[Tosh]

I had about 15 new - some quality - customers in April and May, but despite leafletting I've had very little since June.

I've also increased my prices for some under-priced customers (nothing major; £8.50 to £10 sort of stuff) with no resistance what-so-ever.  They're all fine with it.

I've also had two long term customers decline my services further, saying things are tight, and another who told me that they were struggling 'cos the bank had reduced his £1.5K over-draft to £1K at short notice and he's had a whole load of bounced bills and bank charges.

I suggested that he goes from £13 a month, onto every-other-month at £15 and he's happy with that.

So, apart from the lack of new custom, I don't notice much 'credit crunch' wise from my current customers.

Do you see any change?

Also, for those older guys, how did previous recessions affect your business?

[pjulk]

No change for me picking up good work all the time.

I did window cleaning in the 80's recession and no affect.

Window cleaning is virtually recession proof

[Feen]

I've had one customer (£5) say she was struggling and so dropped me. However, I'd think that it takes a little time for things to filter through the system. People will feel the credit crunch, but maybe they're not feeling it yet. Ask this question again in 6 months

[Pj]

Not been affected at all yet, but with the overwhelming news reports concerning just about every angle of our modern lifestyle - it's not a case of if, it's when we get hit.

I've been through a couple of recessions, but this is the first time it has been described as global!

It will strike hard, we just don't know how soon.  To ignore all the signs is to bury your head in the sand

[Sir Squeaky]

Definately.

Of the last 10 houses I've picked up I'd say only only about 3 or 4 wanted every month.

Used to be 9.5 out of 10 I reckon.
When I started with Ian 11 years ago we only had about half a dozen 8-weekers out of hundreds.

[paulscotney]

No problem here. even picked up my first council house today.

[Gordon Saunders]

in a word no
 6 new jobs this week (£80)
and no cancellations either.havent lost a customer for 3 weeks.

maybe i am lucky but i like to think i have built a good rapport with my customers and offer good service and value for money
  I guess if you are charging silly money things might be different .

 G

[Captain Scarlet]

Overall we should have n problems, because as people settle in their existing properties they will naturally spend more on their current property, rather than trying to go up the property ladder.....all is safe boys...for now!!! Luke

[ftp]

A few here, but wait till they get their heating bills next year.

[NWH]

Definately.

Of the last 10 houses I've picked up I'd say only only about 3 or 4 wanted every month.

Used to be 9.5 out of 10 I reckon.
When I started with Ian 11 years ago we only had about half a dozen 8-weekers out of hundreds.

Your first mistake is trying to get domestic on a monthly basis,if you want top paying work especially domestic forget monthly.6-8 weekly is the way to go,price high and do them less often.

[Ian Rochester]

We've just lost a couple of customers who rang to say their husbands (in the building trade) had been made redundant and so they would like to stop having their windows being cleaned until they were sorted again.  

Fair point, priorities change, but overall we are still picking up new jobs most days.

[NWH]

A few here, but wait till they get their heating bills next year.

On tonights news they said heating bills are going up by 70%.

[billy08]

Not lost any,gaining a few, but only at the right price.

I only take on work at 8 weeks now,and I think you definately get a better price at this interval,

[mr merson]

I am coining it in , never had it so good !  I am buying some new golf clubs soon , and you will see me on the 18th with a big cheesy smurk on my face 

[paulscotney]

Your first mistake is trying to get domestic on a monthly basis,if you want top paying work especially domestic forget monthly.6-8 weekly is the way to go,price high and do them less often........................................................................................................................


I think you are right there NWH. In fact I know you are.........

[Tosh]

I am coining it in , never had it so good !  I am buying some new golf clubs soon , and you will see me on the 18th with a big cheesy smurk on my face 

try spending some on a dictonary,whats a smurk

Hey,

This isn't a spelling and grammar forum!

You know he means smirk!

[AuRavelling79]

I am coining it in , never had it so good !  I am buying some new golf clubs soon , and you will see me on the 18th with a big cheesy smurk on my face 

try spending some on a dictonary,whats a smurk

Err .... MartinSadie ... what's a dictonary? 

A dictionary without the "sh"? 


10.03pm Modified to add:-

Too late to modify it now MartinSadie! Tosh and I have captured your original faux pas for posterity!

[mr merson]

LOL

[mr merson]

I aplogyse for my pore spelin , I never went to skool !  I wish i was proper educayted like wot you is 

[ok cleaning]

non at all bussines as usuall