Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Klean07 on August 25, 2018, 12:14:46 pm
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I do for a couple of accounts plus someone asked me to clean the inside roof of a large glass conservatory. It was priced well but not something I would want to do very often!
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No I don't clean ANY inside windows anymore(apart from the odd old dears kitchen window on request).
I don't offer it as a service either.i certainly don't clean inside conny roofs.....too much of a pain IME.....
I ALSO don't offer a gutter clearing service either.....
These jobs always crushed my spirit so I don't do them anymore.....
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Yes,
Schools and hospitals
Conservatories
Darran
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Yes...i do plenty,
I quite enjoy doing them makes a change from pole work
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Nope. I don't either now. No free time to mess with these.
Only bother if you're short on work bud.
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none at all now
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Yes i do, House's mostly, Conservatories, 1 School, I DONT DO INSIDE CONSERVATORY ROOFS ANYMORE, complete Ball-ache PITA.
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I do quite a few, in fact I did a large house inside and out today.
I don't mind doing them as I can make doubly sure that they come up perfect!
John
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Unfortunately yes but only a few select customers , I hate doing them
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I used to do it occasionally (for which I charged 2.5 x the outside), but now I don't do any.
Too much faff.
It's all about streamlining your working day. If you're fully geared up to getting through pole work as efficiently as possible, then doing oddities like insides etc always reduces your hourly rate IMO. It's also a ball ache, and life's too short.
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Nope.
I want days full off fast efficient pole work, no time to faff about with anything else
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I can't understand why people think it's hassle doing insides ???
I charge more and I'm quick at it so it pays...also it's good doing insides when it's poor weather ;)
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I can't understand why people think it's hassle doing insides ???
I charge more and I'm quick at it so it pays...also it's good doing insides when it's poor weather ;)
Pehaps because some of them don’t have any trad skills ;)
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If they ask then we refer them to someone who does this work. Sometimes we also give them a couple of microfibre cloths...
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I can't understand why people think it's hassle doing insides ???
I charge more and I'm quick at it so it pays...also it's good doing insides when it's poor weather ;)
Pehaps because some of them don’t have any trad skills ;)
I was trad for 17 yrs....it's not that....it's the fact I don't like going in customers houses,you usually have to book them in AND very rarely it works out that your cleaning insides on a rainy day....more like sweating like a pig on a sunny day when they want them doing! ;D
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i do a few reguler inside jobs lots of conny roof cleans inside and out its just glass no issue with the right gear hot days are a pain i normaly do them early morning inside connys
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I don't really have any hard and fast rules on what I will or will not clean. View each job on its merits and what its worth to me. So yes, if its financially worth my while then I will clean inside windows. However I will insist furniture etc. are moved and that I have unobstructed access to the windows.
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Mine is either for the little ole dear who wants the odd window, or patio door. Or some of my largest houses have the insides done occasionally, as their house cleaners don’t do a good job.
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Just as I thought not very many doing this!
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We do quite a few insides. I'd be too embarrassed, rolling up in my big shiny van, sign written as a window cleaner to tell them I'm not capable.
All jobs are crap if you don't charge enough.
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Imo you are not a window cleaner if you dont have the traditional skills to clean inside windows.
Now im not saying those who choose not to clean inside windows as a business decision are any worse than someone who chooses to clean inside windows.
But personally, there is no real skill needed for wfp operation; its very minimal which is why we now see so many window cleaners.
I do clean inside and outside,. Whatever is required from the customer.
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Imo you are not a window cleaner if you dont have the traditional skills to clean inside windows.
Now im not saying those who choose not to clean inside windows as a business decision are any worse than someone who chooses to clean inside windows.
But personally, there is no real skill needed for wfp operation; its very minimal which is why we now see so many window cleaners.
I do clean inside and outside,. Whatever is required from the customer.
Whilst I agree it is better to have traditional skills to be a more well rounded window cleaner, I think it is totally wrong to say you dont need much skill to WFP.
I have spent years on both and can say that to become properly proficient in both takes time.
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I do quite a few, in fact I did a large house inside and out today.
I don't mind doing them as I can make doubly sure that they come up perfect!
John
I like doing in and out for the same reason, best not though if your not a good WC. You'll be opening your own can of worms
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We do quite a few insides. I'd be too embarrassed, rolling up in my big shiny van, sign written as a window cleaner to tell them I'm not capable.
All jobs are crap if you don't charge enough.
your company only clean insides because YOU dont have to actually clean them yourself soupy! ;D
i just cant be arsed with inside jobs anymore.... ;D
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Imo you are not a window cleaner if you dont have the traditional skills to clean inside windows.
Now im not saying those who choose not to clean inside windows as a business decision are any worse than someone who chooses to clean inside windows.
But personally, there is no real skill needed for wfp operation; its very minimal which is why we now see so many window cleaners.
I do clean inside and outside,. Whatever is required from the customer.
Having trained a couple of guys to wfp there definately is a skill to it.
To go fast and do a good job takes as much practice as it does to get good at trad work.
People talk like trad is much more difficult, its really not... its easy to do at a moderate pace, as is wfp.
Both are easy to learn, but takes a while to master.
The main reason window cleaning is more attractive is not because learning how to use a wfp is easier it more to do with not risking death on ladders. Online payments, no collecting is a big factor as is the increased money to be made wfp. All the latest gear and fancy items, vans, brushes, poles, hot water etc available today also makes it more appealing to the modern chap than mucky old scrims, vests and buckets.
I personally dont like doing insides due to having to make appointments, i hate being in peoples houses sweating and creeping about. But also it ruins my flow, i dont like to be knocked off stride, i like to bash out houses as fast as possible in a fast efficent manner,,. fannying around in someones house would just kill my flow.
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I hate insides with a passion. Not because of trad skill either as I am fine with this. I only do the odd ones to help elderly and disabled customers out. Other than that I just don't need the hastle of having to remove my boots - having to work around trinkets and brakables the customer forgot to move - the uncomfortable feeling of going into private bedrooms being watched like a hawk - not to mention making me sweat like a pig walking around a house with the heating on full blast after working outside for ages. Need I go on.... ;D ;D
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I'm commercial only insides are a weekly sometimes daily part of the job for me.
If I didn't clean insides I wouldn't have any business.
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We do quite a few insides. I'd be too embarrassed, rolling up in my big shiny van, sign written as a window cleaner to tell them I'm not capable.
All jobs are crap if you don't charge enough.
your company only clean insides because YOU dont have to actually clean them yourself soupy! ;D
i just cant be arsed with inside jobs anymore.... ;D
You're probably right.
:D ;D
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My regular insides jobs are commercial.
I will do a one off insides for others if the price is right and always at a quiet point in my schedule when and if I want to be bothered.
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I certainly wouldn’t do insides myself now. But we do the odd one. It’s now double the outside price. I find it’s just as effective as refusing them generally. Puts most off.
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I certainly wouldn’t do insides myself now. But we do the odd one. It’s now double the outside price. I find it’s just as effective as refusing them generally. Puts most off.
Snap
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
That's the problem..
Not the fact you are trad...you can clean how you like...
Feeling like you must clean them or you are not a window cleaner. What you've said sounds like you are a people pleaser (or customer pleaser) jumping through hoops to make them happy...
Also "I am a window cleaner after all" sounds a bit degrading on yourself. Have more self respect. You are not a window cleaner you are a human being who runs a business and you should run it on your terms.
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
What you've said sounds like you are a people pleaser (or customer pleaser) jumping through hoops to make them happy...
Also "I am a window cleaner after all" sounds a bit degrading on yourself. Have more self respect. You are not a window cleaner you are a human being who runs a business and you should run it on your terms.
I don't agree here Adam. As business owners, its in our interest to keep our customers happy.
And i think he was referring to his choice of trade as being a window cleaner not as something negative; but stating fact that he is a window cleaner and thats what he gets paid to do; thats clean windows.
Just a moment ago a customer came out to me apologetic that he got crud all over the windows just as i was about to clean.
My reply was, "well Adrian it is my job after all; and it what you pay me for" agreed he said, ill get the coffee on.
No need to have a chip on your shoulder guys. (Not targeting Gomo; just a general observation)
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That's correct and remember without customers there is no business to run, it's not about being a people pleaser it's keeping your customers happy, we all have different views on how a business should be run.
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
That's the problem..
Not the fact you are trad...you can clean how you like...
Feeling like you must clean them or you are not a window cleaner. What you've said sounds like you are a people pleaser (or customer pleaser) jumping through hoops to make them happy...
Also "I am a window cleaner after all" sounds a bit degrading on yourself. Have more self respect. You are not a window cleaner you are a human being who runs a business and you should run it on your terms.
You call out a plumber to fix your heating, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you sort that dripping tap"
"Sorry I don't do taps"
You have a sparkie out to fit an outdoor security light, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you look at my living room light fitting for me"
"Sorry, I don't do inside lights"
Do you not see how either of those might confuse and annoy you, as a customer?
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
That's the problem..
Not the fact you are trad...you can clean how you like...
Feeling like you must clean them or you are not a window cleaner. What you've said sounds like you are a people pleaser (or customer pleaser) jumping through hoops to make them happy...
Also "I am a window cleaner after all" sounds a bit degrading on yourself. Have more self respect. You are not a window cleaner you are a human being who runs a business and you should run it on your terms.
You call out a plumber to fix your heating, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you sort that dripping tap"
"Sorry I don't do taps"
You have a sparkie out to fit an outdoor security light, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you look at my living room light fitting for me"
"Sorry, I don't do inside lights"
Do you not see how either of those might confuse and annoy you, as a customer?
Lots of plumbers only service boilers. The one we use won't touch taps or bogs. In fact generally those with plenty of work will specialise in what they prefer doing or makes the most money.
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
That's the problem..
Not the fact you are trad...you can clean how you like...
Feeling like you must clean them or you are not a window cleaner. What you've said sounds like you are a people pleaser (or customer pleaser) jumping through hoops to make them happy...
Also "I am a window cleaner after all" sounds a bit degrading on yourself. Have more self respect. You are not a window cleaner you are a human being who runs a business and you should run it on your terms.
You call out a plumber to fix your heating, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you sort that dripping tap"
"Sorry I don't do taps"
You have a sparkie out to fit an outdoor security light, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you look at my living room light fitting for me"
"Sorry, I don't do inside lights"
Do you not see how either of those might confuse and annoy you, as a customer?
Lots of plumbers only service boilers. The one we use won't touch taps or bogs. In fact generally those with plenty of work will specialise in what they prefer doing or makes the most money.
OK bad example. Heating engineers they call themselves.
Replace 'fix heating' with 'fit outside tap' and we're there.
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
That's the problem..
Not the fact you are trad...you can clean how you like...
Feeling like you must clean them or you are not a window cleaner. What you've said sounds like you are a people pleaser (or customer pleaser) jumping through hoops to make them happy...
Also "I am a window cleaner after all" sounds a bit degrading on yourself. Have more self respect. You are not a window cleaner you are a human being who runs a business and you should run it on your terms.
You call out a plumber to fix your heating, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you sort that dripping tap"
"Sorry I don't do taps"
You have a sparkie out to fit an outdoor security light, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you look at my living room light fitting for me"
"Sorry, I don't do inside lights"
Do you not see how either of those might confuse and annoy you, as a customer?
Lots of plumbers only service boilers. The one we use won't touch taps or bogs. In fact generally those with plenty of work will specialise in what they prefer doing or makes the most money.
Cleaning outside windows isn't a "speciality".
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
That's the problem..
Not the fact you are trad...you can clean how you like...
Feeling like you must clean them or you are not a window cleaner. What you've said sounds like you are a people pleaser (or customer pleaser) jumping through hoops to make them happy...
Also "I am a window cleaner after all" sounds a bit degrading on yourself. Have more self respect. You are not a window cleaner you are a human being who runs a business and you should run it on your terms.
You call out a plumber to fix your heating, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you sort that dripping tap"
"Sorry I don't do taps"
You have a sparkie out to fit an outdoor security light, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you look at my living room light fitting for me"
"Sorry, I don't do inside lights"
Do you not see how either of those might confuse and annoy you, as a customer?
Lots of plumbers only service boilers. The one we use won't touch taps or bogs. In fact generally those with plenty of work will specialise in what they prefer doing or makes the most money.
Cleaning outside windows isn't a "speciality".
However it's efficient. Insides take longer, break your daily rhythm and aren't financially worthwhile if you do them at a price that's acceptable to customers.
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
What you've said sounds like you are a people pleaser (or customer pleaser) jumping through hoops to make them happy...
Also "I am a window cleaner after all" sounds a bit degrading on yourself. Have more self respect. You are not a window cleaner you are a human being who runs a business and you should run it on your terms.
I don't agree here Adam. As business owners, its in our interest to keep our customers happy.
And i think he was referring to his choice of trade as being a window cleaner not as something negative; but stating fact that he is a window cleaner and thats what he gets paid to do; thats clean windows.
Just a moment ago a customer came out to me apologetic that he got crud all over the windows just as i was about to clean.
My reply was, "well Adrian it is my job after all; and it what you pay me for" agreed he said, ill get the coffee on.
No need to have a chip on your shoulder guys. (Not targeting Gomo; just a general observation)
I only do work that I want to do, that's why I started a business not to keep people happy.
Your situation isn't quite the same, a dirtier than normal outside window isn't the same to me. I would have cleaned it also but I wouldn't have gone inside to clean some insides that he was having a problem with.
I suppose it depends on your business model, I'm trying to set mine up to be fast efficient exterior window cleaning.
I don't do insides, it's just a choice. It doesn't bother me what a customer might think about that they can go elsewhere. I don't do them it's that simple.
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at the end of the day lots of us who have been window cleaning for many years and are well established have done all the pain in the arse jobs(gutter clearing/inside window cleaning,inside conny roof cleaning etc)and can choose to not do this work due to having enough outside window cleaning to be getting on with....
i even turn down outside window cleaning jobs half the time if their not easy access jobs! ;D
the main reasons i hate inside window cleaning are
1.you have to book them in no "turn up and clean".
2.i really dont like being inside a customers property.
3.a chance of being accused of stealing something(it has happened before)
4.clutter on window sills/blinds/ornaments and general stuff you need to get around to clean the windows.
5.often ive ended up sweating buckets as ive been used to being outside all day(even in winter!)its a nightmare cleaning inside a conny for example in bright sunshine....
for me its so much easier to refuse these jobs and just crack on with my scheduled outside work.it makes me happier. ;D
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
That's the problem..
Not the fact you are trad...you can clean how you like...
Feeling like you must clean them or you are not a window cleaner. What you've said sounds like you are a people pleaser (or customer pleaser) jumping through hoops to make them happy...
Also "I am a window cleaner after all" sounds a bit degrading on yourself. Have more self respect. You are not a window cleaner you are a human being who runs a business and you should run it on your terms.
You call out a plumber to fix your heating, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you sort that dripping tap"
"Sorry I don't do taps"
You have a sparkie out to fit an outdoor security light, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you look at my living room light fitting for me"
"Sorry, I don't do inside lights"
Do you not see how either of those might confuse and annoy you, as a customer?
Yes
But we are not plumbers
my business is water fed pole window cleaning. We don't carry ladders or trad gear.
Exterior only.
I couldn't care less what a customer thinks.
That said, I can't remember the last time anyone asked to clean insides. It's not a service I offer or promote.
I've had a few hints "oh I will have to clean inside now" or " it would be good if you did inside" I just nod and smile and think no it wouldn't be good.
I've done a few when I started out and I hated it.
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i wouldn't clean my customers inside windows , they would then see what a crap job i've done of the outsides ;D
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
That's the problem..
Not the fact you are trad...you can clean how you like...
Feeling like you must clean them or you are not a window cleaner. What you've said sounds like you are a people pleaser (or customer pleaser) jumping through hoops to make them happy...
Also "I am a window cleaner after all" sounds a bit degrading on yourself. Have more self respect. You are not a window cleaner you are a human being who runs a business and you should run it on your terms.
You call out a plumber to fix your heating, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you sort that dripping tap"
"Sorry I don't do taps"
You have a sparkie out to fit an outdoor security light, which he does. When he's finished:
"Here pal, can you look at my living room light fitting for me"
"Sorry, I don't do inside lights"
Do you not see how either of those might confuse and annoy you, as a customer?
Lots of plumbers only service boilers. The one we use won't touch taps or bogs. In fact generally those with plenty of work will specialise in what they prefer doing or makes the most money.
Cleaning outside windows isn't a "speciality".
However it's efficient. Insides take longer, break your daily rhythm and aren't financially worthwhile if you do them at a price that's acceptable to customers.
I can make just as much doing insides, yes it's normally more than the customer wants to pay but isn't everything?
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I've done a few when I started out and I hated it.
That's because you weren't very good at it (yet) and you weren't charging enough.
A nice wee inside job on a frosty morning is great.
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i wouldn't clean my customers inside windows , they would then see what a crap job i've done of the outsides ;D
Funny, but also true!
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1.you have to book them in no "turn up and clean".
True. call outs are charged extra though...
2.i really dont like being inside a customers property.
Depends on the customer
3.a chance of being accused of stealing something(it has happened before)
Been accused of robbing a customers garage recently. Never been in his house.
4.clutter on window sills/blinds/ornaments and general stuff you need to get around to clean the windows.
One thing we are NOT is furniture movers. Sills should be clear or the window will be missed (not always the case in real life)
5.often ive ended up sweating buckets as ive been used to being outside all day(even in winter!)its a nightmare cleaning inside a conny for example in bright sunshine....
You need to be prepared, just like you need to be prepared for outside work
for me its so much easier to refuse these jobs and just crack on with my scheduled outside work.it makes me happier. ;D
If you've got as much or more work than you need/want then fine, I'd hazard a guess that's not the norm though.
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You set down rules for inside cleans.
I tell them.
1. All sills need to be cleared, sofas moved, and sideboards shifted out the way of any windows.
2. Its glass only unless otherwise quoted.
3. Insides are by prior arrangement first. I won't clean insides with 10 mins notice.
Doesn't take long and it keeps the trad skills up. It also sets you apart from the so called 'competition' who say they are window cleaners, when really they are WFP operators. If you have good squeegies skills a 3 bed semi can be done insides just as quick, if not quicker than outsiders with snagging hoses and equipment. All you need is a good scrim, a boab, decent squeegies and its a great demonstration of your skills. No need to move anything or climb anything just bosh bosh bosh to each window
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You set down rules for inside cleans.
I tell them.
1. All sills need to be cleared, sofas moved, and sideboards shifted out the way of any windows.
2. Its glass only unless otherwise quoted.
3. Insides are by prior arrangement first. I won't clean insides with 10 mins notice.
Doesn't take long and it keeps the trad skills up. It also sets you apart from the so called 'competition' who say they are window cleaners, when really they are WFP operators. If you have good squeegies skills a 3 bed semi can be done insides just as quick, if not quicker than outsiders with snagging hoses and equipment. All you need is a good scrim, a boab, decent squeegies and its a great demonstration of your skills. No need to move anything or climb anything just bosh bosh bosh to each window
Shouldn’t that be bish bash bosh ?
Darran
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You set down rules for inside cleans.
I tell them.
1. All sills need to be cleared, sofas moved, and sideboards shifted out the way of any windows.
2. Its glass only unless otherwise quoted.
3. Insides are by prior arrangement first. I won't clean insides with 10 mins notice.
Doesn't take long and it keeps the trad skills up. It also sets you apart from the so called 'competition' who say they are window cleaners, when really they are WFP operators. If you have good squeegies skills a 3 bed semi can be done insides just as quick, if not quicker than outsiders with snagging hoses and equipment. All you need is a good scrim, a boab, decent squeegies and its a great demonstration of your skills. No need to move anything or climb anything just bosh bosh bosh to each window
that’s exactly What We do my son does the outsides wfp while I trad inside normally finish at the same time when it’s inside I don’t clean the frames, tracks or rails glass only.
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I only clean Trad.. last of the dying breed i know.. been doing it for 18 years plus, if a customer wants insides doing, i do it.. I am a window cleaner after all.
££
What you've said sounds like you are a people pleaser (or customer pleaser) jumping through hoops to make them happy...
Also "I am a window cleaner after all" sounds a bit degrading on yourself. Have more self respect. You are not a window cleaner you are a human being who runs a business and you should run it on your terms.
I don't agree here Adam. As business owners, its in our interest to keep our customers happy.
And i think he was referring to his choice of trade as being a window cleaner not as something negative; but stating fact that he is a window cleaner and thats what he gets paid to do; thats clean windows.
Just a moment ago a customer came out to me apologetic that he got crud all over the windows just as i was about to clean.
My reply was, "well Adrian it is my job after all; and it what you pay me for" agreed he said, ill get the coffee on.
No need to have a chip on your shoulder guys. (Not targeting Gomo; just a general observation)
My sentiments exactly. I did a first clean yesterday evening, inside and out. Mrs Johnny B was helping me. We were rewarded with very generous helpings of a takeaway meal they had ordered in! All for doing what we were paid to do!
John
John