You might think, "Why are you charging so much? My last window cleaner was half your price!"
Well, let me explain the just a few difference between a professional and what we call a “Bucket Bob” (no offense to anyone actually named Bob).
What Makes a Professional Window Cleaner?
Professionals don’t just grab a bucket and hope for the best. They follow the rules: getting licenses, insurance, and pay taxes (even if we grumble about it). They invest in great tools and put time into making their business trustworthy. They care about doing such a good job that you’ll rave about them to your neighbors (I have literally done entire culverts because of referrals)—or you at least leave them a five-star review online.
Last I checked, in Springfield, Missouri, anyone can call themselves a window cleaner, no business license, LLC, or documentation needed. But real pros go the extra mile to keep you and your windows safe.
What’s a Bucket Bob?
Picture this: someone with an old bucket, a $10 squeegee, and a dream of making some quick cash. That’s your typical Bucket Bob. They don’t have licenses or insurance, and their prices are so low it’s almost suspicious. Sure, they might clean your windows for cheap, but it’s a gamble.
Why It Matters
Accident Risk -
Imagine this: Bob is on a ladder he found on Facebook Marketplace for $25 OBO, he has strategically stacked 2 x 4s to level out the ladder on the uneven ground, cleaning your second-floor windows, and suddenly—BOOM—he’s on the ground. If Bob doesn’t have personal injury insurance, guess who's most likely paying his medical bills? (Hint: It’s not Bob.) Pros carry insurance to make sure you aren’t left holding the bill. They also invest in the right equipment, so it doesn’t happen in the first place.
Property Damage -
If Bob’s bargain ladder falls on your car or goes through your $4,000 picture window, who pays for the damages? Pros have insurance to cover stuff like that. Bucket Bob? Not so much. Unless you think Bob’s got $4,000 squirreled away, it’s a risk.
Quality of Work -
Let’s be real: you get what you pay for. A pro has all the fancy tools and experience to make your windows sparkle. Bucket Bobs might do the job, but they’re more likely to cut corners. After all, you can’t exactly Google-review a guy who disappears after a bad job. Facebook and Nextdoor groups are full of rightfully angry people that got ripped off. Pros have a public record of their quality. If there’s shoddy quality, they’ll get a bad review (because who doesn’t love sticking it to sleezy contractor by leaving a scathing review?)
The Bottom Line
Hiring a professional isn’t just about getting exceptionally clean windows—it’s about peace of mind and protecting yourself. Pros invest in their business, play by the rules, and make sure you’re happy. So, the next time you’re choosing a window cleaner, ask yourself: Do I want clean windows and peace of mind, or do I just want to take my chances with Bob and save a few bucks?
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