Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: dazmond on February 21, 2015, 12:22:15 pm

Title: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: dazmond on February 21, 2015, 12:22:15 pm
she phoned and left a voicemail while i was out food shopping this morning.

one estate i clean has been leafletted this last week.i phoned the guy up and gave him a few leads to potential jobs i dont wanna take on(in different area)and will pass on gutter clearing jobs if he does a good job for one of my customers.

he s 100% trad and quoting £2 or £3 lower than my prices.

thing is he will have to climb on 2 roofs to reach some windows.he s quoted £7 where i was charging £10.

ive been cleaning her windows for 10+ years but i dont think she was happy paying £10.she even dropped to 8 weekly frequency last year(small conny on the back as well).i always clean frames,sills and doors as well as skylight.

now there is 4 other windows cleaners on this estate now.it takes me 4 days to clean(90+ houses very compact)while the other guys have 2 or 3 houses each(1 wfp,3 trad) ;D

i guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: PoleKing on February 21, 2015, 12:33:08 pm
If you're gonna lose a customer, one who pays a fiver a month is what I'd choose, Daz.
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: SeanK on February 21, 2015, 12:46:41 pm
Some people are never happy and no matter how much you do for them its never enough, I feel more sorry
for the guys that are picking up these customers as its not a great way to build a round.
I was lucky when I started as there where a lot of bad shiners in my targeted area and work was easily gained without the need to undercut so I didn't get a lot of these I want it done for nothing customers, wouldn't want to be starting from scratch again now as that opening has now all but gone.
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: dazmond on February 21, 2015, 01:01:38 pm
ive just sent her this text

"ive suspended your account for now.please feel free to phone me and ill add you back onto my round if he lets you down in a few months.best wishes.darren."

the job takes me 15 mins to clean and is very compact with my other jobs.shes very friendly and like i said ive been cleaning her windows for years. :)
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Perfect Windows on February 21, 2015, 02:13:22 pm
Clean her windows with chocolate milk...

Put a sliver of bamboo in her doorlock...

Put dog muck through her letter box...

Text her and tell her to ***** ***** **** ***...

Tell her she's doomed and that you'll never take her back...

Replace with three new ones...

Refuse her if she ever asks to be put back on the round...

Tell her neighbours she'd a paedo...

etc, etc ad infinitum.

Vin
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: C o z y on February 21, 2015, 02:17:54 pm
Clean her windows with chocolate milk...

Put a sliver of bamboo in her doorlock...

Put dog muck through her letter box...

Text her and tell her to ***** ***** **** ***...

Tell her she's doomed and that you'll never take her back...

Replace with three new ones...

Refuse her if she ever asks to be put back on the round...

Tell her neighbours she'd a paedo...

etc, etc ad infinitum.

Vin

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Perfect Windows on February 21, 2015, 02:20:05 pm
Clean her windows with chocolate milk...

Put a sliver of bamboo in her doorlock...

Put dog muck through her letter box...

Text her and tell her to ***** ***** **** ***...

Tell her she's doomed and that you'll never take her back...

Replace with three new ones...

Refuse her if she ever asks to be put back on the round...

Tell her neighbours she'd a paedo...

etc, etc ad infinitum.

Vin

 ;D ;D

Odd thing is that I've read all of those given as serious advice on here.

Anyway, it can't be true; leaflets don't work.

Vin
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: jk999 on February 21, 2015, 02:25:29 pm
If a customer wants to leave over a few quid then its a customer not worth having , but if its a customer thats worth keeping is it worth it to re negotiate with her on price .go have a talk with her and point out that you clean frames and sills and the other window cleaner probably doesn't offer what you offer sometime s it makes them think about who they  want doing their windows  :)
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: dazmond on February 21, 2015, 03:11:14 pm
If a customer wants to leave over a few quid then its a customer not worth having , but if its a customer thats worth keeping is it worth it to re negotiate with her on price .go have a talk with her and point out that you clean frames and sills and the other window cleaner probably doesn't offer what you offer sometime s it makes them think about who they  want doing their windows  :)

shes been a good customer for over 10 years mate.good payer(never late,always on time.)shes trying this guy on price alone methinks.if hes crap or stops coming then i know ill pick her up again! ;)

id never lower her price.£10 is about right.i wouldnt clean it for less money.
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Dave Willis on February 21, 2015, 03:48:25 pm
No Daz, she's sacked you 'cos you are crap! She's waited ten years to find a proper window cleaner - cheaper too  ;D
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Clever Forum Name on February 21, 2015, 03:52:53 pm
Probably came on here. Saw you go away on these 5* getaways then realized she is helping to fund it. I am going to be honest here! It's your fault Daz!
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Bungle on February 21, 2015, 04:02:11 pm
No Daz, she's sacked you 'cos you are crap! She's waited ten years to find a proper window cleaner - cheaper too  ;D

 ;D
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: ChumBucket on February 21, 2015, 04:17:34 pm
Some customers will always base their decisions on price- move on along the same road you are already travelling. ;)
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: robbo333 on February 21, 2015, 04:53:49 pm
No Daz, she's sacked you 'cos you are crap! She's waited ten years to find a proper window cleaner - cheaper too  ;D

 ;D +1
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: no way Jose on February 21, 2015, 05:29:41 pm
my concern wouldn't be just about loosing a custy but about having a new bloke around cleaning windows for 25% or 30% less if he's any good there will be more people asking him to do their windows and once he's got a foot on the ladder ...........
hopefully for you it will be a matter of : here today gone tomorrow
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: hasti on February 21, 2015, 05:48:13 pm
Clean her windows with chocolate milk...

Put a sliver of bamboo in her doorlock...

Put dog muck through her letter box...

Text her and tell her to ***** ***** **** ***...

Tell her she's doomed and that you'll never take her back...

Replace with three new ones...

Refuse her if she ever asks to be put back on the round...

Tell her neighbours she'd a paedo...

etc, etc ad infinitum.

Vin

Is that how you grow your franchisee then ?  ;D ;D
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: david mark on February 21, 2015, 10:01:30 pm
There more window cleaners in this country than plumbers the only people making real money in this business are  the people who sell the equipment ie the same people who run and operate this forum and we are the mugs who help and promote more people to start up a business give them help and advice only for them to  under price well established windies
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: PoleKing on February 21, 2015, 10:03:32 pm
There more window cleaners in this country than plumbers the only people making real money in this business are  the people who sell the equipment ie the same people who run and operate this forum and we are the mugs who help and promote more people to start up a business give them help and advice only for them to  under price well established windies

Spot the struggling businessman ::)roll
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: david mark on February 21, 2015, 10:05:43 pm
Im not struggling
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Mick Kent on February 21, 2015, 10:06:50 pm
Clean her windows with chocolate milk...

Put a sliver of bamboo in her doorlock...

Put dog muck through her letter box...

Text her and tell her to ***** ***** **** ***...

Tell her she's doomed and that you'll never take her back...

Replace with three new ones...

Refuse her if she ever asks to be put back on the round...

Tell her neighbours she'd a paedo...

etc, etc ad infinitum.

Vin

 ;D ;D

Odd thing is that I've read all of those given as serious advice on here.

Anyway, it can't be true; leaflets don't work.

Vin

 ::)roll
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Clever Forum Name on February 21, 2015, 10:08:36 pm
There more window cleaners in this country than plumbers the only people making real money in this business are  the people who sell the equipment ie the same people who run and operate this forum and we are the mugs who help and promote more people to start up a business give them help and advice only for them to  under price well established windies

This is why over the last year or so I have stopped giving away anything new I have found out.
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: PoleKing on February 21, 2015, 10:12:03 pm
Im not struggling

but not making 'real' money
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: dazmond on February 22, 2015, 12:15:46 am
Probably came on here. Saw you go away on these 5* getaways then realized she is helping to fund it. I am going to be honest here! It's your fault Daz!

Tongue firmly in cheek eh? ;D

Yes I have nice holidays but don't drink, smoke and I have no kids and run a successful one man business.  ;)
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Mick Kent on February 22, 2015, 12:41:41 am
You have prob lost loads to leaflets over the years. Customers dont always tell is the real reason for canceling, they dont want to hurt our feelings,
Whilst canvassing i always get wxisting customers of other cleaners asking the price and if its better they will swap.normally my price is higher so i dont get a convert however saving money is a thing every one of us wants to do.
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Fin Clearview on February 22, 2015, 12:51:40 am
There more window cleaners in this country than plumbers the only people making real money in this business are  the people who sell the equipment ie the same people who run and operate this forum and we are the mugs who help and promote more people to start up a business give them help and advice only for them to  under price well established windies

This is why over the last year or so I have stopped giving away anything new I have found out.

The more sensible comment I've read here lately. Too much transparency on this site imo..some say tongue in cheek while others read as black n white. Then they moan about new start ups undercutting them   ???
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Clever Forum Name on February 22, 2015, 08:18:42 am
Probably came on here. Saw you go away on these 5* getaways then realized she is helping to fund it. I am going to be honest here! It's your fault Daz!

Tongue firmly in cheek eh? ;D

Yes I have nice holidays but don't drink, smoke and I have no kids and run a successful one man business.  ;)

Haha. Keep it up Daz. I purchased waterproof last year and worked in heavier rain due to your comments. I then purchased some expensive ones and work in extreme downpours if I have too. :)
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Clever Forum Name on February 22, 2015, 08:46:34 am
There more window cleaners in this country than plumbers the only people making real money in this business are  the people who sell the equipment ie the same people who run and operate this forum and we are the mugs who help and promote more people to start up a business give them help and advice only for them to  under price well established windies

This is why over the last year or so I have stopped giving away anything new I have found out.

The more sensible comment I've read here lately. Too much transparency on this site imo..some say tongue in cheek while others read as black n white. Then they moan about new start ups undercutting them   ???

Met a trad cleaner sometime ago and was just about to go over to WFP. Told if he needed advice on systems or what to buy then gimme a call. Chap said no need. Went into his cab got the box file and it was crammed full of screen shots from
Various sites lol. Lurkers on every site tbh
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Jonny 87 on February 22, 2015, 09:05:29 am
There more window cleaners in this country than plumbers the only people making real money in this business are  the people who sell the equipment ie the same people who run and operate this forum and we are the mugs who help and promote more people to start up a business give them help and advice only for them to  under price well established windies

This is why over the last year or so I have stopped giving away anything new I have found out.

The more sensible comment I've read here lately. Too much transparency on this site imo..some say tongue in cheek while others read as black n white. Then they moan about new start ups undercutting them   ???

Met a trad cleaner sometime ago and was just about to go over to WFP. Told if he needed advice on systems or what to buy then gimme a call. Chap said no need. Went into his cab got the box file and it was crammed full of screen shots from
Various sites lol. Lurkers on every site tbh

I've found that to be true aswell.

The amount of people just reading and "gleaning" information without actually giving anything back is way more than you'd think.

It's a shame really.

Makes you wonder over the years how many people forums like this has helped overcome problems, when otherwise they have may have just jacked it all in.

Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Clever Forum Name on February 22, 2015, 09:19:12 am
Very true indeed.

Used to post on a PC forum. One chap set up his own pc company and never once posted lol. He just used it to get a feel for what people wanted from PC shops. What grinds their gears etc.

This is why my effort for some time hasn't gone fully into window cleaning and gone elsewhere.
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Dave Willis on February 22, 2015, 09:25:00 am
Just the way people are. The worst ones are the newbies who become overnight experts dishing out poor advice or the self promoting twerps who just want to get more hits on their latest crap youtube videos.

Over the years there's only half a dozen on here I look up to and probably only one supplier possibly two who talk any sense.
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: ChumBucket on February 22, 2015, 11:52:09 am
Just the way people are. The worst ones are the newbies who become overnight experts dishing out poor advice or the self promoting twerps who just want to get more hits on their latest crap youtube videos.

Over the years there's only half a dozen on here I look up to and probably only one supplier possibly two who talk any sense.

+1

Well said. Just remember- "it's good to talk", call me yeah!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Fin Clearview on February 22, 2015, 05:24:32 pm
Just the way people are. The worst ones are the newbies who become overnight experts dishing out poor advice or the self promoting twerps who just want to get more hits on their latest crap youtube videos.

Over the years there's only half a dozen on here I look up to and probably only one supplier possibly two who talk any sense.

I had wondered why I'm not on your xmas card list  ;D
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Fin Clearview on February 22, 2015, 05:27:55 pm
There more window cleaners in this country than plumbers the only people making real money in this business are  the people who sell the equipment ie the same people who run and operate this forum and we are the mugs who help and promote more people to start up a business give them help and advice only for them to  under price well established windies

This is why over the last year or so I have stopped giving away anything new I have found out.

The more sensible comment I've read here lately. Too much transparency on this site imo..some say tongue in cheek while others read as black n white. Then they moan about new start ups undercutting them   ???

Met a trad cleaner sometime ago and was just about to go over to WFP. Told if he needed advice on systems or what to buy then gimme a call. Chap said no need. Went into his cab got the box file and it was crammed full of screen shots from
Various sites lol. Lurkers on every site tbh

^ 100% not surprising.
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: mark15 on February 23, 2015, 12:20:01 pm
No Daz, she's sacked you 'cos you are crap! She's waited ten years to find a proper window cleaner - cheaper too  ;D
;D
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: jarvy on February 23, 2015, 05:25:00 pm
Good job you dont do commercial then,when the crud nationals come in and  you end up losing hundreds a month to them.
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: dazmond on February 23, 2015, 05:42:20 pm
Good job you dont do commercial then,when the crud nationals come in and  you end up losing hundreds a month to them.

i do clean commercial jobs as well mate(mainly offices,care homes,nurseries etc) but most work is indeed domestic. ;)
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: NWH on February 25, 2015, 02:28:17 pm
Some customers will always base their decisions on price- move on along the same road you are already travelling. ;)
Your not one of those idiots who knock on my door from time to time are you lol
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: NWH on February 25, 2015, 02:32:26 pm
Papa don't preach lol
Title: Re: lost first customer in 22 years to a leaflet!
Post by: Joey Eastwood on March 01, 2015, 01:05:21 am
theres always enough work for everyone, anyone moaning about 'newbies' was obviously born with a pole in one hand... lol. if you are moaning about new people taking all the work you dont canvas enough or in a big enough area, people canvas FOR A LIVING EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR lol, generating £££££s of work, this industry is far from saturated theres thousands of houses to every shiner in this country