I have lost two customers in 15 years due to undercutters, (Neither of those were to Daz 
) I have just run George for the year-end figures and we have again had in increase in gross takings and number of customers, which makes that 15-15 years growth.
If you do the job right, you have little to fear from the competition.
Price wouldn’t have been the only factor - convenience would factor highly - I only use our village butcher as the quality is outstanding and parking is easy
I find customers very loyal - both mine when fending off others and when canvassing those already with windy were interested in getting a service from me (I don’t push it if they have a windy)
I wouldn’t worry to much about staff leaving as setting up - recently had a pair do this - they lasted 2 months on their own now back as a security guard and cook in burger bar 👍
We underestimate our own skills running a window cleaning biz
Yeah my butcher said that too just before our local tescos opened. He closed down due to tescos being cheaper
It would be interesting to see how busy you’d be here in Essex Darran, being where you are probably helps a fair bit.
I’ve noticed a slow down in enquiries from in the last 5 years. I used to be one of only 5 to 10 window cleaning companies ranking on Google. I’m now one of almost countless.
With several paying big sums to advertise with Google for all areas, windows, gutters etc etc.
I tried Google ads for a bit, I learnt I needed a budget of not far off £1000 a month to compete with some of them. I got a few enquiries but it not enough to cover that Google bill.
It’s very very competitive around here, there is absolutely no way I’d start up now. I just can’t see how you’d build a round that’s making money.
Up in Norfolk it’s defo less competitive.
I’ve knocked on doors recently (something I did many years ago to start my round) and I’ve been really suprised how many people already have a window cleaner now. Some charging pittance.
It’s really changed round here, to be quite honest window cleaning was a cash cow when I first started back in 2008. When I first got an online presence, the work was literally falling into my lap. Things have changed.
My biggest competitor back when I started was absolutely smashing it, they then sold the business as the work just wasn’t coming in as often and other newer window cleaners were undercutting etc. the new owners lasted 4 years now they’re gone.
It’s a battle now. A battle for work.
I’m doing great because I’ve got an established round, however I’m not happy at the lack of leads. I always strive for growth each year and it’s slowed down last two years big time.
I’ve quoted 4 commercial jobs this year, and got none of them. After following up on them, the answer is the same, someone else is doing it much cheaper. - this just never happened 10 years ago.
