Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 10:29:34 am

Title: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 10:29:34 am
Just wondering what makes you different from your competition and a better choice to the customer ?
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: gary999 on November 25, 2012, 10:30:44 am
if you met me...you would know ;)
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: keyser soze on November 25, 2012, 10:32:17 am
city and guilds  lol
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 10:33:42 am
city and guilds  lol
no need for the lol that makes you different from a load of others so tht one

Gary meeting you I would know is not helping anyone lol
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Paul H on November 25, 2012, 10:34:31 am
city and guilds  lol

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: windiewasher on November 25, 2012, 10:36:51 am
If you waste 3 days on a course aswell as taxpayers money you have to be better
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: gary999 on November 25, 2012, 10:37:45 am
yep you have been talking to DG again ;D
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: keyser soze on November 25, 2012, 10:41:25 am
just said it to be ironic ian ...after all the debates on here and the contrasting views. there should be a poll on who thinks its good and who thinks its a waste of time 2 choices and see what comes out on top .... that would give us a good indication of what of the general opinion is .... instead of the usual suspects dominating the threads
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: concept on November 25, 2012, 10:41:37 am
If you waste 3 days on a course aswell as taxpayers money you have to be better

Meow!

Ian, at your level, unless you're writing a book, or training course, why would you need to ask?
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 10:42:51 am
If you waste 3 days on a course aswell as taxpayers money you have to be better
i didn't ask this on this post, let it go mate its boring.

Answer the question in this post
What makes you different or better from your competition ?

I'm genuinely interested in what everyone comes up with
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 10:46:11 am
If you waste 3 days on a course aswell as taxpayers money you have to be better

Meow!

Ian, at your level, unless you're writing a book, or training course, why would you need to ask?
I'm the same level as everyone one else, I asked because I am interested in the answer, what's your answer mate ? Apart from being Scottish
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: concept on November 25, 2012, 10:57:20 am
Everyone has goals they want to achieve, be it keeping a roof over their head, paying for a family holiday, a nice car, 3 nice cars and a trophy wife, all different goals, but goals none the less.

I think we all have our own pals in business, making us all very similar. No matter how large or small we may be.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Moderator David@stives on November 25, 2012, 11:11:11 am
Iosh Managing Safely
Chas
Safecontractor
Eurosafe
Ipaf
Working at heights awareness cert
Manual Handling
Latchway cert
Harness cert
PASMA
NVQ
BWCA - WFP course
Vat Registered
CRB Checked
Professional image
Stong reputation
Can do attitude
Polite uniformed staff
Clean tidy vans
Instant responce to key clients
phone manned 24/7
Good references
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 11:12:05 am
Everyone has goals they want to achieve, be it keeping a roof over their head, paying for a family holiday, a nice car, 3 nice cars and a trophy wife, all different goals, but goals none the less.

I think we all have our own pals in business, making us all very similar. No matter how large or small we may be.
so what makes you different or better than your competition ?
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Perfect Windows on November 25, 2012, 11:18:31 am
Just wondering what makes you different from your competition and a better choice to the customer ?

Regarding 99% of our competition, what we do that is better is

1. We clean their windows
2. We keep coming

If you do those two then 80% of customers are for life.  The rest is detail.

Vin
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Moderator David@stives on November 25, 2012, 11:19:53 am
Vin

so true
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 11:37:02 am
Just wondering what makes you different from your competition and a better choice to the customer ?

Regarding 99% of our competition, what we do that is better is

1. We clean their windows
2. We keep coming

If you do those two then 80% of customers are for life.  The rest is detail.

Vin
Love it,

that sounds like it comes from a film Vin
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Ronnie Bryce on November 25, 2012, 12:23:33 pm
Iosh Managing Safely
Chas
Safecontractor
Eurosafe
Ipaf
Working at heights awareness cert
Manual Handling
Latchway cert
Harness cert
PASMA
NVQ
BWCA - WFP course
Vat Registered
CRB Checked
Professional image
Stong reputation
Can do attitude
Polite uniformed staff
Clean tidy vans
Instant responce to key clients
phone manned 24/7
Good references


Yes, but apart from that!!
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: king marko on November 25, 2012, 12:25:05 pm
Apart from usual - polite, courteous, smart & regular service
I'll always do a bit extra if needed - the customers I've met know ill help them with little jobs, especially the older ones

Eg - one old dear had blocked drains at the beginning of the year and was very upset when I called as her toilet wouldn't flush!
I inspected the outside drains, then phoned the water board for her and laid it on thick about her being old and on her own - they came out within the hour and cleaned all the drains and didn't charge a penny

Little bits like this make a difference and word of mouth works wonders
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Dave Willis on November 25, 2012, 12:53:57 pm
You would have to ask my customers.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 12:57:01 pm
You would have to ask my customers.
a good answer and a bad one roll together #smart ass :)
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: [GQC] Tim on November 25, 2012, 01:25:13 pm
I think Vin and Dave are spot on. Same for me, except the very impressive list of qualifications. Hats off to that.

Maybe not different to some on here, but definitely different to the vast majority of window cleaners that fail on those points.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: keyser soze on November 25, 2012, 01:25:43 pm
Apart from usual - polite, courteous, smart & regular service
I'll always do a bit extra if needed - the customers I've met know ill help them with little jobs, especially the older ones

Eg - one old dear had blocked drains at the beginning of the year and was very upset when I called as her toilet wouldn't flush!
I inspected the outside drains, then phoned the water board for her and laid it on thick about her being old and on her own - they came out within the hour and cleaned all the drains and didn't charge a penny

Little bits like this make a difference and word of mouth works wonders


nice touch
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Perfect Windows on November 25, 2012, 01:43:54 pm

that sounds like it comes from a film Vin


Well, I did write the screenplay for the "Bourne" films.

Oh....hang on, that might have been a dream.

Vin
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 01:47:55 pm

that sounds like it comes from a film Vin


Well, I did write the screenplay for the "Bourne" films.

Oh....hang on, that might have been a dream.

Vin
lol
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: s.w.c on November 25, 2012, 02:09:58 pm
Just wondering what makes you different from your competition and a better choice to the customer ?


started to wearing cloths an stop wearing flasher mack.  :-* :-*
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: SPE on November 25, 2012, 03:10:27 pm
I don't turn up when its raining
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 03:29:29 pm
I don't turn up when its raining
that must make you do a lot of unneeded work rearranging it so people know when your coming
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Small but perfectley formed on November 25, 2012, 04:05:42 pm
being very competitively priced so that people can afford to have their windows cleaned regurlary
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Steve Sed on November 25, 2012, 04:26:17 pm
12 toes.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 04:28:17 pm
12 toes.
are any of them joined?
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Steve Sed on November 25, 2012, 04:57:42 pm
12 toes.
are any of them joined?

Yeah, to my feet.  ;D
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 05:09:37 pm
12 toes.
are any of them joined?

Yeah, to my feet.  ;D
lol :)
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Rogue Trader on November 25, 2012, 05:52:13 pm
regular
reliable
always answer phone during business hours
always respond to messages/complaints immediately
clean vans
uniformed staff
easy to understand pricing
customers given a choice of frequencies
call back policy if a customer is unhappy
big jobs allowed to book specific days
cant think of anything else
good looking boss
 ;D
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 05:57:58 pm
regular
reliable
always answer phone during business hours
always respond to messages/complaints immediately
clean vans
uniformed staff
easy to understand pricing
customers given a choice of frequencies
call back policy if a customer is unhappy
big jobs allowed to book specific days
cant think of anything else
good looking boss
 ;D
so what makes you different ?
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Rogue Trader on November 25, 2012, 07:50:31 pm
what makes me different is that my company and brand is the biggest in my local area due to what i listed above.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: wightsurf on November 25, 2012, 08:00:14 pm
Im not a mainlander  ;D

Makes alot of difference here.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: mlscontractcleaner on November 25, 2012, 08:01:16 pm
I usually get extra customers through word of mouth recommendations as a result of sleeping with almost all of my customers.

I find it's little extras like that that makes us different  ;D
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 25, 2012, 08:20:17 pm
what makes me different is that my company and brand is the biggest in my local area due to what i listed above.
very good come back but you didn't answer the question what makes you different, what is your message that's different from everyone elses, I am the same in the area I'm in too I do the same and more
I'm trying to find out what people think is there USP of their business
I'm not knocking you or anyone I'm just interested that's all
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Tom White on November 25, 2012, 11:14:02 pm
I don't think I want to be 'better' or 'different', I just want to earn enough without it giving me some stress related illness.

I'm not sure my customers want 'better' or 'different' either; they just seem to want their windows cleaned at our agreed frequency and not to feel ripped off in anyway.

I came to window cleaning for a simpler life and now I'm here I don't want to mess it up with overcomplicating stuff.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: gewindows on November 25, 2012, 11:25:08 pm
Being different doesnt automatically mean better or preferable. Standing out from the crowd doesn't mean it's advantageous necessarily. Being professional in all its definitions is likely to be at the very least adequate or sufficient for all,  including those who build the biggest castles in the sky.

Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: James Leet on November 25, 2012, 11:26:48 pm
You would have to ask my customers.

He could Phone them  ;)
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: G Griffin on November 25, 2012, 11:31:54 pm
I don't think I want to be 'better' or 'different', I just want to earn enough without it giving me some stress related illness.

I'm not sure my customers want 'better' or 'different' either; they just seem to want their windows cleaned at our agreed frequency and not to feel ripped off in anyway.

I came to window cleaning for a simpler life and now I'm here I don't want to mess it up with overcomplicating stuff.

I agree.
Most of my customers see me working and shout "Oi, do these, as well".
They don't care what makes me different or that I'm better looking than the rest of you (well, not all of 'um).
They want their windows cleaning without too much fuss; they leave that too you lot.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: richard jagger on November 26, 2012, 06:36:33 am
What makes me different. I am very good looking
have a great body all day gym
Am well spoken and educated.
Drive a new will fitted Merc van with Ionics kit.
Charge 3 quid a clean,so no one can be cheaper on price.
Do a good  job.
Up my own ass.
not on the dole
If my customer complain I will ignore them and dump
And am liar.Sorry  thanks for the correction.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 26, 2012, 07:08:50 am
What makes me different. I am very good looking
have a great body all day gym
Am well spoken and educated.
Drive a new will fitted Merc van with Ionics kit.
Charge 3 quid a clean,so no one can be cheaper on price.
Do a good  job.
Up my own ass.
not on the dole
If my customer complain I will ignore them and dump
And am layer.
layer ?
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Washing Windows on November 26, 2012, 07:22:44 am
think he mean liar.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 26, 2012, 07:54:47 am
I'm not convinced that a USP is necessary in window cleaning.
I'm an honest, "does what it says on the tin" window cleaner.  I believe that is sufficient for most customers.  For the few who want/need special treatment, I can do that if the job is big enough and profitable, otherwise I'll leave them to people who have gained marketing degrees.
im not trying to convince you i was just wondering what yours is
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on November 26, 2012, 08:26:48 am
Like Perfect Windows said, plus ...

A big old dose of "Better the devil you know"

 :)
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Washing Windows on November 26, 2012, 09:07:50 am
Message on the works mobile this morning from an old boy that lives out in the sticks.

"I know you're due this week Duncan and I wondered if I can ask you to put your big ladder on as my outside light bulb as gone up in the eve."

Just another day in the life of the Window Cleaner... I think I'm going to have to start wearing my underpants outside my trousers! ;D

Duncan
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: G Griffin on November 26, 2012, 09:13:56 am
"I know you're due this week Duncan and I wondered if I can ask you to put your big ladder on as my outside light bulb as gone up in the eve."

And you can leave the windows, this time  ;D.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Washing Windows on November 26, 2012, 09:15:19 am
And you can leave the windows, this time  ;D.

LOL... That would be just typical mate! ;D

Duncan
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 26, 2012, 09:20:39 am
Message on the works mobile this morning from an old boy that lives out in the sticks.

"I know you're due this week Duncan and I wondered if I can ask you to put your big ladder on as my outside light bulb as gone up in the eve."

Just another day in the life of the Window Cleaner... I think I'm going to have to start wearing my underpants outside my trousers! ;D

Duncan
lol, so your new usp is underpants on the outside of your trousers  :o
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Washing Windows on November 26, 2012, 09:25:33 am
lol, so your new usp is underpants on the outside of your trousers  :o

It's the future mate... you'll see! 8)

Duncan (a.k.a. The Trend Setter)
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 26, 2012, 09:36:32 am
lol, so your new usp is underpants on the outside of your trousers  :o

It's the future mate... you'll see! 8)

Duncan (a.k.a. The Trend Setter)
;D thats 2
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Dave Willis on November 26, 2012, 03:36:08 pm
My mate Franky has a good usp - he's the only Gay in the village.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: C o z y on November 26, 2012, 04:05:33 pm
I'm not convinced that a USP is necessary in window cleaning.
I'm an honest, "does what it says on the tin" window cleaner.  I believe that is sufficient for most customers.  For the few who want/need special treatment, I can do that if the job is big enough and profitable, otherwise I'll leave them to people who have gained marketing degrees.

If you look at this bloke's back posts, you see he makes a lot of sense. Let's all keep this game in perspective eh? It seems that some people would like to be all things to all men. The name of the game isn't who's got the most bits of paper, it's about customers and having enough of them. Then, when you have enough customers, service them well. The guys wo are doing well in this malarky seem to be the ones who work their business well. In most cases, without the whistles, bells and shiney things.

Only my opinion of course, not trying to put anyone's nose out of joint.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: elite mike on November 26, 2012, 04:12:18 pm
My mate Franky has a good usp - he's the only Gay in the village.

lmao  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: PoleKing on November 26, 2012, 09:58:12 pm
City & Guilds in window cleaning cheapens the real trades.
Window cleaning is a job not a trade
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Moderator David@stives on November 26, 2012, 10:08:58 pm
Darren

Keep believing
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Dave Willis on November 26, 2012, 10:17:54 pm
interesting documents page on your website Darren Did you write the risk assessment and method statement yourself?
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 26, 2012, 10:29:56 pm
City & Guilds in window cleaning cheapens the real trades.
Window cleaning is a job not a trade

Its is not a job for me it's a business
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: PoleKing on November 27, 2012, 05:09:52 pm
Thanks.
No, a mate of mine had his written for him professionally and he let me modify them and use them myself for a pint or 2.

www.laneswindowcleaning.com
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: king marko on November 27, 2012, 05:18:38 pm
Thanks.
No, a mate of mine had his written for him professionally and he let me modify them and use them myself for a pint or 2.

www.laneswindowcleaning.com
Nice to see another local on here - I'm in Grantham too mate  ;D
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: PoleKing on November 27, 2012, 05:40:56 pm
Who are you bud?
Always good to have some contacts.
Ping me through my website

Www.laneswindowcleaning.com
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: wfp master on November 27, 2012, 05:51:53 pm
City & Guilds in window cleaning cheapens the real trades.
Window cleaning is a job not a trade

correct  its window cleaning. its not a trade 2 weeks & you should be able to clean windows to a good standard. could i fit a kitchen from scratch after 2 weeks training  or build a house no. people try to complicate things its window cleaning you dont need years of training like tradesmen.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Dave Willis on November 27, 2012, 06:02:12 pm
This is why the NVQ was introduced. It stops the unskilled labour entering this industry, generates an income and creates more jobs for the training board. It's been too easy to drop in to this trade for too long. Things are going to change!
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: PoleKing on November 27, 2012, 07:03:15 pm
@dave willis. It won't.
People can still claim to be a 'carpenter' 'builder' 'roofer' without paperwork. They still get work. Only (that I know of) plumbers and architects get in trouble if they say they are when they're not fully qualified.

Www.laneswindowcleaning.com
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: keyser soze on November 27, 2012, 07:32:28 pm
City & Guilds in window cleaning cheapens the real trades.
Window cleaning is a job not a trade

Its is not a job for me it's a business



i'd love to be like you ian you are my hero ... will you be my mate ;D
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Window Washers on November 27, 2012, 10:37:07 pm
City & Guilds in window cleaning cheapens the real trades.
Window cleaning is a job not a trade

Its is not a job for me it's a business



i'd love to be like you ian you are my hero ... will you be my mate ;D
Lol
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Frankybadboy on November 28, 2012, 04:20:57 pm
My mate Franky has a good usp - he's the only Gay in the village.

lmao  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
iam free ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: elite mike on November 28, 2012, 04:24:04 pm
My mate Franky has a good usp - he's the only Gay in the village.

lmao  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
iam free ;D ;D ;D ;D

whats happend to trippy franky ? have you given him to much love  :-*
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Frankybadboy on November 28, 2012, 04:33:44 pm
My mate Franky has a good usp - he's the only Gay in the village.

lmao  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
iam free ;D ;D ;D ;D

whats happend to trippy franky ? have you given him to much love  :-*
trippy as had a few personal problems, :( :'(
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on December 04, 2012, 09:37:45 pm
Just wondering what makes you different from your competition and a better choice to the customer ?
I ask people why they called us.  They tell me they like the thought of one company who can do all of their outdoor cleaning. Windows, solar, fascias, conservatory roofs, in and out of gutters, driveway cleaning and sealing, patio cleaning and sealing, roof cleaning and coating, decking cleaning and oiling.  We have an ipaf licence too. 

Does that make me better? I don't know, the customers will tell you.  What I do know is that I am regularly the most expensive quote, but they have me time and time again. So I guess we can't be that bad.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: G Griffin on December 04, 2012, 11:07:12 pm
My mate Franky has a good usp - he's the only Gay in the village.

lmao  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
iam free ;D ;D ;D ;D

whats happend to trippy franky ? have you given him to much love  :-*
trippy as had a few personal problems, :( :'(

Give the big lump our best and tell him to look in on 'the other section' when he feels up to it.
We need someone to stir it up a bit  ;D.
Title: Re: What makes you better/different?
Post by: Darranvps on December 05, 2012, 07:15:29 pm
if you met me...you would know ;)

Absolutely