Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: sham33 on September 18, 2010, 06:08:08 pm
-
Hi, I've not been around much on these forums for a few years, I was wondering what the going rate was these days for cleaning a 3bed semi using a wfp?
Im thinking about putting my prices up I think I might be undercharging compared to what the average window cleaner might charge. About 70% of my work is 3 bed semi type houses. I live in the south east.
Thanks.
-
£8-£10 depends where abouts your working
Matt
-
It really does depend where you're working.
In some areas it'll be £6-£8.
In others it'll be £16-£20.
Vin
-
For a new quote I don't think I would price one at less than £12/£13 now. If access was troublesome it would be higher.
-
I live in Kent alot of work around the meday area. £16 :o thats alot, do you get many at that price?
-
10 or 11
-
You need to find out what the going rate is in your area. Most people on here won't have a clue about your local conditions.
Canvass and ask the price of customers who say they have a cleaner. The question goes something like "Thanks for that. Now, I'm not going to try to steal your business from them, but I'm trying to get a feel for whether my pricing is right; do you mind if I ask how much they charge?". People are keen to help. Then just take the information and don't try to tell them even if you're cheaper (as you said you wouldn't, and you're really just looking for information). A couple of dozen of them and you'll have a good idea what you can charge.
Once you know the average, go higher, as the average will include a bundle of no-hopers who will only last a summer. My rates are on my website (see below) if you think Southampton prices are in any way relevant (which I don't!).
Vin
-
I live in Kent alot of work around the meday area. £16 :o thats alot, do you get many at that price?
Lots. And lots at £24 for a twelve weekly clean.
Vin
-
What do you mean by a 3 bed semi?
Council house type - no bays? £10
Modern Barratt Home type? £10
Thirties type with bay windows up and down? £12.50
As above but bigger with lots of side windows? £15.00
Edwardian type - very high with bays? £18.00
That's for monthly. Add a £1 or £3 for six weeks and add £2 to £7 for every two months.
-
Thanks for replies, pretty helpful.
-
how much u charging,how many custys do you have?
Thanks for replies, pretty helpful.
-
Grow a heart and do them for free :-\
-
You need to find out what the going rate is in your area. Most people on here won't have a clue about your local conditions.
Canvass and ask the price of customers who say they have a cleaner. The question goes something like "Thanks for that. Now, I'm not going to try to steal your business from them, but I'm trying to get a feel for whether my pricing is right; do you mind if I ask how much they charge?". People are keen to help. Then just take the information and don't try to tell them even if you're cheaper (as you said you wouldn't, and you're really just looking for information). A couple of dozen of them and you'll have a good idea what you can charge.
Once you know the average, go higher, as the average will include a bundle of no-hopers who will only last a summer. My rates are on my website (see below) if you think Southampton prices are in any way relevant (which I don't!).
Vin
Very nice site mate!
Apart from your customers who use it to pay you do you actually get any inquiries from the web?
-
fiver ;D
-
Very nice site mate!
Apart from your customers who use it to pay you do you actually get any inquiries from the web?
Thanks, the site was designed by my wife, who had never done one before.
It's been a while since I did the stats on web enquiries (been working on a 43,000 leaflet drop to go out in October so other stuff's gone on the back burner). Yes, I get quite a number of enquiries from the web. They come either via Google Adwords (work it right and it's VERY cheap) or they come via one of the online directories. They have already seen my prices before they call, so they only call if they want to pay my price, which means 100% of my calls turn into customers.
On topic, the point here is that you can charge anything you want, within reason. If you're talking about existing customers, put yourself in their shoes. Will they drop you for an x% price increase and risk not having a cleaner/having the usual twit who will come once and never be seen again? If they are new, they probably don't have a cleaner, so asking for a quid or two more is hardly going to make them decide "no" provided you look like you're going to look after them.
Vin
-
How many custys do you expect to get from the 43000 leaflets?Also how much will it cost for the leaflets and how much to have delivered?
Very nice site mate!
Apart from your customers who use it to pay you do you actually get any inquiries from the web?
Thanks, the site was designed by my wife, who had never done one before.
It's been a while since I did the stats on web enquiries (been working on a 43,000 leaflet drop to go out in October so other stuff's gone on the back burner). Yes, I get quite a number of enquiries from the web. They come either via Google Adwords (work it right and it's VERY cheap) or they come via one of the online directories. They have already seen my prices before they call, so they only call if they want to pay my price, which means 100% of my calls turn into customers.
On topic, the point here is that you can charge anything you want, within reason. If you're talking about existing customers, put yourself in their shoes. Will they drop you for an x% price increase and risk not having a cleaner/having the usual twit who will come once and never be seen again? If they are new, they probably don't have a cleaner, so asking for a quid or two more is hardly going to make them decide "no" provided you look like you're going to look after them.
Vin
-
Grow a heart and do them for free :-\
LOL, tell you what, you pay all my monthly bills and I'll do them for free.
-
like your website - upfront - straight forward - covers all you need to.
how did you build your business to a size where you toook on others and what would be cost of those leaflets distrributed and the most likely number of customers gained.
thanks for any reply...........
Thanks, the site was designed by my wife, who had never done one before.
It's been a while since I did the stats on web enquiries (been working on a 43,000 leaflet drop to go out in October so other stuff's gone on the back burner). Yes, I get quite a number of enquiries from the web. They come either via Google Adwords (work it right and it's VERY cheap) or they come via one of the online directories. They have already seen my prices before they call, so they only call if they want to pay my price, which means 100% of my calls turn into customers.
-
How many custys do you expect to get from the 43000 leaflets?Also how much will it cost for the leaflets and how much to have delivered?
43,000 should bring in £16,000 of annual business for a total cost just above £2,000 (2/3 printing, 1/3 distribution) if it goes as well as previous drops. I'll take those maths any time.
I'm also planning one for the start of November with gutter vac as the lead message as a decent revenue generator hopefully leading to customers who also want their windows done regularly as a secondary benefit.
Vin
-
im thinking of trying simillar.
maybe 20k leaflets ive seen a6 double sided designed £210
ive seen a canvassing company offering £25 per 1000 delivered,i fell out with them 2 weeks ago when they were canvassing for me but might get them to deliver leaflets for me!also have a neighbour that delivers for a company would do them when he delivers leaflets for the other company,he gets £35 per 1000 so if i gave him £10 he would be happy!
£500 for 20k leaflets not bad i think!
i have delivered leaflets and not had much response to be honest but if i could do it cheap enough and only got 100 out of the 20k leaflets wouldnt be bad and more than pay for itself after first cleans!
How many custys do you expect to get from the 43000 leaflets?Also how much will it cost for the leaflets and how much to have delivered?
43,000 should bring in £16,000 of annual business for a total cost just above £2,000 (2/3 printing, 1/3 distribution) if it goes as well as previous drops. I'll take those maths any time.
I'm also planning one for the start of November with gutter vac as the lead message as a decent revenue generator hopefully leading to customers who also want their windows done regularly as a secondary benefit.
Vin
-
Moved this leaflet hijack elsewhere: http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=108576.0
Vin
-
for a small semi right near other work £6-£7.if its a stand alone at least a tenner.bigger 3 bedders start at £10.
im north west though.i expect down south and london area to be double my prices!
regards
dazmond
-
daz dont worry if its near to other work,same prices for all pal,all from £10
for a small semi right near other work £6-£7.if its a stand alone at least a tenner.bigger 3 bedders start at £10.
im north west though.i expect down south and london area to be double my prices!
regards
dazmond
-
doctor i do 150 houses all right next door to each other( practically) on a part of my round and a lot are £5/£6/£7.i cant charge new ones at a tenner!slightly higher but neighbours would talk! ;) ;D ;D
-
doctor i do 150 houses all right next door to each other( practically) on a part of my round and a lot are £5/£6/£7.i cant charge new ones at a tenner!slightly higher but neighbours would talk! ;) ;D ;D
sounds you are mugging yourself right up there mate. If all were a tenner you would be well quids in. I bought a round 3 years ago that were all like that priced at 7s and 8s. Now they are 11s and 12s. Dont be scared to raise them mate. Bread and butter work maybe but you still can charge much more than that.
-
3 bed semi = £10. £15 if i can get it! ;D
-
doctor i do 150 houses all right next door to each other( practically) on a part of my round and a lot are £5/£6/£7.i cant charge new ones at a tenner!slightly higher but neighbours would talk! ;) ;D ;D
In which case, why not at least move them all up to the same price? Tell them it's unfair at the moment. Are they really going to dump you for that? An extra average of a quid or two on 150 houses would be a nice addition, all in the name of equality.
Vin
(Stuck at home catching up on admin and designing three new flyers)
-
ive been doing some of these for 16 years and went years without upping the prices.i have put them up from last year(some were £4!).and ill be putting them up again next april.the variations in price are due to a glass porch or the odd awkward window etc.i do ok on these accounts due to being so compact and easy to collect and most are good payers.
all new work not on these estates are priced higher and thankfully ive a few commercial and well priced country houses that ups my daily earnings! ;) ;D ;D ;D
i wouldnt dream of charging £10 a house on small 3 bedders on these estates.as i think its too high a price and they wouldnt pay that much anyway.i would end up getting undercut.simply put.
im happy with my daily earnings most days anyway lads.
due to the recession i reckon ive more chance of holding on to my work without the canvassers getting a look in round here.i get a lot of conny roof/fascia cleans from these custies as well.
i do charge more for the ones with conservatories so it works out a good day rate for me for bread and butter work.
also now im wfp im burning through the work faster and easier.
regards
dazmond
-
ive been doing some of these for 16 years and went years without upping the prices.i have put them up from last year(some were £4!).and ill be putting them up again next april.the variations in price are due to a glass porch or the odd awkward window etc.i do ok on these accounts due to being so compact and easy to collect and most are good payers.
all new work not on these estates are priced higher and thankfully ive a few commercial and well priced country houses that ups my daily earnings! ;) ;D ;D ;D
i wouldnt dream of charging £10 a house on small 3 bedders on these estates.as i think its too high a price and they wouldnt pay that much anyway.i would end up getting undercut.simply put.
im happy with my daily earnings most days anyway lads.
due to the recession i reckon ive more chance of holding on to my work without the canvassers getting a look in round here.i get a lot of conny roof/fascia cleans from these custies as well.
i do charge more for the ones with conservatories so it works out a good day rate for me for bread and butter work.
also now im wfp im burning through the work faster and easier.
regards
dazmond
well if you only charge 7 for 3 bedders what you charging for the country homes. Honestly mate put them up. You are crazy most window cleaners would love a round as compact as yours. If 16 years of doing them and you are only charging 7 pound then im guessing you get scared putting them up. A tenner is nothing to charge only 2.50 a week to keep there windows clean. You could have a weeks work and earn a grand n half if your prices were right now that would be a top round mate.
-
Cleeen. I think what Daz is trying to say that their is a ceiling on prices in different areas and he does not want to been seen as taking the pee.
-
cleen im doing alright mate!i have over 340 custies and my country houses are priced much better!most of my round is 4 weekly.their are guys cleaning for £3-50 for 3 bed semis so no i wont be putting them up to a tenner!also i would lose quite a few and itll give other windys a chance to get a foothold on some of my work!in these uncertain times im being cautious.obviously my new work is priced better thats not on these estates.
im happy and my custies are happy!i can always pay my bills.i dont skimp on decent equipment and can put a bit away every week!im counting my blessings!! ;) ;D ;D ;D
dazmond
-
cleen im doing alright mate!i have over 340 custies and my country houses are priced much better!most of my round is 4 weekly.their are guys cleaning for £3-50 for 3 bed semis so no i wont be putting them up to a tenner!also i would lose quite a few and itll give other windys a chance to get a foothold on some of my work!in these uncertain times im being cautious.obviously my new work is priced better thats not on these estates.
im happy and my custies are happy!i can always pay my bills.i dont skimp on decent equipment and can put a bit away every week!im counting my blessings!! ;) ;D ;D ;D
dazmond
I think your thinking is spot on dazmond it is all very well charging top buck but you will always be open to undercutting, you are charging a fair price and are very unlikely to lose work
-
it makes me laugh other guys telling me how to run my business!they dont know what areas i work,the strong competition,other windys prices for similar properties etc,etc.
one things for certain i wont be moaning im skint if we hit a really bad spell of weather as i always have an an "emergency" fund built up throughout the year!! ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
dazmond
-
Good on you Daz, you have a good, solid, compact round there mate. Keep up the good work ;D
-
I can never understand the thinking behind pricing on here...if you clean a big detached property at £30 for an hours work, why is it any different for someone else to clean 10 x terrace fronts at £3.00 a pop in the same hour?
same income
same water
same time
??? ???
-
my round is varied so 150 compact 3 bed semis(mainly)is less than half of my round!more customers means more add on work(conny roofs/fascia cleans).less pain when losing the odd one or two.more xmas tips!!!with them being compact easy to collect.no driving in between jobs.
ive got a few medium sized commercial/large country houses/block of flats/converted barns and pockets of 4/5/6 bedroom houses and a big church!(26 weekly!)
all my cheaper compact 3 bedders are 4weekly as are a lot of my other work with a few bigger stand alone 8 weeklies.
im now actively seeking bigger jobs on 8 weekly to add on to my bread and butter work due to wfp.
i will be raising my cheaper work every year in april for the next few years.
-
i pretty much charge 8 or9 quid for a 3 bedder -this is a price i give when im asked on the street - if its flat fronted im onto a winner if it turns out its bay window ive lost ! most folk tip it up to 10 pounds anyway
my focus is mainly on 2council estates ,all 3beds,it took me a while to gain the trust and its a crime ridden place but its interesting as its got a mix of society , bed-ridden types/professional scivers / injuns/ old-school caribbean etc but all are good payers . the houses have little windows and are easy to clean. almost a joy !
only yest. i cleaned one such place,an indian family,it was inside and that injun annoying music was whining away/////,upstairs i had to climb on the bed to get to a window ,the man of the family was asleep in the bed at the time !!!
-
€20 for a new build 3 bed semi here in Cork Ireland,.. if there's no bay window maybe €18
-
If you do not mind me asking Daz where about are you baseD?
-
daz i wasnt trying for a my dicks bigger than yours post as i admire the way you have done things as regards to going wfp etc. I was only stating i thought the min price for houses was a tenner and i find it hard to come to terms that you state how great your round is yet over half of your custies are under 7 pounds. I didnt mean nothing bad by it. I just wonderd why after 16 years they were so low. I didnt know people still cleaned 3 bedders for 3.50 front and back. I dont know anyone who would but i guess we are other ends of the country which is where the price difference comes to play.