Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Jason on February 25, 2013, 07:47:52 pm

Title: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: Jason on February 25, 2013, 07:47:52 pm
Hi everyone advice needed i've had a few customers lately say we dont need the windows doing this time but do them next time. So a six week clean becomes a 12 week. So do you guys charge double or let it go?
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: steven ainger on February 25, 2013, 07:52:16 pm
Personally, if there a regular customer and its a one off i let it go.
If they start doing it all the time try to educate them that the price you charge is for that frequency etc etc
If they want a 12 wk clean it cost xxx amount
If that dont work dump them
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: ben M on February 25, 2013, 07:54:41 pm
Personally, if there a regular customer and its a one off i let it go.
If they start doing it all the time try to educate them that the price you charge is for that frequency etc etc
If they want a 12 wk clean it cost xxx amount
If that dont work dump them
+1
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: gavinb on February 25, 2013, 08:00:12 pm
Dump and replace !!!!
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: ALF.LEVER on February 25, 2013, 08:01:27 pm
Hi, I think it's sign of the times people are struggling and cuttin back big time, prices fuel ,food all other stuff is crippling people it's poope at the moment I find it wih. Lot of customers at moment :(
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: keyser soze on February 25, 2013, 08:08:30 pm
i dont know about you guys but this time of year the windows arent that dirty and i feel a little bit like im a charity case. roll on summer
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: Johnny B on February 25, 2013, 08:22:34 pm
People are struggling with the economic climate, so if you can't accommodate them, let them go. If you need them, why not try to accommodate them as best as you can so you retain them, but make enough from them to make it worthwhile.

I deal with my customers according to their individual requirements. I would rather have them 2 or 3 times a year than not at all. In Ireland, this is the norm anyway.

John
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: SunShineCleaning on February 25, 2013, 08:29:03 pm
People are struggling with the economic climate, so if you can't accommodate them, let them go. If you need them, why not try to accommodate them as best as you can so you retain them, but make enough from them to make it worthwhile.

I deal with my customers according to their individual requirements. I would rather have them 2 or 3 times a year than not at all. In Ireland, this is the norm anyway.

John

I agree. Can YOU afford to loose them?
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: Ben wood on February 25, 2013, 08:35:18 pm
I have been canvassing a hour a night  for 5 days and have had a good response. Let it go but if they do it more than 3 times get rid and replace. I think all this doom and gloom is all in your heads.
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: bobplum on February 25, 2013, 08:37:51 pm
this is in my opinion the down side of a cleaning frequency above 4 weekly/monthly so i think you need to get it straight with your customer that to clean at three month intervals will be a lot more
if they have been a good customer then let this one go but get the message across with other customers and if they are not good customers then replace or maybe change the frequency
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: AuRavelling79 on February 25, 2013, 08:41:50 pm
My customers have been trained never to try this on. If they do they are dropped. That is all.

The recession is in your heads as far as w/c is concerned.
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: bobplum on February 25, 2013, 08:48:43 pm
do a news letter or a memo to all customers,terms and condition type letter
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: ben M on February 25, 2013, 08:57:55 pm
My customers have been trained never to try this on. If they do they are dropped. That is all.

The recession is in your heads as far as w/c is concerned.
who do you think you are to talk like that about your customers?
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: home6442 on February 25, 2013, 09:05:14 pm
I charge the same for 4, 8 or 12 weeks.
My wfp system cuts through 12 weeks of dirt as easy as 4 weeks
worth. So no extra time involved.
I find that my 12 week custys are not as fussy so I can work longer hours
in the warmer months and cut back in the winter.


Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: dotty on February 25, 2013, 09:06:52 pm
just give her a chance we all know are hard its getting some people on here dont no how bad things are at the moment
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: Temple cleaning services on February 25, 2013, 09:13:46 pm
have to agree this has been happening to me a bit latley. in my view i think its just winter and dreary weather people just dont think its worth it! i sort of dont blame them!
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: AuRavelling79 on February 25, 2013, 09:14:53 pm
My customers have been trained never to try this on. If they do they are dropped. That is all.

The recession is in your heads as far as w/c is concerned.
who do you think you are to talk like that about your customers?

 ::)roll Comments like that make me smile ben M.
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: ben M on February 25, 2013, 09:17:25 pm
My customers have been trained never to try this on. If they do they are dropped. That is all.

The recession is in your heads as far as w/c is concerned.
who do you think you are to talk like that about your customers?

 ::)roll Comments like that make me smile ben M.
good for you! but don't forget, you are only a window cleaner and you need your customers to feed you!
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: Steve Sed on February 25, 2013, 09:33:07 pm
My customers have been trained never to try this on. If they do they are dropped. That is all.

The recession is in your heads as far as w/c is concerned.
who do you think you are to talk like that about your customers?

 ::)roll Comments like that make me smile ben M.
good for you! but don't forget, you are only a window cleaner and you need your customers to feed you!

Yeah Gold. Get out your beggin' bowl and sign saying "wife and two kids to feed". Some people.  ::)roll
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: Dani J on February 25, 2013, 09:40:07 pm
My customers have been trained never to try this on. If they do they are dropped. That is all.

The recession is in your heads as far as w/c is concerned.

Hi Gold.
How do you train them ?
do you have a copy ?
so we can all learn how to train them ?
Your corporation appreciated  :)
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: ben M on February 25, 2013, 09:58:22 pm
My customers have been trained never to try this on. If they do they are dropped. That is all.

The recession is in your heads as far as w/c is concerned.

Hi Gold.
How do you train them ?
do you have a copy ?
so we can all learn how to train them ?
Your corporation appreciated  :)
  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: ALF.LEVER on February 25, 2013, 10:08:10 pm
It's not all doom and gloom the climate is poope believe and will only go worse for a while not better u can sense when you go to customers doors that a lot of people are on there arse, wat would you do feed your family or keep a window cleaner on sorry if I was on my arse window cleaning would be last thing in my head :( :'(
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: dazmond on February 25, 2013, 10:09:17 pm
if its a monthly/2 monthly  customer who misses a clean due to building work/holidays or another good excuse etc then fair enough but other than that they get dumped or i offer them 2 monthly at a higher price if monthly.

it very rarely happens anyway on my round.

ive found the monthly customers who "cant afford it" accept a 2 monthly frequency at a slightly higher price 9 times out of 10.


regards


dazmond
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: AuRavelling79 on February 25, 2013, 10:33:43 pm
>How to train a custy.

1. Decide how you want to run your business.
1.A) Decide you will only take on regular, reliable customers.

2. When you take on a custy, take the time to explain that you are looking for regular reliable customers who understand you will turn up at the agreed schedule of (in my case) one or two months. 9/10 they will agree. Explain that many custies bemoan the fact that their window cleaners "disappear" and tell them you will turn up as agreed. 9/10 will nod their heads and be eager to take you on.

3. Turn up as agreed.

4. If custy attempts to put you off, politely remind them of what they agreed in  2 above. If they see your point then fine. 8 or 9/10 will see your point. Drop the 1 or 2/10.

Your round is gradually pruned and shaped as you would wish it.

Unless you are driven by your customers wishes, live in Sidmouth and wring your hands at the thought of losing a mediocre customer when you could have good ones in which case crack on and have a round like the ben M's of this world - by design? Then fine. By default? Then get naught.

Trust me, there are reliable custies out there who are attracted by skilled businesslike professional cleaners who do what they say they will and who can be relied upon.

 
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: ben M on February 25, 2013, 11:20:40 pm
>How to train a custy.

1. Decide how you want to run your business.
1.A) Decide you will only take on regular, reliable customers.

2. When you take on a custy, take the time to explain that you are looking for regular reliable customers who understand you will turn up at the agreed schedule of (in my case) one or two months. 9/10 they will agree. Explain that many custies bemoan the fact that their window cleaners "disappear" and tell them you will turn up as agreed. 9/10 will nod their heads and be eager to take you on.

3. Turn up as agreed.

4. If custy attempts to put you off, politely remind them of what they agreed in  2 above. If they see your point then fine. 8 or 9/10 will see your point. Drop the 1 or 2/10.

Your round is gradually pruned and shaped as you would wish it.

Unless you are driven by your customers wishes, live in Sidmouth and wring your hands at the thought of losing a mediocre customer when you could have good ones in which case crack on and have a round like the ben M's of this world - by design? Then fine. By default? Then get naught.

Trust me, there are reliable custies out there who are attracted by skilled businesslike professional cleaners who do what they say they will and who can be relied upon.

 
Don't worry for me mate, are you jealous because i live in Sidmouth? where do you live? easy to hide behind a profile!
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: stuart mc on February 25, 2013, 11:28:07 pm
gold lives in bristol, easy enough to find out, he does not hide it, and I agree with him on the whole, can't see any problem with his method at all.
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: ben M on February 25, 2013, 11:36:00 pm
gold lives in bristol, easy enough to find out, he does not hide it, and I agree with him on the whole, can't see any problem with his method at all.
location: my own little world!
easy enough to find out, you are right....
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: ben M on February 25, 2013, 11:38:51 pm
anyway, good night guys!
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: KS Cleaning on February 25, 2013, 11:45:21 pm
My customers have been trained never to try this on. If they do they are dropped. That is all.

The recession is in your heads as far as w/c is concerned.

Hi Gold.
How do you train them ?
do you have a copy ?
so we can all learn how to train them ?
Your corporation appreciated  :)
Do you mean co-operation Bosh?............errr a mean Dani :D :D
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: Johnny B on February 26, 2013, 12:28:07 am
My location, South West of Ireland. Moved here July 2011 due to a need within the family.

Over 14% unemployment, hours being slashed for people 'fortunate' enough to still be in a job, meaning they can't earn a living wage even when employed, town centres littered with empty shop premises, ghost estates everywhere, and more government cuts on the way. People have been battered by the economy here, and it is not going to improve any time soon.

I would love to see some of you guys come over here and see how you would get on dictating terms to customers here. They would laugh you off their doorsteps or give you an old school Irish farewell.  

I was a windy for over 14 years in England, and had more work than I could cope with. Been here 18 months, yes I am finding work, but it's a different world here. Dump and replace with 2? Try finding them.

John

  
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: Ian101 on February 26, 2013, 07:00:44 am
Hi everyone advice needed i've had a few customers lately say we dont need the windows doing this time but do them next time. So a six week clean becomes a 12 week. So do you guys charge double or let it go?

bet you can canvass at least 1 more good customer within those extra 6 weeks to replace this one so if they do it again you can get rid.

Im on monthly or bimonthly if a monthly says leave em this time then they get offered the bimonthly schedule and the prices that this frequency costs cant recall last time a bimonthly said leave it this time but would drop them as no good to me.
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: SunShineCleaning on February 26, 2013, 07:41:18 am
Hi everyone advice needed i've had a few customers lately say we dont need the windows doing this time but do them next time. So a six week clean becomes a 12 week. So do you guys charge double or let it go?

It's all very well telling Jason to dictate to his customers how he works but we know NOTHING about his workload or area.

If he can afford to loose customers and wait for reliable 6 weeklies then Gold's method is the best way long term.

However, if he is a new start or has yet to have got to an income he requires he would be advised to endeavour to retain the customer until such time that he can let them go.

It's incredible that so many offer an opinion without asking posters question about their situation first.

JASON: MORE INFO PLEASE
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: Jason on February 26, 2013, 07:44:57 am
Many thanks guys for all your responses a great help.
Regards jason
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: Jason on February 26, 2013, 07:57:33 am
   Re: Customers who miss a clean
« Reply #31 on: Today at 07:41:18 am »   
Quote from: Jason on Yesterday at 07:47:52 pm
Hi everyone advice needed i've had a few customers lately say we dont need the windows doing this time but do them next time. So a six week clean becomes a 12 week. So do you guys charge double or let it go?

It's all very well telling Jason to dictate to his customers how he works but we know NOTHING about his workload or area.

If he can afford to loose customers and wait for reliable 6 weeklies then Gold's method is the best way long term.

However, if he is a new start or has yet to have got to an income he requires he would be advised to endeavour to retain the customer until such time that he can let them go.

It's incredible that so many offer an opinion without asking posters question about their situation first.

JASON: MORE INFO PLEASE
Report to moderator     Logged

Hi window cleaning (2 years)is a sideline for me at the mo i run it in conjunction with my gardening business (4 years). But im looking to build up the window cleaning to replace the gardening business.
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: James archell on February 26, 2013, 08:17:20 am
My location, South West of Ireland.

South west of Ireland?

That'll be The Azores then.

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=madelena&hl=en&ll=38.61687,-27.883301&spn=2.545011,6.696167&sll=38.655488,-27.548218&sspn=2.54364,6.696167&gl=uk&hnear=Madalena,+Azores,+Portugal&t=m&z=8
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: SunShineCleaning on February 26, 2013, 08:22:32 am
Where are you based?

Why are you window cleaning,  is there little gardening work or is the gardening just seaonal.

Can you live without such customers until they are replaced?

How easy is it to gain customers? 

Do you canvass at all?
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: roundbuilder on February 26, 2013, 08:25:49 am
Another flaw in being 6/12 weekly with the not this time brigade.. That would do my nut in if 6 weeklys did that, bad enough with 4 weekly.
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: andyM on February 26, 2013, 08:42:36 am
Another option is to give the customer 3 prices when you provide a quotation.
Option 1: A one-off price
Option 2: 12 weekly price
Option 3: 6 weekly price

If they opt for 6 weekly explain to them that if they miss 1 clean the 12 weekly price will be applicable.
If they miss a period longer than 12 weeks the one-off price will come into effect.
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: SunShineCleaning on February 26, 2013, 10:56:21 am
Another option is to give the customer 3 prices when you provide a quotation.
Option 1: A one-off price
Option 2: 12 weekly price
Option 3: 6 weekly price

If they opt for 6 weekly explain to them that if they miss 1 clean the 12 weekly price will be applicable.
If they miss a period longer than 12 weeks the one-off price will come into effect.

I only offer a one off price no matter what the frequently.

The only discount is 10% for Standing  Order  customers.
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: James archell on February 26, 2013, 01:38:04 pm
I only offer a one off price no matter what the frequently.

Is that frequent or often?
Title: Re: Customers who miss a clean
Post by: SunShineCleaning on February 26, 2013, 02:22:45 pm
I only offer a one off price no matter what the frequently.

Is that frequent or often?

It's frequently often now!

 ;D