Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: jay moley on October 29, 2021, 03:25:18 pm

Title: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 29, 2021, 03:25:18 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 29, 2021, 05:39:21 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.

If access is good then a 1930's semi with a pair of bay windows but as you describe then £20.00 if it is close to others I do.
If it's a 4 bed semi or a 1970's 4 bed detached then £25.00

But stuff I have had for a while - like a load of 1970's semi's with no bays in a close probably only average £18.00 - the newer ones at £20, the older ones at £16.00.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 29, 2021, 07:48:36 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: NWH on October 29, 2021, 07:54:52 pm
South of what
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 29, 2021, 08:08:47 pm
South of what

The Mason-Dixon line?  ;D

Probably the standard "South" measure - an imaginary line from the Severn Estuary to The Wash.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 29, 2021, 08:15:27 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

That's the beauty of a forum. You can benefit from the experience of others.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: dd on October 29, 2021, 09:23:39 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
So assuming you can do 20 in a day that works out at £500 for a days work?
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: NWH on October 29, 2021, 09:26:13 pm
Yeah and a hard days work at that.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 29, 2021, 09:53:27 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

Thanks so much. Anything else I shouldn't ask about on here? Don't want to upset you.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 29, 2021, 09:54:20 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
So assuming you can do 20 in a day that works out at £500 for a days work?

Thats why you shouldn't assume. My work is varied in value per house as Im sure most are.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 29, 2021, 11:54:25 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

That's the beauty of a forum. You can benefit from the experience of others.
But Jay is experienced, he also employs, so I would have thought he’d have his pricing exactly where he needs it to be. Does it really take years to work out what to charge for a simple semi detached house?
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 29, 2021, 11:57:05 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

Thanks so much. Anything else I shouldn't ask about on here? Don't want to upset you.
I’m not upset, more surprised,  that after all those years you are questioning whether you have priced semi detached houses correctly.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Dry Clean on October 30, 2021, 07:38:30 am
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

Thanks so much. Anything else I shouldn't ask about on here? Don't want to upset you.
Co-vid vaccines, Masks, Brexit, BLM, food shortages, why cant NWH get a window clean, is NWH a real person, window cleaners becoming carers, hot water, vision, the list is endless. ;D
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Soupy on October 30, 2021, 08:29:38 am
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

Thanks so much. Anything else I shouldn't ask about on here? Don't want to upset you.
Co-vid vaccines, Masks, Brexit, BLM, food shortages, why cant NWH get a window clean, is NWH a real person, window cleaners becoming carers, hot water, vision, the list is endless. ;D

DO NOT call dry clean an idiot.

You will be banned for three months.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Stoots on October 30, 2021, 09:42:52 am
If you are charging £25 for a 3/4 bed and work 8 hours a day i cant fathom why you need to 5 days a week to survive. If my houses were £25 rather than 12 i would  hit the vat threhsold in about 3 days.

 
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Smudger on October 30, 2021, 10:04:04 am
This is where you can’t compare prices - first you need an example house for everyone to quote on. as it stands someone charging £25 for a house may take 45 minutes to clean someone else 15 minutes - frequency is also a factor a £15 semi 4 weekly would be £19 8 weekly

I agree with ks as this really is basic to you running a biz - if your not in profit then put prices up if you are then it’s happy days ( stop listening to the wind up lol brigade ) focus on your own biz not the carp some constantly spout on here - they are only trying to bolster their own fragile ego’s

Darran
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 30, 2021, 10:14:36 am
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

That's the beauty of a forum. You can benefit from the experience of others.
But Jay is experienced, he also employs, so I would have thought he’d have his pricing exactly where he needs it to be. Does it really take years to work out what to charge for a simple semi detached house?

Im not as experienced as others on here. Still need to grow my business. I think my price is about right but just curious as to what others are doing.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 30, 2021, 10:15:36 am
If you are charging £25 for a 3/4 bed and work 8 hours a day i cant fathom why you need to 5 days a week to survive. If my houses were £25 rather than 12 i would  hit the vat threhsold in about 3 days.

Not all my houses are £25. I have some underpriced work.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 30, 2021, 10:22:30 am
This is where you can’t compare prices - first you need an example house for everyone to quote on. as it stands someone charging £25 for a house may take 45 minutes to clean someone else 15 minutes - frequency is also a factor a £15 semi 4 weekly would be £19 8 weekly

I agree with ks as this really is basic to you running a biz - if your not in profit then put prices up if you are then it’s happy days ( stop listening to the wind up lol brigade ) focus on your own biz not the carp some constantly spout on here - they are only trying to bolster their own fragile ego’s

Darran

To be honest I nearly didn't post it as I thought I would get some of the unhelpful replies that I have got.

I am still trying to grow my business so I always think its best to ask and reach out to people that know more than me and are doing better than me.

I do seem to have a mental block on pricing higher that £25/£35. Having said that most of the houses in my area are in that ballpark, not many above that.

I have just put my prices up by 10% which has helped. I have had two people unhappy with it but everyone has stayed on. I hadn't ever put my prices up and some are still underpriced (not terribly) but I cant afford to just bin those off yet.

I have been going 8 years but I was ill and not working for 5 years (my dad took over the business and it just survived, no growth) so im still young in the proper growing stage of the business. I've got 157 new customers this year, mostly through canvassing, 1 hour a day, 3 days a week but Ive lost 55, mainly through getting rid of dross.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Slacky on October 30, 2021, 10:22:40 am
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

Thanks so much. Anything else I shouldn't ask about on here? Don't want to upset you.
I’m not upset, more surprised,  that after all those years you are questioning whether you have priced semi detached houses correctly.

Sometimes it’s just nice to run stuff past other people. It’s a good thing. I wouldn’t read too much in to it.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: zesty on October 30, 2021, 10:58:27 am
I clean once a month, so a 3-4 bed, anywhere between £18-£25.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Granny on October 30, 2021, 12:10:14 pm
There is a definite North / South divide.
I first started out in Cambridge when I moved back up North I went out with a windie mate and found it rather shocking how low the prices were compared.
You would do very, very well to get £25 for a 3/4 bed house.
And he was not timid with his pricing!
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 30, 2021, 12:46:36 pm
Jay, take no notice of the naysayers. Ask away. Always good to learn and offer advice.

Glad you are doing well after such tough times.


Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 30, 2021, 12:49:58 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

Thanks so much. Anything else I shouldn't ask about on here? Don't want to upset you.
Co-vid vaccines, Masks, Brexit, BLM, food shortages, why cant NWH get a window clean, is NWH a real person, window cleaners becoming carers, hot water, vision, the list is endless. ;D

DO NOT call dry clean an idiot.

You will be banned for three months.

Only if they have previous bans. If they have been banned before for three months it might be six next time.  ;)
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Mike Burd on October 30, 2021, 01:12:27 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

Thanks so much. Anything else I shouldn't ask about on here? Don't want to upset you.
Co-vid vaccines, Masks, Brexit, BLM, food shortages, why cant NWH get a window clean, is NWH a real person, window cleaners becoming carers, hot water, vision, the list is endless. ;D

DO NOT call dry clean an idiot.

You will be banned for three months.

Only if they have previous bans. If they have been banned before for three months it might be six next time.  ;)
Seems extreme for calling someone an idiot.  ???
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Dry Clean on October 30, 2021, 01:50:40 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

Thanks so much. Anything else I shouldn't ask about on here? Don't want to upset you.
Co-vid vaccines, Masks, Brexit, BLM, food shortages, why cant NWH get a window clean, is NWH a real person, window cleaners becoming carers, hot water, vision, the list is endless. ;D

DO NOT call dry clean an idiot.

You will be banned for three months.

No you have to call me an idiot and then act like a five year old when the moderators ask you not to be rude to get banned. ;D
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Dry Clean on October 30, 2021, 01:57:58 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

Thanks so much. Anything else I shouldn't ask about on here? Don't want to upset you.
Co-vid vaccines, Masks, Brexit, BLM, food shortages, why cant NWH get a window clean, is NWH a real person, window cleaners becoming carers, hot water, vision, the list is endless. ;D

DO NOT call dry clean an idiot.

You will be banned for three months.

Only if they have previous bans. If they have been banned before for three months it might be six next time.  ;)
Seems extreme for calling someone an idiot.  ???

He had a complete hissy fit meltdown when Gold asked him not to be rude, he was full of butthurt over me not believing Martins bad vaccine reaction and carried it over onto this section, Soupy defending Martin, you couldn't make it up.  ;D
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 30, 2021, 04:29:09 pm
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.
Why bother what others charge? After years of experience you should know if you’re in the right place or not.

Thanks so much. Anything else I shouldn't ask about on here? Don't want to upset you.
Co-vid vaccines, Masks, Brexit, BLM, food shortages, why cant NWH get a window clean, is NWH a real person, window cleaners becoming carers, hot water, vision, the list is endless. ;D

DO NOT call dry clean an idiot.

You will be banned for three months.

No you have to call me an idiot and then act like a five year old when the moderators ask you not to be rude to get banned. ;D

I haven't called anyone an idiot unless you are directly your comment at someone else.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: NWH on October 30, 2021, 04:59:19 pm
25 for a 3 bed semi would seem expensive in certain parts of the country I can understand that but in other parts the home owner may look at that as a right result ie reasonable.
I thinks it’s a good idea to get an inclination  of what people are charging you don’t want to be going in way under what others charge in your area you’ll feel sick if you’re 8-10 quid cheaper,the way I look at it how long is it going to take you to get that up to what others are charging on average,the answer is years and years unless you explain to every job you have made a mistake initially.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Soupy on October 30, 2021, 06:07:46 pm
He had a complete hissy fit meltdown when Gold asked him not to be rude, he was full of butthurt over me not believing Martins bad vaccine reaction and carried it over onto this section, Soupy defending Martin, you couldn't make it up.  ;D

I could still prove that Martin was telling the truth. Unless he OKs me posting it though, I won't.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: james peters on October 30, 2021, 08:02:58 pm
hand bags away ;D
first question should be ... how much you need an hour to earn what you want to earn?
then how many 3 bed semis can you do in an hour?
if its 4 , then base your answer on 3
if its 5 then base your answer on 4 ( to make allowances for mishaps ) ie phone calls etc
the reality of what you want to achieve per hour needs to be in line with where you live , and what others charge ?
if you are well established and you can afford to not lose work , then you can price at the higher end . ( more than what you need )
if you are needing the work , then be competitive but dont under sell yourself

also ... take no notice of the clowns on this forum , that arent vat registered but earn silly ££££ per pop . its not real  ;D ;D ;D










Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: NWH on October 30, 2021, 09:22:44 pm
Depends how many days a week you want to work some people might work 3 days a week but earn silly money for 6-8 hours on them 3 days eh,worth thinking about isn’t it I mean don’t you think that’s possible.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Pete Thompson on October 30, 2021, 09:23:55 pm
I think it would be better to define exactly what you mean by “3-bed semi”. They are not all the same, some are easy some take longer.

EG both of these are 3-bed semis:

New build:
(https://lid.zoocdn.com/645/430/085632d6a82c49e892f2d17f1f644ffa5f8f5092.jpg)

Other:
(https://letmatch.blob.core.windows.net/photo/19714c07-eb52-4bea-972c-b19395987f49.jpg)

I would charge quite a bit more for the bottom one.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Splash & dash on October 30, 2021, 09:37:44 pm
I think it would be better to define exactly what you mean by “3-bed semi”. They are not all the same, some are easy some take longer.

EG both of these are 3-bed semis:

New build:
(https://lid.zoocdn.com/645/430/085632d6a82c49e892f2d17f1f644ffa5f8f5092.jpg)

Other:
(https://letmatch.blob.core.windows.net/photo/19714c07-eb52-4bea-972c-b19395987f49.jpg)

I would charge quite a bit more for the bottom one.



Yes I quite agree and top pictures looks like there is access issues as well
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Slacky on October 30, 2021, 10:09:29 pm
I’d be surprised if you got £25 for the top ones.

I suspect the bottom one would be £25.00 or thereabouts.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: james peters on October 30, 2021, 10:24:14 pm
Depends how many days a week you want to work some people might work 3 days a week but earn silly money for 6-8 hours on them 3 days eh,worth thinking about isn’t it I mean don’t you think that’s possible.
exactly right ,  so why do you single handedly destroy  this forum with lols smiley faces and talking poop constantly ?
some of us , that have been in this game for many years are privy to much knowledge .
we dont need to brag , and when asked just give encouragement rather than brag and belittle others .
sorry nigel but i am off this forum for a while .
you are a total modded full
 of poop.  you spout complete nonsense and you are no help to new starters
thanks for the positivity daz  ;D ;D ;D ;D
im banned  ;D
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 30, 2021, 10:38:15 pm
Depends how many days a week you want to work some people might work 3 days a week but earn silly money for 6-8 hours on them 3 days eh,worth thinking about isn’t it I mean don’t you think that’s possible.
exactly right ,  so why do you single handedly destroy  this forum with lols smiley faces and talking poop constantly ?
some of us , that have been in this game for many years are privy to much knowledge .
we dont need to brag , and when asked just give encouragement rather than brag and belittle others .
sorry nigel but i am off this forum for a while .
you are a total modded full
 of poop.  you spout complete nonsense and you are no help to new starters
thanks for the positivity daz  ;D ;D ;D ;D
im banned  ;D

No you're not. This time.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 30, 2021, 10:47:24 pm
He had a complete hissy fit meltdown when Gold asked him not to be rude, he was full of butthurt over me not believing Martins bad vaccine reaction and carried it over onto this section, Soupy defending Martin, you couldn't make it up.  ;D

I could still prove that Martin was telling the truth. Unless he OKs me posting it though, I won't.

The issue in this instance wasn't whether Martin was telling the truth or not or whether you defended Martin or not - for the record I believed that Martin believed his medical episode was down to a bad vaccine reaction.

Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Stoots on October 31, 2021, 09:13:12 am
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more. 
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 31, 2021, 09:35:52 am
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.

You might do what you see in 5 minutes but if those garages are linked you have access issues.

If you tap the door, hand a slip, reel out and in do the backs you won't be 5 mins from pulling up to driving off. Take a stop watch and see what the real time is.

Especially if you can't do more than two from the same parking spot.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 09:55:39 am
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 10:13:18 am
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 10:34:06 am
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.
Because it’s not possible for you, doesn’t mean it’s not possible for others.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 11:01:26 am
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.
Because it’s not possible for you, doesn’t mean it’s not possible for others.

You are having us on. This is pure fiction. Have a lie down then go and get your 10 in a row mate!!
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Bungle on October 31, 2021, 11:16:55 am
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

£100 an hour x amount of hours worked. 6 hours worked = £600 a day x 5 days = £3,000 a week. X 4 = £12,000 a month. X 12 = £144,000 a year = 60% tax bracket + VAT.

Hypothetical or truth? That is the question 🤔
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Smudger on October 31, 2021, 11:19:38 am
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

THIS!

Here in a nutshell is everything wrong with this forum ( no offence to you Jay its just the example ) because you cant or dont have nine in a row does not mean it cant be done.

we as an industry are too diverse to say what others can and cant do or what can and cant be charged

the top one I would expect easily 4  an hour pushing on 5 - as long as they are in the same road

Darran
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 11:21:58 am
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

THIS!

Here in a nutshell is everything wrong with this forum ( no offence to you Jay its just the example ) because you cant or dont have nine in a row does not mean it cant be done.

we as an industry are too diverse to say what others can and cant do or what can and cant be charged

the top one I would expect easily 4  an hour pushing on 5 - as long as they are in the same road

Darran

So you're saying 4/5 an hour which is what I would think.

But are you also saying 9/10 an hour is possible?
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Smudger on October 31, 2021, 11:25:11 am
my speed and what I expect from the staff would be 4 to 5 an hour

if someone can do 9 then thats fantastic - I could if I really pushed do 9 in an hour but I'd be f@@ked for the rest of the day/week
and I didn't see anyone on here say they did 9 an hour 6 hours a day 5 days a week ....

those that bring this up are just being pedantic IMO

Darran
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 11:29:08 am
my speed and what I expect from the staff would be 4 to 5 an hour

if someone can do 9 then thats fantastic - I could if I really pushed do 9 in an hour but I'd be f@@ked for the rest of the day/week
and I didn't see anyone on here say they did 9 an hour 6 hours a day 5 days a week ....

those that bring this up are just being pedantic IMO

Darran

I do agree that everyone on here is different. Some will be slower than others, others faster.

In this instance I just think its bull.

People also have different standards of cleaning, from overcleaning to doing the absolute bare minimum (not cleaning frames when they need it, not wiping sills with a cloth when needed).

I try not to compare myself to others on here, tho sometimes its difficult. I also know that not everything own here is truthful.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 31, 2021, 11:40:41 am
It's 'Mallard' syndrome.

Mallard did 126mph. The fastest recorded steam locomotive ever. It did it once in 1938. Every other Express steam train rarely topped 100 mph.

Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: NWH on October 31, 2021, 11:44:10 am
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.

I don’t clean anything any slower because of the price I can understand why some might think blimey I’ve only been here X but if you do that if you charge 25 you may as well charge 12,I always say to people that’s the price how long it takes to actually clean the windows makes no difference I always factor in travel etc I’ve learnt that the initial price you give is very important I don’t want any jobs that I think I’ve gone in way to low here and regret doing it.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 11:45:02 am
It would be like me saying it’s impossible to get £20-25 for the top house. It is impossible for me, but I wouldn’t be so silly to say it’s impossible for others.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: NWH on October 31, 2021, 11:54:35 am
You would get 25 for them in certain areas.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 11:59:38 am
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

£100 an hour x amount of hours worked. 6 hours worked = £600 a day x 5 days = £3,000 a week. X 4 = £12,000 a month. X 12 = £144,000 a year = 60% tax bracket + VAT.

Hypothetical or truth? That is the question 🤔
Your figures are flawed tho aren’t they? Firstly I don’t have enough of those type of houses on my round that would allow me to work 6 hours a day 5 days a week on them. Secondly, like most I don’t work all year round, I do take holidays. Thirdly where did I say I make £100 per hour, every day? As for a 60% tax bracket??????? I don’t really care too much whether you or anyone else believes what I can or can’t do.
What I said was the truth, I would clean 9-10 of those properties in an hour, oh and I do pay higher rate tax.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 12:02:44 pm
You would get 25 for them in certain areas.
I think that’s more or less what I said. It’s impossible for me to get £25 for those houses, it’s not impossible for others. The same applies to how many houses you can clean. I can clean 9-10, it’s impossible for others, not rocket science is it?
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 12:07:15 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.
Because it’s not possible for you, doesn’t mean it’s not possible for others.

You are having us on. This is pure fiction. Have a lie down then go and get your 10 in a row mate!!
Why did you call me up on my 6 mins per house claim and not Stoots on his 5 mins a house claim? Ah  you’ve got a beef with me because I had the audacity to question why an experienced window cleaner like yourself  would need to ask others what to charge for a standard semi detached house.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Pete Thompson on October 31, 2021, 12:17:15 pm
I do agree that everyone on here is different. Some will be slower than others, others faster.

In this instance I just think its bull.

People also have different standards of cleaning, from overcleaning to doing the absolute bare minimum (not cleaning frames when they need it, not wiping sills with a cloth when needed).

I try not to compare myself to others on here, tho sometimes its difficult. I also know that not everything own here is truthful.

In my opinion, the standard you should be aiming for is the minimum possible standard the customer will accept.

Anything better than that is a waste of time and money.

As an example, I knew a window cleaner who always used to clean the front step, below the front door. I was quite surprised by this, and asked him if he’d been asked to do this by customers.

“Oh no, I just think it’s good, and it only takes about a minute for each house”

I considered this to be beyond what customers would expect. A minute per house will work out about 20 mins per day. That’s 100 mins a week, and 6hrs over a month.

At £50 per hr that’s £300 per month doing something that customers haven’t asked for and wouldn’t expect.

I suggested he spend just a day not doing it and see if anyone complained. Of course, nobody did. I doubt customers even noticed he was doing it. So, he stopped doing it altogether, and still nobody complained.

Doing less than the minimum standard that customers will accept will cause complaints, doing more is a waste of time.

Also, the minimum standard a customer will accept may vary according to the customer.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: dd on October 31, 2021, 12:47:00 pm
How do you know the minimum standard each of your customers will accept?

My personal view is to try and do a reasonable job for everyone at a fair price. Obviously the more efficiently I work the more I earn.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Bungle on October 31, 2021, 12:59:28 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

£100 an hour x amount of hours worked. 6 hours worked = £600 a day x 5 days = £3,000 a week. X 4 = £12,000 a month. X 12 = £144,000 a year = 60% tax bracket + VAT.

Hypothetical or truth? That is the question 🤔
Your figures are flawed tho aren’t they? Firstly I don’t have enough of those type of houses on my round that would allow me to work 6 hours a day 5 days a week on them. Secondly, like most I don’t work all year round, I do take holidays. Thirdly where did I say I make £100 per hour, every day? As for a 60% tax bracket??????? I don’t really care too much whether you or anyone else believes what I can or can’t do.
What I said was the truth, I would clean 9-10 of those properties in an hour, oh and I do pay higher rate tax.

Note the word hypothetical 👍
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Pete Thompson on October 31, 2021, 01:12:11 pm
How do you know the minimum standard each of your customers will accept?

My personal view is to try and do a reasonable job for everyone at a fair price. Obviously the more efficiently I work the more I earn.

Good question.

I would start by putting yourself in the customers shoes, and trying to imagine what they would (and wouldn’t) expect.

After that it’s down to trial and error.

Perfect example:
A few years ago I used to routinely clean the sills, including the TOP sills (with wfp).

Then I started to wonder if customers even expected that (plus I hated doing it). So, I stopped cleaning the top sills (still did the bottom ones).

Over the space of a month, out of hundreds of customers, about 5 or 6 customers complained, in a nice way. I just profusely apologised and said I’d make sure to do them thoroughly next time.

So I marked on my list that these ones need the top sills doing, and stopped for all the others.

This way I had found a minimum standard. For those 5 or 6 they expected the top sills, the others didn’t.

This has saved many hours of time, and therefore money, over the last few years.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 01:12:42 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.
Because it’s not possible for you, doesn’t mean it’s not possible for others.

You are having us on. This is pure fiction. Have a lie down then go and get your 10 in a row mate!!
Why did you call me up on my 6 mins per house claim and not Stoots on his 5 mins a house claim? Ah  you’ve got a beef with me because I had the audacity to question why an experienced window cleaner like yourself  would need to ask others what to charge for a standard semi detached house.

Im not aware of Stoots 5 mins house claim. If its in the same context then that too is rubbish.

I haven't got any beef with you. I actually forgot it was you that made that original post. I dont see why asking questions about what others charge is so bad tho.

As for the 9/10 in an hour rubbish, I dont know what else to say to you except to remind you that its not April's fools day.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 01:13:51 pm
I do agree that everyone on here is different. Some will be slower than others, others faster.

In this instance I just think its bull.

People also have different standards of cleaning, from overcleaning to doing the absolute bare minimum (not cleaning frames when they need it, not wiping sills with a cloth when needed).

I try not to compare myself to others on here, tho sometimes its difficult. I also know that not everything own here is truthful.

In my opinion, the standard you should be aiming for is the minimum possible standard the customer will accept.

Anything better than that is a waste of time and money.

As an example, I knew a window cleaner who always used to clean the front step, below the front door. I was quite surprised by this, and asked him if he’d been asked to do this by customers.

“Oh no, I just think it’s good, and it only takes about a minute for each house”

I considered this to be beyond what customers would expect. A minute per house will work out about 20 mins per day. That’s 100 mins a week, and 6hrs over a month.

At £50 per hr that’s £300 per month doing something that customers haven’t asked for and wouldn’t expect.

I suggested he spend just a day not doing it and see if anyone complained. Of course, nobody did. I doubt customers even noticed he was doing it. So, he stopped doing it altogether, and still nobody complained.

Doing less than the minimum standard that customers will accept will cause complaints, doing more is a waste of time.

Also, the minimum standard a customer will accept may vary according to the customer.

I agree that there is a balance to be found.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 01:16:38 pm
How do you know the minimum standard each of your customers will accept?

My personal view is to try and do a reasonable job for everyone at a fair price. Obviously the more efficiently I work the more I earn.

Good question.

I would start by putting yourself in the customers shoes, and trying to imagine what they would (and wouldn’t) expect.

After that it’s down to trial and error.

Perfect example:
A few years ago I used to routinely clean the sills, including the TOP sills (with wfp).

Then I started to wonder if customers even expected that (plus I hated doing it). So, I stopped cleaning the top sills (still did the bottom ones).

Over the space of a month, out of hundreds of customers, about 5 or 6 customers complained, in a nice way. I just profusely apologised and said I’d make sure to do them thoroughly next time.

So I marked on my list that these ones need the top sills doing, and stopped for all the others.

This way I had found a minimum standard. For those 5 or 6 they expected the top sills, the others didn’t.

This has saved many hours of time, and therefore money, over the last few years.

Depends how you sell the customer. If you have said you will clean the frames and sills and then don't do it you are being disingenuous. Also your reputation is built on the quality of your work. Cutting corners rarely works in the long term. Haven't we all picked up work where customers are unhappy with the current window cleaner because they dont do X.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Pete Thompson on October 31, 2021, 01:32:47 pm

Depends how you sell the customer. If you have said you will clean the frames and sills and then don't do it you are being disingenuous. Also your reputation is built on the quality of your work. Cutting corners rarely works in the long term. Haven't we all picked up work where customers are unhappy with the current window cleaner because they dont do X.

Totally agree about doing what you’ve said you will do, I never said I’d do sills and it’s not on my leaflets. (Frames are).

I don’t think the vast majority of my customers even noticed I was cleaning their top sills, so nothing lost.

I also don’t think that “reputation” plays much of a role for our business until you’re in the really big leagues.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: dd on October 31, 2021, 01:38:32 pm
How do you know the minimum standard each of your customers will accept?

My personal view is to try and do a reasonable job for everyone at a fair price. Obviously the more efficiently I work the more I earn.

Good question.

I would start by putting yourself in the customers shoes, and trying to imagine what they would (and wouldn’t) expect.

After that it’s down to trial and error.

Perfect example:
A few years ago I used to routinely clean the sills, including the TOP sills (with wfp).

Then I started to wonder if customers even expected that (plus I hated doing it). So, I stopped cleaning the top sills (still did the bottom ones).

Over the space of a month, out of hundreds of customers, about 5 or 6 customers complained, in a nice way. I just profusely apologised and said I’d make sure to do them thoroughly next time.

So I marked on my list that these ones need the top sills doing, and stopped for all the others.

This way I had found a minimum standard. For those 5 or 6 they expected the top sills, the others didn’t.

This has saved many hours of time, and therefore money, over the last few years.
I have noticed that a lot of people simply do not like to complain. You seem to do OK so ultimately that is what matters.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 01:43:51 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

£100 an hour x amount of hours worked. 6 hours worked = £600 a day x 5 days = £3,000 a week. X 4 = £12,000 a month. X 12 = £144,000 a year = 60% tax bracket + VAT.

Hypothetical or truth? That is the question 🤔
Your figures are flawed tho aren’t they? Firstly I don’t have enough of those type of houses on my round that would allow me to work 6 hours a day 5 days a week on them. Secondly, like most I don’t work all year round, I do take holidays. Thirdly where did I say I make £100 per hour, every day? As for a 60% tax bracket??????? I don’t really care too much whether you or anyone else believes what I can or can’t do.
What I said was the truth, I would clean 9-10 of those properties in an hour, oh and I do pay higher rate tax.

Note the word hypothetical 👍
So you’re asking if figures that you’ve plucked out of mid air are hypothetical or the truth? I’m even more confused now👍
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 01:57:44 pm

Depends how you sell the customer. If you have said you will clean the frames and sills and then don't do it you are being disingenuous. Also your reputation is built on the quality of your work. Cutting corners rarely works in the long term. Haven't we all picked up work where customers are unhappy with the current window cleaner because they dont do X.

Totally agree about doing what you’ve said you will do, I never said I’d do sills and it’s not on my leaflets. (Frames are).

I don’t think the vast majority of my customers even noticed I was cleaning their top sills, so nothing lost.

I also don’t think that “reputation” plays much of a role for our business until you’re in the really big leagues.

don't agree on the reputation thing. That drives referrals. Also most of my new customers have been impressed by my google reviews which has helped them over the line.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 02:00:08 pm
How do you know the minimum standard each of your customers will accept?

My personal view is to try and do a reasonable job for everyone at a fair price. Obviously the more efficiently I work the more I earn.

Good question.

I would start by putting yourself in the customers shoes, and trying to imagine what they would (and wouldn’t) expect.

After that it’s down to trial and error.

Perfect example:
A few years ago I used to routinely clean the sills, including the TOP sills (with wfp).

Then I started to wonder if customers even expected that (plus I hated doing it). So, I stopped cleaning the top sills (still did the bottom ones).

Over the space of a month, out of hundreds of customers, about 5 or 6 customers complained, in a nice way. I just profusely apologised and said I’d make sure to do them thoroughly next time.

So I marked on my list that these ones need the top sills doing, and stopped for all the others.

This way I had found a minimum standard. For those 5 or 6 they expected the top sills, the others didn’t.

This has saved many hours of time, and therefore money, over the last few years.
I have noticed that a lot of people simply do not like to complain. You seem to do OK so ultimately that is what matters.

Most people don't complain they just vote with their feet. We should all be providing a quality service in my opinion, not one that will just be good enough in the hope people don't complain. I beleive if you cut corners it will catch up with you.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Splash & dash on October 31, 2021, 02:09:22 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.


We have literally hundreds of this type of houses we do between 5-7 per  man per hour and move the van a handful of times a day longest run without moving the van is 200 meters and both sides of the road we have several estates ware we do  the vast majority of the properties .
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Splash & dash on October 31, 2021, 02:12:40 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.
Because it’s not possible for you, doesn’t mean it’s not possible for others.

You are having us on. This is pure fiction. Have a lie down then go and get your 10 in a row mate!!


It is perfectly possible we have  rows   of houses both sides of the same road ware we do over 20 houses in a line on each side of the road , just beacause you cannot get jobs close together doesn’t mean it cannot be done
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Splash & dash on October 31, 2021, 02:16:07 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

£100 an hour x amount of hours worked. 6 hours worked = £600 a day x 5 days = £3,000 a week. X 4 = £12,000 a month. X 12 = £144,000 a year = 60% tax bracket + VAT.

Hypothetical or truth? That is the question 🤔



No one said they were doing that 8 hours a day 5 days a week 48 weeks a year that’s just YOUR interpretation of what the guy said he’s doing , and it is possible we  have a lot of this type of work but we do 5-7 per man per hour BUT NOT ALL YEAR .
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Splash & dash on October 31, 2021, 02:25:24 pm
How do you know the minimum standard each of your customers will accept?

My personal view is to try and do a reasonable job for everyone at a fair price. Obviously the more efficiently I work the more I earn.

Good question.

I would start by putting yourself in the customers shoes, and trying to imagine what they would (and wouldn’t) expect.

After that it’s down to trial and error.

Perfect example:
A few years ago I used to routinely clean the sills, including the TOP sills (with wfp).

Then I started to wonder if customers even expected that (plus I hated doing it). So, I stopped cleaning the top sills (still did the bottom ones).

Over the space of a month, out of hundreds of customers, about 5 or 6 customers complained, in a nice way. I just profusely apologised and said I’d make sure to do them thoroughly next time.

So I marked on my list that these ones need the top sills doing, and stopped for all the others.

This way I had found a minimum standard. For those 5 or 6 they expected the top sills, the others didn’t.

This has saved many hours of time, and therefore money, over the last few years.



You are charging the customers for cleaning the windows that in my books includes all the sills not just the ground floor ones , by doing it for customers that complain you are building up a round with double standards , we clean all windows exactly the same way wether it’s a council house or Buckingham palace
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 02:40:49 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.
Because it’s not possible for you, doesn’t mean it’s not possible for others.

You are having us on. This is pure fiction. Have a lie down then go and get your 10 in a row mate!!
Why did you call me up on my 6 mins per house claim and not Stoots on his 5 mins a house claim? Ah  you’ve got a beef with me because I had the audacity to question why an experienced window cleaner like yourself  would need to ask others what to charge for a standard semi detached house.

Im not aware of Stoots 5 mins house claim. If its in the same context then that too is rubbish.

I haven't got any beef with you. I actually forgot it was you that made that original post. I dont see why asking questions about what others charge is so bad tho.

As for the 9/10 in an hour rubbish, I dont know what else to say to you except to remind you that its not April's fools day.
You’re not aware of Stoots’ 5 minute claim? I’m not sure how you noticed my post then because  it’s Stoots’ post that  I quoted and replied to…as can clearly be seen at the top of inserted quotes.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 31, 2021, 03:21:49 pm
So the "I can do this easy" posters have dropped from 12 per hour to 9/10 per hour and now 5/7 per hour.

And now we're getting the qualifiers - "I didn't say all day long, all week, all year." And even not washing the sills. I'm sure this post will bring out the "Your misinterpreting" stuff etc.

I'm glad Jay posted this thread - the rest of us and the members who may have read it without commenting will draw their own conclusions.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 31, 2021, 03:28:38 pm

Depends how you sell the customer. If you have said you will clean the frames and sills and then don't do it you are being disingenuous. Also your reputation is built on the quality of your work. Cutting corners rarely works in the long term. Haven't we all picked up work where customers are unhappy with the current window cleaner because they dont do X.

Totally agree about doing what you’ve said you will do, I never said I’d do sills and it’s not on my leaflets. (Frames are).

I don’t think the vast majority of my customers even noticed I was cleaning their top sills, so nothing lost.

I also don’t think that “reputation” plays much of a role for our business until you’re in the really big leagues.

Reputation plays a very big role in the really small leagues too. This is why the owner operator will always have a business if he/she is trusted by the customer. I have jobs that have come to me from slapdash unreliable cleaners and I know I am over 50% more expensive than they were.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 03:35:03 pm
So the "I can do this easy" posters have dropped from 12 per hour to 9/10 per hour and now 5/7 per hour.

And now we're getting the qualifiers - "I didn't say all day long, all week, all year." And even not washing the sills. I'm sure this post will bring out the "Your misinterpreting" stuff etc.

I'm glad Jay posted this thread - the rest of us and the members who may have read it without commenting will draw their own conclusions.
I’m surprised even you can’t read the posts properly, nowhere can I see anyone saying they do 12 per hour. I think you’re getting confused with Stoots saying he can spank 1 of those houses off in 5 mins, two  different things……stick to locomotives😂
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 31, 2021, 04:27:15 pm
So the "I can do this easy" posters have dropped from 12 per hour to 9/10 per hour and now 5/7 per hour.

And now we're getting the qualifiers - "I didn't say all day long, all week, all year." And even not washing the sills. I'm sure this post will bring out the "Your misinterpreting" stuff etc.

I'm glad Jay posted this thread - the rest of us and the members who may have read it without commenting will draw their own conclusions.
I’m surprised even you can’t read the posts properly, nowhere can I see anyone saying they do 12 per hour. I think you’re getting confused with Stoots saying he can spank 1 of those houses off in 5 mins. Two different things……stick to locomotives😂

My locomotive analogy is spot on.

I'm not confused by Stoots 5 minutes for ten windows/doors at all - just extrapolating it for one hour. If he can't hold that pace for just ONE measly hour it's not relevant to real life window cleaning and pricing.

Back to locomotives. The fastest timed steam locomotive in the world was timed at 126 mph. The fastest regular steam express train in the world was "The Cheltenham Flyer" at 81mph on the section between Swindon and London.

One off stop watch stuff versus real life.


Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 04:51:23 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.
Because it’s not possible for you, doesn’t mean it’s not possible for others.

You are having us on. This is pure fiction. Have a lie down then go and get your 10 in a row mate!!
Why did you call me up on my 6 mins per house claim and not Stoots on his 5 mins a house claim? Ah  you’ve got a beef with me because I had the audacity to question why an experienced window cleaner like yourself  would need to ask others what to charge for a standard semi detached house.

Im not aware of Stoots 5 mins house claim. If its in the same context then that too is rubbish.

I haven't got any beef with you. I actually forgot it was you that made that original post. I dont see why asking questions about what others charge is so bad tho.

As for the 9/10 in an hour rubbish, I dont know what else to say to you except to remind you that its not April's fools day.
You’re not aware of Stoots’ 5 minute claim? I’m not sure how you noticed my post then because  it’s Stoots’ post that  I quoted and replied to…as can clearly be seen at the top of inserted quotes.

Seen it now. So he's worse than you!
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 04:57:35 pm
So the "I can do this easy" posters have dropped from 12 per hour to 9/10 per hour and now 5/7 per hour.

And now we're getting the qualifiers - "I didn't say all day long, all week, all year." And even not washing the sills. I'm sure this post will bring out the "Your misinterpreting" stuff etc.

I'm glad Jay posted this thread - the rest of us and the members who may have read it without commenting will draw their own conclusions.
I’m surprised even you can’t read the posts properly, nowhere can I see anyone saying they do 12 per hour. I think you’re getting confused with Stoots saying he can spank 1 of those houses off in 5 mins. Two different things……stick to locomotives😂

My locomotive analogy is spot on.

I'm not confused by Stoots 5 minutes for ten windows/doors at all - just extrapolating it for one hour. If he can't hold that pace for just ONE measly hour it's not relevant to real life window cleaning and pricing.

Back to locomotives. The fastest timed steam locomotive in the world was timed at 126 mph. The fastest regular steam express train in the world was "The Cheltenham Flyer" at 81mph on the section between Swindon and London.

One off stop watch stuff versus real life.
Your locomotive analogy might well be spot on in your own mind but I can assure you it has no relevance whatsoever in the context of my work. I reckon I am best positioned to know what is and isn’t achievable within my business.
Thank you for your wisdom regarding trains, me, I wouldn’t know the difference between the Flying Scotsman and the Bullet.
Anyway I think I will take on board the sound advice you gave Jay…..I won’t listen to the naysayers😉
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 05:03:45 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.
Because it’s not possible for you, doesn’t mean it’s not possible for others.

You are having us on. This is pure fiction. Have a lie down then go and get your 10 in a row mate!!
Why did you call me up on my 6 mins per house claim and not Stoots on his 5 mins a house claim? Ah  you’ve got a beef with me because I had the audacity to question why an experienced window cleaner like yourself  would need to ask others what to charge for a standard semi detached house.

Im not aware of Stoots 5 mins house claim. If its in the same context then that too is rubbish.

I haven't got any beef with you. I actually forgot it was you that made that original post. I dont see why asking questions about what others charge is so bad tho.

As for the 9/10 in an hour rubbish, I dont know what else to say to you except to remind you that its not April's fools day.
You’re not aware of Stoots’ 5 minute claim? I’m not sure how you noticed my post then because  it’s Stoots’ post that  I quoted and replied to…as can clearly be seen at the top of inserted quotes.

Seen it now. So he's worse than you!
Really?
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 05:04:45 pm
So the "I can do this easy" posters have dropped from 12 per hour to 9/10 per hour and now 5/7 per hour.

And now we're getting the qualifiers - "I didn't say all day long, all week, all year." And even not washing the sills. I'm sure this post will bring out the "Your misinterpreting" stuff etc.

I'm glad Jay posted this thread - the rest of us and the members who may have read it without commenting will draw their own conclusions.
I’m surprised even you can’t read the posts properly, nowhere can I see anyone saying they do 12 per hour. I think you’re getting confused with Stoots saying he can spank 1 of those houses off in 5 mins. Two different things……stick to locomotives😂

My locomotive analogy is spot on.

I'm not confused by Stoots 5 minutes for ten windows/doors at all - just extrapolating it for one hour. If he can't hold that pace for just ONE measly hour it's not relevant to real life window cleaning and pricing.

Back to locomotives. The fastest timed steam locomotive in the world was timed at 126 mph. The fastest regular steam express train in the world was "The Cheltenham Flyer" at 81mph on the section between Swindon and London.

One off stop watch stuff versus real life.
Your locomotive analogy might well be spot on in your own mind but I can assure you it has no relevance whatsoever in the context of my work. I reckon I am best positioned to know what is and isn’t achievable within my business.
Thank you for your wisdom regarding trains, me, I wouldn’t know the difference between the Flying Scotsman and the Bullet.
Anyway I think I will take on board the sound advice you gave Jay…..I won’t listen to the naysayers😉

I haven't given you any advice. Happy Halloween.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 05:26:36 pm
So the "I can do this easy" posters have dropped from 12 per hour to 9/10 per hour and now 5/7 per hour.

And now we're getting the qualifiers - "I didn't say all day long, all week, all year." And even not washing the sills. I'm sure this post will bring out the "Your misinterpreting" stuff etc.

I'm glad Jay posted this thread - the rest of us and the members who may have read it without commenting will draw their own conclusions.
I’m surprised even you can’t read the posts properly, nowhere can I see anyone saying they do 12 per hour. I think you’re getting confused with Stoots saying he can spank 1 of those houses off in 5 mins. Two different things……stick to locomotives😂

My locomotive analogy is spot on.

I'm not confused by Stoots 5 minutes for ten windows/doors at all - just extrapolating it for one hour. If he can't hold that pace for just ONE measly hour it's not relevant to real life window cleaning and pricing.

Back to locomotives. The fastest timed steam locomotive in the world was timed at 126 mph. The fastest regular steam express train in the world was "The Cheltenham Flyer" at 81mph on the section between Swindon and London.

One off stop watch stuff versus real life.
Your locomotive analogy might well be spot on in your own mind but I can assure you it has no relevance whatsoever in the context of my work. I reckon I am best positioned to know what is and isn’t achievable within my business.
Thank you for your wisdom regarding trains, me, I wouldn’t know the difference between the Flying Scotsman and the Bullet.
Anyway I think I will take on board the sound advice you gave Jay…..I won’t listen to the naysayers😉

I haven't given you any advice. Happy Halloween.
I didn’t say you did. Read it again, slowly😁
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: jay moley on October 31, 2021, 05:31:58 pm
So the "I can do this easy" posters have dropped from 12 per hour to 9/10 per hour and now 5/7 per hour.

And now we're getting the qualifiers - "I didn't say all day long, all week, all year." And even not washing the sills. I'm sure this post will bring out the "Your misinterpreting" stuff etc.

I'm glad Jay posted this thread - the rest of us and the members who may have read it without commenting will draw their own conclusions.
I’m surprised even you can’t read the posts properly, nowhere can I see anyone saying they do 12 per hour. I think you’re getting confused with Stoots saying he can spank 1 of those houses off in 5 mins. Two different things……stick to locomotives😂

My locomotive analogy is spot on.

I'm not confused by Stoots 5 minutes for ten windows/doors at all - just extrapolating it for one hour. If he can't hold that pace for just ONE measly hour it's not relevant to real life window cleaning and pricing.

Back to locomotives. The fastest timed steam locomotive in the world was timed at 126 mph. The fastest regular steam express train in the world was "The Cheltenham Flyer" at 81mph on the section between Swindon and London.

One off stop watch stuff versus real life.
Your locomotive analogy might well be spot on in your own mind but I can assure you it has no relevance whatsoever in the context of my work. I reckon I am best positioned to know what is and isn’t achievable within my business.
Thank you for your wisdom regarding trains, me, I wouldn’t know the difference between the Flying Scotsman and the Bullet.
Anyway I think I will take on board the sound advice you gave Jay…..I won’t listen to the naysayers😉

I haven't given you any advice. Happy Halloween.
I didn’t say you did. Read it again, slowly😁

Fair enough. Im looking forward to your future posts.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: james peters on October 31, 2021, 05:37:28 pm
heres my 2 cents

who gives a flying monkey? ;D ;D
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Stoots on October 31, 2021, 05:48:34 pm
If i could charge £25 for a 3 bed i wouldnt be rushing either.

But the game is different up north, the prices are lower so therefore you either earn less or find ways to get a shift on.

As Pete Thompson pointed out, you find ways to cut corners and speed up trying to get as close to the complaint line as you can without getting complaints.

For example, i dont clean top frames unless dirty, sides of frames and sills get a swipe with the water on. I dont turn off water between windows or to scrub a sill.   I only turn water off between sides of house, my flow is full whack and i use extreme poles and leccy reels. Frosted windows are never rinsed, i dont rinse doors either i clean from the side top to bottom they rinse themselevs...Slips are written out in advance in my pocket, the round order is in my head, i know where to park. I clean fronts first just in case a gate is locked so gives them chance to open. I never knock a house, i dont stop to answer my phone. I stop for 15 mins for lunch. My entire day is built around speed and efficency, i love getting in a flow and spanking off houses, i hate when thats interupted by a locked gate, conversation or poor parking. 


Heres an example just last month of me cleaning a house rather fast and the old hag not being very happy about it .Turns out there was nothing wrong with the clean simply the first time she had witnessed a locomotive in action  :D

was there less than 5 mins see  ;D

(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1635703190_Inkedspanker_LI.jpg)
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: deeege on October 31, 2021, 06:00:48 pm
If i could charge £25 for a 3 bed i wouldnt be rushing either.

But the game is different up north, the prices are lower so therefore you either earn less or find ways to get a shift on.

As Pete Thompson pointed out, you find ways to cut corners and speed up trying to get as close to the complaint line as you can without getting complaints.

For example, i dont clean top frames unless dirty, sides of frames and sills get a swipe with the water on. I dont turn off water between windows or to scrub a sill.   I only turn water off between sides of house, my flow is full whack and i use extreme poles and leccy reels. Frosted windows are never rinsed, i dont rinse doors either i clean from the side top to bottom they rinse themselevs...Slips are written out in advance in my pocket, the round order is in my head, i know where to park. I clean fronts first just in case a gate is locked so gives them chance to open. I never knock a house, i dont stop to answer my phone. I stop for 15 mins for lunch. My entire day is built around speed and efficency, i love getting in a flow and spanking off houses, i hate when thats interupted by a locked gate, converstation or poor parking. 


Heres an example just last month of me cleaning a house rather fast and the old hag not being very happy about it .Turns out there was nothing wrong with the clean simply the first time she had witnessed a locomtive in action  :D

was there less than 5 mins see  ;D

(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1635703190_Inkedspanker_LI.jpg)

Probably best you block out the telephone number in the attached pic  ;D
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on October 31, 2021, 06:45:20 pm
If i could charge £25 for a 3 bed i wouldnt be rushing either.

But the game is different up north, the prices are lower so therefore you either earn less or find ways to get a shift on.

As Pete Thompson pointed out, you find ways to cut corners and speed up trying to get as close to the complaint line as you can without getting complaints.

For example, i dont clean top frames unless dirty, sides of frames and sills get a swipe with the water on. I dont turn off water between windows or to scrub a sill.   I only turn water off between sides of house, my flow is full whack and i use extreme poles and leccy reels. Frosted windows are never rinsed, i dont rinse doors either i clean from the side top to bottom they rinse themselevs...Slips are written out in advance in my pocket, the round order is in my head, i know where to park. I clean fronts first just in case a gate is locked so gives them chance to open. I never knock a house, i dont stop to answer my phone. I stop for 15 mins for lunch. My entire day is built around speed and efficency, i love getting in a flow and spanking off houses, i hate when thats interupted by a locked gate, conversation or poor parking. 


Heres an example just last month of me cleaning a house rather fast and the old hag not being very happy about it .Turns out there was nothing wrong with the clean simply the first time she had witnessed a locomotive in action  :D

was there less than 5 mins see  ;D

(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1635703190_Inkedspanker_LI.jpg)

Fair do's Stoots. I'll give you that one!  ;D
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Bungle on October 31, 2021, 07:16:50 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

£100 an hour x amount of hours worked. 6 hours worked = £600 a day x 5 days = £3,000 a week. X 4 = £12,000 a month. X 12 = £144,000 a year = 60% tax bracket + VAT.

Hypothetical or truth? That is the question 🤔
Your figures are flawed tho aren’t they? Firstly I don’t have enough of those type of houses on my round that would allow me to work 6 hours a day 5 days a week on them. Secondly, like most I don’t work all year round, I do take holidays. Thirdly where did I say I make £100 per hour, every day? As for a 60% tax bracket??????? I don’t really care too much whether you or anyone else believes what I can or can’t do.
What I said was the truth, I , oh and I do pay higher rate tax.

Note the word hypothetical 👍
So you’re asking if figures that you’ve plucked out of mid air are hypothetical or the truth? I’m even more confused now👍

You shouldn't be confused. The figures haven't been plucked out of the air. I just did some maths on what you said you can knock out without breaking sweat and then did some multiplication to end up with a hypothetical result.

I'm guessing the 'I would knock out 9-10 of these an hour' was a ooh look at me post then?
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Splash & dash on October 31, 2021, 07:51:14 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

£100 an hour x amount of hours worked. 6 hours worked = £600 a day x 5 days = £3,000 a week. X 4 = £12,000 a month. X 12 = £144,000 a year = 60% tax bracket + VAT.

Hypothetical or truth? That is the question 🤔
Your figures are flawed tho aren’t they? Firstly I don’t have enough of those type of houses on my round that would allow me to work 6 hours a day 5 days a week on them. Secondly, like most I don’t work all year round, I do take holidays. Thirdly where did I say I make £100 per hour, every day? As for a 60% tax bracket??????? I don’t really care too much whether you or anyone else believes what I can or can’t do.
What I said was the truth, I , oh and I do pay higher rate tax.

Note the word hypothetical 👍
So you’re asking if figures that you’ve plucked out of mid air are hypothetical or the truth? I’m even more confused now👍

You shouldn't be confused. The figures haven't been plucked out of the air. I just did some maths on what you said you can knock out without breaking sweat and then did some multiplication to end up with a hypothetical result.

I'm guessing the 'I would knock out 9-10 of these an hour' was a ooh look at me post then?



He has already given an explanation that makes sense we all have very good paying  work but it doesn’t mean it’s done 8 hours a day 5 days a week 48 weeks a year , so no it’s not a look at me post it’s just  what we can all do over the course of  our work . Ime guessing you cannot achieve this type of thing and it’s green eyed monster syndrome 😂😂😂😂😂
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: windowswashed on October 31, 2021, 07:59:10 pm
I wouldn't like to rush around cleaning houses as two of my friends in the building trade have previously rushed jobs for maximum profit and almost pushed themselves into an early grave (heart attacks) and they are younger than me, we only get one life, enjoy it and balance work, rest and play, otherwise what's the point, money isn't everything, quality of life is.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 08:07:27 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

£100 an hour x amount of hours worked. 6 hours worked = £600 a day x 5 days = £3,000 a week. X 4 = £12,000 a month. X 12 = £144,000 a year = 60% tax bracket + VAT.

Hypothetical or truth? That is the question 🤔
Your figures are flawed tho aren’t they? Firstly I don’t have enough of those type of houses on my round that would allow me to work 6 hours a day 5 days a week on them. Secondly, like most I don’t work all year round, I do take holidays. Thirdly where did I say I make £100 per hour, every day? As for a 60% tax bracket??????? I don’t really care too much whether you or anyone else believes what I can or can’t do.
What I said was the truth, I , oh and I do pay higher rate tax.

Note the word hypothetical 👍
So you’re asking if figures that you’ve plucked out of mid air are hypothetical or the truth? I’m even more confused now👍

You shouldn't be confused. The figures haven't been plucked out of the air. I just did some maths on what you said you can knock out without breaking sweat and then did some multiplication to end up with a hypothetical result.

I'm guessing the 'I would knock out 9-10 of these an hour' was a ooh look at me post then?
A hypothetical result? 🤣🤣 aye ok then! You’ve took what I said, put your own little spin on it, then your fingers have got a wee bit carried away on a calculator, then to top it all off you’ve mentioned a tax rate of 60%, clueless!

 You’re guessing wrong! If I wanted a ‘look at me’ post do you think I would post that I get £10 for a house where others may get £20-25?
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on October 31, 2021, 08:30:40 pm
I wouldn't like to rush around cleaning houses as two of my friends in the building trade have previously rushed jobs for maximum profit and almost pushed themselves into an early grave (heart attacks) and they are younger than me, we only get one life, enjoy it and balance work, rest and play, otherwise what's the point, money isn't everything, quality of life is.
I’m only too aware of this, my dad died of a heart attack aged 37. I work at a brisk pace in order to give myself more leisure/family time. I reckon on average I only do around 22 hours on the glass per week. Window cleaning isn’t my only source of income so there is no pressure on me to work any more hours than I currently do.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: dazmond on November 01, 2021, 09:03:44 am
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.

For a small 3 bed semi on estate work then £10-£12 for 8 weekly...
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: dazmond on November 01, 2021, 11:04:31 am
I wouldn't like to rush around cleaning houses as two of my friends in the building trade have previously rushed jobs for maximum profit and almost pushed themselves into an early grave (heart attacks) and they are younger than me, we only get one life, enjoy it and balance work, rest and play, otherwise what's the point, money isn't everything, quality of life is.
I’m only too aware of this, my dad died of a heart attack aged 37. I work at a brisk pace in order to give myself more leisure/family time. I reckon on average I only do around 22 hours on the glass per week. Window cleaning isn’t my only source of income so there is no pressure on me to work any more hours than I currently do.

i work similar hours to you  mate but dont have another source of income apart from the odd £50 or £60 cash in hand from playing drums in my band....i actually work much more efficiently working less hours.....
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: NWH on November 01, 2021, 11:26:55 am
What do you call a bloke that hangs round a group of Musicians,”A Drummer” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Bungle on November 01, 2021, 12:02:44 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

£100 an hour x amount of hours worked. 6 hours worked = £600 a day x 5 days = £3,000 a week. X 4 = £12,000 a month. X 12 = £144,000 a year = 60% tax bracket + VAT.

Hypothetical or truth? That is the question 🤔
Your figures are flawed tho aren’t they? Firstly I don’t have enough of those type of houses on my round that would allow me to work 6 hours a day 5 days a week on them. Secondly, like most I don’t work all year round, I do take holidays. Thirdly where did I say I make £100 per hour, every day? As for a 60% tax bracket??????? I don’t really care too much whether you or anyone else believes what I can or can’t do.
What I said was the truth, I , oh and I do pay higher rate tax.

Note the word hypothetical 👍
So you’re asking if figures that you’ve plucked out of mid air are hypothetical or the truth? I’m even more confused now👍

You shouldn't be confused. The figures haven't been plucked out of the air. I just did some maths on what you said you can knock out without breaking sweat and then did some multiplication to end up with a hypothetical result.

I'm guessing the 'I would knock out 9-10 of these an hour' was a ooh look at me post then?



He has already given an explanation that makes sense we all have very good paying  work but it doesn’t mean it’s done 8 hours a day 5 days a week 48 weeks a year , so no it’s not a look at me post it’s just  what we can all do over the course of  our work . Ime guessing you cannot achieve this type of thing and it’s green eyed monster syndrome 😂😂😂😂😂

Yes it was silly of me to be hypothetical, but I knew K S would bite at it.

On the other hand one of my pet hates is bull💩 wouldn't you agree?
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on November 01, 2021, 05:23:12 pm
I often wonder if those charging say 20 quid for a 3 bed semi clean them slower. For me the top one in the pic (assuming there was back access ) would be spanked off in 5 minutes. I would charge about 12 quid. I admit I am slap dash but good at it I clean what needs to be cleaned and no more.
I’m similar but would probably be £10 for the top one on a 4 weekly schedule.  Assuming there is access, with 1 van move I would knock out 9-10 of these in an hour without breaking sweat. Splash and dash £10 a pop, 18’ pole, no chapping before starting, slip through the letterbox ….what’s not to like eh.

9-10 an hour. Thats not possible. Thats 6 mins per house. As if you could get 9 in a row. Even with one van move its not possible.

£100 an hour x amount of hours worked. 6 hours worked = £600 a day x 5 days = £3,000 a week. X 4 = £12,000 a month. X 12 = £144,000 a year = 60% tax bracket + VAT.

Hypothetical or truth? That is the question 🤔
Your figures are flawed tho aren’t they? Firstly I don’t have enough of those type of houses on my round that would allow me to work 6 hours a day 5 days a week on them. Secondly, like most I don’t work all year round, I do take holidays. Thirdly where did I say I make £100 per hour, every day? As for a 60% tax bracket??????? I don’t really care too much whether you or anyone else believes what I can or can’t do.
What I said was the truth, I , oh and I do pay higher rate tax.

Note the word hypothetical 👍
So you’re asking if figures that you’ve plucked out of mid air are hypothetical or the truth? I’m even more confused now👍

You shouldn't be confused. The figures haven't been plucked out of the air. I just did some maths on what you said you can knock out without breaking sweat and then did some multiplication to end up with a hypothetical result.

I'm guessing the 'I would knock out 9-10 of these an hour' was a ooh look at me post then?



He has already given an explanation that makes sense we all have very good paying  work but it doesn’t mean it’s done 8 hours a day 5 days a week 48 weeks a year , so no it’s not a look at me post it’s just  what we can all do over the course of  our work . Ime guessing you cannot achieve this type of thing and it’s green eyed monster syndrome 😂😂😂😂😂

Yes it was silly of me to be hypothetical, but I knew K S would bite at it.

On the other hand one of my pet hates is bull💩 wouldn't you agree?
Looks like we agree on something then😘
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Mike Burd on November 02, 2021, 08:08:12 am
What do you charge for 8 weekly?

No extension or loft or conservatory.

Just trying to see whether im in the right place.

I charge £25.

For a small 3 bed semi on estate work then £10-£12 for 8 weekly...
Keep me out of this.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Jay Le Huray on November 02, 2021, 03:35:23 pm
I'm from the south (Southampton)
The pricing is really down to the individual as to how much you want to earn weekly, in my case I'm semi retired so I work enough hours and earn enough to top up my pension to maintain a good standard of living.

I must tell you this story that happened about 6 years ago.

It was around about 11-30am on a Friday and I pulled over to a cafe to grab something to eat and drink, whilst I was there a trad W/C turned up in his car and we got chatting.

He said  "I've had a good week as I've £150 so far and still have another 2 jobs to do today"

I did not have the heart to tell him that I had already earnt that amount (£150) at that time of the morning and still had another 3 hours work to do that day.

So like I said , pricing is all about how much you need to live on. Obviously he was content with his £150 for a weeks work where as others may need to 10 times that amount to pay their bills.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: james peters on November 02, 2021, 06:57:14 pm
was thinking about this thread today as i was working .
today I was cleaning larger properties as in  detached with conservatories .
on each property I looked at them and broke them down as to how many 3 bed semis would be in this one property .
so for eg . house no 1 was the equivelent of  doing 3 3bed semis , but I was charging the same as just over two

and it was a similar story on all the others .
my hourly rate was still the same as I wasnt having to move  as much etc , but I was using more water, and cleaning far more windows etc.

so in the new year a lot of these larger properties are having a price increase. ;D
I  agree with stoots on this one . 3 bed semis are a doddle to bang out , so I will be targeting more of these .

the only downside with the 3 bed semis ( new build ) is that they are often occupied by younger people that i find to be the slowest or worst payers . and of course you need a lot of them .

All the houses I did today were retired or semi retired.
they all pay on the day or within 48 hours .
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: NWH on November 02, 2021, 07:27:11 pm
Don’t base it on 1 day you need to work like this for 6-8 weeks no running at all needed just plodding along,nothing worse than getting up thinking I’ve got 20 odd houses ahead of me today you’re reeling in more you have more obstacles just generally more work.
No one can tell me that doing an average of 5-6 houses a day isn’t better than cleaning 20-25,a 100 houses a week to clean or 25-30 I know what I’d choose to do and I’ve done both over the years and I still have plenty of energy.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: james peters on November 02, 2021, 08:02:36 pm
Don’t base it on 1 day you need to work like this for 6-8 weeks no running at all needed just plodding along,nothing worse than getting up thinking I’ve got 20 odd houses ahead of me today you’re reeling in more you have more obstacles just generally more work.
No one can tell me that doing an average of 5-6 houses a day isn’t better than cleaning 20-25,a 100 houses a week to clean or 25-30 I know what I’d choose to do and I’ve done both over the years and I still have plenty of energy.

you dont know the area I live in . I would need to do an hour and a half driving each day to be able to do 5 houses a day.
whereas I drive  10 mins to 20 mins each way and I am on my first job.
take that into consideration .
for 2 weeks of the month, I am on my doorstep .
nothing more draining than driving a way to get to work
time is money. and driving is not earning , and eating up fuel and wear and tear of vehicle.
after 30 years , I think I have worked out what i find easier  ::)roll
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: NWH on November 02, 2021, 08:11:41 pm
Sorry I was just saying what I find easier for me in general if someone compares 1 day doing what they call large houses and says 3 bed semis are a better way to go I think they need to up their prices on the larger ones,I know all areas are different but it’s still the same no matter which part of the country your in half a dozen larger houses should be a lot easier to make your days money on.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: deeege on November 02, 2021, 08:19:35 pm
I know all areas are different but it’s still the same

Log off Nigel.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: james peters on November 02, 2021, 08:31:04 pm
Sorry I was just saying what I find easier for me in general if someone compares 1 day doing what they call large houses and says 3 bed semis are a better way to go I think they need to up their prices on the larger ones,I know all areas are different but it’s still the same no matter which part of the country your in half a dozen larger houses should be a lot easier to make your days money on.

READ my post again .
I  said I AM UPPING MY PRICES ON LARGER PROPERTIES.!
I have a mixed bag .
the idea of the forum is to LISTEN   to other peoples ideas. we dont have to agree all the time . however , shutting your mouth and listening is really good  you can learn a lot from other people .
imposing your ideas like a dictator is really boring to have to read day after day and its ruining the forum for people looking for advice , as they are to scared to ask for advice because you impose your dictatorship and belittle them .
seeing as you know everything , I really wonder why you bother coming on the forum ?
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Stoots on November 02, 2021, 08:43:01 pm
I did 28 houses today, £340

Started at 8 finished last house at 2.

Granted its one of my best days and i will struggle to get near the the same tomorrow as its larger properties that are much more draining.

I also timed my quickest house as i was keen to check out my 5 minutes a house claim. 2 windows and a door front, 2 windows and a door back, 3.5 minutes from jumping out of van to getting back in £11

Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: james peters on November 02, 2021, 08:53:48 pm
I did 28 houses today, £340

Started at 8 finished last house at 2.

Granted its one of my best days and i will struggle to get near the the same tomorrow as its larger properties that are much more draining.

I also timed my quickest house as i was keen to check out my 5 minutes a house claim. 2 windows and a door front, 2 windows and a door back, 3.5 minutes from jumping out of van to getting back in £11

pretty impressive . wait till you get to 50  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: james peters on November 02, 2021, 08:55:51 pm
I have some village stores ... `1 window and 1 door . £10.... im almost to embarassed to collect . i rinse about 5  times  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Stoots on November 02, 2021, 09:03:46 pm
I did 28 houses today, £340

Started at 8 finished last house at 2.

Granted its one of my best days and i will struggle to get near the the same tomorrow as its larger properties that are much more draining.

I also timed my quickest house as i was keen to check out my 5 minutes a house claim. 2 windows and a door front, 2 windows and a door back, 3.5 minutes from jumping out of van to getting back in £11

pretty impressive . wait till you get to 50  ;D ;D ;D

Im 40 next month and starting to feel it.  ;D

Trying to get my working week down to 3 days now to get into something else on the side, i already cant cope with window cleaning full time.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on November 02, 2021, 10:45:39 pm
Sorry I was just saying what I find easier for me in general if someone compares 1 day doing what they call large houses and says 3 bed semis are a better way to go I think they need to up their prices on the larger ones,I know all areas are different but it’s still the same no matter which part of the country your in half a dozen larger houses should be a lot easier to make your days money on.
Or alternatively,if anyone thinks big houses are the way to go, perhaps they need to up their prices on 3 bed semis………there’s two sides to a coin n all that😉
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on November 02, 2021, 11:03:35 pm
FAO Nigel. Please read slowly, No one in my area will pay me X amount of ££’s for an hours work on a single property. However if I clean let’s say 4 smaller properties, all together, one after the other, no van move, no reeling in, so in effect it’s the same as 1 big house,  I can make  X amount of ££’s in an hour and no one will bat an eye lid. Repeating this formula I can make more money on smaller houses in a compact area than I can on big stand alone houses, HTH😉
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: dazmond on November 03, 2021, 08:00:50 am
I've 26 houses to clean today,27 tomorrow and 22 on friday,these will take around 5 hours to clean each day,some are front only and take less than 5 mins to clean,they are all compact estate work so no driving about...

Next week I've around 35 larger properties to clean all week which will take similar hours to get done each day...

I'll make at least £50 more a day on the larger properties

As for the actual work I don't notice a difference in how I feel whether I clean 8 larger buildings per day or 20+....it makes no difference whatsoever

and yes I'm 50 years old now.... ;D

Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: AuRavelling79 on November 03, 2021, 03:33:59 pm
Don't forget that for (say) 4 small houses to one large then you may have to write 4 slips and exchange some pleasantries.

Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: KS Cleaning on November 03, 2021, 04:08:47 pm
Don't forget that for (say) 4 small houses to one large then you may have to write 4 slips and exchange some pleasantries.
I don’t write anything on my slips, I don’t see the need, it’s just something else that would slow me down during the working day.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: dazmond on November 03, 2021, 04:16:30 pm
Don't forget that for (say) 4 small houses to one large then you may have to write 4 slips and exchange some pleasantries.

i print my slips out the day before

most customers are out and pay by bacs
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: dazmond on November 03, 2021, 04:19:03 pm
i actually cleaned 31 properties today..... 5 and half hours on the glass.......granted some of them were front only and took less than 5 mins to clean so probably more like 26 full houses
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Bungle on November 03, 2021, 05:19:15 pm
I know all areas are different but it’s still the same

Log off Nigel.

Did you mean bog off?
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Stoots on November 03, 2021, 05:25:54 pm
Don't forget that for (say) 4 small houses to one large then you may have to write 4 slips and exchange some pleasantries.

i dont write on my slips just have a pocket full with pre written date.

Im really lucky in that i barely have to speak to anyone during my working day. The odd hello maybe but rarely a full sentance   ;D
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: Ggh on November 03, 2021, 08:39:14 pm
How come you’re all posting slips?
We just email invoice over.

I did 20 3/4 bed houses today. My busiest day on the windows.
Started first at 9:20 finished 16:20 with a couple 10 minute breaks. Moved van maybe 4 times.
I don’t hang about and I’m not super fussy,  not sure I could do anymore without literally running.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: ֍Winp®oClean֍ on November 03, 2021, 09:14:58 pm
Crikey, wondering if some of you have forgotten why you became your own bosses? If I didn't have the time to write out and post a slip I'd be..
A. Wondering why
B. Miserable as sin
C. Better off employed
D. A mixture of all the above!😁

I've been on this forum for about 15/16 years and in all this time I still maintain that any post regarding pricing is utterly futile! Too many variables to begin with, then every thread just becomes a platform for chest puffing where British males compete to outperform each other!🙄😁
You could pre write every thread post on a price topic.
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: dazmond on November 03, 2021, 10:16:30 pm
I print my slips from CP as I'm filling up my tank after my days work,no need for me to write them out on the day.....

We all work slightly different....no right or wrong  :)
Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: M.c.s on November 04, 2021, 07:25:48 pm
I think it would be better to define exactly what you mean by “3-bed semi”. They are not all the same, some are easy some take longer.


EG both of these are 3-bed semis:

New build:
(https://lid.zoocdn.com/645/430/085632d6a82c49e892f2d17f1f644ffa5f8f5092.jpg)

Other:
(https://letmatch.blob.core.windows.net/photo/19714c07-eb52-4bea-972c-b19395987f49.jpg)

I would charge quite a bit more for the bottom one.



Top picture.  No flat roof straight up and down with a side window


I quoted a house in Croydon  Monday.  £20
Easily got it ,6 weekly last guy hasn't been seen for 2 years his price was £12 on ladders.

Bottom pic
Without a flat roof round back  have one like  this already £25   6 weekly

With a flat roof and bio doors £30  £35. Kingston upon Thames   6 weekly

I have a same style house as the bottom one in Wandsworth. £40.   6 weekly.   

Charge what you want I do I have not lost a customer in 5 years.  Only ones have moved out or poped there' cloggs



Title: Re: Price for a 3/4 bed semi in the south
Post by: james peters on November 04, 2021, 10:32:55 pm
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D