UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: windows_chepstow on May 19, 2006, 08:43:01 pm
Title: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: windows_chepstow on May 19, 2006, 08:43:01 pm
For the past few weeks I've been getting requests to clean the properties of a window cleaner who seems to have stopped window cleaning.
I also knew this particular window cleaner cleaned the windows of a local commercial property, 'a good-looking job', and decided to give them a phone call to ask if they require the services of a local window cleaner.
Anyway, today I eventually pulled my finger out and phoned them.
Eventually I was told, 'Oh, sorry, we've only just got a new window cleaner'.
So I said, 'No problem, thanks for your time'.
I only wish I phoned a few weeks ago when I knew this window cleaner had stopped work!
My advice is, when you suspect a window cleaner has stopped working; start canvassing the stuff he's dropped; quickly!
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: Ian_Giles on May 20, 2006, 12:17:40 am
I've got a tale about that kind of thing Tosh, but I've had too many drinks to relate it!
Ian
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: Londoner on May 20, 2006, 07:41:51 am
The trouble with that is when do you know that he's gone? Loads of window cleaners disappear never to return but others reappear months later and expect to carry on as if nothing had happened. Plus, espescially these days, although he's gone he may be trying to sell the round.
I know what you are saying but I wish it were that easy. If the bloke was a gentleman he would at least tell the customers that he couldn't carry on or whatever.
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: windows_chepstow on May 20, 2006, 09:26:50 am
This bloke is no gentleman.
About two years ago, his father and himself cornered and threatened Wor Lass and I. Bricks through windows were mentioned and they even pointed out they knew which school the Little Un went to.
It wasn't as if I was actively taking his work. His customers didn't like him (you wouldn't to; he's a proper drug-taking Chav) and came to me; at better prices too.
Anyway, this morning I'm off to canvass a couple of areas he used to clean.
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: Londoner on May 20, 2006, 09:31:00 am
I remember those problems when they were happening. Good luck with the canvassing.
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: windows_chepstow on May 20, 2006, 09:32:15 am
Cheers, Vince; I'm just waiting for Wor Lass to return from walking the dog.
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: Londoner on May 20, 2006, 09:48:36 am
You've got me feeling guilty now. I ought to go out and do some leaflets this morning but the flesh is weak. After an initially good response from leafletting it has all gone dead. Not a single call in past week. Got to bang on though. "winners never quit, quitters never win" I'll see if my son wants to earn some extra pocket money.
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: windows_chepstow on May 20, 2006, 11:49:47 am
Not a bad responce.
I canvassed around fifty houses, picked up five definates and four or five maybyes; left leaflets for those that weren't in.
The lady that answered the door - dripping wet - dressed only in a towel unfortunately already had a window cleaner! :'(
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: stuart webster on May 20, 2006, 12:04:16 pm
Come on guys, we need the "Think Do" mentality.
As soon as you think of something, do it, or like Tosh you will miss out.
Think Do Think Do Think Do Think Do
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: Moderator David@stives on May 20, 2006, 12:11:42 pm
You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Tosh
Sort the title out mate
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: baldeagle on May 20, 2006, 12:40:31 pm
I find one way of picking up a couple of extra's is to tell a customer, [usually the last one of any chosen day], that you are short of time, and "Can I pop round and do you on Saturday morning?"
Go round on Saturday, park where everyone can see your motor, leave a bucket on the roof, for the really dim, and take your time, particularly at the front.
People who are normally out at work on the day you normally call are usually at home Saturday mornings.
They will often ignore a flyer, but if you are standing there, as large as life, and twice as ugly, [except for the lady W/C's amonst us, of course!]......
Try it, I got two only this morning.
It was because I got rained off on Thursday, just as I was halfway through the penultimate house in this case, but the principle is the same.
Window Cleaners with principles?
Baldeagle in Staffordshire.
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: chris@c.m.s on May 20, 2006, 01:32:19 pm
"You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick"
Dont try this in Brighton. :o :o :o
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: Sir Squeaky on May 20, 2006, 04:41:37 pm
No, that's "Keep your back against the wall, and don't bend over." ;D
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: windows_chepstow on May 20, 2006, 04:55:11 pm
No, that's "Keep your back against the wall, and don't bend over." ;D
Rog,
I canvassed Alexandra place too mate, all round the house I passed onto you; the one that didn't want a WFP! ;D
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: Sir Squeaky on May 20, 2006, 06:36:52 pm
Well I'm going there for one house if you're doing the others. ::)
I'll leave it to you to tell him.
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: Spruce on May 20, 2006, 09:08:24 pm
Hi I am focusing my attention on a new area and found that by working the main arterial road into the estate around 5.00 to 6.00 in the evening cleaning a ‘target’ home also stirs up lots of interest in WPF. Neighbours have just come back from work and see you working in the area. I try to create an inquisitive audience from the home owner explaining the aspects of your equipment – how the windows are cleaned and also the frames. Large hand gestures, smiling face and a deliberate demonstration to them will also be a show for the surrounding neighbours as well. Do the fronts a second time. Then the "we clean your neighbours" leaflet through the neighbour’s front door is very productive.
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: Londoner on May 21, 2006, 08:00:04 am
What you are saying is something I have thought for a long time. You are your own best advert. A van with WINDOW CLEANER in big letters must attract enquiries. I am amazed how often I see blokes cleaning windows from a van with nothing on the sides. Free advertising.
Title: Re: You've got to be keep your ear to the ground and be quick
Post by: jon adams on May 21, 2006, 03:01:06 pm
Blimey, some of you lot are dead keen, if its the end of the day i just tell them i'll be back in six weeks or if its not in a good patch refer them to another wc Jon