Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: colin bird on March 06, 2022, 09:00:32 pm

Title: War & bills and losing work
Post by: colin bird on March 06, 2022, 09:00:32 pm
Just wondered what everyone's view regarding the effect that the the Ukraine war,and increase in energy bills and rise in cost of living will have  on ourselves.
I was concerned about losing work when covid arrived but have to say it didn't affect my business.
I'm quite concerned  what is currently gong on in the world and the effect it will have on my business
Title: Re: War & bills and losing
Post by: stu_thomson on March 06, 2022, 09:04:03 pm
The good thing about our business is that its only a small amount for our clients to pay each month, and if you lose one you’ll pick up another two
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: dazmond on March 07, 2022, 09:02:53 am
Just wondered what everyone's view regarding the effect that the the Ukraine war,and increase in energy bills and rise in cost of living will have  on ourselves.
I was concerned about losing work when covid arrived but have to say it didn't affect my business.
I'm quite concerned  what is currently gong on in the world and the effect it will have on my business

What is the point of worrying about it?

I just carry on as normal.....head down and get my work cleaned and hope i get paid...  ;D

I've had to dump 2 customers lately for non payment but ive picked up a few new jobs and also my add on jobs are coming in now....I'm cleaning a conny roof today for an existing customer and I did a  f/s/g clean last week for a different chap....

You just can't lose in this game.....
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NBwcs on March 07, 2022, 09:31:52 am
"what is the point in worrying about it".         We've not all got Teflon skin like you have Daz  :)

"can't lose in this game".     That remains to be seen, we've certainly come through some bad time, covid, credit crunch to name two but raging Inflation and war are  new ones and will affect all customers to different degrees. The amount of "can we leave it this times" has increased alot in the last two weeks and I've lost a couple  of custys who cited things being a bit tight at the moment as the reason.  Recruiting more customers is really the only security blanket we have but who's to say that isn't going to get harder too. But I have to say I'm far more concerned about the global picture of where this is all going with that nut job Putin than I am my own business, it tends to put some perspective on it.

Edit.. Just read that latest Intel suggests Putin may have terminal bowel cancer... Now that is worrying, if he's on his way out, we're seeing the actions of a man  with no regard for his own life, the last throws of the dice  from a megalomaniac, now that is worth worrying about.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Soupy on March 07, 2022, 11:35:38 am
Edit.. Just read that latest Intel suggests Putin may have terminal bowel cancer... Now that is worrying, if he's on his way out, we're seeing the actions of a man  with no regard for his own life, the last throws of the dice  from a megalomaniac, now that is worth worrying about.

Where did you see that? I had a look and all I could see was a report in "the daily star" which is basically toilet paper.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Slacky on March 07, 2022, 11:37:15 am
That has been touted the last few days, people are referring to his weight gain as being a possible sign of treatment for cancer.

It’s all speculation though isn’t it. How often does that turn out to be accurate. If it’s true I agree it might just be the last throws of the dice of a mad man wanting to leave his legacy for the world to observe. But then again, he’s always been nuts as we know all to well in this country.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NBwcs on March 07, 2022, 12:03:25 pm
Edit.. Just read that latest Intel suggests Putin may have terminal bowel cancer... Now that is worrying, if he's on his way out, we're seeing the actions of a man  with no regard for his own life, the last throws of the dice  from a megalomaniac, now that is worth worrying about.

Where did you see that? I had a look and all I could see was a report in "the daily star" which is basically toilet paper.

Here you go..
https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/intelligence-source-claims-vladimir-putin-6763148

Looks like it did originate from the Daily Star, so hopefully gonads.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 07, 2022, 01:49:55 pm
It’s just not worth worrying about as Daz says just keep going and see what happens,in 30 years from now most of us will be dust anyway.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: zesty on March 07, 2022, 02:12:06 pm
I keep telling people, inflation is different. It’s not a recession, this is new territory.

There will be window cleaners who lose work.

Everyone’s cost of living is going up, my energy bill has just doubled.

The next 12 months are going to be very interesting.

On the plus side, all the new window cleaning start ups will probably fold, less work out there, and their own cost of living will mean they can’t give this business a go. It’s not a viable business during high inflation.

£140 to fill my van tank up. Madness.

£190 a month council tax.


Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 07, 2022, 04:08:17 pm
Maybe people will push you back on you’re cleans it’s next winter that will be interesting not the next 6 months,imo when it comes to September that’s when the conversation might be had about how often they want you to come during the following 5 or 6 months.
Watch the Tele 📺 women walking about with “nothing” 2-3 kids in tow no money in their pocket just with what they have in the world  with them,it’s called perspective losing a few window cleaning jobs should make you feel very lucky to be living in the UK 🇬🇧.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: DJW on March 07, 2022, 05:25:25 pm
I’ve eaten the last of the caviar and will try to polish off the vodka later tonight.
That will stuff em!
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: dazmond on March 07, 2022, 06:22:41 pm
"what is the point in worrying about it".         We've not all got Teflon skin like you have Daz  :)

"can't lose in this game".     That remains to be seen, we've certainly come through some bad time, covid, credit crunch to name two but raging Inflation and war are  new ones and will affect all customers to different degrees. The amount of "can we leave it this times" has increased alot in the last two weeks and I've lost a couple  of custys who cited things being a bit tight at the moment as the reason.  Recruiting more customers is really the only security blanket we have but who's to say that isn't going to get harder too. But I have to say I'm far more concerned about the global picture of where this is all going with that nut job Putin than I am my own business, it tends to put some perspective on it.

Edit.. Just read that latest Intel suggests Putin may have terminal bowel cancer... Now that is worrying, if he's on his way out, we're seeing the actions of a man  with no regard for his own life, the last throws of the dice  from a megalomaniac, now that is worth worrying about.

I picked up another small domestic job today...£16....her window cleaner has not been for 12 months.... ;D

Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: dazmond on March 07, 2022, 06:32:34 pm
What's your customer demographic?most of my customers are wealthy retired folk or middle aged people like me....

I doubt I'll lose any more than a handful of jobs this year as usual....remember spring/summer is just around the corner! :).....People will not be heating their homes like their doing at the present time!👍
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Slacky on March 07, 2022, 06:32:57 pm
Ive been away, abroad, for the last two weeks, so wondered how the phone and enquiries would be once I got back, particularly as the war has kicked off since Ive been away.

So I had three pressure washing enquires today, one a patio, one a roof and patio and the third was a town centre.

I also had a window cleaning enquiry for a very large residential  at an 8  bedroom gaff in the sticks on the outskirts of Winchester.

Seems all is well in the land of cleaning so far as I can see.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: SB Cleaning on March 07, 2022, 07:01:11 pm
What's your customer demographic?most of my customers are wealthy retired folk or middle aged people like me....

I doubt I'll lose any more than a handful of jobs this year as usual....remember spring/summer is just around the corner! :).....People will not be heating their homes like their doing at the present time!👍
Most of my customers are the same, if your cleaning for customers living hand to mouth then yes  your going to lose some..
as a 1 man band im not too bothered , I've always got plenty to do...
Picked up a regular 6wk clean today also a £300 FSG off a regular customer..there's plenty of work about.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Richard iSparkle on March 07, 2022, 07:23:03 pm
If things get really bad they cut back on big spends (holidays, new cars, etc ) but keep the nice little spends going (Starbucks, lawn care, cleaners) to perk them up.

Sure we’ll be fine. If not we’ll just cut back a bit and last it out.

Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Stoots on March 07, 2022, 08:53:17 pm
No doubt we will lose some, but then covid was a big panic and most of us ended up with more work than ever.

If you have relied on walk ups and referals up to this point you may be in trouble, for those who advertise anyway it will just be a case of turning up the marketting budget and replacing any drop outs.

Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: deeege on March 08, 2022, 07:11:50 am
I’ve noticed the gutter cleans and fsg have reduced dramatically recently, I put this down to the few companies advertising aggressively on FB and charging dirt cheap prices. I’m not too fussed about this but I did quite like having a few fsg jobs to drop onto for bad weather afternoons.

On the window cleaning side I’ve picked up loads lately.
£50 house 4 weekly
£80 house 6 weekly
£40 farmhouse 6 weekly
£60 tiny block of 4 flats 4 weekly
£160 office monthly
And a few in the £15-£20 range too
….and the enquiries keep on rolling in.

I’m not worried.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 08, 2022, 12:29:53 pm
Good decent work on the post above I take it they are done in good time,what would you call cheap as far as what others re charging for the F&G cleans.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Slacky on March 08, 2022, 02:15:40 pm
Another roof cleaning job today.

Stupid money.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Slacky on March 08, 2022, 02:18:20 pm
Maybe if and when the fuel issue really hits home it's effect will be more noticeable.

Im sure if Putin carried out his gas and oil threats things would be lots different, the threat of fuel supply issues hasn't had any effect so far.

Im also sure if Russia no longer supplied our gas and oil the govt would jump in similarly to two years ago until we'd got back on our feet again regards reliable fuel supplies.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 08, 2022, 04:03:16 pm
Another roof cleaning job today.

Stupid money.

What a moss job you mean.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Klean07 on March 08, 2022, 04:23:18 pm
Work is flying in at the moment which is usual for March. Petrol prices are rising fast though.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: james peters on March 08, 2022, 09:12:22 pm
the media like to hype this up.
its the established view that its an extra £1000 per household . per year
thats £20 per week
my profile targeted customer doesn't even notice this I hope ?

I hope im not wrong , but its 30 years for me now and I havnt found any difference when these things happen .
of course this could be different  ::)roll

Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 08, 2022, 09:46:22 pm
Everything is going up.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: windowswashed on March 08, 2022, 11:16:27 pm
Got the war medal, would rather lose work than be involved in WW3  as we the world, are pushing the madman's citizens financially and cyber wars, aiding with supplying military weapons and support in other ways.

If It, (heavens forbid) ever comes,  window cleaning will be the least of our worries.  Best to get your price rises in now  ;D
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Slacky on March 08, 2022, 11:25:09 pm
the media like to hype this up.
its the established view that its an extra £1000 per household . per year
thats £20 per week
my profile targeted customer doesn't even notice this I hope ?

I hope im not wrong , but its 30 years for me now and I havnt found any difference when these things happen .
of course this could be different  ::)roll

It’s the established view that the current price increase for the average home will be £693 now and could be an extra £350 in October plus the possibility of another £1,000 a year if it all goes pear shaped regards the war in the Ukraine. And after today’s announcement by the E.U, U.S.A. and U.K. it’s going in that direction.

So that’s £150 a month extra. That’s huge for some people. If your customer demographic is 20/30/40 something year olds I’d be expecting some cancellations.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60506940
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: zesty on March 09, 2022, 07:13:21 am
the media like to hype this up.
its the established view that its an extra £1000 per household . per year
thats £20 per week
my profile targeted customer doesn't even notice this I hope ?

I hope im not wrong , but its 30 years for me now and I havnt found any difference when these things happen .
of course this could be different  ::)roll

It’s the established view that the current price increase for the average home will be £693 now and could be an extra £350 in October plus the possibility of another £1,000 a year if it all goes pear shaped regards the war in the Ukraine. And after today’s announcement by the E.U, U.S.A. and U.K. it’s going in that direction.

So that’s £150 a month extra. That’s huge for some people. If your customer demographic is 20/30/40 something year olds I’d be expecting some cancellations.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60506940

I think we’re spoilt as well, our wage can increase very quickly if we want.

People on set wages suddenly find they’re £150 a month less off, that’s a big chunk for the working population under 50 with big mortgages etc.

I don’t think I’ll mose much at all, most of my customers are older and fairly wealthy, but I do anticipate a slow down in new customers come the next winter.

Some of our best friends are teachers, both on high 30’s salary’s, they’re feeling the pinch already. It’s set wages that wallop them. They’ve got a nice merc with a loan, recent mortgage, 2 kids etc etc, so the Inflation is really effecting them, they are seeing less money in the bank each month. Of course, 12 months ago they were fine, no one could have predicted it…

People with large domestic rounds in working class areas may well see a significant drop in customers.

It’s such an individual issue, one thing I am annoyed about is having to shell out £140 for diesel! Just feels wrong!
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: dazmond on March 09, 2022, 09:03:59 am
My predicted extra cost for my gas and electricity combined is just over £500 a year....I think ill manage..... ;D
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: deeege on March 09, 2022, 09:37:09 am
the media like to hype this up.
its the established view that its an extra £1000 per household . per year
thats £20 per week
my profile targeted customer doesn't even notice this I hope ?

I hope im not wrong , but its 30 years for me now and I havnt found any difference when these things happen .
of course this could be different  ::)roll

It’s the established view that the current price increase for the average home will be £693 now and could be an extra £350 in October plus the possibility of another £1,000 a year if it all goes pear shaped regards the war in the Ukraine. And after today’s announcement by the E.U, U.S.A. and U.K. it’s going in that direction.

So that’s £150 a month extra. That’s huge for some people. If your customer demographic is 20/30/40 something year olds I’d be expecting some cancellations.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60506940

I think we’re spoilt as well, our wage can increase very quickly if we want.

People on set wages suddenly find they’re £150 a month less off, that’s a big chunk for the working population under 50 with big mortgages etc.

I don’t think I’ll mose much at all, most of my customers are older and fairly wealthy, but I do anticipate a slow down in new customers come the next winter.

Some of our best friends are teachers, both on high 30’s salary’s, they’re feeling the pinch already. It’s set wages that wallop them. They’ve got a nice merc with a loan, recent mortgage, 2 kids etc etc, so the Inflation is really effecting them, they are seeing less money in the bank each month. Of course, 12 months ago they were fine, no one could have predicted it…

People with large domestic rounds in working class areas may well see a significant drop in customers.

It’s such an individual issue, one thing I am annoyed about is having to shell out £140 for diesel! Just feels wrong!

Good post and all very true Zesty.

My Mrs is a teacher and has just moved up a scale and got a £1600 per year pay rise that she was (rightfully) delighted with.

In window cleaning terms that’s equivalent to the £140 monthly office that I’ve just taken on. We are very lucky in this game.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Soupy on March 09, 2022, 09:58:03 am
My predicted extra cost for my gas and electricity combined is just over £500 a year....I think ill manage..... ;D

It's just the start.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Bungle on March 09, 2022, 12:17:21 pm
the media like to hype this up.
its the established view that its an extra £1000 per household . per year
thats £20 per week
my profile targeted customer doesn't even notice this I hope ?

I hope im not wrong , but its 30 years for me now and I havnt found any difference when these things happen .
of course this could be different  ::)roll

It’s the established view that the current price increase for the average home will be £693 now and could be an extra £350 in October plus the possibility of another £1,000 a year if it all goes pear shaped regards the war in the Ukraine. And after today’s announcement by the E.U, U.S.A. and U.K. it’s going in that direction.

So that’s £150 a month extra. That’s huge for some people. If your customer demographic is 20/30/40 something year olds I’d be expecting some cancellations.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60506940

I think we’re spoilt as well, our wage can increase very quickly if we want.

People on set wages suddenly find they’re £150 a month less off, that’s a big chunk for the working population under 50 with big mortgages etc.

I don’t think I’ll mose much at all, most of my customers are older and fairly wealthy, but I do anticipate a slow down in new customers come the next winter.

Some of our best friends are teachers, both on high 30’s salary’s, they’re feeling the pinch already. It’s set wages that wallop them. They’ve got a nice merc with a loan, recent mortgage, 2 kids etc etc, so the Inflation is really effecting them, they are seeing less money in the bank each month. Of course, 12 months ago they were fine, no one could have predicted it…

People with large domestic rounds in working class areas may well see a significant drop in customers.

It’s such an individual issue, one thing I am annoyed about is having to shell out £140 for diesel! Just feels wrong!

Good post and all very true Zesty.

My Mrs is a teacher and has just moved up a scale and got a £1600 per year pay rise that she was (rightfully) delighted with.

In window cleaning terms that’s equivalent to the £140 monthly office that I’ve just taken on. We are very lucky in this game.

If you've got the spare time to do a £140 office. Some like yourself seem to have spare hours, some don't.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: DJW on March 09, 2022, 12:19:22 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1646828360_65915ED6-64F4-4D45-9C6B-45E161C6D9E9.jpeg)
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: deeege on March 09, 2022, 02:25:55 pm
the media like to hype this up.
its the established view that its an extra £1000 per household . per year
thats £20 per week
my profile targeted customer doesn't even notice this I hope ?

I hope im not wrong , but its 30 years for me now and I havnt found any difference when these things happen .
of course this could be different  ::)roll

It’s the established view that the current price increase for the average home will be £693 now and could be an extra £350 in October plus the possibility of another £1,000 a year if it all goes pear shaped regards the war in the Ukraine. And after today’s announcement by the E.U, U.S.A. and U.K. it’s going in that direction.

So that’s £150 a month extra. That’s huge for some people. If your customer demographic is 20/30/40 something year olds I’d be expecting some cancellations.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60506940

I think we’re spoilt as well, our wage can increase very quickly if we want.

People on set wages suddenly find they’re £150 a month less off, that’s a big chunk for the working population under 50 with big mortgages etc.

I don’t think I’ll mose much at all, most of my customers are older and fairly wealthy, but I do anticipate a slow down in new customers come the next winter.

Some of our best friends are teachers, both on high 30’s salary’s, they’re feeling the pinch already. It’s set wages that wallop them. They’ve got a nice merc with a loan, recent mortgage, 2 kids etc etc, so the Inflation is really effecting them, they are seeing less money in the bank each month. Of course, 12 months ago they were fine, no one could have predicted it…

People with large domestic rounds in working class areas may well see a significant drop in customers.

It’s such an individual issue, one thing I am annoyed about is having to shell out £140 for diesel! Just feels wrong!

Good post and all very true Zesty.

My Mrs is a teacher and has just moved up a scale and got a £1600 per year pay rise that she was (rightfully) delighted with.

In window cleaning terms that’s equivalent to the £140 monthly office that I’ve just taken on. We are very lucky in this game.

If you've got the spare time to do a £140 office. Some like yourself seem to have spare hours, some don't.

That’s true. If you’ve not got spare time to fit in an extra 2 hour job each month then you should be doing just fine already anyway. 
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: zesty on March 09, 2022, 03:13:53 pm
width=1000 height=750 ]http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1646828360_65915ED6-64F4-4D45-9C6B-45E161C6D9E9.jpeg[/img]

Mad isn’t it!

Bought some BP stock yesterday  😜
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 09, 2022, 03:30:11 pm
The first time I’ve looked is today I always put the good diesel in and I paid £1.86 a litre at a BP lol.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: deeege on March 09, 2022, 04:07:10 pm
width=1000 height=750 ]http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1646828360_65915ED6-64F4-4D45-9C6B-45E161C6D9E9.jpeg[/img]

Mad isn’t it!

Bought some BP stock yesterday  😜

Not off to a good start, 3.3% down today.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Mike Banks on March 09, 2022, 04:52:34 pm
Well, I agree with the last few years issues were all fine with us.  I thought this war will not matter too much either.  However last week saw a few cancels, this week, loads of cancels, both commercial and domestic  on many locations.  All with the same sort of reasons - I will be doing my own for the time being due to cost of living rising blah blah blah,  We need to make some cuts to budget blah blah blah.   Picked up a few more anyhow, but losing more than gaining over the last 7 days.   

Some may think they are fine, but wait, hell will be coming over the next month with all the news in the media scaring people.  Our cost of living has gone up, and we may have a drop in income too.    I am sure it will soon bounce back anyway, so hold tight. 

I know someone who started out last summer who had closed doors down due to saturation and lack of interest.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: zesty on March 09, 2022, 05:11:27 pm
width=1000 height=750 ]http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1646828360_65915ED6-64F4-4D45-9C6B-45E161C6D9E9.jpeg[/img]

Mad isn’t it!

Bought some BP stock yesterday  😜

Not off to a good start, 3.3% down today.

I bought $200, so pocket moneys worth, 2 days ago, I was $50 up, today only $19 up.

It’s not a short term though, BP is one to watch for the longer term investment.

I only do it for a bit of fun/extra cash really, though I do make a small amount of money. 
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Bungle on March 09, 2022, 06:31:00 pm
Well, I agree with the last few years issues were all fine with us.  I thought this war will not matter too much either.  However last week saw a few cancels, this week, loads of cancels, both commercial and domestic  on many locations.  All with the same sort of reasons - I will be doing my own for the time being due to cost of living rising blah blah blah,  We need to make some cuts to budget blah blah blah.   Picked up a few more anyhow, but losing more than gaining over the last 7 days.   

Some may think they are fine, but wait, hell will be coming over the next month with all the news in the media scaring people.  Our cost of living has gone up, and we may have a drop in income too.    I am sure it will soon bounce back anyway, so hold tight. 

I know someone who started out last summer who had closed doors down due to saturation and lack of interest.

You have my sympathies mate. I think if everyone who posts on here told the truth we'd see that we're all losing some customers.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: deeege on March 09, 2022, 08:00:26 pm
Well, I agree with the last few years issues were all fine with us.  I thought this war will not matter too much either.  However last week saw a few cancels, this week, loads of cancels, both commercial and domestic  on many locations.  All with the same sort of reasons - I will be doing my own for the time being due to cost of living rising blah blah blah,  We need to make some cuts to budget blah blah blah.   Picked up a few more anyhow, but losing more than gaining over the last 7 days.   

Some may think they are fine, but wait, hell will be coming over the next month with all the news in the media scaring people.  Our cost of living has gone up, and we may have a drop in income too.    I am sure it will soon bounce back anyway, so hold tight. 

I know someone who started out last summer who had closed doors down due to saturation and lack of interest.

You have my sympathies mate. I think if everyone who posts on here told the truth we'd see that we're all losing some customers.

That can be said of any time of the year, not just now. Of course we all lose work from time to time, it’s the nature of the beast. People move house / die / lose their jobs/ etc etc etc.

Aslong as you are taking on more work that you are losing long term then there’s no issue.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: windowswashed on March 09, 2022, 08:16:43 pm
I'm just grateful I am debt free, mortgage free and collect my early pension in 3 years time, can't come soon enough.

I have a mixture of regular reliable commercial along with high and medium end work along with a small percentage of working class run of the mill so a good mixed bag of work to minimise the risk of losing work.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 09, 2022, 08:26:11 pm
I'm just grateful I am debt free, mortgage free and collect my early pension in 3 years time, can't come soon enough.

I have a mixture of regular reliable commercial along with high and medium end work along with a small percentage of working class run of the mill so a good mixed bag of work to minimise the risk of losing work.

👌  🔝
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Bungle on March 09, 2022, 09:29:11 pm
Well, I agree with the last few years issues were all fine with us.  I thought this war will not matter too much either.  However last week saw a few cancels, this week, loads of cancels, both commercial and domestic  on many locations.  All with the same sort of reasons - I will be doing my own for the time being due to cost of living rising blah blah blah,  We need to make some cuts to budget blah blah blah.   Picked up a few more anyhow, but losing more than gaining over the last 7 days.   

Some may think they are fine, but wait, hell will be coming over the next month with all the news in the media scaring people.  Our cost of living has gone up, and we may have a drop in income too.    I am sure it will soon bounce back anyway, so hold tight. 

I know someone who started out last summer who had closed doors down due to saturation and lack of interest.

You have my sympathies mate. I think if everyone who posts on here told the truth we'd see that we're all losing some customers.

That can be said of any time of the year, not just now. Of course we all lose work from time to time, it’s the nature of the beast. People move house / die / lose their jobs/ etc etc etc.

Aslong as you are taking on more work that you are losing long term then there’s no issue.

Very true but Mike Banks is talking about now and his problems he's faced the last week.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Mark Dee on March 10, 2022, 06:38:22 am
Average spend per person in the UK on takeaway food is £451 a year.  34 meals at average £12,34. If money becomes tighter for the majority of customers and they need to make cutbacks I think they would drop the window cleaning before the takeaway.

No one knows what will happen even the "experts" can only manage a guess. I would be thinking about a plan B just in case. They dont need to be worse off to make changes just the thought of being worse off can sometimes be enough.

Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: dazmond on March 10, 2022, 08:50:10 am
Well, I agree with the last few years issues were all fine with us.  I thought this war will not matter too much either.  However last week saw a few cancels, this week, loads of cancels, both commercial and domestic  on many locations.  All with the same sort of reasons - I will be doing my own for the time being due to cost of living rising blah blah blah,  We need to make some cuts to budget blah blah blah.   Picked up a few more anyhow, but losing more than gaining over the last 7 days.   

Some may think they are fine, but wait, hell will be coming over the next month with all the news in the media scaring people.  Our cost of living has gone up, and we may have a drop in income too.    I am sure it will soon bounce back anyway, so hold tight. 

I know someone who started out last summer who had closed doors down due to saturation and lack of interest.

You have my sympathies mate. I think if everyone who posts on here told the truth we'd see that we're all losing some customers.

We all lose customers every year....its the natural ebb and flow of running a window cleaning business....customers die,move or have a drastic change in their finances...I've even known the odd customer to go bankrupt.....

There's always a new enquiry/job just around the corner in my experience....I have walk ups,phone calls and texts virtually every week and I have no website just a sign written van!

Also my regular customers are starting to get their add on jobs booked in for spring/summer....👍
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 10, 2022, 11:38:56 am
 👀 😫
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 10, 2022, 11:41:03 am
It depends purely on what type and where you’re working is if you do busy streets or estates of course you’ll get walk ups that’s not necessarily a good example,people that advertise hard on websites and leaflets will give you a more accurate answer.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 10, 2022, 11:41:55 am
If i work  down a mile long lane with one house there’s a good chance I won’t get a walk up 😂
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Slacky on March 10, 2022, 12:52:39 pm
If i work  down a mile long lane with one house there’s a good chance I won’t get a walk up 😂

You surprise me. You of all people.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Jay Le Huray on March 10, 2022, 01:42:00 pm
New enquiries are markedly down on every March since the 1990s (except 2020 obvs). Normally we're out the door with enquiries from March onwards.

We've lost 66 customers since 01/02/2022 - around 1/2 of them are due to price increases.

that's a heck of a lot to lose in a couple of months Soupy, I put my prices up and have only lost 1 job since the new year and oddly enough this one was not increased this time around, I think they must be feeling the pinch though.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NBwcs on March 10, 2022, 01:54:50 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1646828360_65915ED6-64F4-4D45-9C6B-45E161C6D9E9.jpeg)

£1.76.9 for diesel here at BP today, Oil prices dropped dramatically yesterday as OPEC announced they had approved extra production from the middle East to meet demand, so prices should drop.... bet they wont!
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 10, 2022, 02:39:15 pm
186.1 I paid yesterday
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Slacky on March 10, 2022, 02:49:14 pm
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1646923752_274844904_388926196393204_7774329915207610432_n.jpg)
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Richard iSparkle on March 10, 2022, 04:20:02 pm
Literally every year on here there’s some reason people are saying we’re gonna lose work.

Credit crunch, brexit, covid, too many new WCs, cost of living, war in Ukraine now.

I guess we might be right this year, but they’ve been wrong every other year..
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 10, 2022, 04:43:00 pm
Yeah but 1 year they may be right.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Granny on March 10, 2022, 04:57:36 pm
Yeah but 1 year they may be right.
Maybe the year WWIII starts but people are not aware of it yet! :o
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 10, 2022, 05:02:47 pm
It’s already started lol as people have said you’ve just got to get on with things,what’s worrying going to do just try and get more work than you can cope with.
I have always found over the years if I’ve ever lost one from a move or death that very same week I’ve picked 1 back up like someone’s looking down.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Mike Burd on March 10, 2022, 05:18:23 pm
New enquiries are markedly down on every March since the 1990s (except 2020 obvs). Normally we're out the door with enquiries from March onwards.

We've lost 66 customers since 01/02/2022 - around 1/2 of them are due to price increases.

that's a heck of a lot to lose in a couple of months Soupy, I put my prices up and have only lost 1 job since the new year and oddly enough this one was not increased this time around, I think they must be feeling the pinch though.

I was expecting to lose around 200 from the price increase so I'm not too bothered about that, I'm more concerned about the lack of new enquiries.
What marketing do you do? Have you got independent leafleters as opposed to a firm?
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 10, 2022, 05:27:39 pm
Lost 200 customers I don’t think I’ve got 200 customers lol.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Splash & dash on March 10, 2022, 06:07:38 pm
New enquiries are markedly down on every March since the 1990s (except 2020 obvs). Normally we're out the door with enquiries from March onwards.

We've lost 66 customers since 01/02/2022 - around 1/2 of them are due to price increases.

that's a heck of a lot to lose in a couple of months Soupy, I put my prices up and have only lost 1 job since the new year and oddly enough this one was not increased this time around, I think they must be feeling the pinch though.

I was expecting to lose around 200 from the price increase so I'm not too bothered about that, I'm more concerned about the lack of new enquiries.


What’s your total number of customers??  That’s a lot so far we haven’t lost a single customer to price increases or due to the cost of living going up , our enquires are slightly down on last year but we are still booked solid for  add  ons until June , I think all this depends on area and type of customers if  it’s work on ex council estates then I can understand it but not if they are decent areas .
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 10, 2022, 06:35:41 pm
It is all dependent on what kind of jobs you have as Splash says certain people will lose work people will want their windows cleaning I’ve been saying it for a while I think the monthly stuff will get pushed back not cancelled,Will some of  the direct debit customers cancel 🤔 maybe a lot of people are looking through their direct debits to see what they can save.
We have had our Gas and electric estimate for next year today come through,it’s gone up to £3000 for a years worth.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: deeege on March 10, 2022, 07:02:00 pm
Literally every year on here there’s some reason people are saying we’re gonna lose work.

Credit crunch, brexit, covid, too many new WCs, cost of living, war in Ukraine now.

I guess we might be right this year, but they’ve been wrong every other year..

Exactly this. Some people are just naturally pessimistic and think every year will be the start of the end.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: deeege on March 10, 2022, 07:04:04 pm
Lost 200 customers I don’t think I’ve got 200 customers lol.

I havnt got 200 customers.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: NWH on March 10, 2022, 07:06:11 pm
No m8 I don’t think I have I might have if I included the 10-12 weekly ones maybe I’ll have a count up over the weekend you never know.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: zesty on March 10, 2022, 07:17:03 pm
I’ve got no where near 200 customers, couldn’t think of anything worse  ;D
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: cgh window cleaning on March 10, 2022, 07:47:13 pm
I think he has 10+vans on the road so his predicted losses will obviously be higher than most.
Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: AuRavelling79 on March 11, 2022, 08:22:56 am
It's a perfect storm for energy/fuel prices.

Economy was taking off after Covid.
Gas/Electric cap was set to rise in April.
Now war in Ukraine.
Sanctions.

The only silver lining is we will use less going into Spring and Summer (Northern hemisphere).


Title: Re: War & bills and losing work
Post by: Aqua Power Solutions on March 13, 2022, 09:00:54 pm
So far i have increased 206 properties with an extra income of £307 . Only lost 1 customer due to price increase  .  Moving forward i am still going to increase prices on my rounds and  i do expect to lose some due to cost of living ect . We are all in  business to make money and provide services that customers are willing to pay for   .  ( i hope !!! ;D )
 Ed