Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Moderator David@stives on October 16, 2007, 04:53:11 pm
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I would be more interested to see the answers from the guys who have been cleaning for 5 years plus.
Also interested to see how the newer window cleaners pole.
I have been cleaning for 9 years now and clean 4 weekly
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I would be more interested to see the answers from the guys who have been cleaning for 5 years plus.
Also interested to see how the newer window cleaners pole.
I have been cleaning for 9 years now and clean 4 weekly
about 8 years 4 weekly (very very large houses are 6 weekly)
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Cleaning 7 years 98% of domestic work is 4 weekly always has been. Only 8 weekly stuff is big houses up on dartmoor. on the big stuff i always give them a 4 weekly price and if they want 8 weekly then i charge a min of £30+ for that.
Stuart
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I said 4 weekly, but I tell them once a month. That way the moaners get dropped to the back of the queue and the good ones get to the front. If anyone gets touchy and says, "is it that time again?" they get left a bit longer, to punish them ;D
After 20 years I find that works best for me. Once a month gives me flexibility to do other things if I want to, and no-one even notices I've been away. I'm at that age you know 8) :-[
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10years ive got about 30% fortnightly & the rest monthly
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I started out as 4 but now 5-6 weeks since going wfp.
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It's 4 weekly only for me.
Macc
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I've been going nearly 2 years and all of my "bread and butter" domestics are 8 weeks.
Andy
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I tell them monthly, but it's actually 4 weekly.
It just sounds longer that way. ;D
I'm wishing I had enough work to do 6-weekly, but I haven't got enough for 4, so I'd have to literally double my round.
Not really going to happen is it? ;D
More and more people are saying I'm a bit soon now, as it used to take me 5 weeks+.
Nearly every new account I pick up is asking for 8 weeks.
Maybe if I was 6, they'd accept that.
4 is becoming increasing too soon for most people. :(
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I'm wishing I had enough work to do 6-weekly, but I haven't got enough for 4, so I'd have to literally double my round.
Not really going to happen is it? Grin
Why can't you double your round Rog?
Andy
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Started August this year do em 4 weekly tell em once per month never know when or what crappy weather were gonna get like today! :(
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I'm wishing I had enough work to do 6-weekly, but I haven't got enough for 4, so I'd have to literally double my round.
Not really going to happen is it? Grin
Why can't you double your round Rog?
Andy
If I've picked up about 6 or 7 new jobs this year, how long is it going to take to pick up another 200?
..and I'm losing them quicker than gaining them anyway.
Come on, that's old news!
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If I've picked up about 6 or 7 new jobs this year, how long is it going to take to pick up another 200?
..and I'm losing them quicker than gaining them anyway.
Come on, that's old news!
On the days that your not cleaning spend the day canvassing?
Andy
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im 6 weekly, been on my own since feb
i find that i can charge more this way, and i find the windows are just right to be cleaned, if i was 4 weekly i wouldn't need any more work, but at the moment i need another 600-700,
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Been in business for about 4 years. Always quote for 4 weekly. But because i always put in a high price, ill judge there reaction and give them the choice of 8 weeks if they look unsure about the price cos in the long run theyll be paying less per month. Jobs that i price in person i will get 99% of the time but if i just leave them a quote on a business card theres alot less chance that i will get the business so thats why its so important you speak to the customer in person, if they specifically ask for the clean every 8 weeks i will increase the price by an extra 50%. some jobs i have are 2 weeks but still i tell the customer its usually 4 weeks and because i have to make a special journey every 2 wks its an extra 50% which works out alot better for me in the long run. I would say my work consists of 15% 8 weeks, 80% 4 weeks 2,5% 2weeks and 2.5% 6 weeks.
I started out as 4 but now 5-6 weeks since going wfp.
Im finding it difficult in understanding why some start out 4 weekly then cos they change to wfp clean 5 - 6 weeks. Fine they might stay a bit cleaner for longer but not an extra week or 2. I hope you didnt give them the option to change to this frequency.
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I'm wishing I had enough work to do 6-weekly, but I haven't got enough for 4, so I'd have to literally double my round.
Not really going to happen is it? Grin
Why can't you double your round Rog?
Andy
If I've picked up about 6 or 7 new jobs this year, how long is it going to take to pick up another 200?
..and I'm losing them quicker than gaining them anyway.
Come on, that's old news!
Not heard that before from you but only new to this. why dont you be proactive and get the work if your waiting for work to come to you, it wont happen. Whats going on?
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I'm finding 8 wks as a trend, but I have always wondered as with under pricing is this because I am new.
A lot ask for a longer frequency after a few cleans, I immediatly offer 6wkly whereas i used to suggest 8.
I disagree with Andy on the scheduling and 15 jobs falling one day one month and 10 the next. With 8wkly there is nothing wrong with going a few days early to suit what you are doing, so there is greater flexibility.
I have been sacked more times than I'd like; I have about 200 customers and have been sacked by about 20 in the 6mnths I've been going. Some only wanted a one off though (IMO), and some only wanted difficult and never before cleaned windows done before finding fault(againIMO), some found genuine faults in my work and these few were very aggresive and vociferous.
I'm trying to treat this as a learning year, but if I'm honest I'd like to be up there with Dave, WW, and Andy.
Just read your post Rog.The sooner you start believing in yourself the sooner you'll be quacking all the way to the bank.
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I'm wishing I had enough work to do 6-weekly, but I haven't got enough for 4, so I'd have to literally double my round.
Not really going to happen is it? Grin
Why can't you double your round Rog?
Andy
If I've picked up about 6 or 7 new jobs this year, how long is it going to take to pick up another 200?
..and I'm losing them quicker than gaining them anyway.
Come on, that's old news!
Not heard that before from you but only new to this. why dont you be proactive and get the work if your waiting for work to come to you, it wont happen. Whats going on?
I done plenty, just haven't had much joy.
We've got 15-odd window cleaners in a small town and surrounding areas.
Everyone's either already got one, or doesn't want one.
A few years back I canvassed solidly for 2 days, must have called on hundreds and hundreds of houses and businesses.
Result? 2 new ones.
What a waste of 2 days. ::)
So no, I can't do much about it.
Anyway, this is off-topic.
I don't want to get into another "I do £4000 a day, what's wrong with you?" again.
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I done plenty, just haven't had much joy.
We've got 15-odd window cleaners in a small town and surrounding areas.
Everyone's either already got one, or doesn't want one.
A few years back I canvassed solidly for 2 days, must have called on hundreds and hundreds of houses and businesses.
Result? 2 new ones.
What a waste of 2 days. Roll Eyes
So no, I can't do much about it.
Rog,
Whats the furthest you travel for work?
Andy
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As it stands, about 6 miles, but that's for a full day.
I'm not travelling miles for odd jobs.
If the money's good though, I don't mind how far I go.
Over the bridge to Bristol (including tolls) if it was worth more than back home.
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I do mostly every four weeks but do have a couple of 6 weeks that are a pain to be honest
every 8 week work i see that work as extra money and can always fit it in as i usually finish at 2.30 so have plenty of time to do it
Dean
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As it stands, about 6 miles, but that's for a full day.
I'm not travelling miles for odd jobs.
If the money's good though, I don't mind how far I go.
Over the bridge to Bristol (including tolls) if it was worth more than back home.
Why not spend a weekend or so canvassing for new work a bit further away? It could well be worth it.
Andy
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I'm wishing I had enough work to do 6-weekly, but I haven't got enough for 4, so I'd have to literally double my round.
Not really going to happen is it? Grin
Why can't you double your round Rog?
Andy
If I've picked up about 6 or 7 new jobs this year, how long is it going to take to pick up another 200?
..and I'm losing them quicker than gaining them anyway.
Come on, that's old news!
Not heard that before from you but only new to this. why dont you be proactive and get the work if your waiting for work to come to you, it wont happen. Whats going on?
I done plenty, just haven't had much joy.
We've got 15-odd window cleaners in a small town and surrounding areas.
Everyone's either already got one, or doesn't want one.
A few years back I canvassed solidly for 2 days, must have called on hundreds and hundreds of houses and businesses.
Result? 2 new ones.
What a waste of 2 days. ::)
So no, I can't do much about it.
Anyway, this is off-topic.
I don't want to get into another "I do £4000 a day, what's wrong with you?" again.
Well i can see why your not getting any work and losing work with an attitude like yours. I wasnt posting you for a fight it was purely out of interest and concern.
Whats your pitch to the householder?
What time of the day are you canvassing ?
Do you smile?
Theres always a reason why you dont get any luck canvassing. And 9 times out of 10 its down to you.
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Most of my customer base are 4weekly... but some i have are every 6weeks and some are every 2weeks... i allso have a copple that are every 2 months :)
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If most of your work is 4 weekly you need to get some bigger houses,and my advice to Squeaky would be that when you take on new work don`t take on the rubbish,your struggling to pick work up now so you might aswell be picky.Big sign on the van should do the trick.
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i've been going 3 1/2 years and work on a 4 weekly or multiple of for most work. I have 1 area that i do on a 6 weekly. A few are 8 weekly and a couple are 12 weeks.
I did get asked loads of times to come in a calendar month (is it??), but like jdemarco has mentioned, i could fit an extra months work per year by doing 4 weekly.
I used to have a handful at 2 weeks but didn't like it and put them on 4.
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Windows are still too clean after 4 weeks. All my work is 6 week but average price is up £4 so it works out better for me.
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Well i can see why your not getting any work and losing work with an attitude like yours. I wasnt posting you for a fight it was purely out of interest and concern.
Whats your pitch to the householder?
What time of the day are you canvassing ?
Do you smile?
Theres always a reason why you dont get any luck canvassing. And 9 times out of 10 its down to you.
9 times out of 10? ;D
Absolute toilet as usual.
I don't know why anyone bothers to reply to you. ::)
Listen mate, I've worked in sales, I know how to sell a product and how deal with the public.
I know every trick in the book.
Of course I smile.
I'm thouroughly charming to the public. ;)
The sale is down to you 30% of the time at the most.
Any professional canvasser will tell you that.
One thing that's always a factor is the punter.
Some can be swung, and I can tell straight away.
But others aren't interested.
If they don't want one, they don't want one.
You're wasting your time with them.
I think you need to understand the ratio of window cleaners around me.
There isn't that much spare about.
It's a shame you're so far away.
I'd like to see how you get on trying to get work around here.
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9 times out of 10? Grin
Absolute toilet as usual.
I don't know why anyone bothers to reply to you. Roll Eyes
Listen mate, I've worked in sales, I know how to sell a product and how deal with the public.
I know every trick in the book.
Of course I smile.
I'm thouroughly charming to the public. Wink
The sale is down to you 30% of the time at the most.
Any professional canvasser will tell you that.
One thing that's always a factor is the punter.
Some can be swung, and I can tell straight away.
But others aren't interested.
If they don't want one, they don't want one.
You're wasting your time with them.
I think you need to understand the ratio of window cleaners around me.
There isn't that much spare about.
It's a shame you're so far away.
I'd like to see how you get on trying to get work around here.
Rog,
If you need new work then it sounds like your going to have to travel for it... Does that cause you a problem?
Andy
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Not if it's good money. :)
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6 wks is my norm
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Are there any "rich areas" within 15 / 20 miles of you then?
Andy
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It's a shame you're so far away.
I'd like to see how you get on trying to get work around here.
Is that a challenge?
Where you based?
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Been going nearly 25 years, when I started most people wanted their windows doing every fortnight, and of course there were the odd ones that wanted once a month.
Many years back I changed all of our work over to monthly, and guess what, there are some that want it every other month. No matter what you choose there will always be someone who wants to be different.
I decided that, I would only take on customers who wanted a monthly clean, and 9 times out of 10 when you tell them that, they agree, the ones that don't, I don't take on.
You must run your round, don't allow your round to run you.
If we continue to have window cleaners that will take on cleans at 2 monthly, and 3 monthly intervals, you will end up with the American situation, where they will ring you when they want you.
Stick to your guns, and educate your customers that window cleaning is not about cleaning dirty windows, but maintaining clean ones. Then look for the add-on services that you can provide to these regular customers.
If people don't want their windows cleaning at the same time as everyone else on your round, then they are looking for a different service. that is window cleaning by appointment, in which case the price should be completely different to the price you charge your regular customers. At least double your normal price, and probably more than that.
Blessings,
Graeme
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Spot on Graeme.
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I started out in '91 with monthly cleans. A lot of custies did the "not today thanks" number on me or asked for 2 monthly. So once I had an overfull workload, I went 6 weekly across the board. This brought most of the 2 monthlies onside and the monthlies were happy as they saved some money. A few 2 monthlies cancelled.
Apart from a couple of shop fronts close to where I live, my work is 6 weekly still. I have 4 jobs on 12 weekly. I will only do 12 weekly service now for jobs of £50 or more though three of the four were 12 weekly (and under £50) before I decided to make that change. I have actually cancelled some work due to them wanting 12 weekly while being below the £50 threshhold. I have a job worth £41.00 that is 6 weekly and due an increase. I suspect I will be asked (again) about doing them less often. If they do I will suggest 12 weekly for £50 a pop. It will still save them money.
I do have a 2 monthly job left over from the old days. It doesn't really fit on my round schedule the way I'm now set up. However, it's only a mile from my water tank so I can fit it in by doing it when I get some water.
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Graeme,
Brilliant post. I make a lot of the mistakes you speak of.
"it's not about cleaning dirty windows, but maintaining clean ones"
I'm going to make that my new mantra.
I and people like me are not all bad though, there is a trend to longer cleans. The frames glass and cons is better than 25yrs ago,as is the method wfp. That trend is against us, but as these upvc frames no longer need painting the trend in our favour is the gutter and facia cleans.
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Been going 14 years on my own, although I did work for a guy back in 1958.
I do mostly monthly cleans, but have now got 3 estates bi-monthly at +50% of the original price. This seems the only way to get a decent increase for long standing work.
Why pass the work on, if you can get 50%more for doing them bi-monthly.
I do need to prune the round though, not getting any younger. Dai
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How old are you Dia? I find the work very hard too and I have always been a perfect physical specimen and very fit.
I try to compensate by buying good kit. I want to employ as well but this isn't straight forward either.
I cling to life and will never want to give up work, if you are like me Dia your only chance of a pension is to biuld a business that could go on with less involvement from you.
I do find that long term wc lack self esteem and confidence. Squeaks as a young example, possibly yourself as slightly older.
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oh dear me what a silly comment from someone,
its only a forum, its not real, there is more to life than winning an argument on the internet, and at the end of the day no one cares
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Graeme , Pure and clean
Great post
Dave
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10 years 6 weeks
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I'm wishing I had enough work to do 6-weekly, but I haven't got enough for 4, so I'd have to literally double my round.
Not really going to happen is it? Grin
Why can't you double your round Rog?
Andy
If I've picked up about 6 or 7 new jobs this year, how long is it going to take to pick up another 200?
..and I'm losing them quicker than gaining them anyway.
Come on, that's old news!
Iv only been going a month but a few times ive picked up 6 or 7 new jobs per DAY!!! I must be toooooo cheap :D
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10 years 6 weeks
you forgot the 2 days and 7 hours ;)
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you sad man
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Well I seem to be in the large majority with 4-weekly.
I'm surprised, I think this poll would be very different in a couple of years time.
I almost never pick up monthly jobs these days.
8 out 10 seem to want 8-weekly. :(
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Well I seem to be in the large majority with 4-weekly.
I'm surprised, I think this poll would be very different in a couple of years time.
I almost never pick up monthly jobs these days.
8 out 10 seem to want 8-weekly. :(
if you say 8 weekly they take it, dont offer it then they cant, 8 weekly £5 more than 4 weekly, most will choose 4 weekly try it and see ;)
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been going 2 years now and started off going 4 week then i moved to 6 weeks coz the windows wernt geting that dirty and finding other window cleaners were doing 6 weeks here people ask for 8 or 12 weeks cleans but i say no its 6 weeks or nothing
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I think I've got my quoting line down to a 'T'.
All I say after I've looked round a property is, 'We come once per calandar month and I'll charge you £X.00. We're fully insured and we do a good job.'
They normally say, 'Okay'.
But you've got to keep in the back of your mind that some potential customers are frightened of approaching you for fear of getting ripped off. I bet we've all seen Rogue Tradesmen on the TV. I honestly dislike getting tradesmen in to sort out my DIY failures! They always come across as nice guys, yet they really frighten me with their potential for creating work and charging me wads for it.
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10 years 6 weeks
you forgot the 2 days and 7 hours ;)
15 minutes and 43 seconds ;D
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16 years ish ...... monthly , i always tell new customers i,m never less than 4 weeks , but if weater is bad , or have time off i,ll be late , some ask for every other time , i used to charge a bit more , but i dont bother now
steve
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18 months, id say 75% is every two weeks, ;D i am getting asked for monthlys more, but i thinks thats because i offer them the choice as most round here are only 2 weekly, obviously i charge more.
round here near the sea, the windows would be black after 8 weeks!! ;D ;D
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How old are you Dia? I find the work very hard too and I have always been a perfect physical specimen and very fit.
I am just turned 65. My biggest problem is getting to bed at a reasonable hour.
I rarely go to bed before midnight and my alarm goes off at 06.15. By Thursday I am knackered. Having a wife less than half my age doesn't help either.
I plan to put more of my work on a bi-monthly basis and take things a little easier.
With my mortgage paid off years ago, and my pension coming in, I don't need to be killing myself with work.
Even after putting 3 estates bi-monthly, it still takes me 5 weeks to get round. Dai
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4 weekly for me, and 24 years a window cleaner.
I have some on 8 weeks, I even have one on once yearly!
But by and large it has always been 4 weekly, and I also work on the principle of keeping the windows clean as against waiting for the to get dirty and then clean them.
Except I'm actually really struggling to get around on time, so half the time I'm more like 6 or 8 weekly :-\
4 years ago I went WFP..or is it 3 ??? at the time I'd pared my round down to the absolute minimum (was totally hacked off with the job) had just over 15 hours of work a week on average, now (and without going out touting for work) I am snowed under, and just about all 4 weekly.
Most of my new work is domestic, though the commercial round has also grown.
But I've never come across the same situation as Squeaks, I find most are just as happy now to have their windows cleaned 4 weekly as they did 24 years ago.
I'm always picking up work, and I'm also happy to travel to earn it, compacted work isn't for me.
Squeaks, Tosh, Roy Harding and myself live in a very affluent area, and there is still plenty of work out there.
I'm now getting to the point where I am starting to point Squeaks into the leads I am getting.
I can further point him towards a cluster of well to do accounts that a couple of months ago did not have a window cleaner.
tosh can also point him in the same direction, as they used to be his accounts, but he passed them by as he prefers his work more compacted.
If I wasn't so busy I'd follow up on them myself.
In fact I might even pass some of the work I already have in Squeaks direction, though I'm going to give it one more month to see if I can get around it all on time.
2 problems though, 1. almost all the work is well priced and I'm loathe to give them up! 2, a couple of them are accounts that squeaks stopped cleaning a few years ago!
Ian
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Ian,
We all like Squeaks but he is very hard work.
The point of coming on this forum - for me- is to learn. That means that very many times I am wrong and have to follow what other forum members tell me. I don't like doing this, I don't like being wrong, but it saves me a lot of time and grief.
I have tended to go the 8 wk route, but reading this thread has changed my perspective.
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only 10 % of window cleaners on 8 weeks or over
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Only 10% have got nice round then LOL. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Ian,
We all like Squeaks but he is very hard work.
The point of coming on this forum - for me- is to learn. That means that very many times I am wrong and have to follow what other forum members tell me. I don't like doing this, I don't like being wrong, but it saves me a lot of time and grief.
I have tended to go the 8 wk route, but reading this thread has changed my perspective.
VG 4 weeks round 3 things, 1 more money 2 easier to clean 3 windows stay alot cleaner for longer this way, why pay someone every 8 weeks for clean window for 3 ? some will stay cleaner but 8 weeks they will be dorty surly clean windows all the time is what people want, well i know 90% of mine do 4.2 weeks i start getting the odd oh your a little late this time, i always say to customers windows are cleaned 4/6 weeks so i never let you down ;)
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been cleaning abt 20yr most are monthly some weekly some 2 weekly some as and when asked