Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Tom White on April 04, 2011, 03:35:14 pm

Title: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 04, 2011, 03:35:14 pm
Hi guys,

We wanted a simple sign written van; nothing flash; and my instructions were to make it look safe and sensible (hence they've put that on the door, which I don't like, and will get them to change it to "Fully Insured").

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v737/tosh0987/DIY1.gif)

I specifically didn't want the list of stuff we do, like gutter cleaning; I just wanted it kept simple and obvious for what we do.

This isn't a final draft, so I can change it.

So what do you reckon?
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: jasonl on April 04, 2011, 03:39:40 pm
I would make it personal " Just ask Tosh for a Free quotation"
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Steve Sed on April 04, 2011, 03:45:44 pm
I like it. The only thing that to me looks a bit odd (no one else thinks so) is sentences that start every word with a capital. "Just Ask Us For A Free Quote". But that's me being fussy.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: R W C™ on April 04, 2011, 03:47:19 pm
Hi Tosh

Personally I would have "The Window Cleaners" covering the whole side, with numbers under neath but I always think contact details look better like this    01291 621 950      07970 039 401, and Id have the ask us for a quote where the safe and sensiblke is..

Chris
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: DaveG on April 04, 2011, 03:54:29 pm
Looks ok Tosh, but I think blue stands out better on white (instead of green)
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: CLEANCARE WC on April 04, 2011, 04:17:48 pm
Hi Tosh

Personally I would have "The Window Cleaners" covering the whole side, with numbers under neath but I always think contact details look better like this    01291 621 950      07970 039 401, and Id have the ask us for a quote where the safe and sensiblke is..

Chris

I totally agree with RWC
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Perfect Windows on April 04, 2011, 04:29:40 pm
Couple of suggestions:

I think you need a name on there, so people can identify you simply, so they can recommend you.  Otherwise, the recommendation becomes, Bloke in a white van that says he's a window cleaner.  Whereas "Tosh" (or whatever) identifies you very simply.

Minor style point: Most people I know break down mobiles 07XXX XXX XXX.  Numbers presented in the same format you look for are usually easier to remember.

Other than those two, like it a lot - very clear indeed.

Vin
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Frankybadboy on April 04, 2011, 04:34:26 pm
load of old tosh if you ask me. ;D ;D ;D ;D


really what have been said above.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: George Gardner on April 04, 2011, 04:57:31 pm
Nice mate, ive done a few mocks ups that look similar what website is that again?

KISS method

Name, Number and what you do.  :)
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 04, 2011, 04:59:55 pm
Cheers guys, there's been some extremely helpful comments there.  I'll definitely make some changes along the lines of what's been suggested, but I'm going to sleep on it first, since we'll have to live with whatever the outcome is for (hopefully) a few years.

George,

It's this one:

http://www.signsandshirts.co.uk/diy.html?gclid=CPHU8bedg6gCFYsSfAodQAcbsw
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: elite mike on April 04, 2011, 05:08:29 pm
hi tosh

why not call it ABC WINDOW CLEANING  ;)

your local window cleaning service
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 04, 2011, 05:11:39 pm
hi tosh

why not call it ABC WINDOW CLEANING  ;)

your local window cleaning service

I lack imagination, Mike; and ABC Window Cleaning is naff; I chose it just to get first place in the phone books and now I don't advertise in them.

So I thought I'd do a name change to "The Window Cleaners", you can still see I lack imagination.  But it's simple and it's obvious what we do for a living.  Creative names are for creative businesses, and we're window cleaners; so I don't really think a slick name is that important (for us anyway).

Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: AuRavelling79 on April 04, 2011, 05:34:34 pm
How about:-

Wayai-Banzai Window Cleaning (With a rising sun Japanese flag, a Welsh Flag and a Union Flag)

Van Rouge window cleaning

The Severn Bore Window cleaning (geddit?)

Worlass 'n' Tosh Window Cleaning

Helen of (Mitchel) Troy Window Cleaning (I'm good aren't I?)

Severnside Window Cleaning

Two Rivers Window Cleaning

Wye Valley Window Cleaning

Pont Hafren Window Cleaning

Chepstow and District Window Cleaning

Not that Stupid Yellow Duck Window cleaning

Fit Burd and Toothless Buddhist window cleaning

Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: P @ F on April 04, 2011, 05:38:49 pm
Tosh do you work with your doors open ?
If so your name is gonna dissapear behind the doors mate .

Rich
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: elite mike on April 04, 2011, 05:39:00 pm
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: dave0123 on April 04, 2011, 05:52:36 pm
i hope he doesn't work with his back door open  ;D don't no who might get in there!
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: windolene on April 04, 2011, 05:55:51 pm
I like it. The only thing that to me looks a bit odd (no one else thinks so) is sentences that start every word with a capital. "Just Ask Us For A Free Quote". But that's me being fussy.

Hi,

Not being in the know, perhaps a fellow member is, is it bad English to start each word with a capitol letter?

Kevin WINDOLENE.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Darranvps on April 04, 2011, 06:08:58 pm
Why not just have - Window Cleaners rather than The Window Cleaners
Window Cleaning Services

Instead of Safe and Sensible - just put  Cheap n Cheerful
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 04, 2011, 06:23:14 pm
Cheap n Cheerful

Thanks!  :-\

However, a few years back a member here haggled with a sign writer about the price he was prepared to pay to have his van sign written.  Subsequently there was some discussion about the wording and the sign writer suggested somewhere on the van he put the wording "Cheap Window Cleaner", and the CIU member agreed.  ;D

Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Blue Frog Systems on April 04, 2011, 06:28:14 pm
I was expecting "What a load of Tosh window cleaning" ;D
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 04, 2011, 06:31:22 pm
I was expecting "What a load of Tosh window cleaning" ;D

Banzai Window Cleaning was my original thought, or Whey-Aye-Banzai Cleaning Services; but Wor Lass told me to stop being stupid.  ???
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: dave.e on April 04, 2011, 07:09:45 pm
Hi tosh have you tried where its got  the window cleaners try that righting in black with green out line i have seen this on a white van before and it looks outstanding
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: mci services on April 04, 2011, 08:44:12 pm
Tosh round my way there is guy, he is ex army as well, but his van just has The Windy Cleaners on it, He reckons it works well. obviously that is how it is pronounced up here.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Richard Neal on April 04, 2011, 09:13:27 pm
Tosh do you work with your doors open ?
If so your name is gonna dissapear behind the doors mate .

Rich

He is right, i have window cleaner on the sliding doors so it can always be seen.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: G Griffin on April 04, 2011, 11:31:03 pm
Tosh round my way there is guy, he is ex army as well, but his van just has The Windy Cleaners on it, He reckons it works well. obviously that is how it is pronounced up here.

Up in Scotland, that should be- The Windy Cleaners On It  ;D.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Poles R Us on April 05, 2011, 08:56:57 am
i think it looks fine tosh , very well thought out for a budist
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 09:00:00 am
i think it looks fine tosh , very well thought out for a budist

You know what the difference is between a Boodhist and a non-Boodhist? 

A non-Boodhist thinks there's a difference!  ;D

Thanks; though I'll make some changes from some of the great advice I've received from here.  I'll stick some pics up in a few weeks and you can laugh at my 'andy work!
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: DaveG on April 05, 2011, 09:02:19 am
Are you doing it yourself Tosh?
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 09:09:54 am
Are you doing it yourself Tosh?

Yep.  I've done a fair bit of reading of back posts and looking at what window cleaners have had done professionally and what they've done themselves, and to be honest I didn't see a lot of difference.

There were a few really flash window cleaning vans, with big pictures - photographs - all over the side of their posh vans, but I'm not sure what the value of that was.  I mean when I'm after a plumber, I'm after a safe pair of hands who won't overcharge me.  I'd prefer someone who comes over as knowledgeable, mature, safe, and a little bit dull.

If a plumber pulled up at my house to quote in a big snazzy looking van, I'd (rightly or wrongly) judge that he's got a big snazzy personality, and he'd care more about overcharging me than doing a good safe job.

Other vans looked a little bit 'busy' too, with writing all over them (Gutter cleaning, Conservatory Cleaning, Ladderless Window Cleaning, Areas they covered, etc, etc, etc,).  I didn't like that either.

I suspect people who want their windows cleaned want the same thing from a window cleaner, as I like from a plumber, so if I'm going to project an image - and the bloke who sign writes my T-shirts says 'Image is everything these days', then the image I'd like to portray is someone whose knowledgeable, mature, safe, and a little bit dull.

Then I'd overcharge them and do a rotten job!  ;D
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Wc Solutions on April 05, 2011, 11:20:55 am
looks ok, not amazing tho.

BUT

The simple is normally the best!

not keen on the just ask for a qoute - maybe change it to - free on site qoutes and advice
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 12:50:51 pm
Hi Tosh

Personally I would have "The Window Cleaners" covering the whole side, with numbers under neath but I always think contact details look better like this    01291 621 950      07970 039 401, and Id have the ask us for a quote where the safe and sensiblke is..

Chris

Chris, I've went along which what you've suggested.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Spruce on April 05, 2011, 12:56:58 pm
Hi Tosh

Personally I would have "The Window Cleaners" covering the whole side, with numbers under neath but I always think contact details look better like this    01291 621 950      07970 039 401, and Id have the ask us for a quote where the safe and sensiblke is..

Chris
Hi
Definitely agree with this. I also would change the 'safe & sensible' to 'safe & reliable'.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 01:00:02 pm
Hi Tosh

Personally I would have "The Window Cleaners" covering the whole side, with numbers under neath but I always think contact details look better like this    01291 621 950      07970 039 401, and Id have the ask us for a quote where the safe and sensiblke is..

Chris
Hi
Definitely agree with this. I also would change the 'safe & sensible' to 'safe & reliable'.


I've had that taken out all together with "Just ask us for a quote.'  It's corny I know, there was a program where tradesmen, who had this on the side of their van, were stopped and asked for quotes recently (One builder quoted some Shakespeare), but I'd like to think it'll remind someone with their head up their bottoms that they could ask me for a quote.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 01:04:23 pm
Hi tosh have you tried where its got  the window cleaners try that righting in black with green out line i have seen this on a white van before and it looks outstanding

I've asked if they can do this too.  Thanks, Dave.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Matt Gibson on April 05, 2011, 01:58:54 pm
Tosh,

Do you have to pay them before they do a mock up?
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 02:47:35 pm
Tosh,

Do you have to pay them before they do a mock up?

Yes, but I'd read good things about that company on a search I've done on this site.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Matt Gibson on April 05, 2011, 03:01:50 pm
Yeah ive read a few good things about them too. How are they with all the back'n'forth emails for the changes?

Im thinking of going down this route when i get my van done.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 03:08:14 pm
Yeah ive read a few good things about them too. How are they with all the back'n'forth emails for the changes?


I don't know.  I e-mailed them Friday night, and they replied Tuesday morning, and I've just sent them back the proof for changes.  I post the final one up as soon as I get it.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: elite mike on April 05, 2011, 05:03:03 pm
how about

WHEN THEY NEED A WASH

CALL TOSH
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 05:51:14 pm
'Off-topic Andy' came up with this:

(For those who don't know, I'm Japanese with a Geordie accent; no poo; I am)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v737/tosh0987/Window%20Cleaning/Publication2.jpg)

Love the yellow ducks!  (Squeaks has a big yellow duck on his van since he offers bathroom cleaning or something).
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: mci services on April 05, 2011, 05:53:41 pm
 ;D ;D looks fantastic
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 05:59:07 pm
Yeah ive read a few good things about them too. How are they with all the back'n'forth emails for the changes?


Really quick; they e-mailed this back in about five hours:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v737/tosh0987/Window%20Cleaning/DIY12.gif)

The didn't do the telephone numbers in the format that was suggested on this forum, nor have they changed the "Just Ask Us For A Quote", to "Just ask us for a quote." removing the capitals, but I think I'll go with what's shown.

I'm happy with that.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 06:02:28 pm
Too late; I've emailed them to go with it!  ;D
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 05, 2011, 07:27:48 pm
Love the yellow ducks!  (Squeaks has a big yellow duck on his van since he offers bathroom cleaning or something).
Scrubbing ladies backs actually.  ;D
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 07:50:09 pm

Scrubbing ladies backs actually.  ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v737/tosh0987/Window%20Cleaning/395263128lblrnn_ph.jpg)
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Richard Neal on April 05, 2011, 09:45:12 pm
Are they doing the bonnet? mIne was included in the price i just asked them to do WINDOW CLEANER as large as possible  in the same colours and font
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on April 05, 2011, 09:46:45 pm
No, the bonnet isn't being done.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Richard Neal on April 05, 2011, 09:52:50 pm
Why not? people will see you coming or when youre parked up
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on May 05, 2011, 07:10:25 pm
There!  Did it this afternoon; it took about four hours:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v737/tosh0987/Window%20Cleaning/Photo-0016.jpg)

Wor Lass thinks it's great, so that's me happy!

Thanks for everyone's input, opinions, suggestions and help; seriously.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Wc Solutions on May 05, 2011, 07:13:29 pm
There!  Did it this afternoon; it took about four hours:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v737/tosh0987/Window%20Cleaning/Photo-0016.jpg)

Wor Lass thinks it's great, so that's me happy!

Thanks for everyone's input, opinions, suggestions and help; seriously.

nice one mate

you could do with a better roof rack tho!!
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: mci services on May 05, 2011, 07:20:41 pm
nice one mate, looks good.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Lee GLS on May 05, 2011, 07:43:18 pm
The looks excellent tosh, did you design them yourself? where did you get them from?

Im sure you have probably said in a previous post but there are too many pages to look through  :)
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on May 05, 2011, 10:14:10 pm
The looks excellent tosh, did you design them yourself? where did you get them from?

Im sure you have probably said in a previous post but there are too many pages to look through  :)

Lee,

I used this company:

http://www.signsandshirts.co.uk/default.html

I did design it myself, with help from this forum!  ;D

But to be honest, the company I used aren't very good and I don't recommend them.  It took them about three weeks for them to send me out the gear, despite repeated e-mails and two phone calls.  However, I'll not complain too much since if they had sent it out on time, my van would've been sign written when it was crashed into.

Also, when it came it had no 'tools' with it, no instructions, not even a picture of what goes where; and it wasn't cut in a user friendly fashion at all, so I had lots more fannying about to make sure everything was positioned correctly.

I do not recommend this company.  I enjoyed doing the DIY signage; it's not difficult to do, but if I could do it all again, I'd pay a bit more and use a different company.

However, it's not difficult to do; here's the instructions how to do it (I was told to look on youtube by a guy from a local company who did my t-shirts):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5bgqehnjZk

(There's two parts to this youtube vid).

Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: d s windowcleaning on May 05, 2011, 10:16:52 pm
straight to the point , looks good tosh .
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on May 05, 2011, 10:23:02 pm
straight to the point , looks good tosh .

Thanks.  It's exactly what Wor Lass was after.  We didn't want anything too flash and wanted to err on the side of plain and boring; sensible and professional (even if we are not).  ;D
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: bobby p on May 05, 2011, 10:26:01 pm
looks the biz  :)
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: H S and Son on May 05, 2011, 10:28:31 pm
Looks good Toshy mate. Nice one, well done pal.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Wc Solutions on May 05, 2011, 10:29:10 pm
the most simple things are the best alot of the time.

i must admit i thought the sign comapnay you ued seemed good by the site but i can second that they are rubbish with any form of communication!!!

they told me they would get back to me with a rough proof asap - that was 3 months ago!!!!!!!

tosh: ever come down to my area? - Gloucester n Cheltenham
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on May 05, 2011, 10:31:49 pm
tosh: ever come down to my area? - Gloucester n Cheltenham

Yes, I've a friend up there, but not for window cleaning.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: BORBRYCE on May 05, 2011, 10:35:19 pm
It's perfect in every way. Every now and then you see something and think, how good is that at what it does.
10/10 in my oppinion.
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Tom White on May 05, 2011, 10:44:22 pm
It's perfect in every way. Every now and then you see something and think, how good is that at what it does.
10/10 in my oppinion.


Thanks, Ronnie, that's a real compliment (coming from a dour Jock  ;D).

Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: niceandclean on May 05, 2011, 11:47:41 pm
It's perfect in every way. Every now and then you see something and think, how good is that at what it does.
10/10 in my oppinion.


Totally agree.
Simple and straight to the point!
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Frankybadboy on May 06, 2011, 06:54:54 am
It's perfect in every way. Every now and then you see something and think, how good is that at what it does.
10/10 in my oppinion.


Totally agree.
Simple and straight to the point!

thats just like tosh ;D ;D ;D ;D


looks nice that tosh,great job well done,you deserve a bacon roll now for all that hard work :D ;D :P
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: LWC on May 06, 2011, 06:59:27 am
What more do ya need. Nice one
Title: Re: Comments on our sign written van proof welcomed...
Post by: Frankybadboy on May 06, 2011, 07:09:05 am
What more do ya need. Nice one
a nice new bit of plastic on the door ;D