Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: KJG on January 05, 2006, 02:12:23 am

Title: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: KJG on January 05, 2006, 02:12:23 am: The stereotypes that come to mind are:

Robin Askwith or Anthony Booth (Cherie Blair's dad!) from Confessions of a Window Cleaner. George "When I'm Cleaning Windows" Formby, Stan Ogden >:( or unemployable alcoholics in shell suits who appear in the summer for booze money.

Yes I know most of us, I think, are skilled, trained and certified in high access – ladders and machinery, chemicals - acids and ammo etc, wfp and earn a shed load more money than most of the - "Oh, you're a window cleaner..." types but are we still looked down on and associated with the outdated above examples?

The reason for this post is that I met my missus' aunt for the first time today. The look of disgust on her face when I told her I'm a winda cleana, I could've tw*ted the old bint - she used to work for council apparently - wow!
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: steve k on January 05, 2006, 03:12:04 am: http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=9493.0
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: *Chris Browne on January 05, 2006, 10:33:42 am: One of the things i have learnt over the past is that its a "young persons" job, to be honest you dont see many old boys that have been doing it for years carry on.
I put this to a lad that works for us who did say that he dosnt see it as long term(even though hes been doing it for 10 years) and that he dos not see imself up a ladder at 60.

chris

www.scsf.co.uk
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: JM123 on January 05, 2006, 03:32:35 pm: The industry has changed faster than most peoples impressions, pride is a big thing for most people and the general notion of cleaners is of being a lower class - therefore earning less. Generally I don't care what people think, I'd rather they thought I only made £40 a day, can't think of any other occopation that pays as well, has all the benefits (work your own hours, be your own boss, not being confined to an office all day etc etc). But ask yourself how you see other 'cleaners' (non mafioso) such as cleaners in a shopping centre etc and you probably get a good idea how others see u
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: timdiv on January 05, 2006, 08:50:21 pm: I used to worry about saying I was a window cleaner. About 6 years ago someone said I was unemployable.

To prove them wrong I gave up the windows trained as a Microsoft engineer and got a 'proper job' for the next 4 years.

Been there, done it, got the t shirt.

I can honestly say there is nothing more boring than staring at a computer screen all day.

Glad I did it though but much prefer to out and about cleaning windows even in this weather!
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: steve k on January 05, 2006, 09:01:28 pm: tomcat
what system is that...looks similar set up to mine.
Do you flush your water softening resin with salt?? ;)
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: timdiv on January 06, 2006, 09:13:31 am: Yes. I swop over hose to the red ones on the left, fill up the clear container with salt and leave it for 20 mins.

Had it built by a french chap in Grantham.
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: steve k on January 06, 2006, 11:25:28 am: yes...that`s the fella...waterfedpolesystems...his name is Denis.
The system is great isn`t it. ;D
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: timdiv on January 06, 2006, 02:51:13 pm: I think its brilliant but then I've never used anything different to compare it with. Would always recommend him.

How long have you had it?
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: steve k on January 06, 2006, 05:10:23 pm: since May.Great move. ;D
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: timdiv on January 06, 2006, 05:46:34 pm: have you had the automated backwash fitted. He had a prototype when I was there in April. I so does it work ok?
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: allergease on January 07, 2006, 12:21:09 pm: Quote
To prove them wrong I gave up the windows trained as a Microsoft engineer and got a 'proper job' for the next 4 years.

So you've always worked with windows then Tomcat ;D

Conrad
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: dai on January 07, 2006, 10:09:57 pm: The perceptions people have of us is the one we give them.
If an architect offered to do your house extention plans for £20 would you use him?
A notice has appeared in my village store offering a window cleaning servis in an area where I work. "WE CHARGE FROM £3 A HOUSE AND £2 FOR CONSERVATORIES"
This is in an area where I am trying to put council house rates up from £5 to £6 a clean.
I read on this forum about £10 minimum rates. Well pigs would fly over in squadrans before they would pay that round here.
It's pratts like the one that put the notice in our village store that perpetuate the perception that window cleaners are like 3rd world shoeshine boys.
I have 3 grands worth of work a month now and have to work saturdays to get round it.
My prices are going up. I will still be here when the £3 a house merchent has realised he can get more than double and dump them. Dai
Title: Re: How are we, window cleaners, perceived by others?
Post by: Londoner on January 08, 2006, 08:15:07 am: Actually I am not a window cleaner. I just hold my hand out for money. The stuff with the windows is only a trick to get the customers in a good mood first.

Personally I couldn't care less what people think but I know exactly what you mean.
If it gets to me at all its when some snotty lady talks to you like your a piece of dirt.