Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Sir Squeaky on October 23, 2007, 07:20:41 pm
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I had two customers today ask if I could make it every other month until the spring.
Annoying or what?
I'm short of work as it is. >:(
Not something I've had trouble with in the past.
It's down to what I said, that less people want it as frequently as 4 weeks, and are looking for an excuse.
Anyone else finding this happening?
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My word Squeaky you have a round full of T0553rs mate.
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I had two customers today ask if I could make it every other month until the spring.
Annoying or what?
I'm short of work as it is. >:(
Not something I've had trouble with in the past.
It's down to what I said, that less people want it as frequently as 4 weeks, and are looking for an excuse.
Anyone else finding this happening?
just add 50% to the bill they soon stop that and if they dont then thats fair enough, i would never clean a window 2 monthly at the same price as a monthly (4 weekly)
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Good bit of advise that Squeaky,get tougher with em mate,sounds like there taking you for a ride mate.
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increase your price for a less regular wash and explain that it may/will take longer to clean
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I have probably the least work going on here, i've just started, had one say from the get go they wanted every 8 weeks, told them it's every 4 weeks or + 50%.
I clean them every 4 weeks still :)
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Squeeky
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I think you have just got one of them unlucky rounds, I never get any eom in the winter, maybe i get requests from about 2 customers a year who are genuinely struggling to pay.
Dave
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You can't go putting prices up because of it. ::)
If they ask for 8 weekly when you take it on, yes.
But not when they've been paying the same for a while.
I tried to charge more for this situation a while back, and was told "I'm not paying more, you can leave it then".
So no, that's a silly idea.
With that attitude you'll lose all your customers.
I'd rather have the £10 every other month than not at all.
I wasn't asking what to do, there's nothing you can do.
It's up to the punter.
I just asked if anyone else had this problem in winter.
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Squeeky:
All the hassle and grief you get from your long standing customers from when you were cleaning their windows traditional, WHY don't you look further afield for new customers who'll happily except the WFP method.
When I first started using WFP in 2000 I had nothing but grief from the old 'fuddy duddies' so I replaced them all with fresh new work and didn't look back on it with any regrets. Perhaps it's time you did the same???????????
Just trying to help you :)
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i had 1 today
she asked " can you miss me this time BUT can you come back in 2 weeks "
i said, " it'll be 6 weeks "
she said " oh, well i need them done in 2 weeks "
now i was up till 2.30 with the baby last night, so im not in a mood for pain customers
i reply " i'll see you in 6 weeks "
she says " they will be really dirty then "
i reply, its either now or in 6 weeks "
her " Ummmmmmmmmm "
me " I will see you in 6 weeks then "
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I recognise this as a trend. I was surpised by the thread dave put up that found otherwise.
I think it was a post by Dia that explained in the early days men did 2wkly in the cart walking distance around their home. With coal fires and belching factories things got dirtier. There have been so many advances including upvc....
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You should be constantly looking to improve your round,replacing rubbish with cream.Have you got into a rutt and settled for the same old customers year in year out,you talk about your area being full of WCS so maybe you need to look further a field to improve your round,i travel at least 20 miles for desent work.
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Squeeky, Getting a hint of the same. Just the odd "they're ok this month, can you skip this clean", "I've just had them painted, can you...." etc. Not many. I tend to take your view that their business is still worth while. It's all very well people saying " dump 'em and get some new business", but that doesn't suit all people or all situations. I like what I've got, I get a few new customers now and then, but I don't really want to ditch some and go looking for lots more business. But, I do wish people would realise we have bills too and can't jump in and out of work to suit them.
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You can't go putting prices up because of it. ::)
If they ask for 8 weekly when you take it on, yes.
But not when they've been paying the same for a while.
I tried to charge more for this situation a while back, and was told "I'm not paying more, you can leave it then".
So no, that's a silly idea.
With that attitude you'll lose all your customers.
I'd rather have the £10 every other month than not at all.
I wasn't asking what to do, there's nothing you can do.
It's up to the punter.
I just asked if anyone else had this problem in winter.
Squeaky I run my business not my customers I am fair and upfront with my charges, I do not clean a house every 4 weeks then charge the same for an 8 week clean if they want to changed, as it takes more time as there we be more dirty there also they are taking up half a space of a regular customer which I do not have a problem in finding (they are told this at the time also) I do value each and every customer that we clean for but I run a business and have things in place so it runs like a business,. If any of my customers said they will leave it then I would say that is your choice but you know my terms and charges. I do the same to all my customers and have been doing so for years, I also have a large round that gets more work daily, It seems I must be doing something ok or my company would not have lasted all these years still with most of the customers that started when I did and the hundreds of new clients we now have.
one more point if they did say can you miss it this time I would agree for a one off but regualar no way.
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If it was pre arranged it would be different, i know that if i go to my dentist and say can i come back in 6 months after an appointment has been booked he will still send me a bill, i've waste a slot in his day where he could've made money, so it's understandable
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NWH, I find your reply interesting. You sound quite an aggressive sort of person. And I mean that in a good way. You are trying to improve your round and your business by being quite ruthless. I have no complaints there, but there is another side. Lots of old people, for example, still want their windows cleaned and are probably not flush with cash. I enjoy cleaning their windows more than most. I wouldn't want to make it my core business, but I wouldn't want to lose them either. Quality of life comes into it.
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All his is good advice but i feel that the customers that you have just don`t live in the real world,i get the impression that your very freindly with your customers,perhaps to freindly.You might find that another area has a completly different attitude towards you and your business,don`t forget you`ve just got a new van which more than likley makes them think that you don`t need the work or the money,they probobly think you have work coming out of your ears with making that investment.
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If it was pre arranged it would be different, i know that if i go to my dentist and say can i come back in 6 months after an appointment has been booked he will still send me a bill, i've waste a slot in his day where he could've made money, so it's understandable
that is spot on, we run a business and some people tend to forget that or let there customers dictate to them, I have once on my first day window cleaning, since then it has never happened again.
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I to have and clean pensioners window`s on a every 2 month basis but this is work that i have had from the start and not just from my start my dad`s also,i do them out of there loyalty to me and my dad over the years.I have my core business that i do over a 6-8 weekly basis domestic and commercial and when this work is completed these loyal customers then get cleaned very cheaply in some cases free cleans inside,there`s more to life than money granted,but you have to get your prioritys right.
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NWH, Sounds like you and me are singing from the same hymn sheet :)
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i find this thread a little dangerous
now i know rog wont do it, but if he was a little more niave ( and took everything said here as the way it is ) , he would tell the customers " its my way or the highway " and in the space of a few weeks have hardly any work, this isnt what he wanted
I allways belive " the customer is allways right"
I used to work with a guy who used to say " They need us more than we need them ", since we parted company, his round is getting smaller all the time
dont forget, loads of of other window cleaners around to pick up your work, keep your customers happy ;)
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I'm getting the same and some customers i don't mind extending their cleans, It all depends who they are and how they treat me. Some make my hair stand on end with "not today thank you" :o
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i find this thread a little dangerous
now i know rog wont do it, but if he was a little more niave ( and took everything said here as the way it is ) , he would tell the customers " its my way or the highway " and in the space of a few weeks have hardly any work, this isnt what he wanted
I allways belive " the customer is allways right"
I used to work with a guy who used to say " They need us more than we need them ", since we parted company, his round is getting smaller all the time
dont forget, loads of of other window cleaners around to pick up your work, keep your customers happy ;)
I would never say they need me more than i need them as that is plain stupid, a customer in there eyes are always right, I agree to a certain extent that that is true in my eyes as well, but never will a customer dictate to me how to run my business, they may think they know how to run it but they clearly do not or they would be doing it themselves. Rog aint silly maybe a bit to nice to his customers I dont know. you have to be flexable for some people that ask for a 2 monthly clean as a one-off yes and I do this, if they want to change to a 2 monthly clean they are chared more it really is that simple if they ask why i explain about the price increase some will grumble 1 or 2 may cancel most will understand, this happens maybe 15 times a year but only with new customers, and each time they are told the same thing, 4 weekly this price 8 weekly this price, if it is because they are painting one month then no extra charge is made.
That is a fair way to run a business IMO, I know we all run our business' in a different way, this works for me, others maybe not, I am good with people and talking face to face being freindly comes natural to me,
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I agree with everything window washers has just mentioned above.
I think Squeaky is very loyal to his customers and perhaps too friendly with them which the customers use to their advantage by asking for less frequent cleans whilst expecting it for the same price. Rog (Squeaky) isn't in a position to demand a higher price for less frequent cleans and can't afford to lose them by arguing over price structures. The best thing he can do is look for more work outside of his local territory whilst still keeping the work he has at present. Then in time after gaining too many customers he will be in a position where he can feel more confident arguing about a price increase when the customers demand a less frequent wash :)
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You can't go putting prices up because of it. ::)
If they ask for 8 weekly when you take it on, yes.
But not when they've been paying the same for a while.
I tried to charge more for this situation a while back, and was told "I'm not paying more, you can leave it then".
So no, that's a silly idea.
With that attitude you'll lose all your customers.
I'd rather have the £10 every other month than not at all.
I wasn't asking what to do, there's nothing you can do.
It's up to the punter.
I just asked if anyone else had this problem in winter.
I have been asked very occasionally. The last person who asked I just said no. I still clean for them. However, it's easier to say no when you have a reasonable workload and I wasn't too bothered if I lost the job or not. I probably don't get asked about this too much as I work a 6 weekly round anyway. Any requests for a less frequent service would mean 12 weekly and I would only consider that usually for a £50+ job.
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This is exactly why all my customers are every 8 weeks!
I know that each time I turn up to clean their windows they will want them done because they are just starting to get dirty!
Andy
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You can't go putting prices up because of it. Roll Eyes
If they ask for 8 weekly when you take it on, yes.
But not when they've been paying the same for a while.
I tried to charge more for this situation a while back, and was told "I'm not paying more, you can leave it then".
So no, that's a silly idea.
With that attitude you'll lose all your customers.
I'd rather have the £10 every other month than not at all.
I wasn't asking what to do, there's nothing you can do.
It's up to the punter.
I just asked if anyone else had this problem in winter.
Squeaky,
Do you think you will still be window cleaning in 2 years time?
You seem to constantly moan about your current round... Customers moaning about WFP, other cancelling, some wanting every 8 weeks until the spring etc...
Yet - You never seem to take the initiative to go and find more customers... You moan that there are too many window cleaners in your area so that you can't find any new ones... People have suggested that you travel a little for new work - But you won't do it... Why?
You say you are a born salesman... Are you sure? You seem to be too negative to be a salesman!
I don't mean to be nasty, but I can't see you being around in 2 years time unless you change your attitude and become more positive.
Andy
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I don't mean to be nasty, but I can't see you being around in 2 years time unless you change your attitude and become more positive.
Andy
Haven't got a choice.
I've got the van to pay for.
Anyway, why you having a pop at me again?
I just asked if it was happening to others. (3rd time I've explained that ::))
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I don't mean to be nasty, but I can't see you being around in 2 years time unless you change your attitude and become more positive.
Andy
Haven't got a choice.
I've got the van to pay for.
Anyway, why you having a pop at me again?
I just asked if it was happening to others. (3rd time I've explained that ::))
Andy that was a little harsh m8.
Squeaks if you do read what he has put, it is not that nasty it is cold yes but sometimes reading things like that should help you move on and make more it was of topic a bit but then what topic always stays online here, andy would be trying to help you as hes that sort of guy.
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I had two customers today ask if I could make it every other month until the spring.
Annoying or what?
I'm short of work as it is. >:(
Not something I've had trouble with in the past.
It's down to what I said, that less people want it as frequently as 4 weeks, and are looking for an excuse.
Anyone else finding this happening?
Back to original point: Yes it is happening a little more and will do. Let it happen is what I say.
It's only window cleaning, we need them more than they need us, especially your average 3 bed semi type.
Life does actually go on for people even if they don't have a window cleaner every 4 weeks.
A case in point: I did a couple of houses yesterday, I had to double check when I'd last been, they just looked clean already. Weather has been mild last couple of weeks so windows just didn't really need it, but I cleaned clean windows. I'm not going to say, "oh they don't need doing this time! I'll leave them another month", however if the client says can you leave them every other month in winter, sure! Word spreads about you being an amenable chap and you get recommended to others.
Look after your reputation Squeaky, not on here with half these nutters, with your livelihood I mean. These guys won't pay your bills! (Although some give good advice) 8)
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I had two customers today ask if I could make it every other month until the spring.
Annoying or what?
I'm short of work as it is. >:(
Not something I've had trouble with in the past.
It's down to what I said, that less people want it as frequently as 4 weeks, and are looking for an excuse.
Anyone else finding this happening?
Look after your reputation Squeaky, not on here with half these nutters, with your livelihood I mean. These guys won't pay your bills! (Although some give good advice) 8)
who are the nutters you are refering to?
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Squeaky, in answer to your question "yes it does happen to others" Probably most of us if we were to be totally honest. How you handle it is how you run your own business!. In past winters we have had people ask us to do this and we just add a % and agree the month we start "monthly" again at the original price. We do not get a lot ask, thankfully as then we would have to review how we would handle this. Lets be honest with only a few asking you are looking at November clean, December miss, January clean, February miss, March back to normal, only 2 misses as to some wanting to kick there customers in to touch completely. We believe that the customer is always right, but sometimes we guide them to their decision ;) Flexibilty guys and gals, that is the answer without being taken for a ride.....it works both ways and you never can tell when you just may need a customer to be flexible with you.
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Also, this is your opportunity to point out how dirty the window get, when left this long! It's amazing then that the custies don't ask for the same thing the year after!
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Haven't got a choice.
I've got the van to pay for.
Anyway, why you having a pop at me again?
I just asked if it was happening to others. (3rd time I've explained that Roll Eyes)
I'm sorry Squeaky I didn't mean to offend... I was just offering some constructive criticism.
Andy
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I had two customers today ask if I could make it every other month until the spring.
Annoying or what?
I'm short of work as it is. >:(
Not something I've had trouble with in the past.
It's down to what I said, that less people want it as frequently as 4 weeks, and are looking for an excuse.
Anyone else finding this happening?
Look after your reputation Squeaky, not on here with half these nutters, with your livelihood I mean. These guys won't pay your bills! (Although some give good advice) 8)
who are the nutters you are refering to?
eh?
Do you want names?
And why? Who are you?
I think a number on here would frequently refer to themselves as nutters.
Sorry, Squeaky, distracted off-topic for a moment.
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when i was cleaning monthly i used to get messed about by a few customers, leave it this month ect,but this last couple of years i changed over to 5 weekly cleans and this extra week seems to have made a difference,dont seem to get messed about half as much.
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I can understand squeaky's problem with customers trying to miss a month here and there. They sometimes do it to me and I always accomodate them.
Although some on here say they won't let customers run their business, the customers are their business.
No customers-no business and unlike some folk on here most WC's haven't got an unending supply of people begging to become our customers. ::)
If we are all being honest, lets face it the every month clean is a bit of a scam isn't it? ;)..... and we can't blame some customers for tumbling it.
I have been to customers today who were cleaned a month ago and the windows looked perfect.
I personally think that every two months is plenty to keep windows clean in the modern smoke free environment we live nowadays and I think a lot of customers probably agree with me.
It's unfortunate but that's life.
I haven't cleaned my back windows for three months :o and they just look like they need it now. ;D
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Word spreads about you being an amenable chap and you get recommended to others.
I know a window-cleaner whos attitude to this would be that customers would hear thats he's easily riden rough-shod over; and take unfair advantage of this.
Not necessarily my opinion, I see it from both angles, for me depends on who the custy is, whats the job worth, how amenable the custy is (do I actually like them), do I enjoy that particualr house; will they wear a 30% increase in the price for bi-monthly.
Matt
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it happens a couple of times a year to me so i explain that my prices are different & put it up by about 35%, never had a prob
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I can understand squeaky's problem with customers trying to miss a month here and there. They sometimes do it to me and I always accomodate them.
Although some on here say they won't let customers run their business, the customers are their business.
No customers-no business and unlike some folk on here most WC's haven't got an unending supply of people begging to become our customers. ::)
If we are all being honest, lets face it the every month clean is a bit of a scam isn't it? ;)..... and we can't blame some customers for tumbling it.
I have been to customers today who were cleaned a month ago and the windows looked perfect.
I personally think that every two months is plenty to keep windows clean in the modern smoke free environment we live nowadays and I think a lot of customers probably agree with me.
It's unfortunate but that's life.
I haven't cleaned my back windows for three months :o and they just look like they need it now. ;D
Absolutely spot on Neil. ;)
Post of the week, if not the year.
You'd all do well to read this, this is the most honest and truthful post I've seen, and I've been here years.
No jumped-up crap here.
If anyone disagrees with it, they're full of brown stuff.
End of.
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Squeeky and Neil
It isnt a scam, with me cleaning my customers every 4 weeks, in fact they insist on it and most say" i am glad you came they are starting to get dirty"
If i went 8 weekly i probably would get sacked
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Ah, don't forget though Dave, where you live there's the salt air, and probably more general breeze to throw dust around.
It probably is necessary around you, but they don't get dirty in a month around here.
Not since using pure water anyway.
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Much the same here - the glass stays clean but not the sills. My own house i've done three times since February and it's perfectly acceptable really.
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i cleaned a couple of three storey buildings today, if the sills werent dirty
you would nver have known they needed cleaning.both these jobs are 8 weekly.
i have found personally with houses i have got that are £20 plus most prefer
8 weekly.
i have also had a couple recently who have changed from 4 to 8 weekly till the spring no probs its still money in the bank and i have found other customers to replace the cleans on those weeks.
far as im concerned there is only one type of customer i dont want
those who wont pay!! :)
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I can understand squeaky's problem with customers trying to miss a month here and there. They sometimes do it to me and I always accomodate them.
Although some on here say they won't let customers run their business, the customers are their business.
No customers-no business and unlike some folk on here most WC's haven't got an unending supply of people begging to become our customers. ::)
If we are all being honest, lets face it the every month clean is a bit of a scam isn't it? ;)..... and we can't blame some customers for tumbling it.
I have been to customers today who were cleaned a month ago and the windows looked perfect.
I personally think that every two months is plenty to keep windows clean in the modern smoke free environment we live nowadays and I think a lot of customers probably agree with me.
It's unfortunate but that's life.
I haven't cleaned my back windows for three months :o and they just look like they need it now. ;D
Absolutely spot on Neil. ;)
Post of the week, if not the year.
You'd all do well to read this, this is the most honest and truthful post I've seen, and I've been here years.
No jumped-up crap here.
If anyone disagrees with it, they're full of brown stuff.
End of.
Rog mate.
I'm not scamming my custys or full of the brown stuff. My custys often remark on how pleased they are that their window are always clean & not wondering when i'm going to turn up because they are dirty.
This week my round hit the figure i wanted as i've picked up so much in the last few month, the 10% space i have left are prices i'm now giving out i dont care if i get or not.
I must be doing something right as i got 2 new ones today, got home & had 3 more phone calls, all 5 have come to me so where is the scam, ???, they know a great service when they see it. ;)
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I can understand squeaky's problem with customers trying to miss a month here and there. They sometimes do it to me and I always accomodate them.
Although some on here say they won't let customers run their business, the customers are their business.
No customers-no business and unlike some folk on here most WC's haven't got an unending supply of people begging to become our customers. ::)
If we are all being honest, lets face it the every month clean is a bit of a scam isn't it? ;)..... and we can't blame some customers for tumbling it.
I have been to customers today who were cleaned a month ago and the windows looked perfect.
I personally think that every two months is plenty to keep windows clean in the modern smoke free environment we live nowadays and I think a lot of customers probably agree with me.
It's unfortunate but that's life.
I haven't cleaned my back windows for three months :o and they just look like they need it now. ;D
Absolutely spot on Neil. ;)
Post of the week, if not the year.
You'd all do well to read this, this is the most honest and truthful post I've seen, and I've been here years.
No jumped-up crap here.
If anyone disagrees with it, they're full of brown stuff.
End of.
Squeaky you need to think out of the box more
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???
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Okay thinking laterally or getting out of your comfort zone. Why don't you summarise this discussion and type it up for Dave's newsletter?
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Squeeky and Neil
It isnt a scam, with me cleaning my customers every 4 weeks, in fact they insist on it and most say" i am glad you came they are starting to get dirty"
If i went 8 weekly i probably would get sacked
I am only speaking from my experience and in my experience in the area I live and work (the SE) windows are still clean after a month.
Obviously it is to the WC's benefit to clean ever month rather than bi monthly but I stick by what I said originally, it is really a scam and as for customers who say ,
"I'm glad you are here after 4 weeks my windows are starting to get dirty"
I don't know what to say. :o
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Definately NOT a scam.
I DO NOT SCAM ANYONE !!!!!!!
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I'm with Neil 100%. A customer is a customer is a customer. They pay me to clean their windows. I fit in with what they want. The customer is always right.
Its just good business.
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i agree with dave, all f my round is 4 weekly and most of the customers wouldnt have it any other way! the windows do need to be cleaned 4 weekly to ensure that they are kept clean,
and has for scaming the customers thats rubbish! we are provding a service that they request :)
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so bird muck only appears every other month and customers are quite happy to leave it there for up to 8 weeks ?
Most of my customers are houseproud and want sparkling windows all the time , not wait for them to get dirty before they get cleaned.
I suppose its horses for courses, i do have some 8 weekly but most request 4 weeks.
I tell them I clean every 4 weeks and they can have any multiple of that, it is there choice and 95% want the 4 weekly.
I even have some at 2 weekly, which are pensioner bungalows, yet again there choice, i tell them they can have 4 weekly if they want , but they stick to 2,
I clean shops weekly
I clean a department store 3 times a week and once a week inside.
I clean about 100 business and they all request between weekly and monthly, very rare do i have any request longer periods.
I Clean a few schools at the start of each term , thats approx every 4 months, everytime i go to clean them they are black.
dave
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Its not scamming customers if 4weeks is what they want. The whole point of this thread is what you do if its not what they want. The answer, I suggest, is go along with their wishes.
I find more and more its not what customers want. With cleaner air etc etc it seems to be a valid point of view.
The old window cleaners often came once a fortnight back in the old days of sooty coal fires but they were paid peanuts. And it was harder work with shammys and scrim.
Window cleaners were low paid workers.
Today, I want to earn more than they did (pro- rata) and keeping the customer happy is part of the deal.
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I've got just 1 customer who wants monthly and obviously that's what she gets. But in all honesty her windows don't really need it that often.
It's great to have all monthly accounts but can anyone hand on heart say that it's really necessary that often...unless of course all your customers live right on top of a busy main road and are as house proud as Hyacinth Bucket.
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It's great to have all monthly accounts but can anyone hand on heart say that it's really necessary that often...unless of course all your customers live right on top of a busy main road and are as house proud as Hyacinth Bucket.
Well said Simon. My point exactly.
And for that reason you cannot be surprised when customers want to change to bi monthly which was the original theme of the thread.
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Its not neccessary but it is a luxury my customers wouldnt do with out , they dont like even slightly dirty windows.
Just ask any woman what they think, a mans perspective is totally different.
One persons idea of "clean" is anothers "dirty".
You are just one of those who thinks slightly dirty is nearly clean, for my customers that isnt what they want , they want clean regardless.
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I know Cornwall really well...especially the Bodmin part and have many friends there...and they don't strike me as over-fussy. Perhaps things are different the further west you go ;D
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They are all in-bred down in the far West
But I know what you mean. There are some customers who start to have panic attacks if you are a week late.
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They are all in-bred down in the far West
But I know what you mean. There are some customers who start to have panic attacks if you are a week late.
Not being funny Vince but some customers really need to get a life!