Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: davids3511 on December 03, 2007, 07:47:30 pm
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I am approaching having 200 customers, mostly gained since September. I am on the 2nd and 3rd clean with most of them. The problem is about 40% are 'ring the night before' jobs and I am having a few 'not this month' and 'we will call you'. in your experience what percentage is likely to be lost in the first 6 months or so. I know in a few years many will be gone, I am thinking more short term than that.
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probably very few if you do a good job, are reliable and you are prepared to work around their schedules and demands.
It is more likely that you will decide how many will become ex customers.
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It's the timeof year thing. Most people are only at home during the hours of darkness so paying for something they aren't going to benefit from is par for the course at this time of year.
Best piece ofadvice: Try and get away from phoning them and this will put an end to it.
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I'll agree with that. I've got loads of phone the night before customers- worst thing i ever did. The best ones are the ones where you turn up and do it whilst they are at work. They don't know how fast you are or what a mess you leave.
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I am approaching having 200 customers, mostly gained since September. I am on the 2nd and 3rd clean with most of them. The problem is about 40% are 'ring the night before' jobs and I am having a few 'not this month' and 'we will call you'. in your experience what percentage is likely to be lost in the first 6 months or so. I know in a few years many will be gone, I am thinking more short term than that.
You really cannot tell this and nor can anyone, it has many variables.
the question is why do you have to call 40% of them the night before, this is not a good road to go down as you rightly say you get "not to day thank you"
by monthly cleans charge more for as of tomorrow, this will stop many of them doing it, if there is no access issues with people you call the night before IMO I would clean without calling, I try not get get call the nightbefore for this reason and also I have better things to do with my time than call people just to let the diside to have them done or not.
I am guessing others will say they call the night before, I would say sod that for a game of soliders I did this years ago and stil do about 6 out of over 700 this way now, and I dont call I text instead, they cant talk to you then and cuts down on not this time please. (just include in text please do not reply to this message as it is automated.)
As for how long will you keep the customers depends on many things as I said before, price, location, access, if they pay on time etc etc etc.
price right from the start or as you can, access problems avoid, location dodgy areas and I work quite a few you have to watch you back (not cleaners just the people that live there) I personally dont give a stuff about them myself but it is something that some dont like.
I hardly ever collect payment if they are out, they post a cheque (saves loads of time) or they can pay online. If I dont get payment before the next clean they are charged a late payment fee. (again others will say you cant do it) "trust me you can" I do it!
I will add more later, have to go now as Eastenders is on and I am a sad man ;)
But I still love it ;D
Ian
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Ian, over 700? and you have "guys" working for you. You wouldn't be telling porkies would you? :)
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I am guessing others will say they call the night before, I would say sod that for a game of soliders I did this years ago and stil do about 6 out of over 700 this way now, and I dont call I text instead, they cant talk to you then and cuts down on not this time please. (just include in text please do not reply to this message as it is automated.)
How do you manage with the quotes where they want to use your services but have a gate they lock? I don't ring with the intention of giving them a choice, I just normally need them to arrange access.
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"not this month" tell them to call you next month as your going to have to give their place to someone on your waiting list
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Ring them the night before,you`ve got it all wrong it dosen`t work like that.
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i would definatly not ring the night before you are asking for trouble, if the customers are out i will either climb over the gate or only do the front and side.
if your ringing them the night before your giving thm the chance to say "can you leave them this time"
DONT CALL THEM ;D
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Ring them the night before,you`ve got it all wrong it dosen`t work like that.
So how does it work then? If they have a gate that needs to be unlocked, how do I arrange that?
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Ring them the night before,you`ve got it all wrong it dosen`t work like that.
So how does it work then? If they have a gate that needs to be unlocked, how do I arrange that?
I have one which I txt the night before, if they EVER try a fast one on me they will not be cleaned again, they will get a txt informing them they need to find another cleaner.
As for gates, you have a ladder? Use it.
If I do places that are locked, I climb over but cant be arsed hauling the ladder over anymore, I used to, but now the downstairs at the back gets done, but not upstairs.
With regards to those custys who try to dictate when you clean their windows, think of this......................who makes the rules regarding your business?
In that case youve answered your query, you just need to implement a strategy to avoid digging yourself deeper.
Its that time of year again when custys start to acknowledge wet weather and they seem to equate this with window-cleaning being less effective; I had one today who didnt like the look of some rain clouds when I was doing her place, my response was 'Well, its England you know, rain is par for the course' End of...
Matt
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Ian, over 700? and you have "guys" working for you. You wouldn't be telling porkies would you? :)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I don't know how he finds the time, he's also a property developer & spends 23 out of 24 hours on here! :o ;)
tony
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Ian, over 700? and you have "guys" working for you. You wouldn't be telling porkies would you? :)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I don't know how he finds the time, he's also a property developer & spends 23 out of 24 hours on here! :o ;)
tony
he is full of it porkies porkies porkies
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I have loads of customers who my wife phones the week before. My round simply wouldn't work without appointments. Lots of my customers are busy people and more of my customers want and even demand this level of service. It pays off.
When they get to know you a lot get a spare key cut. I even have the code for one guys electric gates.
Raising your game gives you the edge over the competition and makes you look professional in their eyes.
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Ian, over 700? and you have "guys" working for you. You wouldn't be telling porkies would you? :)
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I don't know how he finds the time, he's also a property developer & spends 23 out of 24 hours on here! :o ;)
tony
he is full of it porkies porkies porkies
You think what you like guys, really does not bother me in the slightest. ;)
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/viewdetails-9396528.rsp?pa_n=1&tr_t=buy
this is the house I have developed just to show I am not a liar, and if any of you that know anything about developing/selling houses will see I sold another in march if you want to do a check feel free.
You carry on slating, I dont mind I find it quite amusing.
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;D ;D ;D
I dunno about what the others say, but youve posted 3,000 posts on this forum in 4 months,
have you thought of booking yourself into here
http://www.promis.co.uk/ad/general-rehab?gclid=CKrx7OejjpACFRMXQgodBzVTtQ
:o :o :o
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;D ;D ;D
I dunno about what the others say, but youve posted 3,000 posts on this forum in 4 months,
have you thought of booking yourself into here
http://www.promis.co.uk/ad/general-rehab?gclid=CKrx7OejjpACFRMXQgodBzVTtQ
:o :o :o
:o lol, maybe next year dont have burnout yet ;) .
maybe I should stop posting on here ???
Ian
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just ouut of intrest what was the main way yo got ure clients
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just ouut of intrest what was the main way yo got ure clients
I have many ways, web, leaflets, word of mouth, buying.
Main way ::) has to be between web and leaflets I guess.
Ian
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just ouut of intrest what was the main way yo got ure clients
I have many ways, web, leaflets, word of mouth, buying.
Main way ::) has to be between web and leaflets I guess.
Ian
How did I know you would mention "web" ;D ;D ;D
We run a cleaning service and have over 500 regular monthly custies and another database of approx 450 custies for not so regular work. With staff and hard work it can be achieved ;D
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just ouut of intrest what was the main way yo got ure clients
I have many ways, web, leaflets, word of mouth, buying.
Main way ::) has to be between web and leaflets I guess.
Ian
How did I know you would mention "web" ;D ;D ;D
We run a cleaning service and have over 500 regular monthly custies and another database of approx 450 custies for not so regular work. With staff and hard work it can be achieved ;D
I meantioned it because thats where I get work from Helen,
One thing, if you put on here the amount of customers you have people say your telling porkies ::)
Ian
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How did I know you would mention "web" ;D ;D ;D
We run a cleaning service and have over 500 regular monthly custies and another database of approx 450 custies for not so regular work. With staff and hard work it can be achieved ;D
I meantioned it because thats where I get work from Helen,
One thing, if you put on here the amount of customers you have people say your telling porkies ::)
Ian
was meant lighthearted sorry..... :(
It's that old british way of life, if someone is doing well, lets knock 'em down for it ;D
Now then, if you have 700 and we have 950....what is your next bid? ;D ;D ;D ;D
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ahh the jolly green giant springs to mind
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I have a round where I clean for a customer and they customer then gets a card with their next clean date on....This way I leave the responsability for access with the customer....if the gates are locked...they are charged full price..of course you have to give a little here and there but all in all I am finding this is working for me...
I do not collect, or ring any customer for access and I do not under any circumstances want a key, or code to a customers property.
Dave.
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Ian i didn't accuse you of telling porkies i asked you. I wondered if you were massaging the truth a little. I don't doubt you have a property for sale, i obviously believe you have a website business (but over 60k?per year). I obviously believe you are a windowcleaner too. Now let me see you have "several 17 foot poles" youv'e had your van for what four weeks? You have "over 700 customers, overnight your "staff" have now gone from one, to "guys",so you have employed someone else in the last couple of days. I like you, , your always posting and generally offer sound advice i just pray your not turning into another JD. ;D ;D ;)
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ahh the jolly green giant springs to mind
We have him cleaning for us, tall enough for no ladders and saves a mint on wfp usage ;D ;D ;D
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i just pray your not turning into another JD. ;D ;D ;)
:o
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lmao, I dont turn into people, I stay the same person,
I cant and would not go into detail on here about business I do.
And Helen, I know your comment was not to offend. ;)
And you are so so right.
Guys as I said before, I find it amusing what you think.
You carry on my all means ;)
I will not get offended in anyway.
Ian
p.s I'm not into sweet corn :P
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One of the above comments i must admit got me thinking,how long have you been WFP windowwashers.
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I cant and would not go into detail on here about business I do.
But you have Ian, you have told us your expected earnings for website design, your a corgi registered plumber, a trained chef, you've told us the size of your round, we've heard all about your staff, your property developing, your health, your car accident, your van. We know all about you because you tell us how good you are. Unfortunately there's not much to say about me - i'm a sole trader new to the business struggling to get more work and as such when i see unbelievable posts (no not yours) it winds me up a little so i'm always trying to sift through the froth so to speak so when one or two facts change, or don't add up i get curious. Maybe i should be a detective. ;D
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I cant and would not go into detail on here about business I do.
But you have Ian, you have told us your expected earnings for website design, your a corgi registered plumber, a trained chef, you've told us the size of your round, we've heard all about your staff, your property developing, your health, your car accident, your van. We know all about you because you tell us how good you are. Unfortunately there's not much to say about me - i'm a sole trader new to the business struggling to get more work and as such when i see unbelievable posts (no not yours) it winds me up a little so i'm always trying to sift through the froth so to speak.
I did not ever say I was a corgi registered plumber as I am not, yes I am a trained chef (bit rusty now I will admit that was ym way out of school.
I have never said Ihow GOOD I AM, I say the way I do things that work for me, thats no crime is it nor is it a lie ? I dont talk froth on here.
I am not biting to you or others.
Yes I have had low times and yes I have done many things, yes I also own a few business' or am part of them.
If you want to have a dig at me feel free if it makes you feel better.
One thing that annoys me but I am trying not to rise to is when someone does well everyone has a pop at that person, jealousy (and no before you think it, that was not aimed at you) never got anyonwe anywhere hard work and many many hours pays off.
I do OK for myself, I dont talk about money aspects on here on as I dont feel the need to.
Ian
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Fair enough i'll keep my opinions to myself.
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Fair enough i'll keep my opinions to myself.
Dave, you can say whatever you like on here m8, please dont take offence to what I put, I just see it all the time on forums, not just this one, but does seem that it happens alot more on here. I cant see why people dont like the fact that others can do well doing the same sort of thing as others, I know many people doing what I do and are doing far better, I respect them and try to do better.
You speak your mind and fair play to you, I dont have a problem with it I do the same.
I was just making a point and as I said it was not aimed at you ;)
Ian
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I think what Dave is trying to say is that you're not a liar, but, you may just loosely participate in a campain of miss-information. :P
tony
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Rather eloquently expressed my dear Anthony. ;)
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I think what Dave is trying to say is that you're not a liar, but, you may just loosely participate in a campain of miss-information. :P
tony
lol
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LHB- light hearted banter, all good fun you know. ;)
tony
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LHB- light hearted banter, all good fun you know. ;)
tony
I find it greatly amusing ;)
I should rename the song knockonwood, to knock on wicks ;D
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Back gates:- I don't contact beforehand.
1) If it's occasionally locked I will do the fronts and sides only.
2) If it's regular I obtain a key/combination or on one large (£30) house I bought a combination padlock (£8) and I and the householder have the combination.
3) Sometimes they will have a bolt top and bottom but no padlock. I have made up a heavy pole that lets me reach over, hook most bolts and tap them open.
4) Some I can lift the gate off its hinges and others lift the padlocked handle clear of its catch! ;D
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I am very impressed that the starter of this thread has managed to get 200 customers in just a few months. From what he has said it sounds like a number of them may not be reliable but it is still a lot of customers. I have been going for about 15 months and I only have around 145 customers with about a quarter of them being unreliable and barely worth the effort.
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Hi Stephen
Basically it is down to a stroke of good luck and hard work. I used to deliver the leaflets myself and it was slow going. I started mid July and by about September time I had in the region of 45 customers. One night while leafleting near my home, a young lad came out of a house I had just leafleted and asked if I had any work going. I said I might, if he didn't mind doing the leafleting on a night for me but I would need to think about it and took his number.
I rang him about a week later and we started leafleting together. They are the kind that the customer needs to put in the window, I drive around about two days later and note down the houses with the leaflet in the window (difficult to do and not crash the car). Now days I don't leaflet with him anymore, I drop him off with a Google map of the roads I want him to do and I go see the customers or come home to have my dinner.
The deal with him is £5.00 per hour and 25% of the value of the first clean of any business we pick up. One Monday after I had seen customers over the weekend I had to give him £55.00 in commission alone. He has put out about 10000 leaflets in the time he has been with me so a return of 200 isn't fantastic in those terms but I am delighted with it. It could be more but I have been keeping him on a tight leash recently, I am still very new and slow to this business and can just about do what I have. An influx of 30 first cleans would be great but would take me nearly a week to do and put my existing customers a week behind. I am more looking for about 5 a week but that is obviously no use to him.
This is the topic where I first asked about taking him on - http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=43026.0 and I see it was 17th September. Basically he has got me about 150 new customers since about the 24th September, it was about a week later he started.
David
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I'll agree with that. I've got loads of phone the night before customers- worst thing i ever did. The best ones are the ones where you turn up and do it whilst they are at work. They don't know how fast you are or what a mess you leave.
I don't take jobs where I need to phone the night before unless they are VERY good jobs. Even then, they get dumped if they mess about too much. I've recently been helping someone out on their round and there is a lot of pre-arranging needed. Even though I have variable job quality on my round, I'm appreciating it a lot more now that have had some insight into how it could be. I could fill my books two or three times over if I was prepared to spend each evening trying to phone some customers. I only turned one down today. Wouldn't even offer a quote. She pointed out that her other window cleaners had all phoned up the night before. I pointed out that maybe that was why they no longer cleaned for her.
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If it`s a job where a call the night before is required it would have to take me at least a morning to do the job,once you get into this way of working you`ll end up regretting the fact that you took it on on that basis and my book has no room for T******.
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I agree the ideal is not to have to call the night before but for now unfortunately the rent has to be paid. My idea is that once i have a full round, I will start pruning the bottom end. I know this is easier said than done but hopefully I will follow it through.
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Don`t take work on with this calling the night before business your asking for greive,run the business on your terms it`s up to you your the boss not the customers,make it your aim to get enough work to be able to drop all trouble makers and control freaks.
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I agree the ideal is not to have to call the night before but for now unfortunately the rent has to be paid. My idea is that once i have a full round, I will start pruning the bottom end. I know this is easier said than done but hopefully I will follow it through.
That sounds more like it really. I was pretty desperate to build the workload up at first too. After a few years, I actually gave away work valued at about £500 a month (mostly underpriced and too much pre-arranging) - which should really have been grossing more like £900 a month. He was just starting. I wanted to drop some mediocre work. The customers wanted someone to clean their windows. Everybody was a winner that time. It is very important to prune that bottom end though. I don't need to do it much these days because even if a bit of my work is priced a bit low, I can always raise the price. Sometimes a customer will upgrade their security making window cleaning access too difficult. I always provide the opportunity for them to resolve it - by giving me a spare gate key, providing me with a combination lock, or just permanently leaving a gate key in a discreet place in a polythene bag. If they do not take the opportunity, I walk. I know it sounds harsh but it's the difference between my round being pretty good or quite rubbishy.
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Fell off the top of a wheelybin yeterday trying to get acess of a phone the night before job - far easier to just get a short ladder for the bolted ones and walk away from the locked ones i think.
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Fell off the top of a wheelybin yeterday trying to get acess of a phone the night before job - far easier to just get a short ladder for the bolted ones and walk away from the locked ones i think.
locked ones are highly annoying, another reason I lend to not call the night before as they still leave it locked some of the time >:(
Wheelie bins lol, last time i did that the lid went inside the bin ::)
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david,
in response to calling people up to gain access, i use to do this but send text messages now
You can text landlines as well seems to work for me 98% of the time.
you may already no this.
If not send one to your own landline.
Mine says,
Lee the windowcleaner coming tommorow ***day please unlock gate
i always state day as i've people with mobile's see the message next day on phone and get confused.
I've always had to text some mobiles of custy's to unlock gates
But hate the ones you phone as i always feel as if i'm asking for there permission.
Or it gets into a really lenghty chat.
OLD DEAR"can't you come thursday instead of wednesday as i'm going out and don't want to leave gate unlocked all day"
I know they can always call you back but think most people are lazy.
Thinking about it texting landlines is probably better than texting mobiles as with mobiles some customers put not today.
You can't win em all in the new year i will be canvassing for new work, like i'm starting all over again issue out terms and conditions "titled how i work"
Price higher to compensate, for lost time and money.
then go back to my older work put up prices and tell them how it's gonna be, i know there's away of getting point across without trying to be arrogant.
i have about 250 customers now and been wfp 15 months and ave earnings £450 a week should be more like £600.
hope some of this info has helped and not depressed.
I am 100% honest with what i post.