Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: DP365 on January 03, 2018, 01:53:53 pm
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Any one got any decent ‘polite’ ;D replies (that won’t lose the customer) to customers asking to leave it till next time ???
Thanks 👍🏻
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I just say “no problem”.
If it happens a few times, I’ll debate within myself if I want them as a customer.
Usually I’m Not fussed, so just don’t go back unless they ask me.
Then I make the point of saying “I’m Fully booked up today, but I can put you back in the regular schedule for next month”? That makes the point that they can’t just hop in and out whenever they feel The need. If they continue messing about after that I just say I can’t take hem
On anymore as I’m
Too busy with regular customers. If they wanted to come back in it would need to be regular.
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Hi , yeah that’s no problem- I do have a lot of customers that are already on an every other month schedule and they pay an extra 50% but saves money over the year compared to a monthly clean. Would you like me to change you over to the every other month schedule?
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Same as above answers. Sure it can be annoying and even frustrating but I do expect a very small percentage of my customers doing the same this month as they have all had 2months of spending. Since having windows cleaned is a luxury and not a necessity (esp 4wkly cleans), then I expect it to happen. As long as it isn't a regular thing then I dont mind but if it becomes more than a one off I simply thank them for their custom and explain I can not operate my business that way and suggest they employ another cleaner who can.
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The odd one or two occasions for me i dont mind.
More than twice in the same year and they get removed.
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Any one got any decent ‘polite’ ;D replies (that won’t lose the customer) to customers asking to leave it till next time ???
Thanks 👍🏻
i had one yesterday.lovely old couple and i usually get a brew.my reply?"no problem!see you next time!".
they ve never skipped a clean that i can remember in years and years plus the weather was pretty grim so i was glad to be finishing a bit earlier. :)
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This happens to me quite a lot, but as I have a good sized customer base I don't have a problem if they are good payers and I still make enough from them during the year to make keeping them on the books viable.
If they do it 2-3 consecutive times I just tell them to call me when needed and I'll fit them in around my regular work.
John
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Why say 'no problem' when it can lead to the problem of you sacking them if it happens again?
I think it gives them the wrong impression.
I think they need a good reason and/or need to be otherwise good long term customers to get a pass
If I need to I ask 'why' and take it from there.
They only get a 'no problem' if it applies to them.
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Why say 'no problem' when it can lead to the problem of you sacking them if it happens again?
I think it gives them the wrong impression.
I think they need a good reason and/or need to be otherwise good long term customers to get a pass
If I need to I ask 'why' and take it from there.
They only get a 'no problem' if it applies to them.
to these lovely elderly customers griff its "no problem" for me to skip a clean.(salt of the earth types).no reason was given but i suspect her husband is not well.(he has to have kidney dialysis from home and hes got osteoporosis)shes got her hands full for sure. :(
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Why say 'no problem' when it can lead to the problem of you sacking them if it happens again?
I think it gives them the wrong impression.
I think they need a good reason and/or need to be otherwise good long term customers to get a pass
If I need to I ask 'why' and take it from there.
They only get a 'no problem' if it applies to them.
to these lovely elderly customers griff its "no problem" for me to skip a clean.(salt of the earth types).no reason was given but i suspect her husband is not well.(he has to have kidney dialysis from home and hes got osteoporosis)shes got her hands full for sure. :(
I didn't mean this type so much, Daz. With some you just know that it's a one-off or that they must have good reason to cancel.
I meant why say 'no problem' when there could be one? Illness-and the like- in the family is a 'no problem' from me too.
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I don't keep customers who postpone without an exceptionally good reason.
Who wants to turn up with a feeling in their stomach that they might get turned away on a whim?
Crazy.
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I don't keep customers who postpone without an exceptionally good reason.
Who wants to turn up with a feeling in their stomach that they might get turned away on a whim?
Crazy.
I think that's a good point.
I'm sure we've all had/got customers that give us that "uneasy" feeling. Whether they are just not pleasant or you feel like they don't want you there etc .
It's not nice working for customers who give you a nervous feeling, I have a few where I don't like going, ones where you think "oh not her again" and you feel a sense of relief when that jobs done.
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I don't keep customers who postpone without an exceptionally good reason.
Who wants to turn up with a feeling in their stomach that they might get turned away on a whim?
Crazy.
it very rarely happens and usually when it does happen im relieved that ive got one less job to clean that day so i can finish earlier esp in the winter months.
it evens itself out as ill usually pick up a new window cleaning job or an add on job the next day/week later so its swings and roundabouts really.
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I don't keep customers who postpone without an exceptionally good reason.
Who wants to turn up with a feeling in their stomach that they might get turned away on a whim?
Crazy.
it very rarely happens and usually when it does happen im relieved that ive got one less job to clean that day so i can finish earlier esp in the winter months.
it evens itself out as ill usually pick up a new window cleaning job or an add on job the next day/week later so its swings and roundabouts really.
It really doesn't faze me at all if I get a 'not today'. I would rather someone be honest enough to tell me that they want me to leave them on occasion than to resent me for forcing them to accept an unwanted clean.
I may sound crazy, indeed I may even be crazy, but I am happy, and my customers are happy. That is all that matters.
John
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Cheers Guys...
Is the Bane of my life lol as all customers require a text NB4 these days if you get a decent few drop off is very difficult to recouperate the loss. I think train them to begin with, set it out in stone is the way forward if you can but if like me then you take it on the chin and say no problems see you next time... Better four cleans a year than no cleans I guess...! Tell you what though sign up all Customers GoCardless on an 8 x per year no quibble agreement and your business is a little gold mine... Oh if only haha. Good luck fellas 🤪
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Cheers Guys...
Is the Bane of my life lol as all customers require a text NB4 these days if you get a decent few drop off is very difficult to recouperate the loss. I think train them to begin with, set it out in stone is the way forward if you can but if like me then you take it on the chin and say no problems see you next time... Better four cleans a year than no cleans I guess...! Tell you what though sign up all Customers GoCardless on an 8 x per year no quibble agreement and your business is a little gold mine... Oh if only haha. Good luck fellas 🤪
what frequency are these customers on mate?
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'Not today' is not good enough reason.
Building work, death or serious illness in the family, on holiday and access problems etc. are.
Accepting an any old 'not today' can set a bad precedent. Word can easily get round. 'Oh I always cancel in January; why don't you?'
Even if someone is straight enough to admit they are skint, I always give them the option of paying when they're not. Their reaction is always an indicator of much they value your service.
If anything they should have the uneasy feeling of risking losing a good window cleaner without good reason.
If they don't think you're worth that, they're not worth having.
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Cheers Guys...
Is the Bane of my life lol as all customers require a text NB4 these days if you get a decent few drop off is very difficult to recouperate the loss. I think train them to begin with, set it out in stone is the way forward if you can but if like me then you take it on the chin and say no problems see you next time... Better four cleans a year than no cleans I guess...! Tell you what though sign up all Customers GoCardless on an 8 x per year no quibble agreement and your business is a little gold mine... Oh if only haha. Good luck fellas 🤪
4 cleans a year better than none? I beg to differ.
It all about time for me. Customers are a space in your day to earn from, if you don't they're not a customer. You will earn more by replacing them with someone who uses you 10 times a year
Don't keep cr4p. Drop them or even give them your competitions phone number, let them mess with them.
If you don't value your time no one else will
Tony
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'Not today' is not good enough reason.
Building work, death or serious illness in the family, on holiday and access problems etc. are.
Accepting an any old 'not today' can set a bad precedent. Word can easily get round. 'Oh I always cancel in January; why don't you?'
Even if someone is straight enough to admit they are skint, I always give them the option of paying when they're not. Their reaction is always an indicator of much they value your service.
If anything they should have the uneasy feeling of risking losing a good window cleaner without good reason.
If they don't think you're worth that, they're not worth having.
I see your point about word getting around and setting a precedent, and offering to allow payment when they have it.
The reason most people skip a clean is quite possibly that they can't spare it to pay us, so rather than admit it or get into debt with us, some people give all sorts of reasons because they are too embarrassed to tell the truth or are the sort of people who don't like owing money.
If they take up the offer of paying later, then something comes up in their lives causing them to struggle to pay, that caused another issue and they're on the way to getting dumped.
Hence, I would rather a customer skip a clean occasionally to save themselves money than for me to lose them altogether or be chasing them for payment As long as I can make money from them over the course of the year I really don't see the occasional postponement as a problem.
John
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I'll tell you what, in theory this job should be easy, the reality is it can be a ballache if you don't have the right customers. And even if you do it never runs smoothly, there's always one to ruin your day with a not today etc.
We might be able to earn good money, but we deserve it with all the crap we have to put up with at times, bad weather, bad custys, it's not all roses is it
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I just say “no problem”.
If it happens a few times, I’ll debate within myself if I want them as a customer.
Usually I’m Not fussed, so just don’t go back unless they ask me.
Then I make the point of saying “I’m Fully booked up today, but I can put you back in the regular schedule for next month”? That makes the point that they can’t just hop in and out whenever they feel The need. If they continue messing about after that I just say I can’t take hem
On anymore as I’m
Too busy with regular customers. If they wanted to come back in it would need to be regular.
Cheers Guys...
Is the Bane of my life lol as all customers require a text NB4 these days if you get a decent few drop off is very difficult to recouperate the loss. I think train them to begin with, set it out in stone is the way forward if you can but if like me then you take it on the chin and say no problems see you next time... Better four cleans a year than no cleans I guess...! Tell you what though sign up all Customers GoCardless on an 8 x per year no quibble agreement and your business is a little gold mine... Oh if only haha. Good luck fellas 🤪
what frequency are these customers on mate?
We clean on a 6 weekly & a 12 majority on the 6 and the majority of the postpones are the 6 🙄
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I hear all your comments Guys, is a tough one for me this and been a constant conundrum as what to do for the best.. Massive part of me wants to just drop them as would make life so much easier but the other part of me knows it’s part of the window cleaning game if you want to grow as a business! Just need to somehow weed out the messers to those that are genuine. 🤪🤨🤔
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I'll tell you what, in theory this job should be easy, the reality is it can be a ballache if you don't have the right customers. And even if you do it never runs smoothly, there's always one to ruin your day with a not today etc.
We might be able to earn good money, but we deserve it with all the crap we have to put up with at times, bad weather, bad custys, it's not all roses is it
I believe many people come into this game thinking it's easy work for easy money. They become disillusioned when reality hits them and many either give up or trudge on, seeing it as drudgery (albeit well paid drudgery).
I believe it's what you make it. I went into it with low expectations (I started off part time working for a friend). When I went it alone I kept my sights relatively low and to this day (21 years later) I don't expect too much out of my business other than making a living from it.
I have enough work, I earn enough from it, but above all, I am content.
John
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I'll tell you what, in theory this job should be easy, the reality is it can be a ballache if you don't have the right customers. And even if you do it never runs smoothly, there's always one to ruin your day with a not today etc.
We might be able to earn good money, but we deserve it with all the crap we have to put up with at times, bad weather, bad custys, it's not all roses is it
if one customer telling you to not bother cleaning their windows adam ruins your day your in for a big surprise when you start employing.your gonna have a few proper problems/ballaches for sure! ;D
IMO you need a change of attitude.
every day i go to work i have a worksheet on my phone to get through.most of the time things run smoothly but i already know that things can change throughout the course of my working day.a "not today" because of building/landscape work,a front only customer who wants me to clean the backs or a new walk up job for example.
its swings and roundabouts.
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Well my "stance" was tested today. Twice.
Very windy day but dry and improving - two said "not today". (That never have before) They need training.
1. Old boy - Mr. H. He's driving off as I pull up and lowers his car window as I'm unreeling. "Ooh - I get the weather here so I'll leave it today. See you next time." And he immediately drives off, leaving me standing there.
He's never done it before in 18 months and I do 5 small houses from one spot and I carried on and did his other neighbours who paid up as sweet as a nut.
Now he will get trained. I have "suspended" him on George and when I go next time he will be waiting at the door, money ready - rear gate unlocked. And I shall tell him I haven't scheduled him this time and he will either ask why or "get funny". I don't mind which.
I will politely (re) explain that I have a waiting list of customers who want a regular cleaner, that I don't accept doorstep cancellations and that I have scheduled my work for the day and haven't got time to do his windows. He'll either tell me to go away and never come back or accept my further explanation that I can only put him back on the round for next time if he assures me it won't happen again.
Could go either way and I really don't mind which.
2. Mrs J. - Normally they unlock the gate ready for my arrival after phoning at about 7 weeks to find out my likely day of arrival, or it's just unlocked. I never ring up to get gates opened. She hasn't phoned so I just turn up.
She says "Oh! Can I leave it this time? Only after you did them last time (Nov) - two days later they were filthy."
Me: "Well Mrs J., surely they'll really need cleaning now then won't they? - As I said when I started - I provide a regular service every 8 weeks - if I leave them that will be almost 4 months."
Mrs J: "Well it's just that the weather lately is awful."
Me: "I know - that's an English winter for you - what would you like me to do?"
Mrs J: (Obviously a bit irritated - possibly wondering whether to drop me or to put up with me to retain "the devil you know" or keep a reliable and decent window cleaner - who knows?) "Well I suppose you'd better do them as you're here."
Me: "Honestly - I'm really busy with more than enough customers - I don't mind if you'd rather find another window cleaner ... "
Mrs J: "No, no - please carry on, would you like a cup of tea?"
Could have gone either way. I really don't mind.
... ... ... ...
Funnily enough another customer said "Oh I'm glad you arrived today - my lean-to roof is covered in bits of moss from all the wind and rain - have you got time to give it a once over?"
(Sure - Mr. H sacked me off and you're a nice old biddy, why not?)
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i couldnt believe how windy it was this afternoon at times.shocking but i managed to get all my scheduled work cleaned with no cancellations. :).
only fly in the ointment was cracking a pane of glass but i reckon ill get someone to replace it for £100.(its only a little ground floor top opener,outside pane).
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No today thanks: is proof they don`t consider you a business, but some sort of charity. Which I am not. They would not book a plumber then cancel when he arrives. Then why should we be any different?They can do the decent thing and cancel in advance. Or, I would rock up at his house next time and say Sorry Mate I cannot clean your windows today. I am just as reliable as you are.
It only happens because we don`t have the balls to say so.
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I dumped one today. Is a slight pain in the backside job, but then about 6 months ago they got a dog and requested a text the day before as they now keep the gate locked. Texted this evening for tomorrow and get a “sorry tomorrow doesn’t work for us. Leave us until February “. Dumped. “Doesn’t work for us” in text ought really to get more serious sanctions. It really is patronising.
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Exactly 12 months ago I put my prices up , as i posted the rise letter through the door of this 500k house the owner comes out the side gate and jumps in his Jag and says out the window "Dont bother doing them now , i will call you when i need you "
I know he hasnt seen the rise so it isnt that , but being as he was a slow payer and a messer in general , i shout back " Alrighty "
Today his wife pitches up as im doing next door and asks me to do them today , i tell her that i cant as im almost out of water and that i will do them tomorrow , ok lovely she says .
Tomorrow i will be doing 4 houses on the other side of them , then im going to pack up and drive off .
I will have lost £17 on this usual 20 minute clean , not that it would have been priced at that due to the 12 month gap , the thing is , i am not going to do it for any inflated price out of spite , i have not missed his 17 notes and am not about to roll over like a good little doggie so he can bin me off again when hes sees fit .
You take the P and you are gone never to grace my books again ;D
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You know what guys. This game is tough.
So many people think its an easy living. Its just not is it.
Keep on going!
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I dumped one today. Is a slight pain in the backside job, but then about 6 months ago they got a dog and requested a text the day before as they now keep the gate locked. Texted this evening for tomorrow and get a “sorry tomorrow doesn’t work for us. Leave us until February “. Dumped. “Doesn’t work for us” in text ought really to get more serious sanctions. It really is patronising.
I agree, strongly.
Tomorrow doesn't work for them? Tomorrow is Friday, so tell them that you're no man Friday.
Then blow the gates off and let the dog out.
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I dumped one today. Is a slight pain in the backside job, but then about 6 months ago they got a dog and requested a text the day before as they now keep the gate locked. Texted this evening for tomorrow and get a “sorry tomorrow doesn’t work for us. Leave us until February “. Dumped. “Doesn’t work for us” in text ought really to get more serious sanctions. It really is patronising.
I'm very tolerant and flexible regarding postponements or the odd skipping of a clean, but if I got a text like that I would drop then too.
For me it's about attitude. If they had said they wanted to leave it this time in a tactful way, I'd have accepted it. If they come across as patronising as the reply you received did, they're gone.
John
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I'll tell you what, in theory this job should be easy, the reality is it can be a ballache if you don't have the right customers. And even if you do it never runs smoothly, there's always one to ruin your day with a not today etc.
We might be able to earn good money, but we deserve it with all the crap we have to put up with at times, bad weather, bad custys, it's not all roses is it
I believe many people come into this game thinking it's easy work for easy money. They become disillusioned when reality hits them and many either give up or trudge on, seeing it as drudgery (albeit well paid drudgery).
I believe it's what you make it. I went into it with low expectations (I started off part time working for a friend). When I went it alone I kept my sights relatively low and to this day (21 years later) I don't expect too much out of my business other than making a living from it.
I have enough work, I earn enough from it, but above all, I am content.
John
The frustrating thing is it should be easy work for way money.
You agree a monthly clean, you go out and do it and the money appears in your account. Of course we know it's not that easy, the weather will stop you cleaning it, the customer will stop you cleaning it and then never pay you.
What we need is contracts.
I think go cardless is the closest we are going to get to a guaranteed income.
But you are right, given all the problems that come with this job I can see why some people just do it part time and choose the cream work. Not a bad idea
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Bea man, start putting your foot down and get rid of these maybe customers and have a better happier business life. \Its only takes a 1-degree change in course to creating a new norm. We focus too much on the one crap customer when we already have many good customers. Get rid I say. GET RIDE.
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This was on monday, cleaned her every month for about 6 months.
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1515140482_Screenshot_20180105-081635.png)
I'm sure some people think we do this job for a laugh and that it's not serious, maybe we do it for few extra quid on the side of our proper job? I don't know why some think it's ok to pick and choose all of a sudden.
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You know what guys. This game is tough.
So many people think its an easy living. Its just not is it.
Keep on going!
its tough when your just starting out but once you ve got a good solid customer base i think its easy esp now with wfp,electronic payments and round software.
yes its hard work sometimes but not back breaking work like landcape gardening for instance.
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I'll tell you what, in theory this job should be easy, the reality is it can be a ballache if you don't have the right customers. And even if you do it never runs smoothly, there's always one to ruin your day with a not today etc.
We might be able to earn good money, but we deserve it with all the crap we have to put up with at times, bad weather, bad custys, it's not all roses is it
I believe many people come into this game thinking it's easy work for easy money. They become disillusioned when reality hits them and many either give up or trudge on, seeing it as drudgery (albeit well paid drudgery).
I believe it's what you make it. I went into it with low expectations (I started off part time working for a friend). When I went it alone I kept my sights relatively low and to this day (21 years later) I don't expect too much out of my business other than making a living from it.
I have enough work, I earn enough from it, but above all, I am content.
John
The frustrating thing is it should be easy work for way money.
You agree a monthly clean, you go out and do it and the money appears in your account. Of course we know it's not that easy, the weather will stop you cleaning it, the customer will stop you cleaning it and then never pay you.
What we need is contracts.
I think go cardless is the closest we are going to get to a guaranteed income.
But you are right, given all the problems that come with this job I can see why some people just do it part time and choose the cream work. Not a bad idea
1.the weather hardly ever stops me cleaning windows
2.i very rarely get a "not today".if i do i simply move onto my next job.no worries.
3.i wrote off £100 last year out of £43,000+ turnover.not worth bothering about.(its usually around £40-£50)
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I really must go out in all weathers like you Dazmond. It’s been crap all week here and is peeing down again this morning, I did a bit yesterday, but got soaked to the skin when the wind suddenly picked up and a downpour came along. I worry that the customers will complain about me cleaning in this weather, although the one I did in the downpour has text me this morning saying brilliant job and the money has been put in my account.
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I'll tell you what, in theory this job should be easy, the reality is it can be a ballache if you don't have the right customers. And even if you do it never runs smoothly, there's always one to ruin your day with a not today etc.
We might be able to earn good money, but we deserve it with all the crap we have to put up with at times, bad weather, bad custys, it's not all roses is it
I believe many people come into this game thinking it's easy work for easy money. They become disillusioned when reality hits them and many either give up or trudge on, seeing it as drudgery (albeit well paid drudgery).
I believe it's what you make it. I went into it with low expectations (I started off part time working for a friend). When I went it alone I kept my sights relatively low and to this day (21 years later) I don't expect too much out of my business other than making a living from it.
I have enough work, I earn enough from it, but above all, I am content.
John
The frustrating thing is it should be easy work for way money.
You agree a monthly clean, you go out and do it and the money appears in your account. Of course we know it's not that easy, the weather will stop you cleaning it, the customer will stop you cleaning it and then never pay you.
What we need is contracts.
I think go cardless is the closest we are going to get to a guaranteed income.
But you are right, given all the problems that come with this job I can see why some people just do it part time and choose the cream work. Not a bad idea
1.the weather hardly ever stops me cleaning windows
2.i very rarely get a "not today".if i do i simply move onto my next job.no worries.
3.i wrote off £100 last year out of £43,000+ turnover.not worth bothering about.(its usually around £40-£50)
I know mate.
But in the flip side
The weather this week has meant it's been my worst weeks earnings for about 2 years! Today is the only day when it's not been sideways rain.
Ive had 3 not today's this week and dumped 2 for bring long term Messer's.
I wrote off about 500 quid at least and have about another 100 that will be written off. I don't sent 4 to small claims court, got paid for 3 and the other no response so 25 quid more out of pocket on him.
We can earn good money but to get it with have to put up with a lot of crap, not to mention bookwork, taxes advertising, fixing stuff. The list goes on.
For me the job is still a farce at times, what keeps me going is that I know one day I can be just like you with a nice round and no stress, it's just a matter of time.
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Unless it's for obvious building work I never get asked to leave till next time.
Then again I don't clean in high winds, driving rain or snow....makes you wonder.
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I also work all weathers.
Get your waterproofs in the van ready.
Steel toe wellies.
And your ready.
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Unless it's for obvious building work I never get asked to leave till next time.
Then again I don't clean in high winds, driving rain or snow....makes you wonder.
Possibly why you only need a 210 litre tank. Part timer.
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Most of my work is within half mile of home so refill at dinnertime.
Yes I am a part timer at 3 days a week the rest is carpet cleaning.
But I also know what my customers don't want.
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Most of my work is within half mile of home so refill at dinnertime.
Yes I am a part timer at 3 days a week the rest is carpet cleaning.
But I also know what my customers don't want.
Have you undertaken surveys then? I can't recall ever losing a customer for cleaning in the rain.
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Unless it's for obvious building work I never get asked to leave till next time.
Then again I don't clean in high winds, driving rain or snow....makes you wonder.
Possibly why you only need a 210 litre tank. Part timer.
So what if he is a part timer he would clean just as good as you do and should be afforded the same rights and respect as any of us. Your statement is derogatory and not called for. Implying part-time is somehow not as good.He might just fill up 6 times a day.
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Unless it's for obvious building work I never get asked to leave till next time.
Then again I don't clean in high winds, driving rain or snow....makes you wonder.
Possibly why you only need a 210 litre tank. Part timer.
So what if he is a part timer he would clean just as good as you do and should be afforded the same rights and respect as any of us. Your statement is derogatory and not called for. Implying part-time is somehow not as good.He might just fill up 6 times a day.
He might also have a lot more flexibility to choose the days he works because he doesn’t have a full customer list. It’s also daft to suggest he NEVER gets cancellations because he doesn’t clean in the rain. He was taking an opinionated stance so he got a reply appropriate to that so keep your nose out. ;D
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I had a funny one before Christmas, normally very good custy.
I phoned the night before and she said she was busy and could we skip (she did sound harassed). Also she didn't want to leave the gate unlocked as it was so close to Christmas and she was worried about being burgled.
She then said that if I was really busy, she wouldn't mind if I missed her (obviously doing me a favour).
I jokingly replied that I was skint and needed the work.
Her whole attitude changed!
She said she would leave the gates unlocked in the morning but be back at lunchtime if I needed to see her. Couldn't have been more helpful.
I was only joking ;D
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I had a funny one before Christmas, normally very good custy.
I phoned the night before and she said she was busy and could we skip (she did sound harassed). Also she didn't want to leave the gate unlocked as it was so close to Christmas and she was worried about being burgled.
She then said that if I was really busy, she wouldn't mind if I missed her (obviously doing me a favour).
I jokingly replied that I was skint and needed the work.
Her whole attitude changed!
She said she would leave the gates unlocked in the morning but be back at lunchtime if I needed to see her. Couldn't have been more helpful.
I was only joking ;D
It's always nice when you get a customer like this, makes up for the miserable, self centered gets .
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I had a funny one before Christmas, normally very good custy.
I phoned the night before and she said she was busy and could we skip (she did sound harassed). Also she didn't want to leave the gate unlocked as it was so close to Christmas and she was worried about being burgled.
She then said that if I was really busy, she wouldn't mind if I missed her (obviously doing me a favour).
I jokingly replied that I was skint and needed the work.
Her whole attitude changed!
She said she would leave the gates unlocked in the morning but be back at lunchtime if I needed to see her. Couldn't have been more helpful.
I was only joking ;D
It's always nice when you get a customer like this, makes up for the miserable, self centered gets .
What, charity givers?
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I'll tell you what, in theory this job should be easy, the reality is it can be a ballache if you don't have the right customers. And even if you do it never runs smoothly, there's always one to ruin your day with a not today etc.
We might be able to earn good money, but we deserve it with all the crap we have to put up with at times, bad weather, bad custys, it's not all roses is it
I believe many people come into this game thinking it's easy work for easy money. They become disillusioned when reality hits them and many either give up or trudge on, seeing it as drudgery (albeit well paid drudgery).
I believe it's what you make it. I went into it with low expectations (I started off part time working for a friend). When I went it alone I kept my sights relatively low and to this day (21 years later) I don't expect too much out of my business other than making a living from it.
I have enough work, I earn enough from it, but above all, I am content.
John
The frustrating thing is it should be easy work for way money.
You agree a monthly clean, you go out and do it and the money appears in your account. Of course we know it's not that easy, the weather will stop you cleaning it, the customer will stop you cleaning it and then never pay you.
What we need is contracts.
I think go cardless is the closest we are going to get to a guaranteed income.
But you are right, given all the problems that come with this job I can see why some people just do it part time and choose the cream work. Not a bad idea
1.the weather hardly ever stops me cleaning windows
2.i very rarely get a "not today".if i do i simply move onto my next job.no worries.
3.i wrote off £100 last year out of £43,000+ turnover.not worth bothering about.(its usually around £40-£50)
I know mate.
But in the flip side
The weather this week has meant it's been my worst weeks earnings for about 2 years! Today is the only day when it's not been sideways rain.
Ive had 3 not today's this week and dumped 2 for bring long term Messer's.
I wrote off about 500 quid at least and have about another 100 that will be written off. I don't sent 4 to small claims court, got paid for 3 and the other no response so 25 quid more out of pocket on him.
We can earn good money but to get it with have to put up with a lot of crap, not to mention bookwork, taxes advertising, fixing stuff. The list goes on.
For me the job is still a farce at times, what keeps me going is that I know one day I can be just like you with a nice round and no stress, it's just a matter of time.
BLIMEY!adam!you ve had to write off around £500 in one year? ::)roll
granted this week has been bad weather wise at times but ive still managed to earn just over £800 for 18 hours "on the glass".(3 x 5 hour days and one 3 hour day)ive started a bit later some days due to the heavy rain/wind but i battled on yesterday afternoon in stormy conditions and dodged the odd heavy shower.
ive had one "not today" all week and most work has been on one estate(70+ houses virtually all right next to each other)and a few bigger stand alone jobs.
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£800 for an 18 hour week...why would you need to work in the rain?
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£800 for an 18 hour week...why would you need to work in the rain?
He wouldn’t have earned it if he hadn’t worked in the rain. ;)
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we have only two tx aheads
yesterday sent a tx out saying were coming tomorrow ect
rely " sorry we dont need our windows clean tomorrow "
me . " we dont need to clean them ever again either "
they never replied boom the gone
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we have only two tx aheads
yesterday sent a tx out saying were coming tomorrow ect
rely " sorry we dont need our windows clean tomorrow "
me . " we dont need to clean them ever again either "
they never replied boom the gone
Quality, the best response I've heard
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Had one yesterday do a 'not today' on me.
The reason was a rather generic ' not a lot happening'.
He's normally fine and I know his partner has been very ill, so I'll swallow on that one. I'm not totally unreasonable.
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£800 for an 18 hour week...why would you need to work in the rain?
if id just sat on my arse looking out the window moaning then i wouldnt of earnt anything would i? ;)
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we have only two tx aheads
yesterday sent a tx out saying were coming tomorrow ect
rely " sorry we dont need our windows clean tomorrow "
me . " we dont need to clean them ever again either "
they never replied boom the gone
Quality, the best response I've heard
Seemed unprofessional to me. That’s not to say I’m above the odd snotty reply. I nearly always regret it later though.
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we have only two tx aheads
yesterday sent a tx out saying were coming tomorrow ect
rely " sorry we dont need our windows clean tomorrow "
me . " we dont need to clean them ever again either "
they never replied boom the gone
Quality, the best response I've heard
Seemed unprofessional to me. That’s not to say I’m above the odd snotty reply. I nearly always regret it later though.
I would agree that if I get a response that grinds my gears, I have to either wait until I have calmed down before replying or not reply at all.
John
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What i tend to do these days if it happens without good reason is just play along as normal , on the next visit i leave them until last , but before i start them i go and ticket / collect , if in they will come out thinking i have missed them , this is when i tell them that i cant fit them in this time as i had not counted on them wanting a clean , then the penny drops for most but not all .
If they are not in i do the same on the all visits until i do catch them in or they call me .
This then prompts me to tell them that it will be 25/50 percent more as cleans have been missed , then the penny drops again .
I dont get uppity and let them know they are dumped , this just gives them the heads up to get another cleaner asap , my way drags it all out for them and the windows get dirtier ;D
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Nowadays, I find it much easier to just say 'no problem' and worry about it later; then they usually get dumped.
I think I have only spoken to customers on the phone, whom I have dumped, about 5 times. On each occasion, I have been polite and calm and told them why I can no longer clean for them. Locked gates on numerous occasions (including large electric gates) rude attitude, dogs mess, rubbish and crap down the side access, etc etc. On every occasion it has not ended well, with the customer getting upset, because they think they are in the right. You can explain until you're blue in the face but the custy has excuses for everything; it just causes unnecessary stress.
Now I can't be bothered to explain, so I just politely say 'no problem' and then decide if I want to keep them. If I dump them, I simply don't bother turning up anymore.
If they phone me and ask why I haven't turned up, the conversation goes like this:
Custy: 'Why haven't been for the last 6 months'
Me: 'I didn't think you wanted me to clean for you anymore'
Custy: 'Why not?'
Me: 'Because the last time I contacted you, you didn't want them done'
I then specifically don't say anything and there is a long pause (this is my favourite bit).
Custy: 'Well the last time you text me I had to go to hospital for my lumbago and it was all too much hassle' (this is usually a lie).
Me: 'Oh that's a shame as I have replaced your slot with a customer who DOES want their windows cleaned on a regular basis' so I'm afraid I can't help, thank you, bye'! ;D
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I don’t really give customers an opportunity to cancel. Just pitch up, clean and shove a bill through the door.
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I don’t really give customers an opportunity to cancel. Just pitch up, clean and shove a bill through the door.
Lot of wisdom in that Og.
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I'll tell you what, in theory this job should be easy, the reality is it can be a ballache if you don't have the right customers. And even if you do it never runs smoothly, there's always one to ruin your day with a not today etc.
We might be able to earn good money, but we deserve it with all the crap we have to put up with at times, bad weather, bad custys, it's not all roses is it
I believe many people come into this game thinking it's easy work for easy money. They become disillusioned when reality hits them and many either give up or trudge on, seeing it as drudgery (albeit well paid drudgery).
I believe it's what you make it. I went into it with low expectations (I started off part time working for a friend). When I went it alone I kept my sights relatively low and to this day (21 years later) I don't expect too much out of my business other than making a living from it.
I have enough work, I earn enough from it, but above all, I am content.
John
The frustrating thing is it should be easy work for way money.
You agree a monthly clean, you go out and do it and the money appears in your account. Of course we know it's not that easy, the weather will stop you cleaning it, the customer will stop you cleaning it and then never pay you.
What we need is contracts.
I think go cardless is the closest we are going to get to a guaranteed income.
But you are right, given all the problems that come with this job I can see why some people just do it part time and choose the cream work. Not a bad idea
1.the weather hardly ever stops me cleaning windows
2.i very rarely get a "not today".if i do i simply move onto my next job.no worries.
3.i wrote off £100 last year out of £43,000+ turnover.not worth bothering about.(its usually around £40-£50)
I know mate.
But in the flip side
The weather this week has meant it's been my worst weeks earnings for about 2 years! Today is the only day when it's not been sideways rain.
Ive had 3 not today's this week and dumped 2 for bring long term Messer's.
I wrote off about 500 quid at least and have about another 100 that will be written off. I don't sent 4 to small claims court, got paid for 3 and the other no response so 25 quid more out of pocket on him.
We can earn good money but to get it with have to put up with a lot of crap, not to mention bookwork, taxes advertising, fixing stuff. The list goes on.
For me the job is still a farce at times, what keeps me going is that I know one day I can be just like you with a nice round and no stress, it's just a matter of time.
BLIMEY!adam!you ve had to write off around £500 in one year? ::)roll
granted this week has been bad weather wise at times but ive still managed to earn just over £800 for 18 hours "on the glass".(3 x 5 hour days and one 3 hour day)ive started a bit later some days due to the heavy rain/wind but i battled on yesterday afternoon in stormy conditions and dodged the odd heavy shower.
ive had one "not today" all week and most work has been on one estate(70+ houses virtually all right next to each other)and a few bigger stand alone jobs.
Yeh something like that, 500 quid ish, i get a lot of canvassed work which means a lot of messers, par for the course, i dont pay much tax as i re invest most of it so save money that way.
I had a terrible week, i did £350 quid, worst ive done for a very long time...that was probably about 10 hours work, 1 day off, and the other 3 i battle sideways wind, had a few not todays and generally was fed up lol
never mind fresh start next week