Money for Christmas lure for window washer

"K-Sap" in full window washing mode. He does it to top up the coffers for Christmas shopping. PHOTO/John Stone

Window washer "K-sap" reckons on a good day he can crack $200 an hour. It's not bad coin for the 28-year-old Whangarei man.

He's pulled out the sponge and filled up the water bottle in a bid to make some money before going Christmas shopping.

It's the third year he has turned to window washing to top up his benefit.

He acknowledges some of the window brigade do not endear themselves to motorists because they're pushy.

"The young ones are being disrespectful and they're leaving their rubbish every where," he said between cars at the Nixon St and Mill Rd intersection on a lunchtime.

"There are a lot of generous people out there," he reckons.

"We meet people from all walks of life."

He says the key to being a good washer is to have manners, smile and have confidence.

"You have to get past the embarrassment, then who doesn't like making money."

But it's not just money they are paid with - there's takeaways and once even a three-tiered cake.

K-sap's been offered cannabis in lieu of payment but said no.

Sometimes they ask drivers if they would like their windscreen cleaned, sometimes they just squirt and wipe.

By knowing the light phases it ensures he does not hold up traffic. They have each other's back, warning when the lights go green.

He says he'll work into January for at least a few hours a day to "sort his finances".

While he is polite and wishes his customers a "lovely day" one motorists stops and comments: "They're bloody annoying."