Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: MisterC on May 31, 2015, 12:59:13 pm

Title: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: MisterC on May 31, 2015, 12:59:13 pm
Just looking at the forecast for tomorrow, looks ok but then late afternoon/evening rain and gale force winds into Tuesday.  Do you carry on working knowing that everything you have done will be ruined by tues morning or do you take the next two days off and crack on wed AM.
If you do carry on how do you deal with customers moans and groans?
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Rich Wilts on May 31, 2015, 01:10:03 pm
Carry on. You run a business. You're not a charity. The weather forecast can be wrong. Customers take the rough with the smooth.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Perfect Windows on May 31, 2015, 01:31:20 pm
Just looking at the forecast for tomorrow, looks ok but then late afternoon/evening rain and gale force winds into Tuesday.  Do you carry on working knowing that everything you have done will be ruined by tues morning or do you take the next two days off and crack on wed AM.
If you do carry on how do you deal with customers moans and groans?

Do you really know that they will be "ruined"?

I did a place about three weeks ago in wind and rain.  I was working on the back of a house on a hill and a violent squall started.  I did the front in driving rain and extremely strong wind.

I called the customer and explained that the results might not be wonderful.  They agreed to check the next morning and call me.  They did and said they were perfect.

The problem may only exist your mind.

Vin
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Perfect Windows on May 31, 2015, 01:32:31 pm
And another thing - someone on here pointed out that our job is to clean off four weeks of dirt, not to keep them clean for the next four weeks.

Vin
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Soupy on May 31, 2015, 01:41:12 pm
You have to keep going within reason. What's the alternative? Arrange a day off every time the weather says it might rain?
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Clever Forum Name on May 31, 2015, 01:46:16 pm
Makes for an interesting read on people opinions on working in the wind.

I wont work in wind if i class it to be unsafe for me.

Working in strong winds,semi gales etc Crack on.....

http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=194192.0
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: MisterC on May 31, 2015, 01:55:27 pm
Thanks for the advice and your thoughts guys.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Rich Wilts on May 31, 2015, 02:04:54 pm
And another thing - someone on here pointed out that our job is to clean off four weeks of dirt, not to keep them clean for the next four weeks.

Vin

I like that, ta.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: JackieW on May 31, 2015, 02:44:30 pm

''Dear customer,

The service I provide is to clean off the previous month's accumulation of dirt that has formed on your windows.
I offer a  guarantee that immediately after I have cleaned them they will start to get dirty again.

Whether it is raining whilst I am removing the previous month's accumulation of dirt is of no consequence, apart from me getting wet.''

 :)

Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: simon knight on May 31, 2015, 03:04:54 pm
I won't start in the rain but if it starts when I'm out and about I'll crack on...until I'm absolutely drenched, cold, p1$$ed off and far from home. Then I'll think "stuff it".   ;D
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: chris turner on May 31, 2015, 03:20:28 pm
Carry on regardless of weather.
At the the end of the day what's the difference between cleaning the windows on a sunny day then it's wind and rain the next, to actually cleaning in the wind and rain. Those windows you cleaned the day before will still be battered by the weather.
In the UK your always going to get wind and rain probably at least once a week so you may as well just get on with it.
As someone else mentioned the only time I call it a day is when I'm soaked down to my undies even with waterproofs on, then it just becomes uncomfortable to carry on.

Good news is by Wednesday this week high pressure is building in, could be 27c down here in south East by the end of the week!
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Mike #1 on May 31, 2015, 05:20:55 pm
I tend to work in bad weather as you get to work while you can and when I am on schedule I can enjoy the best weather in my garden
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Tom-01 on May 31, 2015, 05:21:56 pm
I said before that bills still have to be paid regardless of the rain, so I work regardless of the rain.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Shane sharples on May 31, 2015, 05:27:37 pm
I said before that bills still have to be paid regardless of the rain, so I work regardless of the rain.

+1
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: duncan h on May 31, 2015, 06:36:04 pm
Customers don't like windows cleaning when its going to rain. Tell them all to move to warmer climates :) Lets face it. It rains 80% of the time. If its raining hard, I stay indoors. If it rains when out. I stop and start.
Hail stopped me a few times the other month. Everytime I went home the sun came out. How would a customer know what it was like when I cleaned the windows? If they are in, I  don't do them. If they are at work....crack on
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Jonny 87 on May 31, 2015, 10:19:37 pm
Work on regardless.

I'll only draw the line at gale force winds and torrential rain non stop.

Anything else then I just stick the waterproofs on.

As has been said previously,  we could clean in the beautifull sunshine then a few hours later the weather gets terrible.

I only worry about what Is under my control and not what I have no control over.

Running my business and keeping to the schedule is what I can do. Control over the weather is something I haven't mastered yet.  :)
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: paulben on June 01, 2015, 05:58:37 am
When I started out if it looked like rain I wouldn't go out soon learned my lesson lost a few days when it never rained.
I hate getting wet so work til it rains finish off in rain but I don't start next one.( No mortgage rent  loans or kids at home  helps )as for wind wont use pole when it becomes hard to handle will work on bungalows trad til bucket with a gallon of water starts to blow along ground
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: gary999 on June 01, 2015, 09:32:41 am
Forecast heavy rain and wind...lookingout of window bright sunshine,  apparent its coming
and that's all I need for an excuse for a day off ;D
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Dave Willis on June 01, 2015, 11:47:24 am
I offer a 24hr rain gurantee. It's guaranteed to rain by the next day!

Just sat in my conservatory now drying out from the last downpour. Might nod off for half an hour and reassess the propects fo this afternoon.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: dazmond on June 01, 2015, 12:09:43 pm
i work in all weathers if i have work due.i dont even think about it much these days.the only exceptions are gale force winds and prolonged heavy rain although ive been known to work in these extremes before now.heavy snow is another.thankfully its very rare in these parts. ;D

ive no work due til wednesday so chill out time for me before a very busy rest of the month workwise.

customers very rarely even mention me cleaning in bad weather as its a normal thing these days(esp the last 5 or 6 years)
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Dave Willis on June 01, 2015, 12:40:01 pm
I guess you don't  work in all weathers then?
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: SeanK on June 01, 2015, 03:29:07 pm
My policy is I can make enough on decent days so I don't need to be out in all weathers like a desperate fool,
price right and work smart.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: 8weekly on June 01, 2015, 04:36:02 pm
My policy is I can make enough on decent days so I don't need to be out in all weathers like a desperate fool,
price right and work smart.
I used to be able to do that when I was part time and insecure. Obviously if you were full time you would go out in most conditions.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: SeanK on June 01, 2015, 04:50:18 pm
My policy is I can make enough on decent days so I don't need to be out in all weathers like a desperate fool,
price right and work smart.
I used to be able to do that when I was part time and insecure. Obviously if you were full time you would go out in most conditions.

Well it depends on what you  class as full time, personally if I had to clean windows nine to five, 5 days a week then I
would be looking for something handier.
Full time for me is about 30 hours a week at whatever hours suit me and that's how Iv priced it as to give me  the money
I need to live well.
Nothing wrong with working in a bit of rain and a breeze but there's no need to work in desperate weather conditions in this game.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: andyM on June 01, 2015, 04:51:51 pm
If we get much more of this rain then im gonna have to employ a part timer to hold the umbrella for me.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: SB Cleaning on June 01, 2015, 05:45:13 pm
My policy is I can make enough on decent days so I don't need to be out in all weathers like a desperate fool,
price right and work smart.
So what do you do on days like this when it's nice in the morning and by afternoon it's blowing a gale and raining?
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Frankybadboy on June 01, 2015, 05:57:32 pm
I  will just stay at home and lie back with me feet up



Come to think of it I be doing that for the next 3-6 months  :P
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Dave Willis on June 01, 2015, 06:01:10 pm
No change there then lazy git.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Frankybadboy on June 01, 2015, 06:03:18 pm
No change there then lazy git.
waiting for me visitors  ;D
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Dave Willis on June 01, 2015, 06:05:59 pm
Will you have the rods in your back for the rest of your life OMF?
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Jonny 87 on June 01, 2015, 06:14:16 pm
My policy is I can make enough on decent days so I don't need to be out in all weathers like a desperate fool,
price right and work smart.

So if you work in all weathers you are a desperate fool?

Think I'll keep that quote and stick it on my fridge.

 ::)roll
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Frankybadboy on June 01, 2015, 06:18:43 pm
Will you have the rods in your back for the rest of your life OMF?
yep

But hoping that gardiner will do some carbon ones   ;D
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Dave Willis on June 01, 2015, 06:32:31 pm
One of my custies has titanium rods up her back - she's at least ten years older than you. 91 years old - she'd pass for 70 easily amazing lady.

Put any weight on yet lardass?
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Frankybadboy on June 01, 2015, 06:48:12 pm
One of my custies has titanium rods up her back - she's at least ten years older than you. 91 years old - she'd pass for 70 easily amazing lady.

Put any weight on yet lardass?
i was doing all right til everyone started being gift of chocolate and ice cream


The word as it at the cycle club,it's to slow me down on my return
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: SeanK on June 01, 2015, 07:03:55 pm
My policy is I can make enough on decent days so I don't need to be out in all weathers like a desperate fool,
price right and work smart.

So if you work in all weathers you are a desperate fool?

Think I'll keep that quote and stick it on my fridge.

 ::)roll

Do that it will give you something to aim for.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Darranvps on June 01, 2015, 07:26:49 pm
During the past 5 years no weather has stopped us  ;D
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: the king on June 01, 2015, 08:58:19 pm
i turned up ata job to day bin cleaning it for 6 years the forcast ant grate but it was dry i did to top windows he came out an said quoet ( y do u allways f ing clean my windows when its guna rain its a wast of time an my money  come bk on thursday an do them. :o i was like wtf i said do u want me to stop then ;D he said yes i said ok, i thault fk ya ill b not coming bk again how i keeped my cool i dont no  >:(
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: 8weekly on June 01, 2015, 09:03:38 pm
I took someone on full time on January 12th. In that time we sat out in the van one huge downpour that lasted ten minutes, but haven't lost a penny in planned work.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Matt. on June 01, 2015, 09:26:40 pm
Well I would normally crack on using half decent poles but.......... I just bought 2 extreme poles 47 & 35 and using the 47 with 2 extensions on it last night, every time a bit of wind came it was a nightmare, was supposed to finish it tonight but am not getting them poles out in this wind

I really thought they was going to snap last night

Absolute pleasure to use these poles even at 60' - but there can't be no wind 💨
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Johnny B on June 01, 2015, 10:16:36 pm
I will only work in light rain, or if it's not hitting the glass. Wind is a no-no for me (trad). I set aside Saturday afternoons for catching up if necessary.

John
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: rosskesava on June 02, 2015, 12:36:46 am
I'm off on a last minute day trip to Belgium tomorrow.

Sod working in the expected high winds and rain.

A bit of rain and a bit of a breeze is one thing but tomorrow's expected weather - nah. I'd rather do something worthwhile than sit and pine that I can't work or brag how I work in any weather.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Richard Stevenson on June 02, 2015, 07:04:47 am
Get some industrial work and carry on regardless. The customer very rarely give a, they usually have far more important things on their minds.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: jonboywalton75 on June 02, 2015, 07:44:59 am
Well I would normally crack on using half decent poles but.......... I just bought 2 extreme poles 47 & 35 and using the 47 with 2 extensions on it last night, every time a bit of wind came it was a nightmare, was supposed to finish it tonight but am not getting them poles out in this wind

I really thought they was going to snap last night

Absolute pleasure to use these poles even at 60' - but there can't be no wind 💨

That's why I don't think I'll ever have an extreme again
They cost you in more ways than one
Slxs all the way for me
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: jonboywalton75 on June 02, 2015, 07:46:27 am
Oh and I'll be working all day here in Cheshire with my Slx and my Smax
I think  :P
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: richard groves on June 02, 2015, 09:38:43 am
My policy on days like this ?
Have a lie in.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: steve rix on June 02, 2015, 09:43:30 am
We price our jobs to allow for one day a week off due to bad weather, so dont need to work in the rain and wind.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: jonboywalton75 on June 02, 2015, 05:23:27 pm
Worked all day today in the wind and rain
Good wad
Now i can have Thursday off in the sunshine
Method in my madness :o
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Rich Wilts on June 02, 2015, 05:29:18 pm
My policy is I can make enough on decent days so I don't need to be out in all weathers like a desperate fool,
price right and work smart.

What a pathetic and pratish thing to say. Comments like that would qualify anyone as being the forums number one troll.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: jonboywalton75 on June 02, 2015, 05:30:46 pm
My policy on days like this ?
Have a lie in.

Which one is you in your avatar and who is your friend?
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Dave Willis on June 02, 2015, 06:04:38 pm
I did my first job today at 3pm back home for tea by five. I'm allergic to bad weather.
The wind caught my Extreme pole in Wiltshire - I landed back down in Somerset.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: dazmond on June 02, 2015, 06:36:21 pm
the weather is looking better for the rest of the week lads! :)

after 4 days off im ready for this months onslaught.my neighbours will be happy too as ive been learning a few new songs on the drums for band rehearsal tomorrow night the last few days.ha ha ;D
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: SeanK on June 02, 2015, 07:28:31 pm
My policy is I can make enough on decent days so I don't need to be out in all weathers like a desperate fool,
price right and work smart.

What a pathetic and pratish thing to say. Comments like that would qualify anyone as being the forums number one troll.

Was going to have a go at that reply, but its the first time in my life that I'm number one at anything so I'm slightly pleased. ;D
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: richard groves on June 02, 2015, 07:35:45 pm
My policy is I can make enough on decent days so I don't need to be out in all weathers like a desperate fool,
price right and work smart.

What a pathetic and pratish thing to say. Comments like that would qualify anyone as being the forums number one troll.
-1
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: rosskesava on June 02, 2015, 08:57:56 pm
My policy on days like this ?
Have a lie in.

That's my policy most days of the week.
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: Lakes and Pennine on June 02, 2015, 09:34:35 pm
hellish weather up in pennines today, but picked up 3 new jobs and asked by 2 casuals to inc them today. so changed my perception a little bit. survived monday as well
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: sunshine windows on June 02, 2015, 09:40:56 pm
Worked from 8.30am till around 3pm until the wind really picked up. Thought sod it and went to the snooker club for a knock about. It's my busiest week of the month, but I can generally manage it even in 4 long days, or drag it out a bit. By long days I mean 8am - 3.30pm  ;D
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: rosskesava on June 02, 2015, 11:12:18 pm
Spent the day relaxing on a coach and a ferry going to Brugge, in Belgium, and back.

Strangely enough, window cleaning hardly crossed my mind untill I was on the ferry in a gale force 8/9 wind with the sea state 'rough to very rough' when I noticed the windows on the ferry were all like frosted glass and I wondered if they ever use a window cleaner.

How sad is that?
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: dazmond on June 03, 2015, 07:50:13 am
Spent the day relaxing on a coach and a ferry going to Brugge, in Belgium, and back.

Strangely enough, window cleaning hardly crossed my mind untill I was on the ferry in a gale force 8/9 wind with the sea state 'rough to very rough' when I noticed the windows on the ferry were all like frosted glass and I wondered if they ever use a window cleaner.

How sad is that?



yes very sad! ;D ;D why would you go to belgium and back in  one day on a ferry in storm force winds? ::)roll ;D ;D
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: andyM on June 03, 2015, 08:20:46 am
Spent the day relaxing on a coach and a ferry going to Brugge, in Belgium, and back.

Strangely enough, window cleaning hardly crossed my mind untill I was on the ferry in a gale force 8/9 wind with the sea state 'rough to very rough' when I noticed the windows on the ferry were all like frosted glass and I wondered if they ever use a window cleaner.

How sad is that?



yes very sad! ;D ;D why would you go to belgium and back in  one day on a ferry in storm force winds? ::)roll ;D ;D

Probably coz it's much more pleasant doing a bit of tobacco smuggling instead of window cleaning in strong winds.  ;D
Title: Re: Your policy on working with bad weather coming
Post by: rosskesava on June 03, 2015, 08:42:53 am
Probably coz it's much more pleasant doing a bit of tobacco smuggling instead of window cleaning in strong winds.  ;D

 ;D

Daz - I wasn't going to be working and it's quite an easy trip from here and a good day out.