Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Village Gleam on November 03, 2007, 08:51:46 pm
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You lot, are the closest thing i've got to co- directors and I would value your opinions of my marketing of my new van mounted hot system to domestic customers?
How do you think I should go about this? Have you any words or phrases that I should use or avoid?
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Easy... would you like your windows cleaned!
AW
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I'm a bit disapppointed with this response and as a result I will be less willing to share solid information in future on this fast advancing opportunity. I can see why the other early adopters choose not to disclose too much either.
I didn't say I didn't already have some ideas, I was asking for input. The forum is about exchanging ideas, and while there is a place for smart and flippant comments, there are other occassions where it's possible something has gone completely over your head because you were too busy being smart.
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I have no idea of what a van mounted hot system is........but you bought it so you must know the advantages to customers.
Or are there in fact no advantages to domestic customers, just the operator and you are trying to make some up?
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I think that selling you would be the better avenue to persue and not the technology....I would seriously doubt that many will want to get too involved in the details of your system.
But I would try and sell 'you' ...honest, regular, insurance, council registered (if applies).
Dave.
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None of my customers give a toss whats in the back of my van, most don't even listen when i explain it's pure water and still insist on showing me where the outside tap is! ::)
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Your hot water system has unique selling propositions over ordinary water fed pole systems so I think that it is vital that you market these diferences.
Heated pure water absorbs grime and dirt more easily, dries faster than cold pure water. So you need to tell the customer this in a way that is easy for them to understand. I think you already have an advantage because customers equate heat with cleaning, it makes sense in their mind that hot water will clean things better than cold.
How you put this message accross really depends on your own personal preferences and the image you want to convey to your customers.
Do you want to rebrand your business or add this new system to your existing image?
Whatever you do the customer needs to be in no doubt that you offer the latest in window cleaning technology. If you would like me to offer you some examples please ask.
Good luck with your new system.
Mark
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Sorry but i can't agree on that at all. The only benefit is to the operator giving possibly a quicker wash. I have a carbon pole if i advertise that will it get me all the work from the people using fibreglass - no. Does wfp get me all the trad customers out there - no
It might get me commercial work due to health and safety but thats all.
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Sorry but i can't agree on that at all. The only benefit is to the operator giving possibly a quicker wash. I have a carbon pole if i advertise that will it get me all the work from the people using fibreglass - no. Does wfp get me all the trad customers out there - no
It might get me commercial work due to health and safety but thats all.
I think youre missing the point of the original post, wether this system is better than cold pure water is TOTALLY IRRELEVANT He has asked for advice on how he can market this system to his customers.
The system he has purchased is different to cold pure water that is a fact. I presume he chose this system over other systems for a reason.
Also you state that the operator "may give a quicker wash" why do you think this is????
Mark
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You seem happy to have your new hot water system and thats great, as for marketing it to domestic customers, imo i would not spead to much time or money, because at the end of the day it is water, they want their windows cleaned. Put it on your website for sure. comments made that how water cleans better has to be true, the only thing I find flimsy in the comments is the drying time, yes it may take a little less time to dry (reason I say this because as soon as it hits glass it is cooling, it is not a wonder product it is just warm water that goes cold very quickly.
I feel giving to much info to a domestic customers would be information overload, yes will help you in selling your service, as this is another selling point to new customers, but old customers do they really need or want to know about the system or is it you that wants to show off your new system to your customers? (please do not take that as a swipe at you it is not) I too was the same when I got my new system, and there is nothing wrong with being enthusiastic about it, and everyone would be the same.
Going off topic quickly: I myself would like to see test results on hot water against the cold system that gives a fair judgement on both just to see if it is a marketing spin by the big companies selling the systems. Results I saw did not fill me full of confidence (I think it is down to the operator)
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I'm not knocking the system i'm sure it's great and worth every extra penny. I just don't think your average customer cares a jot about the temperature of the water. So i can't see any point in trying to sell it to them. Just my opinion.
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I'm not knocking the system i'm sure it's great and worth every extra penny. I just don't think your average customer cares a jot about the temperature of the water. So i can't see any point in trying to sell it to them. Just my opinion.
Dave you seem blunt like me, I tend to agree with you, I think what the guy is looking for is opinions on it and a full explaination to that opinion.
He is write on the second post he made about what people write, but everyone is different thats what makes this forum interesting IMO
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None of my customers give a toss whats in the back of my van, most don't even listen when i explain it's pure water and still insist on showing me where the outside tap is! ::)
i totaly agree,some times when you are explaining to a customer about pure water and the system i use you can see their eyes glazing over and a blank look on their face,i think with the right marketing plan your hot water system could bring dividends in the commercial world,but domestic custys waste of time.
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I don't mean to be blunt i'm just trying to see it if it were me. I've posted before about how customers care little about how shiney your van is, how much you've spent on your system etc. Mine just want their windows cleaned regularly and as cheaply as possible the fact that you use pure water makes little difference to them and certainly they wouldn't be interested to find that i had warm water. Maybe my customers are all thick?
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I'm not knocking the system i'm sure it's great and worth every extra penny. I just don't think your average customer cares a jot about the temperature of the water. So i can't see any point in trying to sell it to them. Just my opinion.
I appreciate your point of view, however if you were given a choice of having something cleaned with cold water or hot water what would you choose?
I think most customers will respond better to a method that uses hot water for cleaning than for cold. A point to justify this is that the washing powder industry developed cold water powders many many years ago that cleaned just as well as a hot water powder, customers didnt want them, they wanted hot water washing powder.( And the companies spent millions trying to find a way to get customers to buy them)
The really important part of this is that IT IS THE CUSTOMERS PERCEPTION OF WHAT YOU OR YOUR PRODUCT OFFERS THAT COUNTS.
Mark
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Exactly ::)
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I think if you have a system that wastes no water, recycles dirty water, then you have a major advantage over your competitors especially if you can still compete on price.
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Just another stupid thought - if your trad cleaner used hotter water than his competitor would it get him more work. "my man wears marigolds and uses the hottest water in town".
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Just another stupid thought - if your trad cleaner used hotter water than his competitor would it get him more work. "my man wears marigolds and uses the hottest water in town".
may be stupid thought maybe not, but it is a valid point.
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Just another stupid thought - if your trad cleaner used hotter water than his competitor would it get him more work. "my man wears marigolds and uses the hottest water in town".
All things being equal if the customer thought that hotter water would clean her windows better remove all grime completely etc etc then YES the man with the hottest water would gain more work.
Why?.....Because the customer believes they are getting something better, and thats what counts.
Mark
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Just another stupid thought - if your trad cleaner used hotter water than his competitor would it get him more work. "my man wears marigolds and uses the hottest water in town".
All things being equal if the customer thought that hotter water would clean her windows better remove all grime completely etc etc then YES the man with the hottest water would gain more work.
Why?.....Because the customer believes they are getting something better, and thats what counts.
Mark
that really depends on the sales man selling that service ;) to prove my point:
Had customer the other day, me and another window cleaner quoting for same job the other guy was charging £12 I quoted £25 and got the job, why we have same stuff his water may have been warmer than mine aswell dont know, I sold myself service better and provide a quality service ;)
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Ian (Windy washers)you really should try reading the posts. "All things being equal..."
So she bought your service because in her mind she was buying the better option, whatever that was.
Does that not reinforce what I have previously posted about "the customers perception..."??
Mark
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Just another stupid thought - if your trad cleaner used hotter water than his competitor would it get him more work. "my man wears marigolds and uses the hottest water in town".
Probably correct.
One reason some customers prefer trad is that they can see the frothy warm water in the bucket as opposed to the "clean water" washing system of a WFP.
That is when customer perception is important but at the end of the day if they get clean windows at the lowest price, that is all they care about.
I wouldn't think about it too deeply. ;)
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i think you dont need to sell your hot water method or advertise it its how well it works, and im sure it works great, it adds to how professional you look and makes it a bit quicker and easier for you
how hot is the water heated? when wfping with it does the water steam off the windows and dry pretty much after you rinse down? i think customers dont like seeing the windows all wet at the end, or running down there walls but they will like it if they see the windows dry off really quick with this system and then they can see the benefits of pure /hot water fed poles systems quicker. and if its hot the water would evaporate from the walls quickly. I like the idea of this system.
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Thanks for all your comments. There is a well known company that make and market a hot system very professonaly already. Unfortunately they have also bagged a lot of the best words and phrases and have them copyrighted- hence my asking for alternatives.
I was surprised by the level of ignorance and hostility surrounding this, an open mind is a wonderfull thing.
Davo, if you do have some examples or analogies I would like to see them please.
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Ian (Windy washers)you really should try reading the posts. "All things being equal..."
So she bought your service because in her mind she was buying the better option, whatever that was.
Does that not reinforce what I have previously posted about "the customers perception..."??
Mark
new you would pick that up davo (spark), forgot to add about the all thing being equal my , my mistake ;)
IMO hot would be a better tool for commercial, domestic I personally think it would make very little difference, that's IMO so please dont go off on one :P
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I guess you could have 2 prices, one for cold water cleaning and a deluxe price for hot water. This way you could have the best of both worlds. Obviously you must know what the advantages are between the two. Iam sure that there will be domestic customers who would be willing to pay for the best just like any other trade. I cannot see why it would be only commercial clients that would go for this as usually they have a budget to look out for, and so look for the cheapest option.
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here are some thoughts I came up with over a 20 minute period obviously what is suitable for you is down to your own personal preference but hopefully it will give you some ideas of what message I think will make a difference to the customer.
Large sparkling diamond superimposed over a gleaming window....
NEW IMPROVED HOT WATER CLEANING SYSTEM
"Dont let your dirty windows leave you feeling out in the cold"
"Cuts through dirt and grime for a dazzling diamond shine"
"For a smear free dazzling diamond shine every time"
"Now the heat is on"
The best just got better......Pure Hot Water Cleaning System
or a devil with the flames (Heat) lapping arround him holding a wfp cleaning upstairs windows
"For a devil of a clean HOT pure water cleaning"
Whatever you decide it has to convey the fact that the heat makes a real difference to the quality of the cleaning and the finish.
Hope this gives you food for thought.
Mark
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I was surprised by the level of ignorance and hostility surrounding this
No ones being hostile just a healthy debate and expressing opinions. Mind you call us ignorant and things could change. :)
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I'm going to nick some of them when I go hot davo.
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Looked at a couple of your previous posts mr solubility and was wondering if you are looking for a "technobabble" word to describe your technology. If so ..........
Thermoclenze Technology
ThermoDeIonised
Calorified Pure Water
Thermofeed/ Thermofed
Calorcleanse
Is that what you were looking for?
Mark
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I don't doubt that hot cleans better than cold,... I do doubt whether the customers will care enough that you'll even recoup your "Hot" advertising expenses, let alone make a profit.
I plan on getting a hot system quite soon. I'm not going to advertise except maybe a little on my website. If the custie is home and we get chatting I will tell them about the new equipment briefly,.. but its my opinion that hot water benefits the operator more than the householder, and I wouldn't expect any of my custies to be nearly as excited about it as me.
If you're going to spend money on advertising anyway, then by all means do,... but IMHO your advertising will yield better results if you don't mention "Hot" or even "WFP",.. simply "the cleanest windows in town".
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I don't doubt that hot cleans better than cold,... I do doubt whether the customers will care enough that you'll even recoup your "Hot" advertising expenses, let alone make a profit.
I plan on getting a hot system quite soon. I'm not going to advertise except maybe a little on my website. If the custie is home and we get chatting I will tell them about the new equipment briefly,.. but its my opinion that hot water benefits the operator more than the householder, and I wouldn't expect any of my custies to be nearly as excited about it as me.
If you're going to spend money on advertising anyway, then by all means do,... but IMHO your advertising will yield better results if you don't mention "Hot" or even "WFP",.. simply "the cleanest windows in town".
I agree to all that, the last bit the most, advertise wfp you will put of customers, why do you think I did not advertise it on my new van?
the reason is there are alot of new wfp'er coming on the scene using it thinking they can save time straight away using wfp or have no clue about the trad method, they do a bad job, leave windows spotty, then come on here moaning that they lose customers why because it takes time to get the result. You cannot be quick at the start as with trad. I know this as I have been wfp for 2 weeks, have had no complaints, why I take my time, I even convert new customers that say wfp is rubbish leaves marks (vine radio show proves my point on it ) I do it for them and they are over the moon.
rant over on the advertising side.
hot water cold water, water is water in most peoples eyes, as I said before it is the person that sells it to the customer (davo keep toys in pram :P ), the only thing is they have to live up to their sales pitch, something I always do.
advertise wfp IMO will lose you new work until the idiots that cant do it stop or learn by mistakes then get fed up with the bad name they have built for themselves(which will be soon enough, just like summer WC'S.
Am I having a bad weekend, I guess so, but every thing i say is true, maybe blunt but is true
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Well Ian your post may be very true, however it doesnt make a jot of difference to the original post. The original post didnt ask for an opinion on wether hot waterfed pole was any good, it simply asked for ideas on how it could be marketed to his potential customers.
So what you basically say is dont make any mention of the fact that the water is heated, I presume that that fact could have been the major reason why he has invested in the equipment (and the benefits that go with it).
As a salesman I thought you would understand the pros of selling benefits to customers (at double the money of your competitors)
Mark
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As a salesman I thought you would understand the pros of selling benefits to customers (at double the money of your competitors)
Mark
But what are the benefits to the customers? The windows dry a bit quicker,.. but for your standard 6 weekly clean, 99 times out of 100, cold will do the same job. How could you charge double for that???
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Well Ian your post may be very true, however it doesnt make a jot of difference to the original post. The original post didnt ask for an opinion on wether hot waterfed pole was any good, it simply asked for ideas on how it could be marketed to his potential customers.
So what you basically say is dont make any mention of the fact that the water is heated, I presume that that fact could have been the major reason why he has invested in the equipment (and the benefits that go with it).
As a salesman I thought you would understand the pros of selling benefits to customers (at double the money of your competitors)
Mark
Davo you keep coming back so I have to keep replying to you, I have replied saying about the hot water ect, how to marketing it , I would not, why because people really will not care, commercial as I said yes they might (they might not) all they want is clean windows not the technical facts about it, I added IMO a helpful post early on.
And at double the price I charge to some of my competitors that cheap as I am ten times better at the job I do than some of the so called window cleaners in my area, some are just as good, I know quite a few, and some I dont want to now and some are totaly bad at there job hence why they charge peanuts, and for that you get monkey's :P.
I AWAIT YOUR REPLY Mark. as you seen to have a grumble to what I write. ;)
But what are the benefits to the customers? The windows dry a bit quicker,.. but for your standard 6 weekly clean, 99 times out of 100, cold will do the same job. How could you charge double for that???
I see chinese whispers coming lol
Mark (davro) :P was not talking about hot water he was off topic, just like me
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one company in latest cleaning magazine in saying hot pure water is to aggressive on some surfaces and can cause damage they say it better to use cold and add their chemicals. MARKETING and SALES you dont know who to believe they always push what they want to sell.
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one company in latest cleaning magazine in saying hot pure water is to aggressive on some surfaces and can cause damage they say it better to use cold and add their chemicals. MARKETING and SALES you dont know who to believe they always push what they want to sell.
never believe everything you hear, hot cold same thing really in terms of product companies that produce hot systems will say it is beter (waiting for facts to be shown , still not seeing them anywhere :-\ , add chemicals is a differnt ball game.
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Just asked my missus if i turned up and told her i had a hot water system would she be prepared to pay more for the priveledge? Strangely no. I know it's not in keeping with the origional thread but it would be interesting to do a little research on potential customers before purchasing such a system. Likewise if i was to convert to one in the future could i then turn up at my regular customers door with "by the way madam i now have hot water so thats double my normal price please". Like i said before any benefits seem to be for the operator only. Maybe faster, nicer on the hands, maybe a longer season in a cold climate. I don't know. Perhaps those who have such a system should convince us who don't.
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i know what you mean ian, last year ionics where trying to sell hot system saying it kept your hands warmer in winter how this would work when the hot water in hose doesnt come in contact with hands takes some believing , i think that MARKETING is another word used instead of bull---t
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not getting into this anymore as I will start to upset people with frank comments.
as i read the subject hot marketing I am adding this:
enter your company in a comp for a free website look for the posting all you have to do is add a couple of images, you dont have to be the best, but you do have to add why you should have the free site.
this is completely free so take a chance you may just win ;)
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Just for the record I have never mentioned price in relation to the question asked in the original post. The price issue arose from a comment windowwashers made about salesmanship and winning a customer even though he was double the other cleaners price.
It seems that many people read what they want to read rather than what is actually being said.
Mark
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As said it`s a benefit for the operator having hot water ie drying quicker and first cleans,you`d be mad if you thought you could charge more just by having the system.At the end of the day customers want clean windows and the advantage of them being nearly dry before you leave a job in the middle of winter would be a bonus.
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Just for the record I have never mentioned price in relation to the question asked in the original post. The price issue arose from a comment windowwashers made about salesmanship and winning a customer even though he was double the other cleaners price.
It seems that many people read what they want to read rather than what is actually being said.
Mark
Mark I was waiting for that m8, it seems to be getting well away from the post in the first place, as comments i guess from me to you and you to me, was a little much people will just skip over it.
have to add as Mark did not say about double the price, he was talking about me and a quote i did.
as this is now getting very boring who would like some thing for nothing:
a comp has been started for a completely free website designed for the winner click below to find out more:http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=45437.0
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hi ian
i never win anything so i wont be entering the competition, but i am interested in having a website built if you can email me with some further info i will be in touch. cheers
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hi ian
i never win anything so i wont be entering the competition, but i am interested in having a website built if you can email me with some further info i will be in touch. cheers
email me your contact number and I wil call you now: design@windowwashers.co.uk
enter you never know you could win. email me and I will call ;) or call me on 01234 870 225
Ian
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Thanks for the suggestions Davo and I'm sorry I got you niggleing with WW.
WW is in a different position entirely to me. he has been doing it a lot longer (trad) and has a larger customer base. He is a natural entrepreuner, but resents people who read too many books. I re-looked at his website and it has improved dramatically.
Have you ever done a really really cold january WFP ww? Do you not think the warm water would make the hose less stiff and everything easier? Just as a split relay charger and 110ah battery would have made your first couple of weeks hassle free?
Be nice WW.
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Thanks for the suggestions Davo and I'm sorry I got you niggleing with ww
Hey, what about me? ;D
Davo, actually i thought you had some good ideas there. Wasn't trying to tangle with you by the way.
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Thanks for the suggestions Davo and I'm sorry I got you niggleing with ww
Hey, what about me? ;D
Davo, actually i thought you had some good ideas there. Wasn't trying to tangle with you by the way.
Laffin, dont worry davew its a discussion forum thats the whole point, differing points of view.
Ian just goes with the flow, so just keeping him on his toes.
Mark
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Thanks for the suggestions Davo and I'm sorry I got you niggleing with ww
Hey, what about me? ;D
Davo, actually i thought you had some good ideas there. Wasn't trying to tangle with you by the way.
Laffin, dont worry davew its a discussion forum thats the whole point, differing points of view.
Ian just goes with the flow, so just keeping him on his toes.
Mark
likewise ;)
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Well just to add to a this, i have a Thermopure system. The system is great, would not be without it now in the winter or on first cleans. During the summer i dont really tend to have it switched on, only on first cleans. In the winter it keeps the hose nice and supple, and it does warm the poles slightly, but i normally wear gloves anyway. As to marketing my system, you cant charge double the price cos you use hot water ::) , but its a good selling point to my customers, 95% of which are domestic. When i tell them its a hot water system as well, they do tend to be interested. I explain to all new customers how im going to clean, the features of the system, and with features there is always benefits. At the end of the clean i leave an explination leaflet as well, just to back up everything i have told them. As i charge very good money for my services, they have to feel they are getting there moneys worth. I had a recommendation a few weeks back, when i went to see them they said, you use hot water dont you?? You market and sell what you have got, wether its hot or cold, you clean the frames or not ect ect. Mr Solubility, have you bought a hot water system yet, or just looking at the moment?
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How much did you pay for it,i`m really interested.
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I bought it second hand for £1500 ;D. But after having one would i have another, yes i would. Its 3 years old now, has the same pump, same hoses, same wabasto, battery ect ect never let me down.
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Nice and clean. I've got it, but not attached it yet. It is a lot more basic than your system.I am looking for the same benefits that you mention. I don't expect double the price, but I expect more customers (In the areas I am interested in).
Because mine is not ionics you will be aware that there are certain phrases I can't use. Hence this post.
The signwriting on my van is blue, but what I think I will do is take a surperflourous line off and put a short red one on along the lines Davo suggested. If Joeuk was a mate he would design me a simple logo.
There will be changes to my leaflet too, which is directed towards a top end niche' anyway.
I would be very interested in your explanation leaflet if there was any chance of seeing it,
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So Mr S,... what system did you get?
Do you mind me asking what it cost?
I'm looking for something at the moment,.. but on a very tight budget as always!