Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: The Jester of Wibbly on June 18, 2014, 09:42:39 pm
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Two quotes this week lost due to being beaten by ridiculously low pricing.
One job was a large commercial building - 2-3 hours work. Was quoted just £25 by another w/c.
Another was a large B&B three floors around 30 windows Plus large conservatory. Was quoted at £12 by another w/c.
They must be cutting corners somewhere. Or I'm too expensive? Rant over!
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Two quotes this week lost due to being beaten by ridiculously low pricing.
One job was a large commercial building - 2-3 hours work. Was quoted just £25 by another w/c.
Another was a large B&B three floors around 30 windows Plus large conservatory. Was quoted at £12 by another w/c.
They must be cutting corners somewhere. Or I'm too expensive? Rant over!
No, you're not.
Think how annoyed you'd be if you got the job at that price.
Those are less than minimum wage prices.
You can't run a business like that.
You can top up your dole/DLA/jobseekers etc.
Don't be annoyed you didn't get them. You should be overjoyed.
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Two quotes this week lost due to being beaten by ridiculously low pricing.
One job was a large commercial building - 2-3 hours work. Was quoted just £25 by another w/c.
Another was a large B&B three floors around 30 windows Plus large conservatory. Was quoted at £12 by another w/c.
They must be cutting corners somewhere. Or I'm too expensive? Rant over!
No, you're not.
Think how annoyed you'd be if you got the job at that price.
Those are less than minimum wage prices.
You can't run a business like that.
You can top up your dole/DLA/jobseekers etc.
Don't be annoyed you didn't get them. You should be overjoyed.
Too right. I await another call later down the line when the winter kicks in. Will probably just tell them I'm too busy now :)
My frustration is that these cheap quotes are setting the mind set on customers thoughts of pricing in the future. I wonder what the B&B would think if they had a resident cancel saying they found another B&B for £4 a night :)
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I find it strange these penny pinching companies, surely they can claim window cleaning as an expense so why employ these cheapo mugs that don't have a clue what they are doing, have no insurance etc.
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Two quotes this week lost due to being beaten by ridiculously low pricing.
One job was a large commercial building - 2-3 hours work. Was quoted just £25 by another w/c.
Another was a large B&B three floors around 30 windows Plus large conservatory. Was quoted at £12 by another w/c.
They must be cutting corners somewhere. Or I'm too expensive? Rant over!
No, you're not.
Think how annoyed you'd be if you got the job at that price.
Those are less than minimum wage prices.
You can't run a business like that.
You can top up your dole/DLA/jobseekers etc.
Don't be annoyed you didn't get them. You should be overjoyed.
Too right. I await another call later down the line when the winter kicks in. Will probably just tell them I'm too busy now :)
My frustration is that these cheap quotes are setting the mind set for customers for the future. I wonder what the B&B would think if they had a resident cancel saying they found another B&B for £4 a night :)
Where are you mate?
Unless in somewhere like middlesborough (no offence intended) i think the property owners will be fully aware of how much of a cheap deal they're getting.
They probably think along the lines of 'we'll give him a punt and chuck him if he is absolutely awful' in reality if they porthole all the windows trad but the've only gotta pay a fiver for a full days work, some people would, and do, take that.
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Same here mate, got work in a local town. Started off with a call and canvassed a bit and it eventually grew to a days work a week, then started getting calls and texts saying can ya leave it, doing them myself now etc.
then one of my customers produced a leaflet of a recent start up and told me he is charging half what I and others in the area who I know do. I told her if I was to work for those prices I'd have stayed working in a kitchen factory and not forked out thousands on a van and equipment. Funnily enough she came up with a complaint that a vent has started leaking and she wouldn't be needing my services anymore. I regularly pass and she def still has them done so I take it she went with this sniper.
My work there has basically dwindled to nothing in that area now, I cannot understand how they can make a living for those prices unless as already has been mentioned its to top up their dole. And what can ya do about it ruling out calling round and having it out with him?
Very frustrating >:(
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There's millions of windows out there and a window cleaner can only clean so many of them, which gives us plenty of scope to find customers who're willing to pay a fair price for a fair service.
Target the rural accounts! Big houses with people with a few bob to spare, who like pleasant window cleaners who they think won't rob them.
(Not around Chepstow though; they're all mine.)
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2 weeks ago I quoted a stupidly high price for a very, very large house because I didn't want the job. The windows were all those fake Georgian windows but all double glazed. In total, thousands of 6" X 8" panes.
To my complete and utter surprise he accepted the quote.
He'd had the windows done a few weeks before hand by a splash and dash wfp'er who quoted a third what I quoted. The bloke did the windows in about an hour and what a mess. I did the windows today and it took me 6 hours solid and I can now hardly lift my arms.
I now have an extremely well paying job every 6 weeks and the lady of the house is as pleased as punch to have 'sparkly windows'.
This is now the 5th time I've quoted an OTT price because I don't need or want the work and the 3rd time it's been accepted.
There are people prepared to pay extra for a quality job.
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Two quotes this week lost due to being beaten by ridiculously low pricing.
One job was a large commercial building - 2-3 hours work. Was quoted just £25 by another w/c.
Another was a large B&B three floors around 30 windows Plus large conservatory. Was quoted at £12 by another w/c.
They must be cutting corners somewhere. Or I'm too expensive? Rant over!
leave em to it mate but if they ring you in a few months still quote but put in a proper price and do a good job and you could keep the jobs for years.good price,good job,be reliable,printed invoices,online payments etc.
trust me these guys will soon get bored of earning £25 for 2 or 3 hours work!they wont last 2 mins!thats where you come in!! ;) :)
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trust me these guys will soon get bored of earning £25 for 2 or 3 hours work!they wont last 2 mins!thats where you come in!! ;) :)
True, but I think the above needs to be explained to the customer. Sometimes they don't realise that's why their window cleaner stopped turning up.
This week I picked up a garden centre; the previous window cleaners had went in cheap; then provided a shoddy service and rarely turned up; obviously on their B List. I explained it to the manager and he nodded in agreement.
We stuck in a decent price and we got the job at a very good frequency too.
Some good points from everyone, glad we're on the same page.
I did explain the difference between quality and price to them. Said corners are being cut as to be a fully insured, CRB checked, tax paying business with the correct equipment, that price could not be achieved.
If price is more important than quality and reliability, then I'm not the w/c for them.
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i just lost a big house with tennis courts, range rovers on the drive etc custy said they are happy with my service and have been for 4 years but they have found someone else who has quoted them less than half, they are going to "try him out" and if they are not happy they will give me a call,
cheapskates
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i just lost a big house with tennis courts, range rovers on the drive etc custy said they are happy with my service and have been for 4 years but they have found someone else who has quoted them less than half, they are going to "try him out" and if they are not happy they will give me a call,
cheapskates
will u take em back
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Had a guy move into one of the MOD areas we work recently. He was all over Facebook explaing that he wanted to start a window cleaning round here like "in UK". Two weekly tour, €5 a pop, for 2 and 3 bed semi's.
We charge €15 a pop for these houses, on a 6 weekly basis. So he costs the same as us, but has to do 3 times the work.
Never seemed to get off the ground. People want a window cleaner, and if available, one that's known and trusted and does a decent job. They mistrust "cheap", as most know, if they swap for a cheaper guy, the chances are, you won't take them back.
I'm limited in the amount of Brit custies I can get, but even I don't worry about guys like this.
There are millions of properties in UK who need a window cleaner. You have all managed to get some customers. Why have you stopped getting customers? Go and keep getting customers, and then trim the crap off your round.
The answer to most "problems" with customers is: get more customers. Keep things simple.
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Same here mate, got work in a local town. Started off with a call and canvassed a bit and it eventually grew to a days work a week, then started getting calls and texts saying can ya leave it, doing them myself now etc.
then one of my customers produced a leaflet of a recent start up and told me he is charging half what I and others in the area who I know do. I told her if I was to work for those prices I'd have stayed working in a kitchen factory and not forked out thousands on a van and equipment. Funnily enough she came up with a complaint that a vent has started leaking and she wouldn't be needing my services anymore. I regularly pass and she def still has them done so I take it she went with this sniper.
My work there has basically dwindled to nothing in that area now, I cannot understand how they can make a living for those prices unless as already has been mentioned its to top up their dole. And what can ya do about it ruling out calling round and having it out with him?
Very frustrating >:(
Have it out with him?? Just because you don't like his prices?
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i just lost a big house with tennis courts, range rovers on the drive etc custy said they are happy with my service and have been for 4 years but they have found someone else who has quoted them less than half, they are going to "try him out" and if they are not happy they will give me a call,
cheapskates
will u take em back
I wouldn't! !
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Me neither as will probably drop u again for the next cheap price
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Same here mate, got work in a local town. Started off with a call and canvassed a bit and it eventually grew to a days work a week, then started getting calls and texts saying can ya leave it, doing them myself now etc.
then one of my customers produced a leaflet of a recent start up and told me he is charging half what I and others in the area who I know do. I told her if I was to work for those prices I'd have stayed working in a kitchen factory and not forked out thousands on a van and equipment. Funnily enough she came up with a complaint that a vent has started leaking and she wouldn't be needing my services anymore. I regularly pass and she def still has them done so I take it she went with this sniper.
My work there has basically dwindled to nothing in that area now, I cannot understand how they can make a living for those prices unless as already has been mentioned its to top up their dole. And what can ya do about it ruling out calling round and having it out with him?
Very frustrating >:(
Have it out with him?? Just because you don't like his prices?
No because he's intentionally canvassing other window cleaners work and undercutting us. Myself and others I've spoken to go by the rule that if you knock a door and ask "do you have a window cleaner?" If they have one most have the decency to say that's fine, thanks for your time but not this person in particular...
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Same here mate, got work in a local town. Started off with a call and canvassed a bit and it eventually grew to a days work a week, then started getting calls and texts saying can ya leave it, doing them myself now etc.
then one of my customers produced a leaflet of a recent start up and told me he is charging half what I and others in the area who I know do. I told her if I was to work for those prices I'd have stayed working in a kitchen factory and not forked out thousands on a van and equipment. Funnily enough she came up with a complaint that a vent has started leaking and she wouldn't be needing my services anymore. I regularly pass and she def still has them done so I take it she went with this sniper.
My work there has basically dwindled to nothing in that area now, I cannot understand how they can make a living for those prices unless as already has been mentioned its to top up their dole. And what can ya do about it ruling out calling round and having it out with him?
Very frustrating >:(
Have it out with him?? Just because you don't like his prices?
No because he's intentionally canvassing other window cleaners work and undercutting us. Myself and others I've spoken to go by the rule that if you knock a door and ask "do you have a window cleaner?" If they have one most have the decency to say that's fine, thanks for your time but not this person in particular...
Ah, I see. The only problem is (putting etiquette to one side) unless a binding contract is signed, the customer can go with whoever they choose. But I agree, it's sneaky and I imagine very frustrating tho.
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This problem is due to the Mafia getting involved in window cleaning.
Be careful if having it out with them.
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Same here mate, got work in a local town. Started off with a call and canvassed a bit and it eventually grew to a days work a week, then started getting calls and texts saying can ya leave it, doing them myself now etc.
then one of my customers produced a leaflet of a recent start up and told me he is charging half what I and others in the area who I know do. I told her if I was to work for those prices I'd have stayed working in a kitchen factory and not forked out thousands on a van and equipment. Funnily enough she came up with a complaint that a vent has started leaking and she wouldn't be needing my services anymore. I regularly pass and she def still has them done so I take it she went with this sniper.
My work there has basically dwindled to nothing in that area now, I cannot understand how they can make a living for those prices unless as already has been mentioned its to top up their dole. And what can ya do about it ruling out calling round and having it out with him?
Very frustrating >:(
Have it out with him?? Just because you don't like his prices?
No because he's intentionally canvassing other window cleaners work and undercutting us. Myself and others I've spoken to go by the rule that if you knock a door and ask "do you have a window cleaner?" If they have one most have the decency to say that's fine, thanks for your time but not this person in particular...
Ah, I see. The only problem is (putting etiquette to one side) unless a binding contract is signed, the customer can go with whoever they choose. But I agree, it's sneaky and I imagine very frustrating tho.
Have to disagree there's nothing sneaky about it.
Is it sneaky when Tesco's check out Asda's prices and then undercut them, no its what happens in business.
Don't think its a good way to build a window cleaning round but each to their own.
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Same here mate, got work in a local town. Started off with a call and canvassed a bit and it eventually grew to a days work a week, then started getting calls and texts saying can ya leave it, doing them myself now etc.
then one of my customers produced a leaflet of a recent start up and told me he is charging half what I and others in the area who I know do. I told her if I was to work for those prices I'd have stayed working in a kitchen factory and not forked out thousands on a van and equipment. Funnily enough she came up with a complaint that a vent has started leaking and she wouldn't be needing my services anymore. I regularly pass and she def still has them done so I take it she went with this sniper.
My work there has basically dwindled to nothing in that area now, I cannot understand how they can make a living for those prices unless as already has been mentioned its to top up their dole. And what can ya do about it ruling out calling round and having it out with him?
Very frustrating >:(
What sort of prices are you speaking about and what size houses? I have estates where I have plenty of houses at low process and I'm still earning good money and picking up more, others may be a couple of quid dearer and can't hold onto the work. I've been in these areas just as long if not longer than other cleaners.
Simon.
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While there busy grafting on crappy jobs for no money you should be pulling in nice quality work - who's better off ?
Charge a fair price and you'll do well, too cheap or expensive and it will all end in disaster one way or another.
Unfortunately this industry suffers from low self esteem where a fair proportion think you can not earn or deserve a good hourly buisness rate, the other problem is almost anyone can start up for low costs (if trad) and either have other income, be it social, pension, rich spouse so undercharge, others need income so rather than lose a job at a fair price will do it for a pittance just to have something.
When all said and done it's a free market and the customer can choose quality or price, as many find out what they really wanted was quality, they just didn't know it until they tried buying it on the cheap
Darran
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Those who charge too cheap go out of business as they have no profits or savings to fall back on when the van packs up or they need new equipment to replace the old or there is a severe winter.
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Same here mate, got work in a local town. Started off with a call and canvassed a bit and it eventually grew to a days work a week, then started getting calls and texts saying can ya leave it, doing them myself now etc.
then one of my customers produced a leaflet of a recent start up and told me he is charging half what I and others in the area who I know do. I told her if I was to work for those prices I'd have stayed working in a kitchen factory and not forked out thousands on a van and equipment. Funnily enough she came up with a complaint that a vent has started leaking and she wouldn't be needing my services anymore. I regularly pass and she def still has them done so I take it she went with this sniper.
My work there has basically dwindled to nothing in that area now, I cannot understand how they can make a living for those prices unless as already has been mentioned its to top up their dole. And what can ya do about it ruling out calling round and having it out with him?
Very frustrating >:(
What sort of prices are you speaking about and what size houses? I have estates where I have plenty of houses at low process and I'm still earning good money and picking up more, others may be a couple of quid dearer and can't hold onto the work. I've been in these areas just as long if not longer than other cleaners.
Simon.
For example, average 3 bed semis would be around 10 quid here, hes doing them for a fiver, other examples are roughly half of what the going rate would be.
Perhaps the reason some people charge so little is they don't know what can be earned for a good standard of work. The reason many of us got into this was to get out of the rat race and make a decent living, not to continue to earn the same level of pay we had in employment. They will learn one day
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This problem is due to the Mafia getting involved in window cleaning.
Be careful if having it out with them.
Heard their prices were nothing short of extortion ;D
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Those who charge too cheap go out of business as they have no profits or savings to fall back on when the van packs up or they need new equipment to replace the old or there is a severe winter.
Couldn't agree more, they also get demotivated when they realise that window cleaning is hard work and
it takes an above average wage to make it worthwhile.
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Those who charge too cheap go out of business as they have no profits or savings to fall back on when the van packs up or they need new equipment to replace the old or there is a severe winter.
Ain't that just so. I couldn't agree more as well.
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It's happened to me too, more recently. One customer told me that some lads offered to do them for HALF what I charge and she just couldn't say no at that price.
They are not doleys at all, they are Eastern European immigrants.
Ever so sorry if that's not politically correct, but it's a simple fact.
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We pick up quite a bit of work from one or two particular companies round here. The reason is they're too cheap so don't stick around and the other is they do a useless job so get the boot.
What's there to worry about ?
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We pick up quite a bit of work from one or two particular companies round here. The reason is they're too cheap so don't stick around and the other is they do a useless job so get the boot.
What's there to worry about ?
HAPPENS TO ME TOO MATT!great innit! ;) :D
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Same here mate, got work in a local town. Started off with a call and canvassed a bit and it eventually grew to a days work a week, then started getting calls and texts saying can ya leave it, doing them myself now etc.
then one of my customers produced a leaflet of a recent start up and told me he is charging half what I and others in the area who I know do. I told her if I was to work for those prices I'd have stayed working in a kitchen factory and not forked out thousands on a van and equipment. Funnily enough she came up with a complaint that a vent has started leaking and she wouldn't be needing my services anymore. I regularly pass and she def still has them done so I take it she went with this sniper.
My work there has basically dwindled to nothing in that area now, I cannot understand how they can make a living for those prices unless as already has been mentioned its to top up their dole. And what can ya do about it ruling out calling round and having it out with him?
Very frustrating >:(
What sort of prices are you speaking about and what size houses? I have estates where I have plenty of houses at low process and I'm still earning good money and picking up more, others may be a couple of quid dearer and can't hold onto the work. I've been in these areas just as long if not longer than other cleaners.
Simon.
For example, average 3 bed semis would be around 10 quid here, hes doing them for a fiver, other examples are roughly half of what the going rate would be.
Perhaps the reason some people charge so little is they don't know what can be earned for a good standard of work. The reason many of us got into this was to get out of the rat race and make a decent living, not to continue to earn the same level of pay we had in employment. They will learn one day
I've had similar thing happen round our way in the past windows any size housefor £4 add £1 for a conny ect. These have a nasty habit of taking work but they don't last forever. Longest stint I've seen them continue for is 2 1/2 years, short in the grand scheme of things but they can certainly cause damage to business locally. You give out sensible prices and customers think they are being ripped off.
Simon.
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Always get the name of the undercutter. Always report them to HMRC; if they are legit they've got nothing to worry about.
Cue: Gold is a grass - kneecap'im.