Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: JJay on March 28, 2018, 10:53:18 am
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Hi guys. In the beginning I have to say I've started not long time ago and I'm confusing about pricing for windows. I know it's been a lot similar topic but I just want to be sure for that I'm not being greedy windy :D I've had couple phone call from potential custies asking for quote. I asked for number of windows and explain how first clean works why is more expensive and all that information. And on the phone they say I'm going to give ring back while usually in face to face they understand and agree. Ive got couple custies when I said the price for first clean and they just agreed with no doubt but recently I had few rings just taking the peace. And I start to think maybe I'm giving bad pricess or should I change estate for another one with canvassing. Could you tell me wise window cleaners :) , how you usually talking with customer on first clean and what price you giving?
Thanks in advance.
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Don't quote over the phone.
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Why? Some of custies really want to know at least average price.
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Don't quote over the phone.
Not everyone has time to visit to quote. Most I quote over the phone. I do get it wrong sometimes though.
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Why? Some of custies really want to know at least average price.
Why? Because you said earlier you wasn't closing the deal on the phone.
Maybe some of them are just price shoppers and looking for a cheaper price than they are already paying?
As a rule of thumb I will often change double for a first clean, particularly if they are really dirty and will take time to clean up to standard.
However if they are not bad, I am more likely to give a price that reflects how long the first clean will take, which could be only +25%, which is more appealing to a new customer, I think you would agree.
But you wouldn't know this just by talking on the phone.....
If you don't want/need any extra work just quote a high price over the phone, then if you get it you will be happy, if you don't get it you won't be bothered.
Simple really....
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Over the phone I tell them i have a minimum price of ten pound but I will need to see the property to give a proper quote.
As for a double price etc on a first clean, stick to your guns on that one! It shows that they want a regular cleaner and if they dont, then youve not fully wasted your time and have covered (hopefully) your petrol costs etc and made money on it at the same time.
Also post some flyers to the surounding houses and who knows what they will get you
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Over the phone I tell them i have a minimum price of ten pound but I will need to see the property to give a proper quote.
As for a double price etc on a first clean, stick to your guns on that one! It shows that they want a regular cleaner and if they dont, then youve not fully wasted your time and have covered (hopefully) your petrol costs etc and made money on it at the same time.
Also post some flyers to the surounding houses and who knows what they will get you
So you not saying anything about double price on the phone ?
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As said don’t quote over the phone - give a ball park figure for the Regular clean but always try to see face to face by hit ratio on face to face is 75% phone only or fly by quotes when no one present is around 20%
Don’t expect to get every job - if you are then your probably too cheap or the worlds best salesman
Darran
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Always charge more for first clean then you can offer a discount price on the regular clean
Darran
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Okay I got it now. Don't quote over the phone or just give price around and then go and see the job. I know some windy who give a bit higher price for first clean but never double. For example first clean £15 and next one £10 and that what he's doing basically all the time no matter what.
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Stay away from extra charges and discounts as there's no need, give your normal repeat clean price and when Mavis next door
says to your customer, your shiner did a great job on your windows what did he charge ? she wont get a pile of second hand babble about extra charges and discounts.
If you're getting a lot of messers looking for crafty one off cleans at a repeat clean price then you may have to reconsider and add a higher first clean price but I certainly didnt find that to be the case.
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I wouldn’t get 2x for some of the places I look at tbh I think there is a lot more people out there these days that want a 1 off on smaller properties though,I would ask at least for them to send a pic of each side then I could give them a price for what they wanted. If it was a house that had been cleaned by another cleaner and was to dirty if do it for my ongoing price if they were very dirty I’d probably add 25% on the usual price.
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"Hello Mrs Smith.
Sorry I don't give quotes over the phone.
I'm happy to arrange a date when I'm in the area, to come and give you a no obligations quote"
I listen to my voicemail and can usually filter out messers.
I usually return calls when I hear someone say, "I WANT my window's cleaned regularly"
They may follow on with can I organise a quote.
But if the first words are HOW MUCH I start having serious doubts😁
Good luck.
Unfortunately when starting out every other one seems to be messer😒
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It’s all about what works for you - some are not so dirty so the extra would be somewhere between 25 and 30 % at the other end where the frames are green and the conny framework is also the need then it’s at least twice the regular price
Darran
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Unfortunately when starting out every other one seems to be messer😒
I hope that Messers going to pass quick because for evry 5 persons 2 are really interested and I wish I could build decent round a bit faster than 10 years :D
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Personally, I don't quote over the phone.
I normally charge more for a first clean and it depends how filthy the windows are, as to how much extra I charge.
It goes like this:
"OK Mrs Smith my regular price, every 8 weeks is £22. And remember that's every 8 weeks, not every month.
However, your windows are particularly dirty and the first time I clean them, it's going to take me longer to really get them looking good. Would you mind if I charge an extra £8 to cover the extra time involved?"
I've never had a custy say no. If they did then I would politely walk away.
As for messers on the phone, you need to pre-qualify them a bit.
1. Ask where the house is (is it a good area or not)
2. I always ask 'Do you want a one off clean?' and then I don't say anything. If they say yes, then at least they are being honest and you can decide if you want to do it. If they say they want it regular, (which is what you really wanted to know), then you can normally tell by the way they say it, if they're genuine or not.
3. I always throw into the conversation 'so have you just moved in or...'
Some will say they have been in a few months, some will say 'no my last window cleaner just stopped coming'! I am wary of these. Some will finally admit they are students and are moving out soon.
4. If they push you for a quote over the phone I usually say "I'm sorry I can't quote you over the phone but I do need to see your property. (and then I bullpoop a bit) It's not just about your windows, I also need to check that I can park my van safely and make sure I have good side access to the rear of your property and it's safe to walk around and also make sure there are no health and safety issues. This usually does the trick.
5. When I go and see the customer I usually spend a couple of minutes having a friendly chat (all smiley etc), I show them my nice leaflet, from my nice van, wearing my nice logo'd shirt, I tell them about the pole system (in brief), tell them I clean all the glass, frames, sills, front door and back door and door surrounds. I text them the night before, so they know i'm coming and they have a range of options to pay. Also, if they have an awkward window, or the ones above the connie, no problem at all!
And then I add... 'I do provide a quality service and a quality clean but I do charge a small premium for it!
So now the customer is expecting a high price to cover all this extra waffle i've just mentioned. So when I give them my price (which is probably average for the area) they now think i'm good value. Happy days ;D
None of it is an exact science, just do what works for you.
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Over the phone I tell them i have a minimum price of ten pound but I will need to see the property to give a proper quote.
As for a double price etc on a first clean, stick to your guns on that one! It shows that they want a regular cleaner and if they dont, then youve not fully wasted your time and have covered (hopefully) your petrol costs etc and made money on it at the same time.
Also post some flyers to the surounding houses and who knows what they will get you
So you not saying anything about double price on the phone ?
I gauge it by seeing them and the windows. For a first clean I mostly always charge more for the first clean but this is dependent on how bad the windows are. For instance they may have had a wfp cleaner who did a bad job for whatever reason and so windows are/should be relatively ok.
I also dont do one offs, and thats why its goof to see the person because I tell them on the phone i dont do one off's but some will try it on.
So ifthe windows are really dirty then its double and if I think they are just after a one off it might be more.
If there not bad and its a regular sign up then if the job is £15 i would round it to £20 for first clean.
I judge it by individual cleans
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I hope that Messers going to pass quick because for evry 5 persons 2 are really interested and I wish I could build decent round a bit faster than 10 years :D
😁
I'd say 2 years to have a decent round, that was my experience.
Good luck 😊
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As said don’t quote over the phone - give a ball park figure for the Regular clean but always try to see face to face by hit ratio on face to face is 75% phone only or fly by quotes when no one present is around 20%
Don’t expect to get every job - if you are then your probably too cheap or the worlds best salesman
Darran
I reckon I get 90%. I don’t think I’m too cheap. Average price across the board is about £25.
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I simply charge the regular price for the first clean and explain to the customer I am only doing this if the work is going to be regular and reliable.
I tell them the first clean will take more effort and resources but I am willing to do the extra for free if I can rely on their good custom, I do this to make them feel obliged to have them done every time I call.
There is a name for it, it's called reciprocation and works well. It works so well in fact that the Hare Krishna society used this principle by approaching people and putting a small gift token upon the jacket of a person before requesting a donation, it was so effective that they were banned from doing it.
It doesn't work for everyone and there are no guarantee's but it works for me mostly.
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People buy people. If they like you and you haven't run their cat over on your arrival your in with more of a chance. Smile and chat with them a bit.
They can see how dirty they are and most will understand it takes longer for the first clean. Standing there explaining this is builds a rapour you won't get on the phone.
Quote/get out to them quickly whilst your building it shows you want the business.
Tony
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If it's a decent area and all the neighbours houses are clean and the new customer's is minging, alarm bells should ring, see the person first to guage if dodgy and charge double for initial clean
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I don’t qote over the phone unless Ime 100% sure I know the house and weather it has a conservatory or extension, evan then I prefer to go and have a look if I know the people or they are friend or family of existing customers I will do it at the normal price , if I don’t know them or think they are about to move or I suspect it’s a one off then it’s double the price for the first clean this normally puts off the messers , if they are honest and up front about wanting a one off clean then it’s double the price and I will do it if I have time : if not I say sorry Ime too busy
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I ask for address and postcode before I reply with a quote. I can usually tell from google street view and satellite image what the jobs worth. Treat every new job as a one off and factor that in to the initial price ( usually 25 - 50 % ) , then once I know how long the jobs taken me I offer a regular repeat price to seal the deal. I do this because as tlwcs has said "people buy people " ..... why should anybody agree to a regular service before they've even met you or let you loose on their property ?
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first rule I DONT QUOTE OVER THE PHONE....i have to see the property first....
i only take on work thats near my other work so its not much time/trouble to pop round to take a proper look....
if the windows are really bad then double my normal price.other times its usually 25%-50% more of the normal maintenance clean depending on how dirty they are.........
if they want a "one off" then its at least double my normal clean(regardless of how dirty they are)sometimes more....
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Hi guys. In the beginning I have to say I've started not long time ago and I'm confusing about pricing for windows. I know it's been a lot similar topic but I just want to be sure for that I'm not being greedy windy :D I've had couple phone call from potential custies asking for quote. I asked for number of windows and explain how first clean works why is more expensive and all that information. And on the phone they say I'm going to give ring back while usually in face to face they understand and agree. Ive got couple custies when I said the price for first clean and they just agreed with no doubt but recently I had few rings just taking the peace. And I start to think maybe I'm giving bad pricess or should I change estate for another one with canvassing. Could you tell me wise window cleaners :) , how you usually talking with customer on first clean and what price you giving?
Thanks in advance.
keep it simple mate.....dont quote over the phone..get their address.its not as if you havent got time to go and quote as your probably not stacked out with work.if their not in when you go round text them afterwards with a first clean price and maintenance clean price......then leave it with them....
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Dont quote over the phone.
Firstly. It doesn't appear professional. You are a professional remember. Your customers are expecting you to be professional. So behave professionally to their enquiry.
Secondly. Someone throwing together a quote over the phone without viewing the property doesn't come across in a good light, even sub-consciously.
Thirdly. You need to assess the customer. You need to read them, their body language, their attitude and their responses to your questions.
Fourth. You don't want to pick up work where there is dog-poop scattered liberally around the place. If their is forget the job immediately. They're filthy, unhygienic people who don't warrant your time.
Fifth. You need to imply who's 'running the show'. Its your business and your work, you have guidelines they need to be aware of. You tell them, face to face, whats going to happen. Such as possibly texting them the night before if their back gate needs to be unlocked, how to pay, what to do if they're not happy with the quality of the clean.
Sixth. You can assess immediately if their might be the possibility of other work from them, such as gutter cleaning/clearance or cladding cleaning. You could sell them this on the first visit. You'll be viewed as efficient that way.
Seventh. Businesses that impose themselves indicate a level of professionalism, being in control and that you are experienced and know what you're doing.
Eighth. Customers like confidence.
Ninth. Dont quote over the phone.
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Dont quote over the phone.
Fourth. You don't want to pick up work where there is dog-poop scattered liberally around the place. If their is forget the job immediately. They're filthy, unhygienic people who don't warrant your time.
That's a good point actually.
Yappy dogs, multiple dogs and dog poop infested gardens where they say "Oh just let me know when you are coming and i'll clean up the mess", never make good long term customers in my experience.
Nothing good usually comes from it.
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Dont quote over the phone.
Firstly. It doesn't appear professional. You are a professional remember. Your customers are expecting you to be professional. So behave professionally to their enquiry.
Secondly. Someone throwing together a quote over the phone without viewing the property doesn't come across in a good light, even sub-consciously.
Thirdly. You need to assess the customer. You need to read them, their body language, their attitude and their responses to your questions.
Fourth. You don't want to pick up work where there is dog-poop scattered liberally around the place. If their is forget the job immediately. They're filthy, unhygienic people who don't warrant your time.
Fifth. You need to imply who's 'running the show'. Its your business and your work, you have guidelines they need to be aware of. You tell them, face to face, whats going to happen. Such as possibly texting them the night before if their back gate needs to be unlocked, how to pay, what to do if they're not happy with the quality of the clean.
Sixth. You can assess immediately if their might be the possibility of other work from them, such as gutter cleaning/clearance or cladding cleaning. You could sell them this on the first visit. You'll be viewed as efficient that way.
Seventh. Businesses that impose themselves indicate a level of professionalism, being in control and that you are experienced and know what you're doing.
Eighth. Customers like confidence.
Ninth. Dont quote over the phone.
I simply don’t have time to go to quote for a £15 job unless it’s on my doorstep. Even then it’s doubtful whether I would.
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Dont quote over the phone.
Firstly. It doesn't appear professional. You are a professional remember. Your customers are expecting you to be professional. So behave professionally to their enquiry.
Secondly. Someone throwing together a quote over the phone without viewing the property doesn't come across in a good light, even sub-consciously.
Thirdly. You need to assess the customer. You need to read them, their body language, their attitude and their responses to your questions.
Fourth. You don't want to pick up work where there is dog-poop scattered liberally around the place. If their is forget the job immediately. They're filthy, unhygienic people who don't warrant your time.
Fifth. You need to imply who's 'running the show'. Its your business and your work, you have guidelines they need to be aware of. You tell them, face to face, whats going to happen. Such as possibly texting them the night before if their back gate needs to be unlocked, how to pay, what to do if they're not happy with the quality of the clean.
Sixth. You can assess immediately if their might be the possibility of other work from them, such as gutter cleaning/clearance or cladding cleaning. You could sell them this on the first visit. You'll be viewed as efficient that way.
Seventh. Businesses that impose themselves indicate a level of professionalism, being in control and that you are experienced and know what you're doing.
Eighth. Customers like confidence.
Ninth. Dont quote over the phone.
I simply don’t have time to go to quote for a £15 job unless it’s on my doorstep. Even then it’s doubtful whether I would.
Is there a big yawn emoji ;D
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Dont quote over the phone.
Firstly. It doesn't appear professional. You are a professional remember. Your customers are expecting you to be professional. So behave professionally to their enquiry.
Secondly. Someone throwing together a quote over the phone without viewing the property doesn't come across in a good light, even sub-consciously.
Thirdly. You need to assess the customer. You need to read them, their body language, their attitude and their responses to your questions.
Fourth. You don't want to pick up work where there is dog-poop scattered liberally around the place. If their is forget the job immediately. They're filthy, unhygienic people who don't warrant your time.
Fifth. You need to imply who's 'running the show'. Its your business and your work, you have guidelines they need to be aware of. You tell them, face to face, whats going to happen. Such as possibly texting them the night before if their back gate needs to be unlocked, how to pay, what to do if they're not happy with the quality of the clean.
Sixth. You can assess immediately if their might be the possibility of other work from them, such as gutter cleaning/clearance or cladding cleaning. You could sell them this on the first visit. You'll be viewed as efficient that way.
Seventh. Businesses that impose themselves indicate a level of professionalism, being in control and that you are experienced and know what you're doing.
Eighth. Customers like confidence.
Ninth. Dont quote over the phone.
I simply don’t have time to go to quote for a £15 job unless it’s on my doorstep. Even then it’s doubtful whether I would.
You cant say its a £15 job until you've visited the place.
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Dont quote over the phone.
Firstly. It doesn't appear professional. You are a professional remember. Your customers are expecting you to be professional. So behave professionally to their enquiry.
Secondly. Someone throwing together a quote over the phone without viewing the property doesn't come across in a good light, even sub-consciously.
Thirdly. You need to assess the customer. You need to read them, their body language, their attitude and their responses to your questions.
Fourth. You don't want to pick up work where there is dog-poop scattered liberally around the place. If their is forget the job immediately. They're filthy, unhygienic people who don't warrant your time.
Fifth. You need to imply who's 'running the show'. Its your business and your work, you have guidelines they need to be aware of. You tell them, face to face, whats going to happen. Such as possibly texting them the night before if their back gate needs to be unlocked, how to pay, what to do if they're not happy with the quality of the clean.
Sixth. You can assess immediately if their might be the possibility of other work from them, such as gutter cleaning/clearance or cladding cleaning. You could sell them this on the first visit. You'll be viewed as efficient that way.
Seventh. Businesses that impose themselves indicate a level of professionalism, being in control and that you are experienced and know what you're doing.
Eighth. Customers like confidence.
Ninth. Dont quote over the phone.
I simply don’t have time to go to quote for a £15 job unless it’s on my doorstep. Even then it’s doubtful whether I would.
You cant say its a £15 job until you've visited the place.
Ok, but it’s only ever going to be £18 and if it’s wrong we’ll correct on the day. Some weeks it’s 15-20 quotes a week. Just don’t have the time.
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I generally don’t quote over the phone unless I’m doing the next door house and it’s a similar or identical house or customer moved and there the new owners
I also don’t visit properties unless it’s very unusual design which we do get a lot of in this area, I don’t have time and modern technology is used by most
if We go there it’s to clean
The majority of our jobs are quoted via a photo of back front and sides sent by a devise of some sort
Then they get a first clean quote a six weekly and a twelve weekly, to be fair most of our enquiries are emails most will state what service they require or ask if we do one offs which we do