Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: texas girl on December 02, 2006, 02:38:59 am
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Is everyone working overtime and then some for the Christmas holiday season?
I am not complaining but every year at this time I am so busy with additional window cleaning jobs it gets quite hectic.
The money is certainly welcome but the additional stress is not. My increase in demand is 98% residential. All inside and out. Many one time cleanings or once/ twice per year.
I know our markets are different; but do you also have this huge increase in demand? Or are most of your regular customers just getting their normal cleanings since they get them done frequently?
Hugs,
Texas Girl :-* December 1 means new calendar posting ;)
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Same hours as normal . I won't be suckered into cleaning additional new houses at this time of year because of one offs due to the xmas holiday season. If they're genuine would be regular customers then they don't mind waiting until after xmas to be added onto my round as I have to look after my regualar customers 1st as they are my bread & butter! We British do it diffferent to you yankies (thank goodness)!!
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I would say demand goes down this time of year generally speaking. People are not bothered about dirty window when the days are short and the weather is miserable.
You may get a few phone calls in the weeks before christmas because people have family coming but unless they are existing customers I wouldn't have time to do them because I am always behind and trying to catch up anyway.
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We haven't had a mad rush on so to speak but we are just falling behind a little because of the weather!! :)
Regards Shaun!!
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:o :o :o :o nice calendar, you must keep your man happy ;D ;D
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Normally our demand does not budge but this year we are taking loads of calls seeing if we can fit inside cleans in when we visit.
We have also taken on about 11 new customers who want cleaning before xmas.
Busy Busy Busy!!
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Thurs, Fri, Sat before xmas ....
all big houses with lots of tips ;D
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That reminds me....................
http://www.windowcleaningcalendar.com/
Now that's my kind of window cleaner !!! :P
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We do the windows on a monthly cycle, so it stays about the same.
But in Texas they seem to do once or twice a year but clean screens and shutters, but they charge a lot more per clean, I think?
Roy
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Hey Roy,
Yes, you are right. We do charge a lot per house, which makes it worth it, but it is exhausting.
Christmas month usually nets about $10,000.00 more than normal. Knowing people are needing services because of parties, family coming in, etc; it is hard to say no.
And we do lots of insides, plus a lot of houses have screens on each window. We take those off and clean them also.
I do pick up quite a few regulars after the holiday clean, but many are one- timers. We charge a first time fee always.
There is a dramatic demand for services of all types during November and December. It is bittersweet; great income but almost too busy to enjoy the holidays. :)
Hugs, :-*
Texas Girl
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Christmas month usually nets about $10,000.00 more than normal. Knowing people are needing services because of parties, family coming in, etc; it is hard to say no.
That a very good turnover for only a few weeks of the year, do you still employ people and clean your self?
No wonder you need a break.
Roy
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Some additional services that are requested during this time include cleaning ceiling fans, fancy lighting fixtures, mirrors, etc.
We use our equipment;(ladders, poles, etc) on the insides to clean what the average person can't. I feel we are appreciated a lot by providing these services.
During the winter is a great time to earn additional money for working inside. If you haven't done this before and you think you may be meticulous enough to enjoy this type of thing, it is a good idea to offer additional services.
It is better than losing money during in climate weather. But then again I like doing detailed work. You have to be patient because this work is slow.
Cheers and hugs,
Texas Girl :-*
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Hey Roy, ;D
I hire additional help for just this reason, but as you know it is best to be involved yourself especially doing insides of homes.
I am doing the residential inside cleanings. Plus the normal managing. I love it but it is like having 2 jobs temporarily.
No lounging by the pool sipping margaritas! But that will come later.
I have tried hiring teams for residential cleaning but I think most customers like having the owner or manager on site especially doing the inside of their home.
I keep my normal commercial accounts with the normal worker situation. The only difference is the residential market.
January is always sweet; a sigh of relief and a thankfulness that December was so profitable.
I hope you are staying busy!
Hugs,
Texas Girl :-*
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Hey Debs,
Glad to see you back, know you've had a bad year with past posts.
Hope you have a good year next year and keep it up.
Doug
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Doug,
Thanks so much for the good thought. This forum is full of great people. Yes; this past year has been challenging for me in one aspect; reality of life without my son ever again is sinking in. It has been hard.
Yet we all have our own issues so I am grateful for so much. Most of all for Grace.
We must NEVER GIVE UP and always look ahead for future success. So much to be thankful for. Thank God for tomorrow!
Thanks. I hope 2007 is the best for you too.
Hugs,
Texas Girl :-*
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cood luck
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Thanks Harry!
:-*
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can u get the whole calender or is it just monthly. ;D
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This time of year I find that all of the "customers?" that want em done once every pancake day start to crawl out of the woodwork. If I can squeeze them in I do so, but regular biz comes 1st.
My very 1st customer Mrs Jones who's still a 6 weekly job to this day always gets the December clean on the house....and I take round a few mince pies courtesey of Mrs K.
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i was asked today to do 2 on-offs
i said i would, gave them a price 3 X the amount, 1 said ok, the other looked shocked and will think on it
to be honest i didnt care if they took the price or not, ive got the work, so my regulars MUST come first
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I agree that the regular customers must come first. I think you should increase the rate a lot for holiday only cleans.
After the cleaning, if they want to be a regular, then the regular rate should apply.
But absolutely charge more for the first time and even more for a probable once only or 1/year.
I find that I usually keep 30% of the holiday customers for regular cleaning. But that first time always costs more.
Hugs,
Texas Girl :-*
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Hey Ducky,
I hadn't thought about posting all the previous months. I will check. ;)
Thanks for the "interest". Anything to put a warm smile on my fellow window cleaners' faces.
Hugs,
Texas girl :-*
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thanks its very cold her in scotland.we cant get much work done to wet and windy :'(