Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: richard groves on April 29, 2016, 06:05:10 pm

Title: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: richard groves on April 29, 2016, 06:05:10 pm
Just done a follow up quote on a call from earlier in the week.
4 story 4 bed terraced town house in a very exclusive area with private communal gardens.
On meeting the owners turns out they have a cleaner already ( and a  children's nanny ) but unhappy with the stipulated duration of 2 monthly.
This I discovered once I had given my price ( duration unspecified and up to them ) that turned out to be double theirs. I gave my reasons and by her own admission she could not understand how they managed to charge the low price they did, other than they already do several other houses on the road.
I'm really not bothered ( reckon on it being a 1.5 hr job on first go ) and doubt I'll be getting a call back.
But here's the fun bit.
Just did a bit of research on the net, they bought the house in 2011 for £915,000 and two doors up sold last year for £1,120,000 !
And the most amazing bit is, they currently pay £30 every two months for their windows to be cleaned  ::)roll
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: dazmond on April 29, 2016, 06:15:34 pm
yep that sounds familiar mate!ive been there a few times.

some wealthy people just want a cheap cleaner.luckily its only a few here and there.id say the other cleaners are welcome to them sort of customers.you probably would find the job a P.I.T.A anyway.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: Tom-01 on April 29, 2016, 06:25:53 pm
That's why they have massive houses - because they don't like spending their money!
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: richard groves on April 29, 2016, 06:27:25 pm
you probably would find the job a P.I.T.A anyway.
yeah a large pita stuffed with faff a lafel  :D
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: nathankaye on April 29, 2016, 06:43:37 pm
Ive found the ones who have money can be the most tight fisted customers going. But then im divided as i believe theres two types. Those who have alot of money and those who think they have alot of money. The latter are totally stuck up toffs whilst the former can be some of the most lovely n generous people going. Thats just ny experience anyways
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: robbo333 on April 29, 2016, 06:45:45 pm
Sounds like some ya win, some you don't want  ;D
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: richard groves on April 29, 2016, 06:47:16 pm
Sounds like some ya win, some you don't want  ;D
;)
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: SeanK on April 29, 2016, 07:24:22 pm
I'm too honest for this game, I price on how handy and how long it will take me to do the clean not by how much I think
somebody is worth, plus I don't find it strange that people with money still like to get a bargain.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: richard groves on April 29, 2016, 07:45:53 pm
I'm too honest for this game, I price on how handy and how long it will take me to do the clean not by how much I think
somebody is worth, plus I don't find it strange that people with money still like to get a bargain.
That's exactly what I did Sean.
It was not until I gave my price, that the truth came out. Nor did I have a clue as to what the house was worth until I got home and looked it up. I posted because what astounded me the most was that they considered having to agree to a two month frequency by their existing cleaners some how unreasonable and given the exceptionally reasonable price of £30 ( negligible compared to the size of the house and its value ) felt the need to even look elsewhere.
I, like you probably do, price by what my time is worth.
Was just a bit of banter I thought I would share and an illustration of "real world " pricing compared to "£300" conny roofs  ;D
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: Smurf on April 29, 2016, 07:48:25 pm
Honesty has nothing to do with it as if I think a 4 storey jobby is worth 60 or more I'm not going to do it for 30 now am I just because people love bargains. Some wfp window cleaners need a kick up the bum for doing jobs like that so cheap.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: SeanK on April 29, 2016, 08:29:19 pm
I'm too honest for this game, I price on how handy and how long it will take me to do the clean not by how much I think
somebody is worth, plus I don't find it strange that people with money still like to get a bargain.
That's exactly what I did Sean.
It was not until I gave my price, that the truth came out. Nor did I have a clue as to what the house was worth until I got home and looked it up. I posted because what astounded me the most was that they considered having to agree to a two month frequency by their existing cleaners some how unreasonable and given the exceptionally reasonable price of £30 ( negligible compared to the size of the house and its value ) felt the need to even look elsewhere.
I, like you probably do, price by what my time is worth.
Was just a bit of banter I thought I would share and an illustration of "real world " pricing compared to "£300" conny roofs  ;D


Sorry Barry I totally misread your post, we have all been there, I priced a full property clean last week (fsg clean, windows cleaned inside and out, garage doors) massive property about two days work for me.
I was politely called a crook it then got a bit heated and at one stage I honestly believe he was going to set the dogs on me.
I think there are just people out there rich and poor who consider window cleaning to be nothing more than a pocket/ beer
money job.


Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: Shane sharples on April 29, 2016, 08:36:23 pm
I agree with you there Sean , like one property owner who asked me to clean their windows , I said a tenner , they were shocked and said they used to get it done for £3   ???
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: richard groves on April 29, 2016, 09:12:30 pm
Yep, small boys used to go up chimneys too  :D
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: Shane sharples on April 29, 2016, 09:13:51 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: 8weekly on April 29, 2016, 09:38:02 pm
I'm too honest for this game, I price on how handy and how long it will take me to do the clean not by how much I think
somebody is worth, plus I don't find it strange that people with money still like to get a bargain.
I don't price on handiness, as handiness can change if you lose the next door neighbour for example. I have fixed prices for "standard" houses, but if they're especially remote or larger than "standard" they'll be a bit more.
I'm too honest for this game, I price on how handy and how long it will take me to do the clean not by how much I think
somebody is worth, plus I don't find it strange that people with money still like to get a bargain.
That's exactly what I did Sean.
It was not until I gave my price, that the truth came out. Nor did I have a clue as to what the house was worth until I got home and looked it up. I posted because what astounded me the most was that they considered having to agree to a two month frequency by their existing cleaners some how unreasonable and given the exceptionally reasonable price of £30 ( negligible compared to the size of the house and its value ) felt the need to even look elsewhere.
I, like you probably do, price by what my time is worth.
Was just a bit of banter I thought I would share and an illustration of "real world " pricing compared to "£300" conny roofs  ;D


Sorry Barry I totally misread your post, we have all been there, I priced a full property clean last week (fsg clean, windows cleaned inside and out, garage doors) massive property about two days work for me.
I was politely called a crook it then got a bit heated and at one stage I honestly believe he was going to set the dogs on me.
I think there are just people out there rich and poor who consider window cleaning to be nothing more than a pocket/ beer
money job.



Yes, there's a few of them on here.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: richard groves on May 17, 2016, 07:29:41 pm
Well, over 2 weeks have past since I posted this.
The lady texted me that night thanking me for the quote and informing me that they were going to stick with the existing guys on their 2 monthly £30 a clean job ( no surprise there ). To which I replied with a very polite text thanking her for letting me know and that I totally understood and would probably have done the same ( onto a good thing after all ).

I've got a text this evening asking if I can still fit them in as a one off at my price ( double the other guys ) because they have "missed the regular shift ", is it possible to book me in ?

I have not decided on my reply yet  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: G Griffin on May 17, 2016, 07:37:21 pm
You're not bothered but did a bit of research? 
Only joking! And increase your original quote, now.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: AuRavelling79 on May 17, 2016, 08:46:23 pm
Well, over 2 weeks have past since I posted this.
The lady texted me that night thanking me for the quote and informing me that they were going to stick with the existing guys on their 2 monthly £30 a clean job ( no surprise there ). To which I replied with a very polite text thanking her for letting me know and that I totally understood and would probably have done the same ( onto a good thing after all ).

I've got a text this evening asking if I can still fit them in as a one off at my price ( double the other guys ) because they have "missed the regular shift ", is it possible to book me in ?

I have not decided on my reply yet  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Something strange here. I reckon they've fallen out with the other cleaners. Otherwise they'd just wait for them to turn up again. (or they've been dumped)

If they want a one off then up the price!
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: windowswashed on May 17, 2016, 08:58:24 pm
Charge them double for a one off, then tell them its half that price afterwards for regular clean
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: richard groves on May 17, 2016, 10:02:19 pm
yeah granville, I had thought the same, something a bit fishy going on. I'd quoted them a one off price before knowing  they had a bi monthly cleaner at half my quote so doubtful I can up it now.
I reckon they've messed the other guys about with a not this time or can we go every 4 months ? Blah blah and they've just thought sod ya, we underpriced it anyway.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: NWH on May 17, 2016, 10:49:04 pm
Trust me they don't all have money and are not cash rich some believe it or not have so many outgoings they live from month to month,I had one this week they've spent in the hundreds of thousands on this house all the banks money mind,I charge £90 every 2 months she comes running out oooohhhhhhh only a young couple can we leave it until I contact you when we can start again we've all of a sudden got huge bills. That'll have nothing to do with the 3000 grand a month mortgage and 1000 for the 2 vehicles then,ridiculous amounts spent on the garden etc a joke.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: Tosh on May 17, 2016, 11:36:12 pm
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the land of second guessing ....
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: LT carpet cleaning on May 17, 2016, 11:45:33 pm
Trust me they don't all have money and are not cash rich some believe it or not have so many outgoings they live from month to month,I had one this week they've spent in the hundreds of thousands on this house all the banks money mind,I charge £90 every 2 months she comes running out oooohhhhhhh only a young couple can we leave it until I contact you when we can start again we've all of a sudden got huge bills. That'll have nothing to do with the 3000 grand a month mortgage and 1000 for the 2 vehicles then,ridiculous amounts spent on the garden etc a joke.
e

You even sound green with envy  ;D
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: rosskesava on May 18, 2016, 12:19:46 am
People in owned houses will always afford  what they want to afford. It depends on what value they place on it whether or not they pay the price asked.

I quoted a job a few months back to an old bloke in a plush house with manicured lawns who took that usual sharp intake of breath when I said the price and he simply said 'That much for window cleaning, I think not' and that is fair enough. It's his home and his choice.

Yet, on his drive was this years Range Rover. It was an Overfinch as well.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: dave f on May 18, 2016, 06:38:59 am
  I would do it at your original price  then see what happens if they turn out to be be messers just drop them
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: 8weekly on May 18, 2016, 07:08:04 am
People in owned houses will always afford  what they want to afford. It depends on what value they place on it whether or not they pay the price asked.

I quoted a job a few months back to an old bloke in a plush house with manicured lawns who took that usual sharp intake of breath when I said the price and he simply said 'That much for window cleaning, I think not' and that is fair enough. It's his home and his choice.

Yet, on his drive was this years Range Rover. It was an Overfinch as well.
The reason for that thinking is conditioning. In the past, window cleaners have been blinkered in their thinking and have been happy to gate an employee's rate of pay - £10 an hour let's say in today's money. No thought of holiday pay, pensions etc. It's not so much that he thinks it's a worthless job (though he probably does) he just knows how things were/still are for some.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: Tom-01 on May 18, 2016, 07:23:16 am
I had a similar one last week. Went to quote, £80 first clean and £60 8 weekly.

She was a bit shocked and said it is double what she was paying, but that her old window cleaner was unreliable. After a few questions it turns out she's a messer. Gate not unlocked for them, wanting to change frequencies etc. She said she would go for the first clean 'and see how we get on' - I haven't got back to her and won't. It will always happen from time to time.

There's lots of good work out there, it just depends if you're desperate for any work and constantly need new jobs or can spend a bit more time but get quality customers.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: dazmond on May 18, 2016, 07:43:53 am
yeah granville, I had thought the same, something a bit fishy going on. I'd quoted them a one off price before knowing  they had a bi monthly cleaner at half my quote so doubtful I can up it now.
I reckon they've messed the other guys about with a not this time or can we go every 4 months ? Blah blah and they've just thought sod ya, we underpriced it anyway.

stop second guessing them!just turn up and do a good job and see how it goes after that.dont forget a lot of people have been messed about by so called window cleaners in the past.you gotta prove yourself first.it works both ways.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: Frankybadboy on May 18, 2016, 07:49:25 am
Trust me they don't all have money and are not cash rich some believe it or not have so many outgoings they live from month to month,I had one this week they've spent in the hundreds of thousands on this house all the banks money mind,I charge £90 every 2 months she comes running out oooohhhhhhh only a young couple can we leave it until I contact you when we can start again we've all of a sudden got huge bills. That'll have nothing to do with the 3000 grand a month mortgage and 1000 for the 2 vehicles then,ridiculous amounts spent on the garden etc a joke.
i am surprised that there told you about all there out goings  😄

Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: Dave Willis on May 18, 2016, 08:22:36 am
I think he could see the bank statements on the conservatory table whilst cleaning the roof for nothing.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: Elfyn on May 18, 2016, 08:46:03 am
The only multi-millionare I know is also the tightest git I know. Are the two things linked?
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: Tosh on May 18, 2016, 08:50:37 am
He might even tighter if he wasn't a millionaire.
Title: Re: Some ya win, some ya lose
Post by: Spruce on May 18, 2016, 04:02:49 pm
Well, over 2 weeks have past since I posted this.
The lady texted me that night thanking me for the quote and informing me that they were going to stick with the existing guys on their 2 monthly £30 a clean job ( no surprise there ). To which I replied with a very polite text thanking her for letting me know and that I totally understood and would probably have done the same ( onto a good thing after all ).

I've got a text this evening asking if I can still fit them in as a one off at my price ( double the other guys ) because they have "missed the regular shift ", is it possible to book me in ?

I have not decided on my reply yet  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Something strange here. I reckon they've fallen out with the other cleaners. Otherwise they'd just wait for them to turn up again. (or they've been dumped)

If they want a one off then up the price!

Granville, I think they spelt "shift" wrong. They inserted an "f" where there shouldn't be one.