[harleyman]

got chatting to another windy to day he was telling me he had a stand off with competition few months back because this guy had bought work and he deemed every thing near by was his patch, told him in no unserten terms to jog on you've only bought good will see what happens.

[Phil J]

Torch his van!!!

[DeLuce]

Hehe, haven’t had that one for a  long time!!
Must be an alpha male.
It's best just to smile and nod, and then carry on as normal!

[Splash & dash]

Lol if he said that to me I would deliberately try and get more work there just to hack him off and laugh and wave evey time I saw him 😂😂😂😂 plonker

[Spotfree]

I wonder how all the residents would feel about "belonging" to him.

Suggest he writes to them all explaining they now have no free choice over their window cleaning service as they all live on his patch, see what response he gets to that.


Seriously though, there's a 70-year-old window cleaner near me. He tells me 40 years ago this truly was his patch, and if a customer messed him around then they would have to do without. Absolutely awesome!


Maybe we would all have easier customer relations if we all sat down and negotiated a patch each. Condensed work that all had to sing to my tune, if only!

[nathankaye]

got chatting to another windy to day he was telling me he had a stand off with competition few months back because this guy had bought work and he deemed every thing near by was his patch, told him in no unserten terms to jog on you've only bought good will see what happens.

Love it when people like that move into my patch 😎😂😂 i mean my areas where i work.   With that type of attitude they dont seem to last too long and that means more customers for everyone else

[Johnny B]

I had run-in about 5 years ago with this plank who thought he owned an area that I was working in. I had picked up a new customer by way of a recommendation and it turned out that she was one of his, and he was understandably less than happy to see me cleaning her windows. I was unaware she was a customer of his until he told me that I was canvassing his customers, and didn't want to see me working there again.

I put him right on the two counts: 1) I didn't canvass his customer as I was recommended to her, and 2) In my view people can choose who they want to clean their windows and I work where I choose to work.

I picked up several more of his old customers the next month, now he has none left there as far as I know.

Every customer who came to me said he had an aggressive attitude and he turned up when he felt like it. The best bit is that all the ones I picked up from him are all model customers!

John

[Plankton]

Harleyman did you take offer of work that was for sale? What would be your thoughts if someone was trying to pinch those customers from under you?

[Stoots]

There was once 4 cleaners on the same street where I was working not long ago....it's saturated round here I see another window cleaning van most days...must have counted over 20 different ones and I only work in a 5 mile radius.

[harleyman]

firstly customers don't belong to any one its a free choice who they want clean their windows I have lost countless customers over the years from new window cleaners offering  better prices e t c  gets under the skin a bit but you just carry on there is enough work out there that is the nature of the game we are in if people cant deal with it they are  in the wrong game .imo  no I didn't take the work  decided to   leave it

[nathankaye]

got chatting to another windy to day he was telling me he had a stand off with competition few months back because this guy had bought work and he deemed every thing near by was his patch, told him in no unserten terms to jog on you've only bought good will see what happens.

I could understand a persons frustration when they have spent normally a good amount of money to purchase a round, only to loose the work. But even in that scenario, its nobody's fault but the nature of the game and the gamble anyone makes when purchasing work.
However then to assume that all work in the same area belongs to them is just ludicous and shows they have some loose wiring somewhere

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

we have had this 2 times now first time outside of tesgos in braintree some one had a go at one of the staff , hubby got back to the van and was told , he went stright over to the guys van where he was have his dinner  and dragged the said window cleaner out of the window of his van via his hair and had a chat with 

second time my daughter was threaten when putting flyers  out in colchester that didnt end well either not good when her dad and bother are two streets away that didnt end well for them at all 

[Bungle]

Would you say your hubby has a violent streak Sue?

[Plankton]

Would you say your hubby has a violent streak Sue?

Think he's just got a particular way of speaking to people so he's understood the first time round.

[nathankaye]

Would you say your hubby has a violent streak Sue?

Think he's just got a particular way of speaking to people so he's understood the first time round.

It certainly looks that way.  It didnt take much for him to escalate the situation does it and if the law was involved it would be clear who crossed the lines.
Admittedly if someone threaten my daughter I dont honestly know what i would do in that situation.
I understand hes from the " travellors way of life" but again thats no excuse.
Just saying

Some years ago when i was a teen, a woman staff member was threatened by the local village idiot who thought he was untouchable. This time he was wrong as her hubby was very much into his weights and at 6ft and just as wide with solid muscles, who wasnt to be messed with, heard of it, he went and easily found the said person and pinned him against a wall, at which the said person jabbed him in the kneck with a needle and kept it there and told the chap to let go and back off. Needless to say he did and then for the near future this guys life was turned upside down as he didnt know if he got aids from that encounter!
You never know what idiots carry and are prepared to do.

[harleyman]

I must say that is appalling behaviour makes the window cleaning business look un professional imo

[jk999]

When they come to me i tell them  feel free to ask my customers if they want them doing by them they never follow through my opinion is if you all get on in this game what a better life it would be

[AuRavelling79]

I must say that is appalling behaviour makes the window cleaning business look un professional imo

Which is why if you don't act violently or drag your knuckles and can string a couple of sentences together nicely you'll get loyal customers who are pleased to have you.

[Johnny B]

When they come to me i tell them  feel free to ask my customers if they want them doing by them they never follow through my opinion is if you all get on in this game what a better life it would be

In the case I mentioned above, the other windy knocked on his ex (my new) customer to remonstrate with her. She sent him away with a flea in his ear as she told me when I also called back on her the same evening to see if she was alright.

John

[dazmond]

It's the opposite where I work....I've had customers  angry with other cleaners in the past for canvassing/leafleting my jobs!

I just say it's a free country they can go where they like.... .....their not mind readers......they don't know which jobs I clean.....

[Stoots]

we have had this 2 times now first time outside of tesgos in braintree some one had a go at one of the staff , hubby got back to the van and was told , he went stright over to the guys van where he was have his dinner  and dragged the said window cleaner out of the window of his van via his hair and had a chat with 

second time my daughter was threaten when putting flyers  out in colchester that didnt end well either not good when her dad and bother are two streets away that didnt end well for them at all

I like his style but perhaps a bit over board for the situation.

I've no problem with dragging someone out by the hair if they had threatened my daughter but for having a few cross words with an employee Jesus lol

I thought I had a short fuse, your husband sounds like he has no fuse at all !   

[Shrek]

In Susans husbands defence - he was protecting his daughter and worker from some idiots who told them that this is THEIR patch. Susan’s team don’t go round telling people it’s their patch

[chris turner]

Everywhere is my patch so you can all sod off.

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

In Susans husbands defence - he was protecting his daughter and worker from some idiots who told them that this is THEIR patch. Susan’s team don’t go round telling people it’s their patch

bang on , the guy in the carpark was pushing the young emplyee around all 8 stone of him asking him if he wanted his " go " well the young lad didnt but  the hubby did  funny how the other guy didnt when 20 stone drags you out the window

the 2nd time my daughter was told if she was seen here again she would get a slap , nothing in the world could stop them after she rang her dad , he sorts things out the real way like a man , no need to cry to the law , if your banging your chest being ten men then you need to deal with it when ten men come knocking quick and simple

[KS Cleaning]

we have had this 2 times now first time outside of tesgos in braintree some one had a go at one of the staff , hubby got back to the van and was told , he went stright over to the guys van where he was have his dinner  and dragged the said window cleaner out of the window of his van via his hair and had a chat with 

second time my daughter was threaten when putting flyers  out in colchester that didnt end well either not good when her dad and bother are two streets away that didnt end well for them at all

That’s the beauty of having sign written vans, park up in a supermarket car park,  then go drag a competitor out of his van by his hair...Great for the company profile😳

[Soupy]

It's very rare to see any aggression actually out and about, normally it's just phone calls from anonymous phone numbers and even that's few and far between these days. I've had the odd phone call to "explain" to me that the town I've just leafleted is their patch. I always just tell them that's fine, no problem, then carry on.

Window cleaners tend to be wierdos who either pretend that they haven't seen you or stare at you until you head over for a natter, at which point they pack up and make a sharp exit.

[Spruce]

we have had this 2 times now first time outside of tesgos in braintree some one had a go at one of the staff , hubby got back to the van and was told , he went stright over to the guys van where he was have his dinner  and dragged the said window cleaner out of the window of his van via his hair and had a chat with 

second time my daughter was threaten when putting flyers  out in colchester that didnt end well either not good when her dad and bother are two streets away that didnt end well for them at all

I'm glad they aren't living on Teesside any longer.   

[G Griffin]

I'm disgusted by this thread.
First rule of fighting over the cleaning of windows is: 
NO PULLING HAIR!
 
Second, of course, is: no bending little fingers back. 

Third: no scratching.

The industry would be a better industry of we all adhered to these laws.

[CF Facilities]

I'm disgusted by this thread.
First rule of fighting over the cleaning of windows is: 
NO PULLING HAIR!
 
Second, of course, is: no bending little fingers back. 

Third: no scratching.

The industry would be a better industry of we all adhered to these laws.

Would Chinese burns be ok?

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

we have had this 2 times now first time outside of tesgos in braintree some one had a go at one of the staff , hubby got back to the van and was told , he went stright over to the guys van where he was have his dinner  and dragged the said window cleaner out of the window of his van via his hair and had a chat with 

second time my daughter was threaten when putting flyers  out in colchester that didnt end well either not good when her dad and bother are two streets away that didnt end well for them at all

I'm glad they aren't living on Teesside any longer.   

lol that where your wrong ive still got the farm at thopre thewles      

[robbo333]

Susan

If your guy is that big and intimidating, then surely his mere presence and a few well chosen words should sort the situation, and make things crystal clear!

However, the incident with your daughter, to have a go at a young lady...definitely a slap!

I used to live in Colchester (dutch quarter), Rowhedge and Mersey Island.

Bournemouth is much more...quiet.

[G Griffin]

I'm disgusted by this thread.
First rule of fighting over the cleaning of windows is: 
NO PULLING HAIR!
 
Second, of course, is: no bending little fingers back. 

Third: no scratching.

The industry would be a better industry of we all adhered to these laws.

Would Chinese burns be ok?

It depends on the severity of the patch encroachment.
It's a grey area; unlike the affected arm 😧.

[Slacky]

[Johnny B]

Don't be like Big Ronnie.

John

[Pete Thompson]

I love the reference to sorting things out like a “real man”. Lol!

I’ve known a few people like that in my life, those who like to use their fists and size to intimidate and even assault. Without exception they have all come to a sticky end.

One bloke I knew ended up doing over 10 years in prison for assaulting someone (who turned out to be innocent). His mrs didn’t like the way the bloke looked at her and did the whole “I’ll show you” thing. So her bloke grabbed and then pounded him. Turned out he was disabled and had a lazy eye. Really smart move meat head, 10 year sentence.

Another bloke I knew of used to be similar, think he was the local hard man who’d sort things out for himself. Of course eventually he messed with the wrong bloke and ended up hiding from an organised crime gang and then (when they found him) he became a wheelchair user for the rest of his life.

The problem with knuckle dragging buffoons is this...there’s always a bigger fish.

[Stoots]

I love the reference to sorting things out like a “real man”. Lol!

I’ve known a few people like that in my life, those who like to use their fists and size to intimidate and even assault. Without exception they have all come to a sticky end.

One bloke I knew ended up doing over 10 years in prison for assaulting someone (who turned out to be innocent). His mrs didn’t like the way the bloke looked at her and did the whole “I’ll show you” thing. So her bloke grabbed and then pounded him. Turned out he was disabled and had a lazy eye. Really smart move meat head, 10 year sentence.

Another bloke I knew of used to be similar, think he was the local hard man who’d sort things out for himself. Of course eventually he messed with the wrong bloke and ended up hiding from an organised crime gang and then (when they found him) he became a wheelchair user for the rest of his life.

The problem with knuckle dragging buffoons is this...there’s always a bigger fish.

You have  to be sensible if you are going to assault someone at least goad them into making the first move....then it's self defence. Like you say going around hitting anyone that looks at you the wrong way is going to end up with you in jail or come across the wrong person.

To be fair in this instance I would say Susan's husband was justified if the window cleaner was physically pushing the employee about then a physical response was warranted.....I thought the cleaner had merely said a few words to the employee and he went overboard.. .

Of course when someone threatens your kids it's a different matter...most dad's would happily do jail time or end up in a wheelchair to protect their children.

[jonboywalton75]

John Gotti thought he was avenging his kid!!!!!

[G Griffin]

I love the reference to sorting things out like a “real man”. Lol!

I’ve known a few people like that in my life, those who like to use their fists and size to intimidate and even assault. Without exception they have all come to a sticky end.

One bloke I knew ended up doing over 10 years in prison for assaulting someone (who turned out to be innocent). His mrs didn’t like the way the bloke looked at her and did the whole “I’ll show you” thing. So her bloke grabbed and then pounded him. Turned out he was disabled and had a lazy eye. Really smart move meat head, 10 year sentence.

Another bloke I knew of used to be similar, think he was the local hard man who’d sort things out for himself. Of course eventually he messed with the wrong bloke and ended up hiding from an organised crime gang and then (when they found him) he became a wheelchair user for the rest of his life.

The problem with knuckle dragging buffoons is this...there’s always a bigger fish.

You have  to be sensible if you are going to assault someone at least goad them into making the first move....then it's self defence. Like you say going around hitting anyone that looks at you the wrong way is going to end up with you in jail or come across the wrong person.

To be fair in this instance I would say Susan's husband was justified if the window cleaner was physically pushing the employee about then a physical response was warranted.....I thought the cleaner had merely said a few words to the employee and he went overboard.. .

Of course when someone threatens your kids it's a different matter...most dad's would happily do jail time or end up in a wheelchair to protect their children.

And to think that this post started 'You have to be sensible...'  .

[Slacky]

I love the reference to sorting things out like a “real man”. Lol!

I’ve known a few people like that in my life, those who like to use their fists and size to intimidate and even assault. Without exception they have all come to a sticky end.

One bloke I knew ended up doing over 10 years in prison for assaulting someone (who turned out to be innocent). His mrs didn’t like the way the bloke looked at her and did the whole “I’ll show you” thing. So her bloke grabbed and then pounded him. Turned out he was disabled and had a lazy eye. Really smart move meat head, 10 year sentence.

Another bloke I knew of used to be similar, think he was the local hard man who’d sort things out for himself. Of course eventually he messed with the wrong bloke and ended up hiding from an organised crime gang and then (when they found him) he became a wheelchair user for the rest of his life.

The problem with knuckle dragging buffoons is this...there’s always a bigger fish.

You have  to be sensible if you are going to assault someone at least goad them into making the first move....then it's self defence. Like you say going around hitting anyone that looks at you the wrong way is going to end up with you in jail or come across the wrong person.

To be fair in this instance I would say Susan's husband was justified if the window cleaner was physically pushing the employee about then a physical response was warranted.....I thought the cleaner had merely said a few words to the employee and he went overboard.. .

Of course when someone threatens your kids it's a different matter...most dad's would happily do jail time or end up in a wheelchair to protect their children.

I don't think most Dads would do jail time or end up in a wheelchair for their kids.

Most dads would stop and think 'Hmm, how are my kids going to get by if I'm in the pan or in a wheelchair?'

[Susan Dean (1stclean)]

I love the reference to sorting things out like a “real man”. Lol!

I’ve known a few people like that in my life, those who like to use their fists and size to intimidate and even assault. Without exception they have all come to a sticky end.

One bloke I knew ended up doing over 10 years in prison for assaulting someone (who turned out to be innocent). His mrs didn’t like the way the bloke looked at her and did the whole “I’ll show you” thing. So her bloke grabbed and then pounded him. Turned out he was disabled and had a lazy eye. Really smart move meat head, 10 year sentence.

Another bloke I knew of used to be similar, think he was the local hard man who’d sort things out for himself. Of course eventually he messed with the wrong bloke and ended up hiding from an organised crime gang and then (when they found him) he became a wheelchair user for the rest of his life.

The problem with knuckle dragging buffoons is this...there’s always a bigger fish.

You have  to be sensible if you are going to assault someone at least goad them into making the first move....then it's self defence. Like you say going around hitting anyone that looks at you the wrong way is going to end up with you in jail or come across the wrong person.

To be fair in this instance I would say Susan's husband was justified if the window cleaner was physically pushing the employee about then a physical response was warranted.....I thought the cleaner had merely said a few words to the employee and he went overboard.. .

Of course when someone threatens your kids it's a different matter...most dad's would happily do jail time or end up in a wheelchair to protect their children.

I don't think most Dads would do jail time or end up in a wheelchair for their kids.

Most dads would stop and think 'Hmm, how are my kids going to get by if I'm in the pan or in a wheelchair?'

 wow you must not have any kids ? all the dads  i know would kill for there baby girls and more ! doesn't matter how old girls get 99% of dads still look at there daughters as there babys , my  dad did right up to his death   for the wheel chair thing guess he was a trad rat ? 

[cleaniac]

Hard men, haha. More like lard men.

Its very easy to write the tough guy talk on these forums, im sure most of us feel like king kongs lovechild with bruce lee when it comes to our so called self defence abilities. But the fact of the matter is until you have really been in a situation that actually has threatened your life, even if you have the ability to do deal with it, the risks and circumstances at the time are just not in your favour even if you manage to fight, you can end up killing the aggressor and have to deal with the ramifications of that.

When i was very young, my father used to teach at the local karate club, he is and was a 2nd dan brown belt (two white stripes) and used to do many competitions. He also used the katana and nunchucks for some demonstrations.

Growing up, i was a very difficult child at school, and would always be fighting. I dont remember the full thing what happened, but was only 4 years old and i was already in trouble for biting a kids ear in half. Yeah..i know. And was always in touble for hitting and hurting other kids.

At about the age of 9 my dad thought teaching me karate would train me to be less agressive. And it did, it calmed me down and improved my behaviour so i became a student at the karate club and really enjoyed it.

Anyway fast forward to 14 years old, and there was this bully who for whatever reason kept goading me to fight him, naturally i refused, and this went on daily for 10 months.

Then one day, that was it i snapped. I agreed to fight him after art class, something i have regretted ever since.

So we arranged to fight, now my strategy was to shut him up, so i was going to let him get close tp me so i could execute a strike that will end the fight in seconds.

So i wait for my opportunity, and bang i took it, with a close proximity strike to the throat. The result was horrific and the blood that came out of his gullet all over the school patio, he collapsed instantly and the blood was a real worryingly thick deep red, and lots of it. It haunts me even now.

He was rushed to hospital with a very serious Esophageal Rupture, and took.3 months to recover. I got into alot of trouble over it, and became the most unliked guy in school for the rest of the year..seriously i wanst spoken to and it wasnt a nice position to be in.

So after that i decided that fighing is the last resort, like literally only if my life is on the line. I have met tough guys since and i just avoid confrontation because it just reminds me how bad it can turn out.

[G Griffin]

I love the reference to sorting things out like a “real man”. Lol!

I’ve known a few people like that in my life, those who like to use their fists and size to intimidate and even assault. Without exception they have all come to a sticky end.

One bloke I knew ended up doing over 10 years in prison for assaulting someone (who turned out to be innocent). His mrs didn’t like the way the bloke looked at her and did the whole “I’ll show you” thing. So her bloke grabbed and then pounded him. Turned out he was disabled and had a lazy eye. Really smart move meat head, 10 year sentence.

Another bloke I knew of used to be similar, think he was the local hard man who’d sort things out for himself. Of course eventually he messed with the wrong bloke and ended up hiding from an organised crime gang and then (when they found him) he became a wheelchair user for the rest of his life.

The problem with knuckle dragging buffoons is this...there’s always a bigger fish.

You have  to be sensible if you are going to assault someone at least goad them into making the first move....then it's self defence. Like you say going around hitting anyone that looks at you the wrong way is going to end up with you in jail or come across the wrong person.

To be fair in this instance I would say Susan's husband was justified if the window cleaner was physically pushing the employee about then a physical response was warranted.....I thought the cleaner had merely said a few words to the employee and he went overboard.. .

Of course when someone threatens your kids it's a different matter...most dad's would happily do jail time or end up in a wheelchair to protect their children.

I don't think most Dads would do jail time or end up in a wheelchair for their kids.

Most dads would stop and think 'Hmm, how are my kids going to get by if I'm in the pan or in a wheelchair?'

 wow you must not have any kids ? all the dads  i know would kill for there baby girls and more ! doesn't matter how old girls get 99% of dads still look at there daughters as there babys , my  dad did right up to his death   for the wheel chair thing guess he was a trad rat ? 

Ridiculous post.

[nathankaye]

I can understand where your coming from marc. I also dont like physically confronting people, mostly because i dont trust myself in that given situation. Like you through growing up you meet various confrontations as i suppose many of us do. Also im my case it has never faired well for the other person.
Its funny though how some dont get/understand that though and they see a meek person trying to calm a situation down or trying to avoid a situation from escalating as a sign of weakness or being scared.
Certainly letting loose on competition and loud mouths however is certainly an area that should be avoided at all times.

[capn sparkle]

In Susans husbands defence - he was protecting his daughter and worker from some idiots who told them that this is THEIR patch. Susan’s team don’t go round telling people it’s their patch

bang on , the guy in the carpark was pushing the young emplyee around all 8 stone of him asking him if he wanted his " go " well the young lad didnt but  the hubby did  funny how the other guy didnt when 20 stone drags you out the window

the 2nd time my daughter was told if she was seen here again she would get a slap , nothing in the world could stop them after she rang her dad , he sorts things out the real way like a man , no need to cry to the law , if your banging your chest being ten men then you need to deal with it when ten men come knocking quick and simple

I'm not suggesting Susans hubby dealt with the situation in  the best possible way - but?

Who's not read the occasional reports in the papers when an Ex boxer or WW2 veteran has dealt with a burglar or street mugger by giving the plonker a good hiding - Warm fuzzy feeling if was my mum or an elderly relative - isn't a democracy about defending the weak and those who are unable to defend themselves? 

[G Griffin]

Not usually how I'd define democracy but.......
Who defends the bloke against 20 stones dragging him through a window with his hair?

[Slacky]

I reckon most people respond with violence because of one of the following reasons, or a combination of them or possibly all three:

1: They dont know how to talk to someone, more specificaly they dont know how to talk to someone without losing their temper.

2: Its how their role-model dealt with things.

3: Theyre scared.  Most probably wont even know theyre scared, they're not able to identify that feeling inside as being fear.  Afterall, being its just a knee jerk response how could they identify it, theyve been doing it for 40 years, its just second nature. 


Its not exactly a trait to be admired or to adopt as a positive character value.