about what's causing the spots on your glass? Your mulch may be to blame, Volkart says. "Cheap mulches often are infested with a fungus aptly named shotgun fungus," he explains. "When mature, the fungus shoots out black spores that glue themselves to glass and vinyl siding and are very hard to remove completely." A professional window-cleaning service can pinpoint the cause of the problem, and replacing your mulch with a higher-quality product can help your windows and siding stay cleaner and last longer, according to Volkart.

Before you hire a window cleaner How much window cleaning costs varies, but Volkart says you usually get what you pay for. Anyone with a bucket, squeegee and window mop can call himself or herself a window cleaner. "Ask questions before you hire just anyone," he advises. "A true professional will make sure your windows are not only clean, but functional and will advise you on ways to protect the biggest investment most people ever make - their home."

Giustino, who recommends getting your windows cleaned at least once per year, says it's important to ask for references and read reviews before hiring a window washer. "Ask them how long they've been in the business," he says. Giustino also recommends asking companies whether they clean windows with a hose or a power washer, and what types of products they use to wash windows.

Window Cleaning Offers

Join the WCRA for $99!

The WCRA Standard subscription is a yearly subscription with a renewal fee of $199 each year. It includes the following marketing benefits:

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested 4 x 6 Postcards

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Jumbo Cards

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Door Hangers

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Email Templates

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Fliers

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Promotional Items

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Business Forms

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Service Contracts

• Unlimited Downloads of Pre-tested Commercial Proposal Packets

Business Development:

• Manuals

• E-books

• Business Planning Tools

• Members only webinars

• Private members only forum

• Half price on all WCRA/PWRA event admission

• Live members only chat.

The WCRA has also partnered with many different companies to bring its members even more discounts on tons of industry related items.

• $120 off the Annual Membership for the Customer Factor (for new accounts only)

• 10% off the WindowCleaning.com membership

• $500 off GlassRenu

• $249 off the PWRA membership

• 10% off Reach-iT Water fed poles

• 5% off the entire WCR store

• At Cost Printing

• Unadvertised members only specials

• 50% off Service Kick

• $5 Basic Plan at ResponsiBid

• 30% off Kevin Dubrosky services

• 7% off LogoMotive Promotions

• Free setup with BidSlot

• Insurance Discount with Joseph D. Walters Insurance

• Free Membership Fee Waived at CLC Lodging

• $100 off Answernorx

• 15% off territory licenses with Solar Maid

• $10 off activiation of Fleet Locate

• 18% off Smart Service

• 5% off all orders from Window Cleaning World

• Discounted Monthly Payroll

• 25% off Street Bidder

• 20% off Aramark

• 10% off Idea Reps Promotional Products

• 13% off Yard Signs

• 30% off Xero Accounting Software

• 30% off vWork App Software

• 5% off A Beautiful View Window Cleaning Store

Don't forget the great benefits that actually help to get you work!

• WCRA members map

• Insured members directory

• RFP Service

Sign up today and get all of these amazing benefits for only $99!! 

All year 4 members receive free shipping & 10% off.

Professional window cleaning supplies, tools, equipment, and products available at the guaranteed lowest prices. Shop Window Cleaning Resource carries a huge selection of traditional window cleaning supplies, waterfed poles, water purification systems, high-rise gear, soaps, chemicals, extension poles, sponges and brushes. Window Cleaning supplies support available from 7am – 8 pm east coast time. All window cleaning equipment orders received before 2pm ship the same day. Call 1-862-266-0677, use the live chat feature or stop by the warehouse at 206 Old Prospect School Rd, Sparta NJ 07871 if WCR staff of professional window cleaners can help in anyway.

New product - get it now!

Winsol Awning Fabric Spot Remover is designed to remove grease and tar from fabric awnings. The safe blend of emulsifiers and degreasers will also remove paint, ink, soot and bird droppings from fabric awnings. Pour a small amount directly onto the spot or stain and scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth then rinse clean. Use caution using this product on logos or lettering as it may remove or some artwork. 

Professional Window Cleaner Puts The Right Tools In Your Hands

Mark & Leonor put the right window cleaning tools in your hands. Click to enlarge.

Professional Window Cleaner Puts The Right Tools In Your Hands.

Once upon a time... Back in May 2007, my wife and I were getting my father's condo cleaned up so it could go up for sale. My wife handed me a shower glass squeegee and instructed me to clean the windows. I couldn't believe how great the windows turned out compared to cleaning methods I tried in the past. Suddenly an idea came into my head. "Hey, I could actually see myself doing this for a living." So with some professional tools in hand and a fist full of advertising fliers, I made it a reality. 

Fast forward to 2012. As I began to wonder about the future of my window cleaning business and asking myself, "how much longer do you want to clean windows?" I had another idea come into mind. With my experience as a window cleaner and love of tools, (Check out Tool Talk With Mark The Window Cleaner on YouTube) it seemed to make perfect sense to morph the business into being a supplier to the trade. 

Now as a participating member of the windowcleaningresource.com community, I got to see first hand of what a successful window cleaning supplier should be when it comes to putting the end customer first. Chris Lambrinides and Alex Lambrinides are a hard act to follow but they have been great with giving advice, sharing their own stories of when they first started, all so that I can get set up right on the supplier side of things. 

So with a plan in place and loads of support from family, friends and others in the trade, my wife and I set the machine in motion. From finding the perfect location in Toronto, to designing a workable store in a shop space we could afford, we were going to have our work cut out for us. My wife Leonor did all the design work and I can't believe what she was able to accomplish with 400 sq ft. One of the things that we think will help us stand out is that all the product is out in the open where customers can see, feel and even test out before they leave the store. 

Beautiful View window cleaning store opens to the public today! Click to enlarge.

Now many are probably wondering how much it costs to set up something like this. Well all I can say is for you to think of a dollar amount, adding about 10% contingency and then just when you feel comfortable with that kind of investment, DOUBLE IT! Oh yeah, and everybody needs to get paid up front when you start out. 

Next comes the joy of finding out just how tight those margins are when selling window cleaning supplies. I'm afraid it's nothing like traditional retail. The manufactures will give you 'list' pricing and tell you that you get X% off that. The problem is, no one in the industry is selling at 'list' pricing. To stay competitive you must lower it down a fair bit. But you've paid X amount regardless, along with cost of shipping (free in some cases with larger orders), importing fees and taxes. Haha, it's almost laughable how quickly you see profit being chipped away from your merchandise. 

Kid in a candy shop anyone? Click to enlarge.

So what keeps one going forward in this super tight profit game? Well for me it's accepting that this is a long term investment and as long as I put the right attitude behind it and continue with my desire to help other business folk by putting the right tools in their hands, I believe it will pay off big in the long run. 

With that said, I would like to thank all the people who have supported me in this project as well as past projects such as the Tool Talk video series and my window cleaning DVD. I will continue in the same mode of sharing, teaching and helping other businesses as best as I can, now via The Window Cleaning Store. 

Mark Strange Beautiful View - Tool Talk

The Window Cleaning Store http://www.thewindowcleaningstore.com is located at 1805 Wilson Ave Unit #107, Toronto, On M9M 1A2

Phone number is 416-748-9393

Hours of operation: 8am-5:30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm on Sat. 

Mark strange realizes his dream. Click to enlarge.

Window Cleaning Tool Talk

Check out all the window cleaning tools you can want with the FREE "Window Cleaning Business Owner" magazine, shipping to all professional window cleaners now.

Mark the window cleaner gives us the lowdown on his favorite scraper called the Ettore ScrapeMaster.

Need more slip with your soap? Mark showcases "Winsol Superslip" that might just be what you need.

Need a new soap? Mark discusses another option with a useful squirt explanation.

Mark shows an old favorite - the Unger Teleplus 30' pole with a nice little squirrel story to boot!

And finally, John Lee demonstrates an Apollo carbon fiber pole from Denmark.

Unger UK Opens Online Store For Window Cleaners

Unger UK have opened an online store for window cleaners in the UK, but sadly not for Europe. Although the site has only been live for a couple of weeks, it shows in the stock offered at the current time. I'm sure it will be populated with even more window cleaning tools very soon, especially the newly released squeegee - the Ninja. The Unger store offers free delivery on all orders of £75 and over. The delivery of items 2.5+m long is subject to a surcharge. Click the picture to go straight to the store. Sign up here.

The Unger satisfaction guarantee: "At Unger, we aim to stand apart from the rest thanks to our special "Yes We Can!" service spirit. We love what we do and as proof of that, we promise to deliver a 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee on every product and service we offer. This ensures that every Unger product you purchase meets your high standards - or you can return it for a replacement or refund. We have been manufacturing cleaning products and systems since 1964. In that time we've learned a lot about what makes great tools. Plus, we listen to your feedback - all of it."

"Our Team will do everything to ensure that your order is 100% correct and the supplied products meet your expectations in terms of quality and performance, so if there is a complaint, it is addressed with the utmost of haste. Any one of our Team can invoke the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - so, if you are dissatisfied with anything, please let us know and we will endeavour to make it right."

"You can count on everything we offer - from our well known window cleaning tools to new litter picking equipment - to be highly functional and provided with an exceptional service level at all times. Which means you can't go wrong with products from Unger, this is our promise to you... or your money back. If you're ever dissatisfied with a product, you may return it for exchange OR refund at any time by contacting us on 01902 306633 or via e-mail at ungeruk@ungerglobal.com"