Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Clean Cloth on January 17, 2023, 10:25:06 am
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Luckily I have not had many of these customers.
I clean 4 properties in 1 road and 2 of those are neighbours.
I was cleaning windows and the neighbour was going out in his car and he shouted over "miss ours out this time". I had already written out the business card to drop in as I usually do not see them.
I asked why he wanted me to miss them out and he said "because it rained after last time you came".
How do you deal with this situation?
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yea i just had one yesterday drives me crazy, my one i do the business they work at and they taking advantage, at the moment i need the work so have to bite my lip, buts it difficult, all the ones on here with loads of work will say dump :)
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That's true, if you have loads dump, I know I bit the bullet until I had a big enough round
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Not sure how that works , dumping someone who told you not to clean them ? Its not really a job is it ? Its just like a prospective customer each time you go. I'd leave them until he asked me to do them, then give him a price accordingly when he asks.
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Luckily I have not had many of these customers.
I clean 4 properties in 1 road and 2 of those are neighbours.
I was cleaning windows and the neighbour was going out in his car and he shouted over "miss ours out this time". I had already written out the business card to drop in as I usually do not see them.
I asked why he wanted me to miss them out and he said "because it rained after last time you came".
How do you deal with this situation?
Change your mindset.
Assuming they are otherwise OK, treat people like that as bonus customers.
That way they're a benefit when they do want doing and you have time rather than an annoyance when they don't.
Vin
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Luckily I have not had many of these customers.
I clean 4 properties in 1 road and 2 of those are neighbours.
I was cleaning windows and the neighbour was going out in his car and he shouted over "miss ours out this time". I had already written out the business card to drop in as I usually do not see them.
I asked why he wanted me to miss them out and he said "because it rained after last time you came".
How do you deal with this situation?
Change your mindset.
Assuming they are otherwise OK, treat people like that as bonus customers.
That way they're a benefit when they do want doing and you have time rather than an annoyance when they don't.
Vin
That very much depends on where they're situated Vin, if it's in the middle of an estate surrounded by other cleans you could be making a rod for your own back, these neighbours will no doubt talk, quite possibly have a neighbourhood WhatsApp group, and if you let one dictate when you should clean, others may feel they can do the same. I would have a conversation with them, explain you can miss it this time but in future if your to keep them on the books it has to be every time,, "I never start a job in the rain but can't be accountable for what happens afterwards, weather forecasts unreliable etc etc. I remember making a similar mistake in my early days, there was a huddle of people talking and one came over and said can you do mine every other time, to which I reluctantly said yes, she went back to the huddle and with that 3 others neighbours requested the same, it wiped off £500 from my turnover because I was growing the round and eager to please. Its not easy when your growing your business but you'll see the benefit in the long run, your way or no way.
Edit.. I've had a few not today's and I've let it ride because of the present climate but if someone were to use the weather as an excuse, particularly the weather after I've been then they're definitely not the sort of customer I want. It's a ridiculous excuse, if it rained whilst you were doing it then you can see where they're coming from but we're in the UK, it WILL rain on their windows after you've been sometime, guartenteed.
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It would be a instant dump for me , customers like that are a waste of time...plenty more good ones out there.
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The thing is though you might end up dumping a lot of customers over the next year then,one thing I’ve learnt is that loyalty means very little in this job the ones you think are yours forever aren’t and the one a you think will jump ship stay with you.
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I'm £130 down today due to building work on 2 properties and an office block that's locked up and empty(new tenants haven't moved in yet).
So my super duper earning day is just above average but I really don't care as I'll be finished earlier! ;D
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The thing is though you might end up dumping a lot of customers over the next year then,one thing I’ve learnt is that loyalty means very little in this job the ones you think are yours forever aren’t and the one a you think will jump ship stay with you.
Your thinking is skewed....no job lasts forever.just be grateful for the jobs you have got for now but never take them for granted....
And always take new jobs on to replace the natural shedding.... :)
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the comment like that would put me in the OK - FU - mode - I may not dump but wouldn't clean until asked and then a new price issued.
I have no issues with a not this time for valid (what I perceive as such) reasons - building - repairs - painting - landscaping - funerals
and wouldn't worry.
those that do it regular do get dumped
Darran
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It rained the next day? ;D Is it a failure to train them? If so then try to train them. My go to reminder is that I am there to remove the previous 8 weeks of dirt. If they won't be re-trained then have a few firm but polite parting of the ways phrases ready.
Mine in this situation after an attempt to retrain is an instant dump. (Because I explain at the outset my terms which they or their spouse accepted otherwise I wouldn't be there) They don't value your service.
Now if you DID accept it this time then I wouldn't go back. If they later asked me why I would tell them it's because I believe they don't value my service. If they then agree to start afresh under the reminded terms then fine.
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He’s probably skint and hasn’t had his monthly pay cheque. It would pee me off. I’d probably ‘forget’ to do them next time around.
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Luckily I have not had many of these customers.
I clean 4 properties in 1 road and 2 of those are neighbours.
I was cleaning windows and the neighbour was going out in his car and he shouted over "miss ours out this time". I had already written out the business card to drop in as I usually do not see them.
I asked why he wanted me to miss them out and he said "because it rained after last time you came".
How do you deal with this situation?
Change your mindset.
Assuming they are otherwise OK, treat people like that as bonus customers.
That way they're a benefit when they do want doing and you have time rather than an annoyance when they don't.
Vin
That very much depends on where they're situated Vin, if it's in the middle of an estate surrounded by other cleans you could be making a rod for your own back, these neighbours will no doubt talk, quite possibly have a neighbourhood WhatsApp group, and if you let one dictate when you should clean, others may feel they can do the same. I would have a conversation with them, explain you can miss it this time but in future if your to keep them on the books it has to be every time,, "I never start a job in the rain but can't be accountable for what happens afterwards, weather forecasts unreliable etc etc. I remember making a similar mistake in my early days, there was a huddle of people talking and one came over and said can you do mine every other time, to which I reluctantly said yes, she went back to the huddle and with that 3 others neighbours requested the same, it wiped off £500 from my turnover because I was growing the round and eager to please. Its not easy when your growing your business but you'll see the benefit in the long run, your way or no way.
Edit.. I've had a few not today's and I've let it ride because of the present climate but if someone where to use the weather as an excuse, particularly the weather after I've been then they're definitely not the sort of customer I want. It's a ridiculous excuse, if it rained whilst you were doing it then you can see where they're coming from but we're in the UK, it WILL rain on their windows after you've been sometime, guartenteed.
Well said. The OP's (hopefully ex) customer didn't want him this time because it rained the day AFTER he cleaned them LAST time!
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That very much depends on where they're situated Vin, if it's in the middle of an estate surrounded by other cleans you could be making a rod for your own back, these neighbours will no doubt talk, quite possibly have a neighbourhood WhatsApp group, and if you let one dictate when you should clean, others may feel they can do the same. I would have a conversation with them, explain you can miss it this time but in future if your to keep them on the books it has to be every time,, "I never start a job in the rain but can't be accountable for what happens afterwards, weather forecasts unreliable etc etc. I remember making a similar mistake in my early days, there was a huddle of people talking and one came over and said can you do mine every other time, to which I reluctantly said yes, she went back to the huddle and with that 3 others neighbours requested the same, it wiped off £500 from my turnover because I was growing the round and eager to please. Its not easy when your growing your business but you'll see the benefit in the long run, your way or no way.
Edit.. I've had a few not today's and I've let it ride because of the present climate but if someone where to use the weather as an excuse, particularly the weather after I've been then they're definitely not the sort of customer I want. It's a ridiculous excuse, if it rained whilst you were doing it then you can see where they're coming from but we're in the UK, it WILL rain on their windows after you've been sometime, guartenteed.
I see this regularly on here about customers having chats about their window cleaner and ganging up on them. I can say with 100% honesty that the subject of window cleaners never, not once, came up in any of the thousands of conversations I had before starting out in the business. Not once*.
Maybe everyone else's customers have nothing else to talk about but it does seem odd.
Vin
* [edit] I think I may have asked a neighbour once after we'd moved who they used.
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The thing is though you might end up dumping a lot of customers over the next year then,
Well you have been harping on about this for ages now and none of us have seen a dramatic loss of customers..
You worry about it cause im not.
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It's a dump from me too.
If he doesn't want his windows cleaned, then he doesn't need me.
If he asks me again when I'm next in the area, I would very politely say I'm too busy.
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I had one like that years ago, chap came out and turned me away saying its going to rain tonight.
Of course i never went back.....
Its one thing to skip a clean via text with some made up reason but to come out whist you are there pole in hand and turn you away because it might rain at a future date, totally disrespectful.
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It would be a dump from me , cannot base staff wages on customers like this if 10% per day did this ware would we all be , plenty of good customers out there .dump and move on
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Interesting to read the different replies the way you all handle the situation.
The other 3 in the road I have had for 3 to 4 years, they all gave a generous Christmas tip, the one that turned me away yesterday I have been doing for 10 months, not even a "have a good Christmas".
The neighbour (whose drive I park in while I do them all) asked why I did not clean them and I explained he did not want me to because it rained after I came last time, they said "that is not your fault".
I would like to stop cleaning there, they pay by bank transfer (sometimes need reminding). If he wanted to take revenge could he do anything with my details, name, bank details etc?
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Interesting to read the different replies the way you all handle the situation.
The other 3 in the road I have had for 3 to 4 years, they all gave a generous Christmas tip, the one that turned me away yesterday I have been doing for 10 months, not even a "have a good Christmas".
The neighbour (whose drive I park in while I do them all) asked why I did not clean them and I explained he did not want me to because it rained after I came last time, they said "that is not your fault".
I would like to stop cleaning there, they pay by bank transfer (sometimes need reminding). If he wanted to take revenge could he do anything with my details, name, bank details etc?
I would dump him because quite frankly it's a ridiculous excuse.....I have done in the past and will again.you can't run a business with flaky customers like him... :)
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I would like to stop cleaning there, they pay by bank transfer (sometimes need reminding). If he wanted to take revenge could he do anything with my details, name, bank details etc?
Just dump him mate, i have got rid of customers in the same street as others i do and never had a problem.
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The thing is though you might end up dumping a lot of customers over the next year then,
Well you have been harping on about this for ages now and none of us have seen a dramatic loss of customers..
You worry about it cause im not.
We have just paid out January combined Gas and Electric for the last 3 months,it was 1200 used to be 400.
April sees another rise in the cost of living anyone that can’t see a downturn has their head in the sand I’m afraid,bit like seeing you’re Mrs with another bloke on the face of it she’s with you she hasn’t left but it’s happening 🤣.
You have no control over other people’s finances even the Mafia smiled at you before they wacked you lol.
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The thing is though you might end up dumping a lot of customers over the next year then,
Well you have been harping on about this for ages now and none of us have seen a dramatic loss of customers..
You worry about it cause im not.
We have just paid out January combined Gas and Electric for the last 3 months,it was 1200 used to be 400.
April sees another rise in the cost of living anyone that can’t see a downturn has their head in the sand I’m afraid,bit like seeing you’re Mrs with another bloke on the face of it she’s with you she hasn’t left but it’s happening 🤣.
You have no control over other people’s finances even the Mafia smiled at you before they wacked you lol.
Im well aware of the cost of living....i have not had any cancellations for window cleaning and i have had customers booking in extra jobs for the spring since November....i may lose a few but no doubt i will gain a few too...
I think you've had a few cancellations and that's why your all doom and gloom.
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I’ve not had any cancel thanks I have had a few push backs on domestics that are 3-400 + though,tell a porky 🐷 I’ve had 1 cancel 2 months ago but only a £30 domestic.
I gained a 60 last week and have a couple to look at next week also so no not doom and gloom,I just don’t want people to get like they are approaching vinegar strokes and get disappointed when the light comes on so to speak.
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That very much depends on where they're situated Vin, if it's in the middle of an estate surrounded by other cleans you could be making a rod for your own back, these neighbours will no doubt talk, quite possibly have a neighbourhood WhatsApp group, and if you let one dictate when you should clean, others may feel they can do the same. I would have a conversation with them, explain you can miss it this time but in future if your to keep them on the books it has to be every time,, "I never start a job in the rain but can't be accountable for what happens afterwards, weather forecasts unreliable etc etc. I remember making a similar mistake in my early days, there was a huddle of people talking and one came over and said can you do mine every other time, to which I reluctantly said yes, she went back to the huddle and with that 3 others neighbours requested the same, it wiped off £500 from my turnover because I was growing the round and eager to please. Its not easy when your growing your business but you'll see the benefit in the long run, your way or no way.
Edit.. I've had a few not today's and I've let it ride because of the present climate but if someone where to use the weather as an excuse, particularly the weather after I've been then they're definitely not the sort of customer I want. It's a ridiculous excuse, if it rained whilst you were doing it then you can see where they're coming from but we're in the UK, it WILL rain on their windows after you've been sometime, guartenteed.
I see this regularly on here about customers having chats about their window cleaner and ganging up on them. I can say with 100% honesty that the subject of window cleaners never, not once, came up in any of the thousands of conversations I had before starting out in the business. Not once*.
Maybe everyone else's customers have nothing else to talk about but it does seem odd.
Vin
* [edit] I think I may have asked a neighbour once after we'd moved who they used.
Whilst i agree that we as window cleaners are by and large quite an insignificant part of peoples lives, i am conscious that like a lot on here , i don't advertise anywhere, not even on my van, all my new work for donkeys years has come from recommendations which means there is a network of sorts, this person knows that one etc which is an obvious by product of recommendations, so if you have exceptions to rules, you really have to be prepared to offer that to everyone if asked, and i really don't want to. Iv'e got a formula that works for me and its much easier if i stick to it. Then again i'm a sole trader and intend to stay that way, i imagine if you employ, then there's a a different mindset, and you have to be more active in looking for more work with more overheads.
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I don't dump anyone who does it I give them one chance
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I would like to stop cleaning there, they pay by bank transfer (sometimes need reminding). If he wanted to take revenge could he do anything with my details, name, bank details etc?
He's skint mate, plain and obvious, he a bonus job when he has them done from now on, If you need the work next time your round do him,if you don't drop him, he's more likely to knock you for a clean than get a big pay rise and want you regually
Very unlikely he has a long time future on your books.
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I’m not going to say to someone on you’re bike when they say can we push back a month or so if it’s 70-80 notes every 6-8 weeks normally,what’s that gonna do make you feel good and puff you’re chest out for 5 minutes and then think S***t why did I do that I know how that feels coz I’ve done it.
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I’m not going to say to someone on you’re bike when they say can we push back a month or so if it’s 70-80 notes every 6-8 weeks normally,what’s that gonna do make you feel good and puff you’re chest out for 5 minutes and then think S***t why did I do that I know how that feels coz I’ve done it.
You are completely missing the point. It wasn't building work. It wasn't a funeral. It wasn't even raining stair rods. The stated reason was "Because it rained the day after, last time."
Anyone who keeps that kind of customer needs to give their head a wobble.
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I’m not going to say to someone on you’re bike when they say can we push back a month or so if it’s 70-80 notes every 6-8 weeks normally,what’s that gonna do make you feel good and puff you’re chest out for 5 minutes and then think S***t why did I do that I know how that feels coz I’ve done it.
You are completely missing the point. It wasn't building work. It wasn't a funeral. It wasn't even raining stair rods. The stated reason was "Because it rained the day after, last time."
Anyone who keeps that kind of customer needs to give their head a wobble.
Oh erm. I didn't read that, that one would go
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Regardless I wouldn’t be sacking off decent jobs because of ego etc whether they moaned about it raining the next day etc either,these things can be overcome with good customer service they are all important therefore I don’t have any cheap jobs so they are worth the time at least talking to.
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I’m not going to say to someone on you’re bike when they say can we push back a month or so if it’s 70-80 notes every 6-8 weeks normally,what’s that gonna do make you feel good and puff you’re chest out for 5 minutes and then think S***t why did I do that I know how that feels coz I’ve done it.
I don’t think it was a £60 job but Evan if it was his reason to cancel was it rained after the last clean we have no control over that what will be his excuse next time , best to dump and move on especially if you get a bad vibe from them
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Regardless I wouldn’t be sacking off decent jobs because of ego etc whether they moaned about it raining the next day etc
Decent job? When he's coming out with excuses like that , if you got a round full of them no wonder your all doom and gloom. ;D
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the comment like that would put me in the OK - FU - mode - I may not dump but wouldn't clean until asked and then a new price issued.
I have no issues with a not this time for valid (what I perceive as such) reasons - building - repairs - painting - landscaping - funerals
and wouldn't worry.
those that do it regular do get dumped
Darran
Exactly the same as you.
Started one new area with 15 new customers and within a year every single one took the mickey with excuses so I called it a day in that area, They asked me to come back and told them not in a million years, only work for regular customers. Three strikes for timewasting automatic dump!
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the comment like that would put me in the OK - FU - mode - I may not dump but wouldn't clean until asked and then a new price issued.
I have no issues with a not this time for valid (what I perceive as such) reasons - building - repairs - painting - landscaping - funerals
and wouldn't worry.
those that do it regular do get dumped
Darran
Exactly the same as you.
Started one new area with 15 new customers and within a year every single one took the mickey with excuses so I called it a day in that area, They asked me to come back and told them not in a million years, only work for regular customers. Three strikes for timewasting automatic dump!
Was it a new build area by any chance?
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the comment like that would put me in the OK - FU - mode - I may not dump but wouldn't clean until asked and then a new price issued.
I have no issues with a not this time for valid (what I perceive as such) reasons - building - repairs - painting - landscaping - funerals
and wouldn't worry.
those that do it regular do get dumped
Darran
Exactly the same as you.
Started one new area with 15 new customers and within a year every single one took the mickey with excuses so I called it a day in that area, They asked me to come back and told them not in a million years, only work for regular customers. Three strikes for timewasting automatic dump!
Was it a new build area by any chance?
It was a mixture of bungalows and really old houses (kermit style) with customers between 40-70. I only took it on because their previous window cleaner stopped calling, (I'm not surprised) with can you leave it this time with poor excuses. Genuine excuses like painting, builders, etc I will excuse but irregular customers are more hassle than they are worth.
I book all my work in the evening before, so all my time is accounted for each day, so to be messed around with poor excuses the following day at work is not acceptable in my opinion. Can't run a business with a slack tolerance of attitude.
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Dump
There is no shortage of good, reliable customers. Don’t waste your time and effort on a messer, they cannot be rehabilitated.
If you’re short of work. In my experience it’s better to use your non working time to get more customers rather than spend it doing annoying unreliable jobs.
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He’s probably skint and hasn’t had his monthly pay cheque. It would pee me off. I’d probably ‘forget’ to do them next time around.
If someone told me not to clean their windows because it will rain in a couple days time I would politely thank them for their custom and inform them to look for another mug (window cleaner) as I only clean windows on a regular basis for regular customers who value my service and walk away, strike them off the round, filed under muppets.
Had one muppet ask me twelve years later if I wouldn't mind cleaning their windows and I politely informed her I wouldn't because she had previously been a PITA customer. I maybe terrible remembering names but I never forget a face, ever :)
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I’ve not had any cancel thanks I have had a few push backs on domestics that are 3-400 + though,tell a porky 🐷 I’ve had 1 cancel 2 months ago but only a £30 domestic.
I gained a 60 last week and have a couple to look at next week also so no not doom and gloom,I just don’t want people to get like they are approaching vinegar strokes and get disappointed when the light comes on so to speak.
totally confused Nigel - your always banging on about how your work is all upper end 100+ - fancy lawyers - captains of industry - celebs - all fighting for you to clean their glass - now it appears your doing £30 bulk standard stuff like us mere mortals
what's going on ???
Darran
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I’ve not had any cancel thanks I have had a few push backs on domestics that are 3-400 + though,tell a porky 🐷 I’ve had 1 cancel 2 months ago but only a £30 domestic.
I gained a 60 last week and have a couple to look at next week also so no not doom and gloom,I just don’t want people to get like they are approaching vinegar strokes and get disappointed when the light comes on so to speak.
totally confused Nigel - your always banging on about how your work is all upper end 100+ - fancy lawyers - captains of industry - celebs - all fighting for you to clean their glass - now it appears your doing £30 bulk standard stuff like us mere mortals
what's going on ???
Darran
He can't keep track of all the bull$hit he talks, that's the problem.
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That's the downside of doing loads of big posh100 quid mansions I guess. You let them dictate to some extent out of fear of losing them, I get it.
Give me a load of semis anyday, none of this electric gated jumping through hoops nonsense. Turn up, splosh some water about rain or shine and if they don't like it oh well onto the next they are ten a penny.
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⬆️ exactly
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That's the downside of doing loads of big posh100 quid mansions I guess. You let them dictate to some extent out of fear of losing them, I get it.
Give me a load of semis anyday, none of this electric gated jumping through hoops nonsense. Turn up, splosh some water about rain or shine and if they don't like it oh well onto the next they are ten a penny.
I have a mixture and indeed some large properties have electronic gates.my own stipulation is that they give me the gate code and I send them a courtesy text thenight before.
I never have a problem with these customers and turn up in all but the worst of weather.
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That's the downside of doing loads of big posh100 quid mansions I guess. You let them dictate to some extent out of fear of losing them, I get it.
Give me a load of semis anyday, none of this electric gated jumping through hoops nonsense. Turn up, splosh some water about rain or shine and if they don't like it oh well onto the next they are ten a penny.
I have a mixture and indeed some large properties have electronic gates.my own stipulation is that they give me the gate code and I send them a courtesy text thenight before.
I never have a problem with these customers and turn up in all but the worst of weather.
Same, no gate code no clean. I have one who won’t give a gate code so I treat it as a one off and price accordingly.
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That's the downside of doing loads of big posh100 quid mansions I guess. You let them dictate to some extent out of fear of losing them, I get it.
Give me a load of semis anyday, none of this electric gated jumping through hoops nonsense. Turn up, splosh some water about rain or shine and if they don't like it oh well onto the next they are ten a penny.
I have a mixture and indeed some large properties have electronic gates.my own stipulation is that they give me the gate code and I send them a courtesy text thenight before.
I never have a problem with these customers and turn up in all but the worst of weather.
I get the gate code
No text, just clean and they pay
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Can’t be bothered to read this thread, but scanned the last few posts.
I love the odd gate hop, keeps me on my toes ;D
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I get the gate then they text me they want it back.
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I advertise, that I offer a regular, reliable, quality window cleaning service, and I do my best to adhere to that.
But, in return, I expect the same from my customers; it works both ways, in my book.
It's taken years, but all my customers are good (yes they cancel for building works etc but none take the p1ss).
When a customer comes along that is 'NO GOOD FOR MY BUSINESS' they get dumped (very politely, but they still get dumped).
Some people would argue that they 'need the work' so will put up with it.
I would say, DUMP, and spend the time getting more customers.
You can never guarantee the type of customer you're going to get, but you can decide how you move forward with it.
Always, always be polite.
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I get the gate then they text me they want it back.
I took a fence at that statement.
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Just dumped a new customer before even done the first clean ;D
Told them I'd message this week to leave the gate open.
Text sent...
Reply was sorry my husband is on nights this week can you call next week instead .
Nope bye 👋
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Just dumped a new customer before even done the first clean ;D
Told them I'd message this week to leave the gate open.
Text sent...
Reply was sorry my husband is on nights this week can you call next week instead .
Nope bye 👋
Dumped before the first clean!
It’s annoying isn’t it, I hardly send any texts, I just gate hop/have the code for most gates. A lot are left unlocked.
I always feel like sending a message gives them a reason to say ‘leave it this month’ . Especially with the current financial climate.
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Just dumped a new customer before even done the first clean ;D
Told them I'd message this week to leave the gate open.
Text sent...
Reply was sorry my husband is on nights this week can you call next week instead .
Nope bye 👋
Dumped before the first clean!
It’s annoying isn’t it, I hardly send any texts, I just gate hop/have the code for most gates. A lot are left unlocked.
I always feel like sending a message gives them a reason to say ‘leave it this month’ . Especially with the current financial climate.
I think text messages are handy for stand alone jobs then if their having building work done or whatever it saves me a trip....
Certain jobs its great for access....
As for the 'it gives them an excuse to skip for no good reason' this simply doesn't happen often enough to be a problem
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I’ve never felt the need to text daz, rarely do I get there and can’t do the windows.
It seems to be one of those things you either do or don’t do!
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I just gate hop. Keeps me athletic and my heart rate below 25. I have the BMI of a wippet.
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Just dumped a new customer before even done the first clean ;D
Told them I'd message this week to leave the gate open.
Text sent...
Reply was sorry my husband is on nights this week can you call next week instead .
Nope bye 👋
Dumped before the first clean!
It’s annoying isn’t it, I hardly send any texts, I just gate hop/have the code for most gates. A lot are left unlocked.
I always feel like sending a message gives them a reason to say ‘leave it this month’ . Especially with the current financial climate.
I think text messages are handy for stand alone jobs then if their having building work done or whatever it saves me a trip....
Certain jobs its great for access....
As for the 'it gives them an excuse to skip for no good reason' this simply doesn't happen often enough to be a problem
If your work is compact then you aren’t going out of your way ,so it’s not a problem if it’s a genuine reason not to do a job .
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I have no problem texting a smallish proportion of my work for access. Probably around 30%. Takes seconds to do the evening before and ensures no gate hopping. I get zero ‘not today’ replies so that isn’t an issue.
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1 not today. Excuse it will freeze up 4degrees) sun was out! Explained it can't freeze unless zero degrees, wasn't having it, Strike 1. I'd rather they just asked if I could leave it as cost of living crisis, respect them for being honest but not timewasting.
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1 not today. Excuse it will freeze up 4degrees) sun was out! Explained it can't freeze unless zero degrees, wasn't having it, Strike 1. I'd rather they just asked if I could leave it as cost of living crisis, respect them for being honest but not timewasting.
That would be a dump for me.
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Then they’ll be a lot of people that will be dumping lol I wonder how many will be saying another dump for saying this and that in 6 months,I would be more inclined to hold fire at the moment rather than jump the gun because of skipping the odd clean.
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I’m loving being weeks behind at the moment they all need cleaning and by the time I’m anywhere near caught up the better weather will be round the corner,winter-terrible weather and being on time don’t mix well.
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I would be more inclined to hold fire at the moment rather than jump the gun because of skipping the odd clean.
Why?
It's a rubbish excuse for skipping a clean, I would dump straight away.,no point in hanging onto customers like that, there's plenty more work out there that's decent.
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What dump because someone skips one clean ?
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Then they’ll be a lot of people that will be dumping lol I wonder how many will be saying another dump for saying this and that in 6 months,I would be more inclined to hold fire at the moment rather than jump the gun because of skipping the odd clean.
Last summer you were saying we’d all be getting loads of cancellations in Autumn, didn’t happen. In the autumn you were saying the cancellations would start to come in winter, hasn’t happened. Now it’s going to happen in 6 months time?
It must be an awful existence being such a pessimist.
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Then they’ll be a lot of people that will be dumping lol I wonder how many will be saying another dump for saying this and that in 6 months,I would be more inclined to hold fire at the moment rather than jump the gun because of skipping the odd clean.
Last summer you were saying we’d all be getting loads of cancellations in Autumn, didn’t happen. In the autumn you were saying the cancellations would start to come in winter, hasn’t happened. Now it’s going to happen in 6 months time?
It must be an awful existence being such a pessimist.
I agree....I've picked up a few decent jobs since I started back on the 3rd Jan and no skipped cleans at all without a good reason.... 😄
Nigel is turning into a proper doom and gloom merchant!🤣
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I have to agree with Nigel to an extent. Give them 3 strikes before thinking about dumping. Times are hard for some people unlike us millionaire window cleaners. It's not like when you get a cancellation it's a whole days pay lost is it. Who has their car cleaned if it's p!$$ing down with rain.? Who cleans their own windows when the weather is cr4p? We are a luxury!
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⬆️ exactly we are a luxury 3 strikes and you’re out lol.
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I have to agree with Nigel to an extent. Give them 3 strikes before thinking about dumping. Times are hard for some people unlike us millionaire window cleaners. It's not like when you get a cancellation it's a whole days pay lost is it. Who has their car cleaned if it's p!$$ing down with rain.? Who cleans their own windows when the weather is cr4p? We are a luxury!
If a customer comes out with 'can you skip mine as its going to rain tomorrow' or any other stupid,lame excuse get instantly dumped....
It's never stopped me from improving/refining my round over the last 30 years...
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Then they’ll be a lot of people that will be dumping lol I wonder how many will be saying another dump for saying this and that in 6 months,I would be more inclined to hold fire at the moment rather than jump the gun because of skipping the odd clean.
Mad as a box of frogs.
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I have to agree with Nigel to an extent. Give them 3 strikes before thinking about dumping. Times are hard for some people unlike us millionaire window cleaners. It's not like when you get a cancellation it's a whole days pay lost is it. Who has their car cleaned if it's p!$$ing down with rain.? Who cleans their own windows when the weather is cr4p? We are a luxury!
If a customer comes out with 'can you skip mine as its going to rain tomorrow' or any other stupid,lame excuse get instantly dumped....
It's never stopped me from improving/refining my round over the last 30 years...
Exactly. Who wants to plan a day's work which might not happen?
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I had one last week. Couldn't have them cleaned as she wasn't home and dog would go mad. She's a 3 monthly who I fit in whenever I'm in the area. A nice £25 job. I put her on the 'finished' list. No going back. Then she texts me a couple of days later saying she's working from home most of this week and can I fit her in. I texted back that I'm in the area on Friday and will fit her in. In my eyes she's an extra £25 on Friday. If all my customers were like her I'd have big problems but fortunately they're not.
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I have to agree with Nigel to an extent. Give them 3 strikes before thinking about dumping. Times are hard for some people unlike us millionaire window cleaners. It's not like when you get a cancellation it's a whole days pay lost is it. Who has their car cleaned if it's p!$$ing down with rain.? Who cleans their own windows when the weather is cr4p? We are a luxury!
If a customer comes out with 'can you skip mine as its going to rain tomorrow' or any other stupid,lame excuse get instantly dumped....
It's never stopped me from improving/refining my round over the last 30 years...
Exactly. Who wants to plan a day's work which might not happen?
Book more than you can handle in and hope some cancel. Some days I hope some cancel. How some say they don't get any cancellations at all is beyond me. Along with the just turning up and clean brigade.
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I have to agree with Nigel to an extent. Give them 3 strikes before thinking about dumping. Times are hard for some people unlike us millionaire window cleaners. It's not like when you get a cancellation it's a whole days pay lost is it. Who has their car cleaned if it's p!$$ing down with rain.? Who cleans their own windows when the weather is cr4p? We are a luxury!
If a customer comes out with 'can you skip mine as its going to rain tomorrow' or any other stupid,lame excuse get instantly dumped....
It's never stopped me from improving/refining my round over the last 30 years...
Exactly. Who wants to plan a day's work which might not happen?
Book more than you can handle in and hope some cancel. Some days I hope some cancel. How some say they don't get any cancellations at all is beyond me. Along with the just turning up and clean brigade.
I'd rather prune out the 'lame excuse' brigade. I train them when I take them on. It's lame excuses like rain, freezing, it's gonna rain, gonna freeze etc. that I prune out.
If they have scaffolding up or digging out the drive and forgot to tell me they get a pass. If the decorator is working inside I don't accept that as an excuse.
Doorstep cancellations come in two kinds. Immediate dump or 'watching brief'. If the reason is understandable they get a pass. Two passes rarely happen unless they are years apart.
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I have to agree with Nigel to an extent. Give them 3 strikes before thinking about dumping. Times are hard for some people unlike us millionaire window cleaners. It's not like when you get a cancellation it's a whole days pay lost is it. Who has their car cleaned if it's p!$$ing down with rain.? Who cleans their own windows when the weather is cr4p? We are a luxury!
If a customer comes out with 'can you skip mine as its going to rain tomorrow' or any other stupid,lame excuse get instantly dumped....
It's never stopped me from improving/refining my round over the last 30 years...
Exactly. Who wants to plan a day's work which might not happen?
Book more than you can handle in and hope some cancel. Some days I hope some cancel. How some say they don't get any cancellations at all is beyond me. Along with the just turning up and clean brigade.
We very rarely get a cancellation on the day unless it’s genuine like decorating ,building work , or similar and that’s fine , I have never txt a domestic customer in over 24 years and won’t be starting anytime soon I have much better things to be doing with my evenings , I think it’s a case of setting out your stall from the time of quoting let them know what you will be doing , how you will be doing it and an approximate date , we work in all weather s within reason 12 months a year if they hesitate then they aren’t taken on end of , then let them know what you expect from them , payment within xx days of clean ,access ,keys or codes for gates , etc , I think half the problems one’s experience is because they aren’t straight enough with potential customers and the customer feels they can choose whether to have the Windows cleaned or not , like some add hock service , I used to get this years ago but since altering how I explained ti customers how we work it is very rare that we get this now .
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I have to agree with Nigel to an extent. Give them 3 strikes before thinking about dumping. Times are hard for some people unlike us millionaire window cleaners. It's not like when you get a cancellation it's a whole days pay lost is it. Who has their car cleaned if it's p!$$ing down with rain.? Who cleans their own windows when the weather is cr4p? We are a luxury!
If a customer comes out with 'can you skip mine as its going to rain tomorrow' or any other stupid,lame excuse get instantly dumped....
It's never stopped me from improving/refining my round over the last 30 years...
Exactly. Who wants to plan a day's work which might not happen?
Book more than you can handle in and hope some cancel. Some days I hope some cancel. How some say they don't get any cancellations at all is beyond me. Along with the just turning up and clean brigade.
Book more than you can handle in and hope some cancel🤣🤣 That sounds like mayhem to me. It’s just window cleaning, why some want to over complicate it is beyond me.
I am one of the ‘turn up and clean brigade’….turn up, clean, kerching🤑
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“It rained after last time you come”
The doorstep cancel and the crap excuse would be enough too insult me. I’d get rid there and then and feel better afterwards as well knowing I don’t have to deal with him anymore
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I clean 8 weekly and text all my customers the night before, even the ones I have access to; we live in a modern age, I think it's polite to let them know I'm coming and that's how I work. Texting works for me very well, as about 80% of custys gates are locked and I can't be bothered to jump them anymore. Also, I LIKE the fact that texting can help weed out the crap, because then I can replace them with, hopefully, something better. After 12 years, I very rarely have any problems, however...
I had three scenarios this week:
1. Customer text me back, 'can we skip due to weather'. I've cleaned this about 4 times and each time there has been some niggly, annoying situation that makes it more difficult. I replied 'no problem', They are now dumped.
2. Customer text me back 'can we skip due to the weather'. Again, cleaned about 4 times. He is a foreign gentleman with a terraced house in the middle of a row that I do. So I text him back saying that the service I offer is 'all year round' and he is more than welcome to skip, but if he does, unfortunately I won't be able to clean for him anymore. He changed his mind and asked if would continue to clean for him. I'm glad about that one.
3. A long standing customer asked 'if I could skip this time'. She is an excellent customer with a very good history. I can only assume that something has cropped up which she does not want to discuss. I said 'No problem at all' and I actually hope that she is ok. No doubt I will find out on the next clean.
I take each customer on their own merits and, to a point, I will give them the benefit of the doubt...but no P155 taking!
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I agree as long as it’s not taking the P**s it wouldn’t bother me too much it’s just a case of up the road so to speak.it’s if you’ve made a special journey and it happens I would have something to say.
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She is an excellent customer with a very good history. I can only assume that something has cropped up which she does not want to discuss.
Good point Robbo.
I have had this before where someone has skipped a clean , and then a month or two later they will tell me something , and the penny drops.
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I had one yesterday that boiled my pi$$.
I clean the windows on a village hall. The sort where they have kiddie winks play school every day.
So I finished cleaning the windows and needed to take a leak. So I knocked not the door to say I needed to use the loo, just a widdle, no lumpy things. The woman/carer/teacher whatever they're called nowadays answered the door, looked at me and said 'I don't think I can allow that, just let me ask'. She came back a minute later saying I wasn't allowed in the building for safe-guarding reasons. Cheeky bitch, I don't care what she thinks of window cleaners but im no threat to anyones precious sunbeams. What's wrong with letting someone take a leak and accompany them to the toilet door if things are that risky?
I drove away fuming. If I'd been a woman you can bet your arse I wouldve been allowed in. Note, a woman delivery driver had just delivered meals inside the building whilst I was asking at the door to be let in.
Perhaps I should've said I was having a period.
Or Id take a pi$$ round the back of the building in the kiddie winks sandpit.
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I had one yesterday that boiled my pi$$.
I clean the windows on a village hall. The sort where they have kiddie winks play school every day.
So I finished cleaning the windows and needed to take a leak. So I knocked not the door to say I needed to use the loo, just a widdle, no lumpy things. The woman/carer/teacher whatever they're called nowadays answered the door, looked at me and said 'I don't think I can allow that, just let me ask'. She came back a minute later saying I wasn't allowed in the building for safe-guarding reasons. Cheeky bitch, I don't care what she thinks of window cleaners but im no threat to anyones precious sunbeams. What's wrong with letting someone take a leak and accompany them to the toilet door if things are that risky?
I drove away fuming. If I'd been a woman you can bet your arse I wouldve been allowed in. Note, a woman delivery driver had just delivered meals inside the building whilst I was asking at the door to be let in.
Perhaps I should've said I was having a period.
Or Id take a pi$$ round the back of the building in the kiddie winks sandpit.
Technically she is right unless they have a copy of your crb check or what ever they call it now you shouldn’t be allowed in we have to have checks done on our staff as work with kids and vulnerable adults in some buildings .
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Im not working with kids, I just wanted to have a leak. Keep it in perspective. There were 5 other adults supervising the sprogs plus the building caretaker on site. They were letting others in the building whilst I was there.
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Im not working with kids, I just wanted to have a leak. Keep it in perspective. There were 5 other adults supervising the sprogs plus the building caretaker on site. They were letting others in the building whilst I was there.
Yes but you would be in the building ware they are and to do that only approved crb checked people should be allowed in , if they let someone in who isn’t and something happened she would find herself in court explaining why she let you in , my youngest daughter is a TA in a school there are very strict rules as to who is allowed on the school premises and if the staff don’t recognise the person who has come to collect the child they don’t let them go until they have contacted the parents or guardian, I think this is very good as there are so many perverts out there extra checks need to be in place
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I doubt there’s no more perverts these days than when you or I were growing up. The worlds gone mad.
I’ve cleaned the windows on that building g for 15 years and all of a sudden I’m a threat to the precious oikes?
Like I said though, if I was a woman needing to change a tampon I bet there wouldn’t have been a problem.
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I doubt there’s no more perverts these days than when you or I were growing up. The worlds gone mad.
I’ve cleaned the windows on that building g for 15 years and all of a sudden I’m a threat to the precious oikes?
Like I said though, if I was a woman needing to change a tampon I bet there wouldn’t have been a problem.
I understand how you feel but if it was your child in there and someone interfered with them due to a staff member letting an unauthorised person into the building I guess you would feel differently. Unfortunately this is how the world is going .
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I doubt there’s no more perverts these days than when you or I were growing up. The worlds gone mad.
I’ve cleaned the windows on that building g for 15 years and all of a sudden I’m a threat to the precious oikes?
Like I said though, if I was a woman needing to change a tampon I bet there wouldn’t have been a problem.
I bet there are no male carers/staff etc there. If there are I bet it's the females that take the kiddies to the toilet etc. I'd say males are more likely to be paedo's. She might have thought you looked like one what with you getting your willy out on the premises 🥴
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I doubt there’s no more perverts these days than when you or I were growing up. The worlds gone mad.
I’ve cleaned the windows on that building g for 15 years and all of a sudden I’m a threat to the precious oikes?
Like I said though, if I was a woman needing to change a tampon I bet there wouldn’t have been a problem.
I bet there are no male carers/staff etc there. If there are I bet it's the females that take the kiddies to the toilet etc. I'd say males are more likely to be paedo's. She might have thought you looked like one what with you getting your willy out on the premises 🥴
There was a case in Plymouth a few years ago ware a female member of staff at a nursery was abusing kids and filming it it made national news headlines for weeks so it’s not just men
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My story is madder than a box of frogs on acid
Used to clean a social services day centre with what they called a rape suite (
their description not mine ) where victims could’ve interviewed and given support
When the light was on you didn’t clean it
Got to the door no light knocked and a rough looking woman in a rainbow sweater dungerees a crop haircut and boots opened the door
Who are you ? Voice deeper than Barry whites.
I am Tony the window cleaner
You can’t come on the site
It’s a man free zone …….. go away
Behind her was a middle class social worker with a big bushy beard and a crass tee shirt
Who’s he then ? I said
Oh I made him an honoury woman !!
I kid you not
bemused never to go back
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I’ll tell you what boils my pi$$
Hotel kettles!
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I had one yesterday that boiled my pi$$.
I clean the windows on a village hall. The sort where they have kiddie winks play school every day.
So I finished cleaning the windows and needed to take a leak. So I knocked not the door to say I needed to use the loo, just a widdle, no lumpy things. The woman/carer/teacher whatever they're called nowadays answered the door, looked at me and said 'I don't think I can allow that, just let me ask'. She came back a minute later saying I wasn't allowed in the building for safe-guarding reasons. Cheeky bitch, I don't care what she thinks of window cleaners but im no threat to anyones precious sunbeams. What's wrong with letting someone take a leak and accompany them to the toilet door if things are that risky?
I drove away fuming. If I'd been a woman you can bet your arse I wouldve been allowed in. Note, a woman delivery driver had just delivered meals inside the building whilst I was asking at the door to be let in.
Perhaps I should've said I was having a period.
Or Id take a pi$$ round the back of the building in the kiddie winks sandpit.
I have a bottle in the van and lean in using the side door then empty it out under the van....you just can't go in any buildings where's there's kids these days unless your CBR checked...
You can't use customers outside grids either anymore because most properties have cameras everywhere!
Its just the way it is.... ::)roll
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I’d never even consider asking to use a customers toilet tbh, even if it is a local village hall.
Was it Nathan K that posted that he used one of his customers toilets to have a sh!t? ;D ;D
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Taking a leak is what a Bucket on a Belt is for.
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I’d never even consider asking to use a customers toilet tbh, even if it is a local village hall.
Was it Nathan K that posted that he used one of his customers toilets to have a sh!t? ;D ;D
yes it was ;D
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I had one yesterday that boiled my pi$$.
I clean the windows on a village hall. The sort where they have kiddie winks play school every day.
So I finished cleaning the windows and needed to take a leak. So I knocked not the door to say I needed to use the loo, just a widdle, no lumpy things. The woman/carer/teacher whatever they're called nowadays answered the door, looked at me and said 'I don't think I can allow that, just let me ask'. She came back a minute later saying I wasn't allowed in the building for safe-guarding reasons. Cheeky bitch, I don't care what she thinks of window cleaners but im no threat to anyones precious sunbeams. What's wrong with letting someone take a leak and accompany them to the toilet door if things are that risky?
I drove away fuming. If I'd been a woman you can bet your arse I wouldve been allowed in. Note, a woman delivery driver had just delivered meals inside the building whilst I was asking at the door to be let in.
Perhaps I should've said I was having a period.
Or Id take a pi$$ round the back of the building in the kiddie winks sandpit.
I have a bottle in the van and lean in using the side door then empty it out under the van....you just can't go in any buildings where's there's kids these days unless your CBR checked...
You can't use customers outside grids either anymore because most properties have cameras everywhere!
Its just the way it is.... ::)roll
There was a thread last year on toilet arrangements, I was losing 2 to 2 1/2 hrs a week by going off to have a pee (age plus by product of high blood pressure tablets) so my mate for a laugh bought me one of those camping pee bottles, it's worth it's weight in gold, lean into or worse case scenario climb in the back of the van, best piece of time saving equipment I've got :)
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I’d never even consider asking to use a customers toilet tbh, even if it is a local village hall.
Was it Nathan K that posted that he used one of his customers toilets to have a sh!t? ;D ;D
That would be an instant DUMP.
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3 strikes I mean pushes and there out 🤣🤣🤣💩💩
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I doubled up on a large job with my window cleaner mate, so we each had our vans.
He is very particular and doesn't like to use customer's toilets, he said he was going for a poo in the back of his van, in a bucket.
He'd been gone quite a while when I got a phone call...
He's locked himself in the back of his van and can I come and let him out.
...
It was tempting but I did.
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I doubled up on a large job with my window cleaner mate, so we each had our vans.
He is very particular and doesn't like to use customer's toilets, he said he was going for a poo in the back of his van, in a bucket.
He'd been gone quite a while when I got a phone call...
He's locked himself in the back of his van and can I come and let him out.
...
It was tempting but I did.
Really?I never need to go for a dump during work hours if I did I would drive home or go to a pub!
No way would I take a dump in the van! ::)roll ;D
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Commercials should always have toilet and hand washing facilities available for contractors. All should be included in your RAMS.
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I doubled up on a large job with my window cleaner mate, so we each had our vans.
He is very particular and doesn't like to use customer's toilets, he said he was going for a poo in the back of his van, in a bucket.
He'd been gone quite a while when I got a phone call...
He's locked himself in the back of his van and can I come and let him out.
...
It was tempting but I did.
Classic!
If I ever went back on the tools, I'll have a camping toilet in the van.
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Im not working with kids, I just wanted to have a leak. Keep it in perspective. There were 5 other adults supervising the sprogs plus the building caretaker on site. They were letting others in the building whilst I was there.
Sprogs! ;D I haven't heard that word for years.
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“It rained after last time you come”
The doorstep cancel and the crap excuse would be enough too insult me. I’d get rid there and then and feel better afterwards as well knowing I don’t have to deal with him anymore
My response: "If I was that good at influencing the weather, I wouldn't be here. I would be earning a fortune in the Australian Outback."
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Im not working with kids, I just wanted to have a leak. Keep it in perspective. There were 5 other adults supervising the sprogs plus the building caretaker on site. They were letting others in the building whilst I was there.
Sprogs! ;D I haven't heard that word for years.
Sprogs is what we use to caall new army lads, wet behind the ears ;D
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Im not working with kids, I just wanted to have a leak. Keep it in perspective. There were 5 other adults supervising the sprogs plus the building caretaker on site. They were letting others in the building whilst I was there.
Sprogs! ;D I haven't heard that word for years.
Sprogs is what we use to call
new army lads, wet behind the ears ;D
That's interesting. We used to call babies and young children sprogs in Africa