Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: pete albion on September 21, 2019, 10:03:56 pm

Title: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: pete albion on September 21, 2019, 10:03:56 pm
Found this on a bass guitar forum  >:(
https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/357563-window-cleaner/
Apparently we prey on people when they are out !!!
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Splash & dash on September 21, 2019, 10:05:06 pm
The link won’t let you view it
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: hotsteam on September 21, 2019, 10:08:13 pm
I don't care what people think just take the money  ::)roll ::)roll ::)roll

That's what bankers do !
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Michael Peterson on September 22, 2019, 01:58:35 pm
all the time they think that they are staying away from our well paying profession
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: dazmond on September 22, 2019, 06:33:27 pm
Most of the window cleaners I've met over the years have been helpful,down to earth,hard working characters....but as with any trade you get dodgy ones whether your cleaners,builders,plumbers,etc.....
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Johnny B on September 22, 2019, 06:58:06 pm
My son works for a local deli/butchers, and will be going part time so he can work a couple of days a week with me.

The chef he works under asked what he would be doing and when he told her, after she looked down her nose at him, she couldn't believe it when he told her he would be earning more per hour shining glass than she does!

Nope, I couldn't care less what anyone thinks about us!

John

Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Ooooooog on September 22, 2019, 07:52:22 pm
Are you a P bass man?
Or Rickenfaker?
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Stoots on September 22, 2019, 09:22:59 pm
Who cares what people think


I had a custy cancel his £14 a month window clean because it only took me 5 minutes.

Things like that tell me im doing something right when people are resenting me earning more money than them for only cleaning windows  ;D

Would you like me to clean them slower next time sir so you feel less of a loser ?  :-*
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Smudger on September 22, 2019, 09:27:34 pm
we had a customer on the phone last week - apparently with stop watch in hand - 2 man team cleaned the property - all good but they complained we were turning over £258 p/h !

I said thanks - I'll get them to speed up a bit then  ;D


Darran
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Ooooooog on September 22, 2019, 09:36:09 pm
The customers are right though.
Imagine being a GP on 80 grand a year (yes they’re probably on more but I can’t be arsed to look) after 6 years etc of studying and some uneducated prol comes along, splashes some water over a window and charges £50 /hr (or whatever).
I’d question it too.
Thing is it’s supply and demand.
And they just keep paying it.
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: nathankaye on September 22, 2019, 09:59:10 pm
Yes but the major difference is, we are running a business whilst they work for a business. Its a big difference!
Ask them how much their employer is making from them etc and they will be envious of them as well.  Granted, we may not have the same overheads, but we may or may not have business property rent/mortgage,  and all the usual business expenses that come with that.  Some have wages to pay, pension schemes to pay into, holiday pay, sickness pay etc etc etc.

Yes, a big difference but we dont need to go around telling them that and get our market even more saturated with shiners do we. 

Just nod, smile and walk away
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Crystal-clear on September 22, 2019, 11:27:26 pm
we had a customer on the phone last week - apparently with stop watch in hand - 2 man team cleaned the property - all good but they complained we were turning over £258 p/h !

I said thanks - I'll get them to speed up a bit then  ;D


Darran

Lol priceless .

Thank you for the observation I have put them both on blue report they have been told to at least hit the £300 per hour region  :D
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Pete Thompson on September 23, 2019, 12:54:35 am
Everytime I hear of someone being disparaging about window cleaners it makes me glad.

As long as average joe thinks it’s a scummy job, he’ll continue working in a factory, in a shop, in an office etc. Anything to keep them away from what we’re doing.

If people generally knew how good we had it, they’d be doing it to, and we don’t want that.

As has been said, smile and nod!
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Stoots on September 23, 2019, 08:04:59 am
Everytime I hear of someone being disparaging about window cleaners it makes me glad.

As long as average joe thinks it’s a scummy job, he’ll continue working in a factory, in a shop, in an office etc. Anything to keep them away from what we’re doing.

If people generally knew how good we had it, they’d be doing it to, and we don’t want that.

As has been said, smile and nod!

I agree bus sadly with the invention of social media and wfp etc window cleaning is becoming more and more popular with new guys starting every week.
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: dazmond on September 23, 2019, 08:08:52 am
Everytime I hear of someone being disparaging about window cleaners it makes me glad.

As long as average joe thinks it’s a scummy job, he’ll continue working in a factory, in a shop, in an office etc. Anything to keep them away from what we’re doing.

If people generally knew how good we had it, they’d be doing it to, and we don’t want that.

As has been said, smile and nod!

not many people stick at window cleaning because to start from scratch is hard going and even when you ve built up a good round its the bad weather,boredom and loneliness that breaks some window cleaners,also customers/jobs come and go...all our rounds are built on shifting sand.👍
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: dazmond on September 23, 2019, 08:12:07 am
Everytime I hear of someone being disparaging about window cleaners it makes me glad.

As long as average joe thinks it’s a scummy job, he’ll continue working in a factory, in a shop, in an office etc. Anything to keep them away from what we’re doing.

If people generally knew how good we had it, they’d be doing it to, and we don’t want that.

As has been said, smile and nod!

I agree bus sadly with the invention of social media and wfp etc window cleaning is becoming more and more popular with new guys starting every week.

its still hard to make decent money week in/week out when starting out......the real hard work is getting a solid customer base and that doesnt happen overnight....it takes years.....
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Richard Groves on September 23, 2019, 08:50:05 am
Found this on a bass guitar forum  >:(
https://www.basschat.co.uk/topic/357563-window-cleaner/
Apparently we prey on people when they are out !!!
Without joining the group and being able to read the full comment I can only assume its content.
Preying on people when they are out ? working hours ? ffs sake what do they expect ?
My customers agree to a regular clean. I make it clear that in nearly all cases I turn up approximately every 6 weeks, clean their windows and leave the bill. I don't usually knock or contact them prior to that but I do check that they've understood and happy to agree to that when I take them on.  Miserable moany people are everywhere on social media and forum groups. I couldn't care less what any of them think. Let them have their audience if it cheers up their sad little lives.
Its their problem , not yours.
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Stoots on September 23, 2019, 10:18:22 am
Everytime I hear of someone being disparaging about window cleaners it makes me glad.

As long as average joe thinks it’s a scummy job, he’ll continue working in a factory, in a shop, in an office etc. Anything to keep them away from what we’re doing.

If people generally knew how good we had it, they’d be doing it to, and we don’t want that.

As has been said, smile and nod!

not many people stick at window cleaning because to start from scratch is hard going and even when you ve built up a good round its the bad weather,boredom and loneliness that breaks some window cleaners,also customers/jobs come and go...all our rounds are built on shifting sand.👍

I'm not sure how true this is daz.

I see many people starting out but not many saying they are quitting.

I think it's a bit of an old wives tale that most don't stick it. I'm not sure where the evidence of that comes from, just wishful thinking.
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Dave Willis on September 23, 2019, 02:54:48 pm
What I hate is dressing up to look poor. I hate wearing Kappa and Addidas trackie bottoms to work at my age. Can’t wait for when I retire then I can wear my baseball cap round the right way.
I might have to start working in the rain soon just to make me look really desperate then they will feel really sorry for me. Works wonders with Christmas coming up 💰 💰
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: dazmond on September 23, 2019, 03:15:51 pm
What I hate is dressing up to look poor. I hate wearing Kappa and Addidas trackie bottoms to work at my age. Can’t wait for when I retire then I can wear my baseball cap round the right way.
I might have to start working in the rain soon just to make me look really desperate then they will feel really sorry for me. Works wonders with Christmas coming up 💰 💰

well its forecast RAIN for the next 4 days dave......so get out and do a bit.... 8).....im off on holiday next monday so ill be out cleaning regardless of the weather.....

.....im just  glad i didnt book my holiday with Thomas Cook! :D :D
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Spruce on September 23, 2019, 03:26:41 pm
What I hate is dressing up to look poor. I hate wearing Kappa and Addidas trackie bottoms to work at my age. Can’t wait for when I retire then I can wear my baseball cap round the right way.
I might have to start working in the rain soon just to make me look really desperate then they will feel really sorry for me. Works wonders with Christmas coming up 💰 💰

well its forecast RAIN for the next 4 days dave......so get out and do a bit.... 8).....im off on holiday next monday so ill be out cleaning regardless of the weather.....

.....im just  glad i didnt book my holiday with Thomas Cook! :D :D

Thomas Cook has been on shaky ground for sometime now.
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: robbo333 on September 23, 2019, 03:45:41 pm
Don't worry about what people think.
Could be worse...could be an Estate Agent!
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Spotfree on September 23, 2019, 04:03:50 pm
Everytime I hear of someone being disparaging about window cleaners it makes me glad.

As long as average joe thinks it’s a scummy job, he’ll continue working in a factory, in a shop, in an office etc. Anything to keep them away from what we’re doing.

If people generally knew how good we had it, they’d be doing it to, and we don’t want that.

As has been said, smile and nod!

not many people stick at window cleaning because to start from scratch is hard going and even when you ve built up a good round its the bad weather,boredom and loneliness that breaks some window cleaners,also customers/jobs come and go...all our rounds are built on shifting sand.👍

I'm not sure how true this is daz.

I see many people starting out but not many saying they are quitting.

I think it's a bit of an old wives tale that most don't stick it. I'm not sure where the evidence of that comes from, just wishful thinking.

People generally don't like to admit failure so they'll shimmy out the back door quietly.

There is a lot of newbies out there but I bet they have a high turnover,  if they got fully established and full rounds customers would soon run out.

Its water fed pole that attracts people to the game, it'll also be peoples biggest nemesis as so many things can go wrong with it while cleaning.

I don't worry about these new guys, then I don't have to as I'm happy as I am, me and the wife. Great money on more or less part-time hours (like Dazmond).

I did see a documentary on Netflix though, showing how certain parts of the world are having to turn their water supply off at the mains and reverting to rations, as it's running out! Cape town is one and others are in the pipeline.

We'll all be talking about squeegees and ladders again in the future.
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: TomCrowther on September 23, 2019, 05:02:49 pm
Everytime I hear of someone being disparaging about window cleaners it makes me glad.

As long as average joe thinks it’s a scummy job, he’ll continue working in a factory, in a shop, in an office etc. Anything to keep them away from what we’re doing.

If people generally knew how good we had it, they’d be doing it to, and we don’t want that.

As has been said, smile and nod!

not many people stick at window cleaning because to start from scratch is hard going and even when you ve built up a good round its the bad weather,boredom and loneliness that breaks some window cleaners,also customers/jobs come and go...all our rounds are built on shifting sand.👍

I'm not sure how true this is daz.

I see many people starting out but not many saying they are quitting.

I think it's a bit of an old wives tale that most don't stick it. I'm not sure where the evidence of that comes from, just wishful thinking.

People generally don't like to admit failure so they'll shimmy out the back door quietly.

There is a lot of newbies out there but I bet they have a high turnover,  if they got fully established and full rounds customers would soon run out.

Its water fed pole that attracts people to the game, it'll also be peoples biggest nemesis as so many things can go wrong with it while cleaning.

I don't worry about these new guys, then I don't have to as I'm happy as I am, me and the wife. Great money on more or less part-time hours (like Dazmond).

I did see a documentary on Netflix though, showing how certain parts of the world are having to turn their water supply off at the mains and reverting to rations, as it's running out! Cape town is one and others are in the pipeline.

We'll all be talking about squeegees and ladders again in the future.
I think we will have bigger issues than cleaning windows in the years to come.
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Spotfree on September 23, 2019, 06:37:25 pm
true
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: p1w1 on September 23, 2019, 10:17:19 pm
Everytime I hear of someone being disparaging about window cleaners it makes me glad.

As long as average joe thinks it’s a scummy job, he’ll continue working in a factory, in a shop, in an office etc. Anything to keep them away from what we’re doing.

If people generally knew how good we had it, they’d be doing it to, and we don’t want that.

As has been said, smile and nod!

not many people stick at window cleaning because to start from scratch is hard going and even when you ve built up a good round its the bad weather,boredom and loneliness that breaks some window cleaners,also customers/jobs come and go...all our rounds are built on shifting sand.👍

I'm not sure how true this is daz.

I see many people starting out but not many saying they are quitting.

I think it's a bit of an old wives tale that most don't stick it. I'm not sure where the evidence of that comes from, just wishful thinking.

People generally don't like to admit failure so they'll shimmy out the back door quietly.

There is a lot of newbies out there but I bet they have a high turnover,  if they got fully established and full rounds customers would soon run out.

Its water fed pole that attracts people to the game, it'll also be peoples biggest nemesis as so many things can go wrong with it while cleaning.

I don't worry about these new guys, then I don't have to as I'm happy as I am, me and the wife. Great money on more or less part-time hours (like Dazmond).

I did see a documentary on Netflix though, showing how certain parts of the world are having to turn their water supply off at the mains and reverting to rations, as it's running out! Cape town is one and others are in the pipeline.

We'll all be talking about squeegees and ladders again in the future.
I think we will have bigger issues than cleaning windows in the years to come.

They also have to do this with electric in Durban
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: pete albion on September 24, 2019, 09:44:51 am
Are you a P bass man?
Or Rickenfaker?
P Bass all day long😎
Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Spruce on September 24, 2019, 09:56:07 am
Everytime I hear of someone being disparaging about window cleaners it makes me glad.

As long as average joe thinks it’s a scummy job, he’ll continue working in a factory, in a shop, in an office etc. Anything to keep them away from what we’re doing.

If people generally knew how good we had it, they’d be doing it to, and we don’t want that.

As has been said, smile and nod!

not many people stick at window cleaning because to start from scratch is hard going and even when you ve built up a good round its the bad weather,boredom and loneliness that breaks some window cleaners,also customers/jobs come and go...all our rounds are built on shifting sand.👍

I'm not sure how true this is daz.

I see many people starting out but not many saying they are quitting.

I think it's a bit of an old wives tale that most don't stick it. I'm not sure where the evidence of that comes from, just wishful thinking.

People generally don't like to admit failure so they'll shimmy out the back door quietly.

There is a lot of newbies out there but I bet they have a high turnover,  if they got fully established and full rounds customers would soon run out.

Its water fed pole that attracts people to the game, it'll also be peoples biggest nemesis as so many things can go wrong with it while cleaning.

I don't worry about these new guys, then I don't have to as I'm happy as I am, me and the wife. Great money on more or less part-time hours (like Dazmond).

I did see a documentary on Netflix though, showing how certain parts of the world are having to turn their water supply off at the mains and reverting to rations, as it's running out! Cape town is one and others are in the pipeline.

We'll all be talking about squeegees and ladders again in the future.
I think we will have bigger issues than cleaning windows in the years to come.

They also have to do this with electric in Durban

Not only in Durban - all over the country.

They even post a 'loadshedding' schedule.
Here's an example for Rustenburg last year.
https://www.northwestnewspapers.co.za/herald/news/loadshedding/827-load-shedding-schedule-for-rustenburg

Title: Re: Sick to death of how some people view our profession
Post by: Soupy on September 24, 2019, 12:23:55 pm
Window cleaner inferiority complex strikes again.