Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: HampshireWindowCleaning on March 13, 2013, 05:20:56 pm

Title: why some still work traditional?
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on March 13, 2013, 05:20:56 pm
Noticed that some window cleaners and probably some of you guys still choose traditional over wfp and wondered why? Are you worried about upsetting your customers or is it the financial outlay?
After all you are working harder and less safely for less money than a wfp cleaner will earn
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Michael Peterson on March 13, 2013, 05:23:24 pm
the costs are minimal, nothing goes wrong really, equipment doesnt costs 1000's year after year, you can carry a bucket in any vehicle whatsoever..... all these said i would never go back to using a ladder
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: dazmond on March 13, 2013, 05:51:01 pm
i think its mainly 2 things.........FEAR AND EXPENSE!!

fearful that they will do a crap job with wfp and lose customers by the droves and some trad window cleaners are just about making a living so cant afford a wfp system and van etc.

oh and one other thing!some window cleaners attitude and outlook on window cleaning are so fixed in cement that they dare not try anything different! never even considering that wfp is one hell of a tool for cleaning windows commercially and a lot safer too.


regards
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: dave0123 on March 13, 2013, 05:52:54 pm
theres not much that can go wrong with a WFP system if you really think about it... a pump? all you have to do is keep a spare one 70 odd pounds. and a controller if you use one.. and if that goes wrong you could bypass it as a temporary measure.


Nothing else to go wrong. RO system are pretty reliable - getting better always - same with poles. But trad will always have its place for certain properties where its just easier sometimes or very awkward to get around with pole
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: wayne m on March 13, 2013, 06:07:13 pm
Where you based Hampshirewindowcleaning?
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Cliff perkins on March 13, 2013, 06:08:09 pm
Very well said dazzmond.
After hearing of all the tales of window cleaners comming of ladders when working at height,the more i keep my feet on the ground the less chance i have of injury to myself or others.
That alone is a big enough reason not to use ladders.
Regards
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 13, 2013, 06:10:05 pm
Here we go
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Mike_G on March 13, 2013, 06:15:12 pm
I use trad because people complained when I flooded their homes using wfp on the inside, miserable sods
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on March 13, 2013, 06:19:31 pm
Where you based Hampshirewindowcleaning?
I'm in Romsey mate

I don't even take a ladder on my van these days, when I changed over to wfp about 4 years ago I used to do the odd one trad if the customer didn't like the new way of doing it, or i'd use the ladder to get on flat roofs etc but I can't be bothered anymore, 100% wfp for me now except the odd bungalow
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: wayne m on March 13, 2013, 06:21:14 pm
I think I've seen you around Andover mate am I right ? Red van
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on March 13, 2013, 06:22:15 pm
Very well said dazzmond.
After hearing of all the tales of window cleaners comming of ladders when working at height,the more i keep my feet on the ground the less chance i have of injury to myself or others.
That alone is a big enough reason not to use ladders.
Regards
Exactly, my ladder slipped on a wet driveway when I was at the top, lucky I didn't break my neck.
I now don't think it's worth risking my life for a tenner
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: robertphil on March 13, 2013, 06:23:05 pm
im only interested in doing it the trad way .  i remember when i started up about 6 yrs ago now, i had enough money to start up wfp ,ten times over, but its not for me .

 i like the simple  efficient way of doing things , my workers feel the same way-iv heard them saying it .

 i would always buy the base model van rather than 1 with electric windows etc , less to go wrong
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Ian Sheppard on March 13, 2013, 06:24:45 pm
i think its mainly 2 things.........FEAR AND EXPENSE!!

fearful that they will do a crap job with wfp and lose customers by the droves and some trad window cleaners are just about making a living so cant afford a wfp system and van etc.

oh and one other thing!some window cleaners attitude and outlook on window cleaning are so fixed in cement that they dare not try anything different! never even considering that wfp is one hell of a tool for cleaning windows commercially and a lot safer too.


regards

There are some good video resources available on line.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on March 13, 2013, 06:26:27 pm
I think I've seen you around Andover mate am I right ? Red van
I do drive a red van and I do a bit in Andover, it doesn't say hampshire window cleaning on it though mate

I guess you clicked on my profile and saw my company name right
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: wayne m on March 13, 2013, 06:30:08 pm
Advanced window cleaning! Next time I see you around I'll pop and have a chat mate not had chance the last few times
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on March 13, 2013, 06:31:54 pm
Advanced window cleaning! Next time I see you around I'll pop and have a chat mate not had chance the last few times
Whats your company called mate, you Andover based?
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: wayne m on March 13, 2013, 06:34:50 pm
Clear Reflection yeah andover based mate
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on March 13, 2013, 06:38:21 pm
Clear Reflection yeah andover based mate
Think i've seen you, blue van right
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: wayne m on March 13, 2013, 06:40:08 pm
Yeah blue van but hopefully a new one soon just trying to find the right one!
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: A-W-C on March 13, 2013, 06:44:45 pm
I really don`t care that there are still so many still using trad it`s their choice not to be able to give a full service to customers,all i know is that my customers are more than happy  ;)
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: wayne m on March 13, 2013, 06:48:22 pm
I'm currently swapping my work over to pole but did a couple of trad houses today and hated it
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 13, 2013, 06:49:07 pm
I really don`t care that there are still so many still using trad it`s their choice not to be able to give a full service to customers,all i know is that my customers are more than happy  ;)

And away we go  ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: simonr on March 13, 2013, 07:00:33 pm
well i cleaned some windows today that have never ever been cleaned unless there is scaffolding up  & my customers were more than happy & were glad to pay for it, my mate was doing the ground & first floor fronts for £5 now im doing them + 2nd & 3rd for £15, just fronts  ;D. nowt against ladders i used to get a right buzz of em  but why bother , would you all bin your mobiles & go back to looking for a call box
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: wightsurf on March 13, 2013, 07:07:58 pm
Some times reads quicker,some times easier.
But most of all I enjoy it.although i'm wfp also.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 13, 2013, 07:09:12 pm
No lads, the question was, why are some guys still trad. Not look how great all the pole guys are. Try not to spend too much time on self praise. Pointing out how stupid anyone who works trad is. They don't bother WFP advanced clever multimillionares who bang out 400 a day yawn bore bore.

I love to see the pigeon chested guys on here preening themselves infront of their mirrors and forgetting that they are the bottom of the food chain when it comes to services!!! ;D ;D ;D

We clean windows lads. It's not high tech. Some can't provide a full service. They can't clean over a certain height where some others can. Some don't even know how to clean insides of windows.

WFP has caused loads of redundant workers to provide exactly the same service as the rest of us. So sit back, and watch your area get a bit smaller, and a bit smaller...............

My custies are all off back to UK in the next few years, so thank God I can provide another service like carpet & upholstery cleaning. Very lucrative and a lot better than Stan Ogden's old job. I've earned well from this malarky, but it's nearly time to go.
Never believed I'd hear from snobby window cleaners!! pmsl  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 13, 2013, 07:13:12 pm
Oh, and if I have upset some of the guys who are full of themselves, good, that's my work here done  ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Robert Flean on March 13, 2013, 07:16:13 pm
ayup Hitler.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 13, 2013, 07:19:37 pm
ayup Hitler.
I was born in Liverpool, grew up in Derby, and my parents were both English. I'm a ex soldier of 9 years service and live in Germany since 85. Speak fluent Kraut and have over 350 Brit custies. I'm not so thick to think that someone who lives in another country and writes English to a decent standard, would be anyone called Hitler.

Bet you feel a bit stupid now, so best edit your post eh?
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Joe Martin on March 13, 2013, 07:25:54 pm
im only interested in doing it the trad way .  i remember when i started up about 6 yrs ago now, i had enough money to start up wfp ,ten times over, but its not for me .

 i like the simple  efficient way of doing things , my workers feel the same way-iv heard them saying it .

 i would always buy the base model van rather than 1 with electric windows etc , less to go wrong
What a very small mind you have.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Robert Flean on March 13, 2013, 07:26:29 pm
ayup Ewan.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: dazmond on March 13, 2013, 07:28:57 pm
so cozy do you still enjoy window cleaning?!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 13, 2013, 07:28:57 pm
That's your fourth post. From all you've posted so far, 50% have made you look dumb. Maybe if you lay down in a darkened room for a few hours before posting next time, then you won't appear so silly.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: keyser soze on March 13, 2013, 07:29:40 pm
i like tradding its a great way of making the day not so repetetive... im 70 percent  wfp and 35 per cent trad... most my tradding is ground level got 1 job i climb a ladder to do and i always like doing that one ironicaly enough......
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 13, 2013, 07:30:53 pm
so cozy do you still enjoy window cleaning?!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Yes mate, the MOD were staying untill 2012, and I was getting the van ready to swap. Already heading into the German carpet cleaning so decided to not bother and cut and run. It's earned us a good wad mate. I was the same as you were before the plunge  ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: dazmond on March 13, 2013, 07:31:42 pm
cozy we both posted at exactly the same time then?great minds and all that? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: MATT BATEMAN (OWC) on March 13, 2013, 07:31:58 pm
ayup Ewan.

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 13, 2013, 07:33:07 pm
cozy we both posted at exactly the same time then?great minds and all that? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

 ;D ;D

P.S. Shut it Bateman  ;)
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Robert Flean on March 13, 2013, 07:34:30 pm
cozy we both posted at exactly the same time then?great minds and all that? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

That's not what he normally says about you Dazmond. You got to forgive him though, working for Guurmans. They bombed his Grandads chip shop.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: MATT BATEMAN (OWC) on March 13, 2013, 07:35:01 pm
cozy we both posted at exactly the same time then?great minds and all that? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

 ;D ;D

P.S. Shut it Bateman  ;)

 ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: robbo333 on March 13, 2013, 08:28:54 pm
Everyone's different and we all have different ideas and ways of doing things. That's why some people are trad and some wfp.
Yes, i'm mainly wfp but I do enjoy the trad work that i have; it breaks up my day. If you're trad then why not try wfp? Try and find someone who will let you have a go and see what it's about. Then you can make up your own mind and see if it you fancy it. Try stuff. If you don't like it, then that's cool, but at least you've tried it.  ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: robertphil on March 13, 2013, 08:32:59 pm
im only interested in doing it the trad way .  i remember when i started up about 6 yrs ago now, i had enough money to start up wfp ,ten times over, but its not for me .

 i like the simple  efficient way of doing things , my workers feel the same way-iv heard them saying it .

 i would always buy the base model van rather than 1 with electric windows etc , less to go wrong
What a very small mind you have.
fight u anyday Tubby :-)
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Johnny B on March 13, 2013, 09:49:05 pm
To answer the OP, I still work trad 'cos that's my choice and I love it! I'm now in my 17th year.

And like Robertphil, the van I drive ('99 Fiesta 1.8D) has no fancy toys that can go wrong.

If I were to change over to wfp (no chance btw) I would hate to think that I would become a brown-noser like so many who have seem to be. 
 
John
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: DG Cleaning on March 13, 2013, 10:02:00 pm
To answer the OP, I still work trad 'cos that's my choice and I love it! I'm now in my 17th year.

And like Robertphil, the van I drive ('99 Fiesta 1.8D) has no fancy toys that can go wrong.

If I were to change over to wfp (no chance btw) I would hate to think that I would become a brown-noser like so many who have seem to be. 
 
John

Is that what's stopping you?
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Johnny B on March 13, 2013, 10:11:25 pm
No. I choose to work trad. It makes me smile that some wfp guys can't resist showing their insecurities by belittling those of us who use a method which used to be good enough for them.

As I said, I am in my 17th year in this game, I am 50 years of age, fit enough, and careful enough and able to supply all my customers' window cleaning needs with the equipment I have.

John

Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: DG Cleaning on March 13, 2013, 10:16:54 pm
Got to agree with you on a few points Johnny, there does seem to be a fair bit of snobbery from wfp cleaners towards trad. ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: dan hughes on March 13, 2013, 10:24:50 pm
 ;D

I enjoy doing TRAD. !

Simple as.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: David Kent @ KentKleen on March 13, 2013, 10:25:57 pm
No lads, the question was, why are some guys still trad. Not look how great all the pole guys are. Try not to spend too much time on self praise. Pointing out how stupid anyone who works trad is. They don't bother WFP advanced clever multimillionares who bang out 400 a day yawn bore bore.

I love to see the pigeon chested guys on here preening themselves infront of their mirrors and forgetting that they are the bottom of the food chain when it comes to services!!! ;D ;D ;D

We clean windows lads. It's not high tech. Some can't provide a full service. They can't clean over a certain height where some others can. Some don't even know how to clean insides of windows.

WFP has caused loads of redundant workers to provide exactly the same service as the rest of us. So sit back, and watch your area get a bit smaller, and a bit smaller...............

My custies are all off back to UK in the next few years, so thank God I can provide another service like carpet & upholstery cleaning. Very lucrative and a lot better than Stan Ogden's old job. I've earned well from this malarky, but it's nearly time to go.
Never believed I'd hear from snobby window cleaners!! pmsl  ;D ;D ;D

Keep it up all you new wfp's. Its a magic wand, quick splash and dash wheres the cash!!
Its easy everyone should do it! Then leave doing a proper job too the rest of us!!

Welcome back COZY! Don't all your customers windows open in over???? lol
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: MATT BATEMAN (OWC) on March 14, 2013, 12:20:15 am
Welcome back Cozy? He's never been away.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: MATT BATEMAN (OWC) on March 14, 2013, 12:22:04 am
;D

I enjoy doing TRAD. !

Simple as.

I enjoy trad but enjoying it doesn't pay for my 3 foreign holidays a year. Crack on fellas.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 14, 2013, 12:23:27 am
Thank you lads  ;)
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: rosskesava on March 14, 2013, 12:25:21 am
I'm mainly wfp but I still do some bungalows jobs trad because it quicker and obviously, shops in the main aren't worth doing wfp.

In many ways, when I was 100% trad life was simpler. Ladders, bucket, mop and squeegie, cloths, a few chemicals for 1st cleans, no complications and no complaints.

I don't blame anyone for staying 100% trad and yes, I earn more wfp but it is more hassle.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: toronto on March 14, 2013, 12:30:22 am
I'm mainly wfp but I still do some bungalows jobs trad because it quicker and obviously, shops in the main aren't worth doing wfp.

In many ways, when I was 100% trad life was simpler. Ladders, bucket, mop and squeegie, cloths, a few chemicals for 1st cleans, no complications and no complaints.

I don't blame anyone for staying 100% trad and yes, I earn more wfp but it is more hassle.

I second that. I liked trad too I make excuses like safety better job more versatile but the big reason I don't trad is wfp is quicker and quicker = more money.
I know I felt fitter when I was on the ladders day in day out and you see places few others see  ;)
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: LT carpet cleaning on March 14, 2013, 12:54:17 am
;D

I enjoy doing TRAD. !

Simple as.

I enjoy trad but enjoying it doesn't pay for my 3 foreign holidays a year. Crack on fellas.

Wales, Isle of Wight and Norfolk?
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: MATT BATEMAN (OWC) on March 14, 2013, 01:00:47 am
  ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Frankybadboy on March 14, 2013, 07:10:50 am
i look down at all you bloody silly sods when iam at top of me ladder ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: simonr on March 14, 2013, 07:27:50 am
I'm mainly wfp but I still do some bungalows jobs trad because it quicker and obviously, shops in the main aren't worth doing wfp.

In many ways, when I was 100% trad life was simpler. Ladders, bucket, mop and squeegie, cloths, a few chemicals for 1st cleans, no complications and no complaints.

I don't blame anyone for staying 100% trad and yes, I earn more wfp but it is more hassle.

I second that. I liked trad too I make excuses like safety better job more versatile but the big reason I don't trad is wfp is quicker and quicker = more money.
I know I felt fitter when I was on the ladders day in day out and you see places few others see  ;)

i put a stone on when i stopped ladder work, its taken a year to get it off. also i miss seeing boozed up birds sprawled out on the bed on a saturday morning  :'(
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: dazmond on March 14, 2013, 07:51:04 am
i dont miss trad using ladders at all.16 years climbing ladders 100+ TIMES A DAY!no thanks!! ;D ;D

if you dont know any different then trad can seem ok but its the "horse and cart" of window cleaning these days!

i work more in bad weather.i used to be heading off home or not even getting out of bed on freezing/wet mornings.

i earn far more than on the ladders due to working quicker and being able to clean bigger awkward properties that previously would have been too dangerous off ladders plus all the add on jobs that go along with wfp.

even with the extra cost of van and equipment with wfp im still left with a lot more money than trad only window cleaning.

oh and im working less hours than i used to and im a lot safer when working!

whats not to like about WFP?

ITS MADE A MASSIVE DIFFERENCE to my earning power in less than 3 years.

trad only is slower,harder work and ultimately you make less money even though you work harder and longer plus its more likely that you could have a nasty accident and be off work for months or it could just kill you if you have a bad fall.

if your still trad then IMO your nuts!!plain and simple! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: roundbuilder on March 14, 2013, 08:34:51 am
Totally nuts. What nutjob would choose to climb ladders all day everyday risking an injury to earn half of what he could wfp working safely. You can get set up for £500-£1000 2nd hand now days... There is no excuse but lack of self confidence regardi g the changeover from trad to wfp.... Sort it out tradders loads more dosh to be had if you bite the bullet..
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: richard jagger on March 14, 2013, 09:18:18 am
There is only one reason that there are still do trad full time.Its having to save up a meager income and spending on WFP equipment. Lets face it,it costs money to change.I don`t see them as opposites at all.But part of the same business.I do both as I cannot use a pole inside and in shopping centres. Anyone using only one system is the loser as they both have merit.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on March 14, 2013, 09:23:38 am
im only interested in doing it the trad way .  i remember when i started up about 6 yrs ago now, i had enough money to start up wfp ,ten times over, but its not for me .

 i like the simple  efficient way of doing things , my workers feel the same way-iv heard them saying it .

 i would always buy the base model van rather than 1 with electric windows etc , less to go wrong
Admirable. Why are you writing on a computer instead of a piece of paper. Less to go wrong on paper...
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: roundbuilder on March 14, 2013, 09:56:16 am
There is only one reason that there are still do trad full time.Its having to save up a meager income and spending on WFP equipment. Lets face it,it costs money to change.I don`t see them as opposites at all.But part of the same business.I do both as I cannot use a pole inside and in shopping centres. Anyone using only one system is the loser as they both have merit.
No way, i havnt traded for years apart from the odd inside clean. If a custy want them tradded and laddered i say bye bye and onto the next.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: A & J Owen Window Cleaning on March 14, 2013, 10:03:39 am
We offer both but mainly wfp tops; trad bottoms. We picked up a job because a window cleaner refused to trad just one bottom window. It's just a matter of being flexible. Why not trad one or two windows if it's safe to do so and if it keeps the customer happy!
We all do the same job; we just choose different ways of doing it that's all.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 14, 2013, 10:22:10 am
Some can only see what they want to see. WFP here in Boxheadland is a non-starter between December to start of March. It goes down to minus 15 at night here in that time. There are the odd days where we get plus temps, but with the weather here, hot or warm water shock freezes on thermopane glass.
The way we work is, any snow (like now) we trad bottom windows only and reduce the price accordingly by a few Euroes. If we can, we use ladders, if not, downstairs only. Never had a moan from a custy yet.

Looking at some of the pics posted on here by members, I can honestly say, if I live and worked in UK with those windows that most houses have, I'd be WFP all the way. The prices you get in some parts of UK, it's just good business sense to be as fast and good as you can. So, yes, a no-brainer to a certain point.

The main problem with some "snobs" on here who like to put others who are trad down, to try and give the impression that WFP guys are far superior, are in-secure. This happens because some custies still don't trust WFP. And as long as trad guys are out there, they have a choice. I've had people ask me when I'm canvassing, "are you one of those pole thingy window cleaners"? They've had a bad deal in the past perhaps...........

I've never had a single person say to me "Push off with that squeegie rubbish, I want my windows cleaned and left wet"!!! Shocking eh? There are good and bad in both ways. What's funny, is bigheaded snobs who have forgotten how far down the food chain we are compared to "Refuse collection operatives" and "highway cleaning technicians" (Street sweepers). So try not to make a mug of yourself lads by puffing out those chests eh?  ;D ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: dazmond on March 14, 2013, 04:57:38 pm
i use trad by the way but mainly for the odd ground floor windows and insides.

BUT I USE THE LADDERS ON ONE SMALL FRONT ONLY JOB!! ;D ;D and i did it today!she only has the front cleaned and a side window over a flat roof which cant be reached with the pole so i use the ladders on this job.she also has very dodgy rubber seals on all her front windows so trad all the way! ;D ;D ;D ;D

i also had a few up and over the flat roof jobs which i use ladders but i take my pole and hose over as well.a bit of a pain but this work is sandwiched in with a load of very compact easy access work.

but pole is used 80% of the time for both upper and ground floor windows.


regards
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 14, 2013, 05:00:53 pm
By the way, forgot to say, it was Daz and Matt Bateman,(Both WFP) who told me to try downstairs only when there's snow or frozen ground. Nice to read stuff that helps.  ;)
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: tlwcs on March 14, 2013, 05:08:08 pm
im only interested in doing it the trad way .  i remember when i started up about 6 yrs ago now, i had enough money to start up wfp ,ten times over, but its not for me .

 i like the simple  efficient way of doing things , my workers feel the same way-iv heard them saying it .

 i would always buy the base model van rather than 1 with electric windows etc , less to go wrong
Admirable. Why are you writing on a computer instead of a piece of paper. Less to go wrong on paper...

lmao
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: dazmond on March 14, 2013, 05:14:27 pm
if i remember rightly cozy i suggested using a trad pole for upper windows when really cold(-4 and lower)with screenwash in bucket.

i did this during the really heavy snow a few years ago but it only works on certain types of windows(mainly plate glass ones!).

im pretty good with a squeegee on a pole due to using this for years when i was trad for awkward windows! ;) :) :) :)

obviously its not as good or as fast as wfp and you cant clean the frames properly but it kept me ticking over some days instead of not working as id had a full straight 2 weeks off during the heavy snow!
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: gary999 on March 14, 2013, 05:23:29 pm
i wash and dry on  really bad days during the winter months
takes me not much over minute to blade off the excess water using
a pole

i have started offering this  service to new customers adding 20%
to the price some take it up others havent

either way i cant lose
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: dazmond on March 14, 2013, 05:28:08 pm
why gary?i dont understand your logic?if you wfp them with pure water at 000 why blade them afterwards?

please explain if you have time mate!


regards


dazmond
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: DG Cleaning on March 14, 2013, 05:46:21 pm
Get a grip Gary ::)roll
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: robertphil on March 14, 2013, 05:46:28 pm
im only interested in doing it the trad way .  i remember when i started up about 6 yrs ago now, i had enough money to start up wfp ,ten times over, but its not for me .

 i like the simple  efficient way of doing things , my workers feel the same way-iv heard them saying it .

 i would always buy the base model van rather than 1 with electric windows etc , less to go wrong
Admirable. Why are you writing on a computer instead of a piece of paper. Less to go wrong on paper...
ur a rogue  for sure solar steve
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: lal on March 14, 2013, 06:32:26 pm
Very well said dazzmond.
After hearing of all the tales of window cleaners comming of ladders when working at height,the more i keep my feet on the ground the less chance i have of injury to myself or others.
That alone is a big enough reason not to use ladders.
Regards
Exactly, my ladder slipped on a wet driveway when I was at the top, lucky I didn't break my neck.
I now don't think it's worth risking my life for a tenner

+1
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on March 15, 2013, 10:11:44 am
im only interested in doing it the trad way .  i remember when i started up about 6 yrs ago now, i had enough money to start up wfp ,ten times over, but its not for me .

 i like the simple  efficient way of doing things , my workers feel the same way-iv heard them saying it .

 i would always buy the base model van rather than 1 with electric windows etc , less to go wrong
Admirable. Why are you writing on a computer instead of a piece of paper. Less to go wrong on paper...
ur a rogue  for sure solar steve
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Richard iSparkle on March 15, 2013, 01:31:31 pm
So do any of you who offer both services charge a premium for traditional?

Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: gary999 on March 15, 2013, 04:05:13 pm
Get a grip Gary ::)roll
;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: gary999 on March 15, 2013, 04:28:14 pm
why gary?i dont understand your logic?if you wfp them with pure water at 000 why blade them afterwards?

please explain if you have time mate!


regards


dazmond

like i said in my post in really bad weather generally during winter
especially days with strong winds and i should add on main roads
with constant traffic heading into birmingham just wfping isnt
good enough so i quickly stick a squeegee on a pole and get
the majority of the water off the glass im not looking for perfection
detailing etc just something that takes seconds per windowobviously
i dont clean like that all the time unless they pay extra

i have been offering this  add on service to new customers i have one
customer a £25 clean i took on in november on a four week clean
who pays me 20% more during the winter months for what i would
consider a basic blade off,in the summer months the price will be
back down to £25 no need to blade and im getting what i would charge
for wfp anyway.

not many have taken it up but it is there if they want it,im happy
im getting more per clean and doing relatively little more for it
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: dazmond on March 15, 2013, 04:31:33 pm
thanks for explaining gary! ;) :) :)


best wishes
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Johnny B on March 15, 2013, 07:51:54 pm
Some can only see what they want to see. WFP here in Boxheadland is a non-starter between December to start of March. It goes down to minus 15 at night here in that time. There are the odd days where we get plus temps, but with the weather here, hot or warm water shock freezes on thermopane glass.
The way we work is, any snow (like now) we trad bottom windows only and reduce the price accordingly by a few Euroes. If we can, we use ladders, if not, downstairs only. Never had a moan from a custy yet.

Looking at some of the pics posted on here by members, I can honestly say, if I live and worked in UK with those windows that most houses have, I'd be WFP all the way. The prices you get in some parts of UK, it's just good business sense to be as fast and good as you can. So, yes, a no-brainer to a certain point.

The main problem with some "snobs" on here who like to put others who are trad down, to try and give the impression that WFP guys are far superior, are in-secure. This happens because some custies still don't trust WFP. And as long as trad guys are out there, they have a choice. I've had people ask me when I'm canvassing, "are you one of those pole thingy window cleaners"? They've had a bad deal in the past perhaps...........

I've never had a single person say to me "Push off with that squeegie rubbish, I want my windows cleaned and left wet"!!! Shocking eh? There are good and bad in both ways. What's funny, is bigheaded snobs who have forgotten how far down the food chain we are compared to "Refuse collection operatives" and "highway cleaning technicians" (Street sweepers). So try not to make a mug of yourself lads by puffing out those chests eh?  ;D ;D

Well said!

John
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: rosskesava on March 15, 2013, 08:01:19 pm
Admirable. Why are you writing on a computer instead of a piece of paper. Less to go wrong on paper...

There are two ways to clean windows but only one way to post this on here.

The original question was about why some still trad windows and about not how wfp is superior, better, incredible, and so on. If some want to do windows trad style and they're happy with that, why the put downs?
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: C o z y on March 16, 2013, 12:58:52 am
Insecurities because custies still have a choice  ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Deangsi on March 16, 2013, 10:33:04 am
Insecurities because custies still have a choice  ;D

There is only one way forward for cleaning windows wfp ! But im glad you guys still trad is it means you need half the custys so more for us pole users the fact is if someone gave you a huge roand of custys that were wfp and the gear to do the job you would never look back  ;D
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: maxwellanderson on March 22, 2013, 01:01:57 pm
3 of the window cleaners i have kown for years have fallen off their ladders 1 is dead another hassevere spinal injures and another has a 2 inch dent in his head and has lost some mental capacity.that is my reasonfor using pwf.these injuries have occured in last 3 years. also it takes8 minutes to clean 3 bed with wfp twenty minutes plus with ladders.i keep my ladder work to minium i have been cleaning windows for34 years.however dont know it all and find forum informative and am not knocking trad cleaners just stating fact and be careful.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: telfordwindowclnr on March 22, 2013, 06:55:42 pm
Admirable. Why are you writing on a computer instead of a piece of paper. Less to go wrong on paper...

There are two ways to clean windows but only one way to post this on here.

The original question was about why some still trad windows and about not how wfp is superior, better, incredible, and so on. If some want to do windows trad style and they're happy with that, why the put downs?
Not a put own at ll. I did some tread today. Just following a line of reasoning. :)
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: richard jagger on March 22, 2013, 07:21:37 pm
When I started trad it cost me £350. A year later I bought a backpack and this cost me a further £650. And when I moved on the van mount I spent 6 grand.If it was not for trad I could never have been able to grow my business so it was for me a means to an end.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: peter1983 on March 22, 2013, 08:58:27 pm
I've been traditional 14 year now I find its the best way to work in London I don't  get much 4 weekly houses down here its all one off cleans wfp cleaning is a get out of jail for me
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: david watts on March 23, 2013, 12:45:06 pm
been off this site 6 mths;nowt changes ;)
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on March 23, 2013, 03:12:46 pm
3 of the window cleaners i have kown for years have fallen off their ladders 1 is dead another hassevere spinal injures and another has a 2 inch dent in his head and has lost some mental capacity.that is my reasonfor using pwf.these injuries have occured in last 3 years. also it takes8 minutes to clean 3 bed with wfp twenty minutes plus with ladders.i keep my ladder work to minium i have been cleaning windows for34 years.however dont know it all and find forum informative and am not knocking trad cleaners just stating fact and be careful.

Yebbut, there is always someone on here who thinks it won't happen to them ...  ::)roll
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: DG Cleaning on March 23, 2013, 05:07:15 pm
Never happen to me, ever!
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: jimiwindows on March 23, 2013, 05:07:48 pm
wfp is killing the game
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: peter1983 on March 23, 2013, 05:28:32 pm
Jimi I make you right there a lot of cons doing wfp window cleaning talking bull about how good it is this year I have had about 4 calls asking me to come and have a look at what there done 1 was a school and 3 offices it's was a joke very bad cleaning I must say


Don't take this post bad it just what I thing about wfp cleaning
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on March 23, 2013, 06:44:55 pm
Yes, unfortunately there are a lot of bad wf polers out there that are ruining the systems reputation, but these will be out of business before they know it, it's the ones that do it properly that will prosper and build a decent and safe round.
Title: Re: why some still work traditional?
Post by: Johnny B on March 23, 2013, 06:56:11 pm
In 16 years I have had 3 or 4 occasions where my ladders have slipped and I have fallen. Each time it was my error for which I take full responsibility and wouldn't bleat about it if I had been hurt. I am not saying it couldn't nor wouldn't happen again, or that I won't get hurt should it happen, but I know and accept the risks and take more care to minimise the chances of it happening by using the ladders more responsibly.

FYI, the only wf poler I know of in my locality is a good friend of mine who is semi retired and is unable to use ladders due to a serious injury he sustained 2 years ago (not involving ladders).

John