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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Ian101 on June 14, 2013, 06:16:34 pm

Title: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: Ian101 on June 14, 2013, 06:16:34 pm
Even the weather people are having a meeting next week to discuss the last 3 years climate in this country.

Im now thinking instead of working my round over say 15 or 16 days instead of 20 as I currently do which will mean starting on the glass at 8am sharp.

Also will be working in the rain no matter if its light or heavy (currently work in light rain only)  customers will either have to accept it or they will be missed out and may be dropped altogether as cant see this weather improving and its now got to point I just have to keep going no matter what as got bills to pay  ::)roll and point reached where I feel a need to alter my mindset of "oh well tomorrow will be a nicer day so will leave it till then" as a nicer day never seems to come - if it does it dont last long.

I know some guys on here like Dazmond work in all weather and to a certain point I already do but starting next week if I set out to do £xxx on that day then just gonna do it no matter how heavy the rain.

Anyone else having to rethink their approach ?

Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: DG Cleaning on June 14, 2013, 06:26:16 pm
You need to leave look long term with weather it won't always be bad.
On 2011 I went 7 months and didn't get rained off once, I was trad then and didn't work in rain like I do with the pole.
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: Dave Willis on June 14, 2013, 06:31:23 pm
I look forward to a washout day sometimes - good excuse for a day off  ;D
I've never worked in heavy rain for the last six years and don't really intend too.
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: rah on June 14, 2013, 06:34:55 pm
The real worrying fact is that apparently, the weather we are currently experiencing is a result of climate change 25 yrs ago!!! We're a lot more industrial now and a lot more populated than we were then!

Interesting times ahead!
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: deeege on June 14, 2013, 06:42:46 pm
You need a backup of work you can do in bad weather, be it rain,wind, snow or ice.
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: robertphil on June 14, 2013, 07:13:07 pm
dont think about it ,just do it (work in all weathers)
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: dazmond on June 14, 2013, 07:28:35 pm
i worked again today in heavy rain.no one even mentioned it really and paid up if they were in.some of the torrential downpours were quite spectacular!!i did sit in the van a couple of times for around 10 mins as it was unbelievably bad at times!!

ive got a stinking cold as well.i had a few commercial jobs today but a fair few were country domestics.

im stacked out at the moment.i was hoping to have the weekend off but got a phone call the other day off a customer who wants her big glass conny roof cleaned and the windows so im doing it tomorrow probably in heavy rain!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

yesterday i had a run of 10 large posh domestic houses and they all paid up without mentioning the weather and it was pretty wet at times!! ;D ;D

the thing is the windows and frames came u great despite the weather ;D

its forecast wet for most of next week as well so i just crack on.

ive been working in virtually all weathers for a few years now and customers are used to it.

remember all the wet weather last summer?i was out in it most of the time if i had work due.i also had my best ever yearly earnings.

i dont like getting behind and stick to a pretty rigid schedule as when all my work is completed on time i get a few days "breathing space" at the end of the month to chill out and relax.

this is the way i work anyway lads.it wasnt always like this though when on the ladders!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


best wishes to you all



dazmond
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: dazmond on June 14, 2013, 07:48:26 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1371235631_IMAG1490.jpg)

this was this afternoon!absolutely bouncing down!!cleaning a childrens home!i decided to shelter for 10 mins!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: Stephen.C on June 14, 2013, 07:53:59 pm
After a recent trip to Belfast to see family, got talking to a couple of shiners they tell me it rains nearly 70% of the time and no one bats an eye lid, providing its WFP.
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: PoleKing on June 14, 2013, 07:55:56 pm
I run a monthly round but aim for 4 weekly.
Gives an extra couple of days leeway most months.
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: Flash.. on June 14, 2013, 08:01:19 pm
I look forward to a washout day sometimes - good excuse for a day off  ;D
I've never worked in heavy rain for the last six years and don't really intend too.

Agree with both points
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: bobplum on June 14, 2013, 08:07:28 pm
You need to leave look long term with weather it won't always be bad.
On 2011 I went 7 months and didn't get rained off once, I was trad then and didn't work in rain like I do with the pole.

How do you no it wont be bad ???
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: home6442 on June 14, 2013, 08:11:17 pm
I don't mind working in the rain but rain with high winds is another
matter, and we seem to be getting more of this.
I cleaned in windy wet weather a few weeks back and the windows were filthy again the next day
had to clean them all again they were that bad.
The thing to think about is with all this bad weather why would anybody care if their
windows were cleaned or not.
I know if I was paying £20 + to have my windows cleaned and they where dirty again
a few days later I would certainly think about cutting back on the clean frequency.
Good job most of my customers are not like me.
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: ben M on June 14, 2013, 08:16:37 pm
where do you live Ian? come to the south, most of the time the weather is nice  ;)
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: bobplum on June 14, 2013, 08:18:49 pm
I agree with Ian,build a few days slack in the system (finances allowing) and depending on your live style

And how you first started off probably has a bearing on it as well, if you always cleaned in the rain then customers are use to it if not then it is a mind set that needs to be crossed both for the cleaner and the customers.

Scenario......"hi sorry were late"  customer " thats ok,you couldn't have cleaned in that rain yesterday"............use to agree...but now its  "well actually we do and will be doing it more often"....then explain the system etc

Have just compiled a "news letter" well actually its more a terms and conditions in disguise, which will in part be reinforcing the fact we will now be cleaning in the rain
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: james peters on June 14, 2013, 08:19:57 pm
I know some of you wont believe me...but in all honesty , I have probably only had 2 days off over the past year to bad weather... youv just got to get on with it...

ok.. when it has been really bad I just do the ones that I know are always out...I rarely get  anyone making a fuss about it.....I realy do think that some of us think too much and worry too much , and put objections in the way without trying....

if a custie comes out and says not today, then just move to the next house .... dont fret over it ...just get on with it....
I have to work in all weathers as I live in one of the wettest parts of the uk...
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: supernova77 on June 14, 2013, 08:20:57 pm
Quote
   Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
« Reply #14 on: Today at 08:18:04 pm »   
Quote from: dazmond on Today at 07:48:26 pm


this was this afternoon!absolutely bouncing down!!cleaning a childrens home!i decided to shelter for 10 mins!!       
ridiculous, no respect at all for customers

I don't see the issue? The windows will still be clean...

Andy
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: Dani J on June 14, 2013, 09:22:31 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1371235631_IMAG1490.jpg)

this was this afternoon!absolutely bouncing down!!cleaning a childrens home!i decided to shelter for 10 mins!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D



i will sack you on the spot if you were my window cleaner.  ;D
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: deeege on June 14, 2013, 09:29:08 pm
After a recent trip to Belfast to see family, got talking to a couple of shiners they tell me it rains nearly 70% of the time and no one bats an eye lid, providing its WFP.

And you believed them?
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: formb on June 15, 2013, 07:15:31 am
I'm very up north. We have had a cracking start to the summer. Virtually no rain whatsoever. A wee snow shower at the end of may but hey ho.

Some of you are a like soooo melodramatic. A bit of rain and the world is ending.
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: formb on June 15, 2013, 07:21:37 am
Quote from: Ian101
Even the weather people are having a meeting next week to discuss the last 3 years climate in this country.

Weather people meet to talk about the weather. Shock horror.

Don't believe the hype. Its just rain.

Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: dazmond on June 15, 2013, 08:59:06 am
to the guy who said ive got no respect for my customers!absolutely LMAO!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

the job was a commercial

i didnt work in that very heavy shower.10 mins later the sun came out for 2 mins!

the windows and frames had quite a lot of birdmuck on which i cleaned off.

AND GUESS WHAT?i got an email off them last night to price up the other 3 childrens homes they have around the area!!!

so today im off to clean a large glass conny roof and windows IN THE RAIN! then im gonna price these 3 jobs up. ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D


regards


dazmond
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: ben M on June 15, 2013, 09:03:04 am
to the guy who said ive got no respect for my customers!absolutely LMAO!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

the job was a commercial

i didnt work in that very heavy shower.10 mins later the sun came out for 2 mins!

the windows and frames had quite a lot of birdmuck on which i cleaned off.

AND GUESS WHAT?i got an email off them last night to price up the other 3 childrens homes they have around the area!!!

so today im off to clean a large glass conny roof and windows IN THE RAIN! then im gonna price these 3 jobs up. ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D


regards


dazmond
you must be desperate to work in the rain mate
to be honest where you live you have no choice really  ;D
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: Richard iSparkle on June 15, 2013, 09:04:02 am
I know some of you wont believe me...but in all honesty , I have probably only had 2 days off over the past year to bad weather... youv just got to get on with it...

ok.. when it has been really bad I just do the ones that I know are always out...I rarely get  anyone making a fuss about it.....I realy do think that some of us think too much and worry too much , and put objections in the way without trying....

if a custie comes out and says not today, then just move to the next house .... dont fret over it ...just get on with it....
I have to work in all weathers as I live in one of the wettest parts of the uk...

i believe you.  i've been going 3 years and have never missed a day because of the weather.

how can we offer a reliable regular service if weather stops us?
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: dazmond on June 15, 2013, 09:13:35 am
so if it rains all next week lads are you going to take the week off? ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: Richard iSparkle on June 15, 2013, 09:15:18 am
so if it rains all next week lads are you going to take the week off? ;D ;D ;D ;D

cant afford to mate!  and i dont like working weekends either...  so we just put a coat on and clean!

 :o
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: MATT BATEMAN (OWC) on June 15, 2013, 09:17:22 am
Some of you are a like soooo melodramatic. A bit of rain and the world is ending.

They've been watching too many Lee Burbidge videos involving Yanks, bloody drama queens..


This is how it is Ian, when its dryish enough you go to work. When it's too wettish enough you don't.  Planning your round won't change that.
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: ben M on June 15, 2013, 09:17:36 am
so if it rains all next week lads are you going to take the week off? ;D ;D ;D ;D
never happen mate, i live in the South West  ;D
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: dazmond on June 15, 2013, 09:21:43 am
i like nice holidays,dining in posh restaurants,having a nice car to drive when not working,staying in 5 star hotels,etc,etc.

if i didnt work in the rain and stick to my schedule then i wouldnt be able to enjoy the finer things in life!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: tlwcs on June 15, 2013, 09:22:45 am
It is a wet system and I agree its not always nice to work in the rain. But, rarely does it rain heavily all day, not all of our customers are in and see us working in it and most of them accept that to be reliable a third of their cleans maybe on wet or looks like rain days.
Tony
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: ben M on June 15, 2013, 09:23:19 am
i like nice holidays,dining in posh restaurants,having a nice car to drive when not working,staying in 5 star hotels,etc,etc.

if i didnt work in the rain and stick to my schedule then i wouldnt be able to enjoy the finer things in life!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
and a gorgeous girlfriend  ;D
Title: Re: Do we need to rethink our rounds with constantly bad weather.
Post by: Smudger on June 15, 2013, 09:39:11 am
 dazmond! wfp - working to schedules - no stopping because of rain
What a turn around from a few years ago when you were trad!

Anyway your all wimps - I get the lads to work in all weathers

(http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b458/huxleyhobbs/win1_zpsea587c66.jpg) (http://s1045.photobucket.com/user/huxleyhobbs/media/win1_zpsea587c66.jpg.html)

 ;D

Darran