Tosh
I think its best not to know who does what. Then you can mail shot all.
Then if someone does ask you for a quotation, then ask how often and put a price in your happy with.
Over the years I have had many customers say other window cleaners had knocked on their door canvassing. But normally if they are happy with the service they stay with you.
Then on the other hand there is one large B+B, who if they were a £1 cheaper you would be history and if someone else was cheaper they would be gone as well.
I think some good points have been raised in some of the posts, like if you’re asked to quote it’s because the customer is not happy. And if there not happy they will change be it to you or the next guy who calls.
As we all have said many times, be reliable and trustworthy also polite and make it known to your customers if they are unhappy with anything tell me. As if I don’t know I can’t put it right, so good communication is vital.
Also if you know one of your jobs is going to be canvassed at some time it does keep you on your toes. I do some top class jobs and you have to back it up with a first class service.
And I hate to loose a job; I lost a hotel once that used to pay £320 cash every 4wks. That really did smart, my brother in law said give them a ring and tell them that you will beat the price they had been given. He said you have nothing to loose, against my gut feeling I did. The owner said “if you could have done it cheaper you should have done it years ago” It took a long time to get over those words. Then 2wks later got a big contract that more than replaced it.
I suppose the moral is shake the dust from your feet as there is another job around the corner, and it was good while it lasted.
Roy
