Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: supernova77 on June 19, 2012, 10:02:40 am
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Hi All,
There seems to be a number of new window cleaners in and around the areas that I work... This doesn't bother me at all - Competition is healthy.
What I have noticed though is that all of them have similar names... Pure this, h2o that etc...
Yesterday I saw a van with flame signage all over it and the company name was Pureheat h2o Window Cleaning... It looked a bit over the top to be honest.
Everyone seems to be jumping on the Pure and h2o bandwagon when it comes to naming their new window cleaning business... Surely this isn't a good thing as it confuses customers when reffering etc...
Thoughts?
Andy ;)
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It's Just a name , its the glass cleaning and customers on the books that count.
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It's Just a name , its the glass cleaning and customers on the books that count.
Yes, but a good and distinguishable name attracts more customers?
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One of I disagreeociates uses the business name: ' James '
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you're name is not very important at all. it wont get you any customers on its own. in fact i reckon at least 50% of our own customers don't remember our name. when i call them i always have to say... 'its Richard from iSparkle your window cleaners'. in fact only this month a client we have been cleaning for for over 18 months answered the door, when i knocked to get a gate unlocked, and asked if we were his normal window cleaners. and keep in mind that our van is fully wrapped, we all wear the same logo d uniform, and we give them a calling slip every 4 weeks with our name on!
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Any idea why however I modify my last post and whatever I write it keeps saying:
One of I disagreeociates uses the business name: ' James ' ??
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you're name is not very important at all. it wont get you any customers on its own. in fact i reckon at least 50% of our own customers don't remember our name. when i call them i always have to say... 'its Richard from iSparkle your window cleaners'. in fact only this month a client we have been cleaning for for over 18 months answered the door, when i knocked to get a gate unlocked, and asked if we were his normal window cleaners. and keep in mind that our van is fully wrapped, we all wear the same logo d uniform, and we give them a calling slip every 4 weeks with our name on!
I changed my business name just over a year ago.
1. A lot of my customers have commented that they like it - Therefore they do notice.
2. I have gained more work because of it.
3. I have had a few referal customers who phone up and say "hi, is that Andy from Iconic?"
I think your business name and branding have more of an effect than you think...
Andy
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Its a great name but mine nowt to do do with water stands for Home to Office
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you're name is not very important at all. it wont get you any customers on its own. in fact i reckon at least 50% of our own customers don't remember our name. when i call them i always have to say... 'its Richard from iSparkle your window cleaners'. in fact only this month a client we have been cleaning for for over 18 months answered the door, when i knocked to get a gate unlocked, and asked if we were his normal window cleaners. and keep in mind that our van is fully wrapped, we all wear the same logo d uniform, and we give them a calling slip every 4 weeks with our name on!
I changed my business name just over a year ago.
1. A lot of my customers have commented that they like it - Therefore they do notice.
2. I have gained more work because of it.
3. I have had a few referal customers who phone up and say "hi, is that Andy from Iconic?"
I think your business name and branding have more of an effect than you think...
Andy
i wouldnt argue that branding is very important. i spend a lot of money on it so i have to think it is. however i really dont believe your name or logo is memorable to anyone except for the business owner. we'd all like to think it is, but i doubt it. i have 2 businesses with really great names, and logos etc etc... but clients just dont really remember them. some do, but many dont.
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In what is now becoming a very competitive industry for residential and commercial you need to stand out not just copy every one else because its easy.
If you can't be arsed to think up a different name what effort are you going to put into the rest of your business.
Paul
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In what is now becoming a very competitive industry for residential and commercial you need to stand out not just copy every one else because its easy.
If you can't be arsed to think up a different name what effort are you going to put into the rest of your business.
Paul
Agreed...
I'm not knocking anyone who is established and is called Pure or h2o something or other... I'm just making the point that all the new startups I see have similar names.
In any business its important to stand out.
Andy
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In what is now becoming a very competitive industry for residential and commercial you need to stand out not just copy every one else because its easy.
If you can't be arsed to think up a different name what effort are you going to put into the rest of your business.
Paul
in my experience... practically everyone puts a lot of effort into thinking up their company name... it's the difficult bits of business they 'cant be arsed with'.
but honestly, i am just offering my insight and experience. take that as you will :)
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I called my pure because I'm a virgin.
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Any idea why however I modify my last post and whatever I write it keeps saying:
One of I disagreeociates uses the business name: ' James ' ??
It's becaUSE OF THE FIRST THREE LETTERS OF THe word you are trying to type.
Americans use those letters to say rear end and the forum's autocensor changes it.
I have the same thing on a football forum that I use. Our first home game next season is at home to S c u n t h o r p e. The autocensor has been modified to allow it.
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In what is now becoming a very competitive industry for residential and commercial you need to stand out not just copy every one else because its easy.
If you can't be arsed to think up a different name what effort are you going to put into the rest of your business.
Paul
Think its just a fact that h2o,pure,etc are good names even if they are used by many its how you run your company imo, everyone is different and I don't think customers careless they just want a window cleaner,simples. I'm sure there's people with great names that fail and poor names that are a successful.
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Im sure ian lancaster and other big residential cleaning companys would say that they get work from being well known and doing a good job.
would they get as much work from being well known if their were other companys with similar names doing a crap job ???
Paul
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Im sure ian lancaster and other big residential cleaning companys would say that they get work from being well known and doing a good job.
would they get as much work from being well known if their were other companys with similar names doing a crap job ???
Paul
Similar named companys I don't think would suffer as they built there rep,now peoples copying names could have a different outcome
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Similar named companys I don't think would suffer as they built there rep,now peoples copying names could have a different outcome
Near me there is a "Pure h2o Window Cleaning", a "Pure2o Window Cleaning" and now a "Pureheat h2o Window Cleaning"...
If I was setting up now I would choose something completely different from them as potential customers looking for a window cleaner i.e. searching on the Internet would be confused with who they had tried contacting etc...
I just think it's best to be different.
Andy
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Anyhow I'm not fussed I'm going to concentrate hard on my business and not be concerned with others,as long as they keep off my patch ;D
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I can understand how business names can gain you more customers. I am stacked out since I changed my business name to Wecleanyourwindowsforfree.
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My van simply has "M. Gold Window Cleaning" plus my landline and mobile no's.
Am I a bad person?
Round "our way" we have
Crystal clear - Big Merc van
Aquaclean - Fiat Scudo (old shape)
Stayclean - several Pug Experts later shape
Safeclean - Doblo
Pureview - Transit
Reem 'n' Gleam - Scudo (old shape) (honest and were over a hundred miles from Essex)
Clearview x 2 (Merc vito and Transit)
Shine - Escort van
Pure2o - Citroen Dispatch (old shape)
Pureclean - Pug Expert (old shape)
Then there is:-
Ed and son (Vivaro)
King and Partner (VW Transporter)
Lawson and Hunt (Big long Ducato or Merc?)
De Bank window cleaning (Pug Partner 800)
ST window cleaning (Pug expert)
Woodward window cleaning (Pug expert)
James's window cleaning (Doblo)
Plus a few estate cars with wfp and trad.
Pug 406 estate with "Jeff - window cleaner" on a magnetic sign
Mondeo Estate with "Reliable window cleaner" on a magnetic sign
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When these names are registered ie taxoffice etc (if reg!) does it not say that the company name is taken?
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Hi All,
There seems to be a number of new window cleaners in and around the areas that I work... This doesn't bother me at all - Competition is healthy.
What I have noticed though is that all of them have similar names... Pure this, h2o that etc...
Yesterday I saw a van with flame signage all over it and the company name was Pureheat h2o Window Cleaning... It looked a bit over the top to be honest.
Everyone seems to be jumping on the Pure and h2o bandwagon when it comes to naming their new window cleaning business... Surely this isn't a good thing as it confuses customers when reffering etc...
Thoughts?
Andy ;)
Believe me if you like, but you know my website, www.oakleywindowcleaning.co.uk, well my next neighbour is a window cleaner too, he calls himself Oakley Window Cleaning also. Confused? You bet!
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When these names are registered ie taxoffice etc (if reg!) does it not say that the company name is taken?
I may be wrong but I think it is only Ltd or PLC companies which that applies to.
I mean, there must be more than one John Smith Window Cleaner in the UK.
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My van simply has "M. Gold Window Cleaning" plus my landline and mobile no's.
Am I a bad person?
Round "our way" we have
Crystal clear - Big Merc van
Aquaclean - Fiat Scudo (old shape)
Stayclean - several Pug Experts later shape
Safeclean - Doblo
Pureview - Transit
Reem 'n' Gleam - Scudo (old shape) (honest and were over a hundred miles from Essex)
Clearview x 2 (Merc vito and Transit)
Shine - Escort van
Pure2o - Citroen Dispatch (old shape)
Pureclean - Pug Expert (old shape)
Then there is:-
Ed and son (Vivaro)
King and Partner (VW Transporter)
Lawson and Hunt (Big long Ducato or Merc?)
De Bank window cleaning (Pug Partner 800)
ST window cleaning (Pug expert)
Woodward window cleaning (Pug expert)
James's window cleaning (Doblo)
Plus a few estate cars with wfp and trad.
Pug 406 estate with "Jeff - window cleaner" on a magnetic sign
Mondeo Estate with "Reliable window cleaner" on a magnetic sign
Hi Malc.
You worry me as I can only name a few here as I tend to not take much notice of the competition.
The 3 of us each have a van, but they are all unlettered. We started off using magnetic signs but as they didn't look professional enough, we haven't used them for years. Unfortunately, we don't know how much business we haven't gained by not having a sign written van, but over the years the business has grown with referrals and a bit of canvassing. (We started 7 1/2 years ago with a round for 1 person of 2 weeks work a month to just not quite enough work for 2 of us full time and my son in law part time.) The only way anyone would know our vans being WFP is by the hose ports under the rear bumper. Yet when we move into our area, the grape vine travels faster than we work so most expect us within a few days as they have got to know the routine we have.
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you're name is not very important at all. it wont get you any customers on its own. in fact i reckon at least 50% of our own customers don't remember our name. when i call them i always have to say... 'its Richard from iSparkle your window cleaners'. in fact only this month a client we have been cleaning for for over 18 months answered the door, when i knocked to get a gate unlocked, and asked if we were his normal window cleaners. and keep in mind that our van is fully wrapped, we all wear the same logo d uniform, and we give them a calling slip every 4 weeks with our name on!
I changed my business name just over a year ago.
1. A lot of my customers have commented that they like it - Therefore they do notice.
2. I have gained more work because of it.
3. I have had a few referal customers who phone up and say "hi, is that Andy from Iconic?"
I think your business name and branding have more of an effect than you think...
Andy
i wouldnt argue that branding is very important. i spend a lot of money on it so i have to think it is. however i really dont believe your name or logo is memorable to anyone except for the business owner. we'd all like to think it is, but i doubt it. i have 2 businesses with really great names, and logos etc etc... but clients just dont really remember them. some do, but many dont.
if they don't remember your logo then maybe your branding is a little out, just a thought, because where I am sat that is a part of brand recogition is it not ?
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I am the original "PURE" 8) all the others are weak copies ;D
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I have always found that quirky and colourful works for me ;D ;D ;D
(http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa355/RNH325/vananalf22-1.jpg)
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you're name is not very important at all. it wont get you any customers on its own. in fact i reckon at least 50% of our own customers don't remember our name. when i call them i always have to say... 'its Richard from iSparkle your window cleaners'. in fact only this month a client we have been cleaning for for over 18 months answered the door, when i knocked to get a gate unlocked, and asked if we were his normal window cleaners. and keep in mind that our van is fully wrapped, we all wear the same logo d uniform, and we give them a calling slip every 4 weeks with our name on!
I changed my business name just over a year ago.
1. A lot of my customers have commented that they like it - Therefore they do notice.
2. I have gained more work because of it.
3. I have had a few referal customers who phone up and say "hi, is that Andy from Iconic?"
I think your business name and branding have more of an effect than you think...
Andy
i wouldnt argue that branding is very important. i spend a lot of money on it so i have to think it is. however i really dont believe your name or logo is memorable to anyone except for the business owner. we'd all like to think it is, but i doubt it. i have 2 businesses with really great names, and logos etc etc... but clients just dont really remember them. some do, but many dont.
if they don't remember your logo then maybe your branding is a little out, just a thought, because where I am sat that is a part of brand recogition is it not ?
No its not a case of poor branding. its well understood in marketing theory that clients need loads of exposure to branding to recall it, and then continued reminders of the brand too to keep it in their awareness.
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Wot Richard said , you wont forget pink , where as white i blended in with all the others with blue writing .
Rich
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Any idea why however I modify my last post and whatever I write it keeps saying:
One of I disagreeociates uses the business name: ' James ' ??
It's becaUSE OF THE FIRST THREE LETTERS OF THe word you are trying to type.
Americans use those letters to say rear end and the forum's autocensor changes it.
I have the same thing on a football forum that I use. Our first home game next season is at home to S c u n t h o r p e. The autocensor has been modified to allow it.
Thanks for that info. It's something I've not encountered before - Martin
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Had mine for 4 years now, also ltd. Pure h2o Window Cleaning.
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Youve got some front calling your biz that when you fill your tank up with nothing but tap water. Cowboy.
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Youve got some front calling your biz that when you fill your tank up with nothing but tap water. Cowboy.
Go to bed and stay off my patch, or i will call in for tea and toast in the morning.
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You're the one that needs to get to bed, you need your beauty sleep, mines optional.
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;D Say's a bloke that looks 85 years of age whe he is only 30. Don't burn the toast
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you're name is not very important at all. it wont get you any customers on its own. in fact i reckon at least 50% of our own customers don't remember our name. when i call them i always have to say... 'its Richard from iSparkle your window cleaners'. in fact only this month a client we have been cleaning for for over 18 months answered the door, when i knocked to get a gate unlocked, and asked if we were his normal window cleaners. and keep in mind that our van is fully wrapped, we all wear the same logo d uniform, and we give them a calling slip every 4 weeks with our name on!
I changed my business name just over a year ago.
1. A lot of my customers have commented that they like it - Therefore they do notice.
2. I have gained more work because of it.
3. I have had a few referal customers who phone up and say "hi, is that Andy from Iconic?"
I think your business name and branding have more of an effect than you think...
Andy
i wouldnt argue that branding is very important. i spend a lot of money on it so i have to think it is. however i really dont believe your name or logo is memorable to anyone except for the business owner. we'd all like to think it is, but i doubt it. i have 2 businesses with really great names, and logos etc etc... but clients just dont really remember them. some do, but many dont.
if they don't remember your logo then maybe your branding is a little out, just a thought, because where I am sat that is a part of brand recogition is it not ?
No its not a case of poor branding. its well understood in marketing theory that clients need loads of exposure to branding to recall it, and then continued reminders of the brand too to keep it in their awareness.
No its not a case of poor branding. its well understood in marketing theory that clients need loads of exposure to branding to recall it, and then continued reminders of the brand too to keep it in their awareness.
[/quote]Richard I never said your branding was poor, I pointed out that as you say "many dont remember it", there could be a reason, I am well aware about the 7 times rule with branding impact and a lot more and trust me when I say I have spent many thousands myself to know information not from companies doing it for me but learning about it, this being one of my passions sad some may think I know.
The thing that stuck with me that you put was" i really dont believe your name or logo is memorable to anyone except for the business owner" this tells me you have lack of faith in your own branding (which I could well be wrong with but thats the way I read it) Isparkle Iphone ? just what I read so please dont be offended , My point was i dont belive this to be true with what your commenting on sorry. and for the reason I said above, I think Andy is going totally in the right direction from what he said before, from memory his name before was something to do this his area his new one 10x better, hes now building a brand that people are aware of which I think is well thoguhtout.
P&F some times branding working in funny ways, people being subject to shock or not quite right works very well, I think it is excellent shocking and totally not my style but excellent all the same, no knocking all good (got to love the pink :D)
Richard, all business's are different window cleaning being a beast all by itself what works in one does not work in others you will already know this if you have spent alot of money as you say with someone telling you what to use or not to.