Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: LWC on February 03, 2008, 08:17:54 am

Title: payment late fee update
Post by: LWC on February 03, 2008, 08:17:54 am
well...its working, cheques are flying through the door  ;D
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: [GQC] Tim on February 03, 2008, 10:48:54 am
What did you do? :)
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: LWC on February 03, 2008, 10:57:06 am
changed all my cards, i had a nice fancy picture on there, nice writing

now just have a plain ticket

Windows Cleaned
my name, website telephone number

Date:        Price:

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days

then my details at bottom
....

that was the front

then on the back clearly stating

...

PAYMENT DETAILS

It couldnt be simplar to send payment, just pop a cheque in SAE and send.

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days.

If payment is not received within 30 days of clean then a late fee of £2.50 will be added to the bill

....

something similar to that

i was sick of getting messed around, but this really seems to be working

i dont think its offensive either, it clearly staing all youve gotta do is put cheque in envelope and send within 14 days...harldy un fair is it. if you dont your gonna be paying extra. quite simple. no other companies settle for, "oh ill give it to him next time" so why should i
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: [GQC] Tim on February 03, 2008, 11:07:59 am
doesn't sound bad.

What i have is that they should pay in 5 working days. or is the 14 days for commercial?
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: LWC on February 03, 2008, 11:19:00 am
14 days for everyone
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: Adam Boss on February 03, 2008, 11:20:38 am
I mainly do commercial and on the whole get paid as and when I have finished the clean. When it goes through the accounts paying process it's normally with in 30 days if your lucky.
Adam
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: Paul Coleman on February 03, 2008, 11:31:25 am
changed all my cards, i had a nice fancy picture on there, nice writing

now just have a plain ticket

Windows Cleaned
my name, website telephone number

Date:        Price:

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days

then my details at bottom
....

that was the front

then on the back clearly stating

...

PAYMENT DETAILS

It couldnt be simplar to send payment, just pop a cheque in SAE and send.

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days.

If payment is not received within 30 days of clean then a late fee of £2.50 will be added to the bill

....

something similar to that

i was sick of getting messed around, but this really seems to be working

i dont think its offensive either, it clearly staing all youve gotta do is put cheque in envelope and send within 14 days...harldy un fair is it. if you dont your gonna be paying extra. quite simple. no other companies settle for, "oh ill give it to him next time" so why should i

I think that's too inflexible myself.
A lot of people go away for two weeks or more holiday.  Also there may occasionally be other issues that stop them paying within the timeframe.  It also needs to be presented as something other than a penalty charge because they are now outlawed.
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: [GQC] Tim on February 03, 2008, 11:36:13 am
Holiday is one thing, but there is no excuse really to be late with paying. Only if people are really strapped for cash and they have to wait for the salary. But then, they shouldn't really have a window cleaner IMO.
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: LWC on February 03, 2008, 11:45:08 am
Holiday is one thing, but there is no excuse really to be late with paying. Only if people are really strapped for cash and they have to wait for the salary. But then, they shouldn't really have a window cleaner IMO.

there is NO excuse in my opinion not to pay within 30 days. Not one. I explained to new customers this, and said if there is a geniune reason why not to pay then please let me know.  i.e. them being away on holiday...who goes away for a month

hardly un fair at all
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: Adam Boss on February 03, 2008, 01:16:52 pm
If people are strapped for cash they will prioritise which bills to pay first and unfortunately the window cleaner comes down the list of important bills.
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: Paul Coleman on February 03, 2008, 04:40:27 pm
Holiday is one thing, but there is no excuse really to be late with paying. Only if people are really strapped for cash and they have to wait for the salary. But then, they shouldn't really have a window cleaner IMO.

there is NO excuse in my opinion not to pay within 30 days. Not one. I explained to new customers this, and said if there is a geniune reason why not to pay then please let me know.  i.e. them being away on holiday...who goes away for a month

hardly un fair at all

30 days seems more like it really.  OK it should usually be within 14 days.  I ask for it within 14 days myself.  But I do recognise that there will be occasions such as holiday or an unexpected bill where this could be tricky for the customer.  I'm OK with it so long as it arrives by a few days before the next clean (I do 6 weekly for most customers).  It might prove awkward if everybody did it but it's never like that is it?
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: Blackbushe Windows on February 07, 2008, 12:40:57 am
Like it LWC - been wondering what to do myself. Will pick up on your thoughts.



Peter
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: windowwashers on February 07, 2008, 06:29:06 am
changed all my cards, i had a nice fancy picture on there, nice writing

now just have a plain ticket

Windows Cleaned
my name, website telephone number

Date:        Price:

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days

then my details at bottom
....

that was the front

then on the back clearly stating

...

PAYMENT DETAILS

It couldnt be simplar to send payment, just pop a cheque in SAE and send.

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days.

If payment is not received within 30 days of clean then a late fee of £2.50 will be added to the bill

....

something similar to that

i was sick of getting messed around, but this really seems to be working

i dont think its offensive either, it clearly staing all youve gotta do is put cheque in envelope and send within 14 days...harldy un fair is it. if you dont your gonna be paying extra. quite simple. no other companies settle for, "oh ill give it to him next time" so why should i
I don't think it is offensive as I do the same myself but give them 48 hours to post payment and if later than 21 days unless pre arranged they get charged for it.
"oh ill give it to him next time"  stops that aswell.

Ian

Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: Blackbushe Windows on February 07, 2008, 11:56:57 am
I have some really nice custy's, but some are definately sloooow to pay. Hopefully late payment clause will fix that.


Peter
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: Sanity on February 07, 2008, 12:06:54 pm
I worry that if I charge a feee for collection / late payment that people will decide that they would rather not have me as their cleaner.
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: Blackbushe Windows on February 07, 2008, 12:15:17 pm
Sanity - I think it's a matter of being fair, but at the same time show them you are running a business!

If it's reasonable they should understand.


Peter
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: robbie14000 on February 07, 2008, 06:08:41 pm
Hi, great subject.
We now have chip and pin installed at home due to having so many outstanding payments.
Had over £9,000 outstanding at one point so something had to give.
Can,t get any easier for the client.
They can send cheques or pay over the phone after 6pm.
#Seems to be working quite well but there is always some that are oustanding.
Pay £15.00 per month for the system and pay 2% to the provider (streamline services.
Got details from small business federation
You might want to have a look into it.
Thanks
Robbie -Clearshine Ltd
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: windowwashers on February 07, 2008, 07:18:46 pm
Hi, great subject.
We now have chip and pin installed at home due to having so many outstanding payments.
Had over £9,000 outstanding at one point so something had to give.
Can,t get any easier for the client.
They can send cheques or pay over the phone after 6pm.
#Seems to be working quite well but there is always some that are oustanding.
Pay £15.00 per month for the system and pay 2% to the provider (streamline services.
Got details from small business federation
You might want to have a look into it.
Thanks
Robbie -Clearshine Ltd
do you charge the customer the 2% ?
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: windowwashers on February 07, 2008, 07:22:18 pm
I worry that if I charge a feee for collection / late payment that people will decide that they would rather not have me as their cleaner.
sry to double post but Sanity, they only ones that will be the hump will be the ones that are late payers, every compnay that I use at home charge me if I am late paying, you have bills to pay so why should they not bother paying on time, you have to treat it as a business, I had one person moan out of every customer most said they dont blame me for doing it.
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: SonOfFormby on February 07, 2008, 08:10:39 pm
changed all my cards, i had a nice fancy picture on there, nice writing

now just have a plain ticket

Windows Cleaned
my name, website telephone number

Date:        Price:

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days

then my details at bottom
....

that was the front

then on the back clearly stating

...

PAYMENT DETAILS

It couldnt be simplar to send payment, just pop a cheque in SAE and send.

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days.

If payment is not received within 30 days of clean then a late fee of £2.50 will be added to the bill

....

something similar to that

i was sick of getting messed around, but this really seems to be working

i dont think its offensive either, it clearly staing all youve gotta do is put cheque in envelope and send within 14 days...harldy un fair is it. if you dont your gonna be paying extra. quite simple. no other companies settle for, "oh ill give it to him next time" so why should i

LWC I like it, Im thinking about doing this myself too. Did you do this to every customer or just the late payers.

p.s. Keep us posted if there is any fallout.

Lee
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: windowwashers on February 07, 2008, 08:12:11 pm
changed all my cards, i had a nice fancy picture on there, nice writing

now just have a plain ticket

Windows Cleaned
my name, website telephone number

Date:        Price:

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days

then my details at bottom
....

that was the front

then on the back clearly stating

...

PAYMENT DETAILS

It couldnt be simplar to send payment, just pop a cheque in SAE and send.

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days.

If payment is not received within 30 days of clean then a late fee of £2.50 will be added to the bill

....

something similar to that

i was sick of getting messed around, but this really seems to be working

i dont think its offensive either, it clearly staing all youve gotta do is put cheque in envelope and send within 14 days...harldy un fair is it. if you dont your gonna be paying extra. quite simple. no other companies settle for, "oh ill give it to him next time" so why should i

LWC I like it, Im thinking about doing this myself too. Did you do this to every customer or just the late payers.

p.s. Keep us posted if there is any fallout.

Lee
I did it with every customer, fall out 0 moan = 1
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: SonOfFormby on February 07, 2008, 08:15:07 pm
changed all my cards, i had a nice fancy picture on there, nice writing

now just have a plain ticket

Windows Cleaned
my name, website telephone number

Date:        Price:

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days

then my details at bottom
....

that was the front

then on the back clearly stating

...

PAYMENT DETAILS

It couldnt be simplar to send payment, just pop a cheque in SAE and send.

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days.

If payment is not received within 30 days of clean then a late fee of £2.50 will be added to the bill

....

something similar to that

i was sick of getting messed around, but this really seems to be working

i dont think its offensive either, it clearly staing all youve gotta do is put cheque in envelope and send within 14 days...harldy un fair is it. if you dont your gonna be paying extra. quite simple. no other companies settle for, "oh ill give it to him next time" so why should i

LWC I like it, Im thinking about doing this myself too. Did you do this to every customer or just the late payers.

p.s. Keep us posted if there is any fallout.

Lee
I did it with every customer, fall out 0 moan = 1

As they say...... 'there's always ONE' 

Lee
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: windowwashers on February 07, 2008, 08:16:58 pm
changed all my cards, i had a nice fancy picture on there, nice writing

now just have a plain ticket

Windows Cleaned
my name, website telephone number

Date:        Price:

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days

then my details at bottom
....

that was the front

then on the back clearly stating

...

PAYMENT DETAILS

It couldnt be simplar to send payment, just pop a cheque in SAE and send.

Cheques made payable to XXXX

Payment MUST be sent within 14 days.

If payment is not received within 30 days of clean then a late fee of £2.50 will be added to the bill

....

something similar to that

i was sick of getting messed around, but this really seems to be working

i dont think its offensive either, it clearly staing all youve gotta do is put cheque in envelope and send within 14 days...harldy un fair is it. if you dont your gonna be paying extra. quite simple. no other companies settle for, "oh ill give it to him next time" so why should i

LWC I like it, Im thinking about doing this myself too. Did you do this to every customer or just the late payers.

p.s. Keep us posted if there is any fallout.

Lee
I did it with every customer, fall out 0 moan = 1

As they say...... 'there's always ONE' 

Lee
I was the one that said about it in the first place m8, and yes there always has to be one (she cancelled on price increase on 50p after three years so no loss there really.

Ian
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: LWC on February 07, 2008, 08:17:59 pm
every customer, even the good ones, im stepping up a level in my business, i started over a year ago, went from a crappy old car to van, then pole system, then sign writting, then uniforms, employee so on so forth...onwards and up wards  ;)

i dont see why anyone can get funny, its not offensive, basically, youve got 30 days, pay t or your gonna be charged, simple

things are going this way (very bad language) i might try it  ;D

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5ydqjqZ_3oc

Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: LWC on February 07, 2008, 08:27:21 pm
by the way, it was window washers idea that gave me this idea, genius in my opinion, cheers buddy

cheques are literally flying through the door, before id come home from work "oh no cheques" now, come home from work and heres £50 odd sitting there every day. so for that thank you windowwashers

as said, imagine ringing up the credit card company, what would they say, well late fee, and if your on a promtional rate i.e. 0% you loose it. £2.50 is a light telling off in my opinion, and if they do it and i charge them, i doubt very much they'll do it again

yours a business, RUN it like a business
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: windowwashers on February 07, 2008, 08:29:19 pm
by the way, it was window washers idea that gave me this idea, genius in my opinion, cheers buddy

cheques are literally flying through the door, before id come home from work "oh no cheques" now, come home from work and heres £50 odd sitting there every day. so for that thank you windowwashers

as said, imagine ringing up the credit card company, what would they say, well late fee, and if your on a promtional rate i.e. 0% you loose it. £2.50 is a light telling off in my opinion, and if they do it and i charge them, i doubt very much they'll do it again

yours a business, RUN it like a business
Thank you for that LWC, nice to get a relpy to say thank you after all the people I help on this forum  ;)


Ian
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: SonOfFormby on February 07, 2008, 08:35:09 pm
every customer, even the good ones, im stepping up a level in my business, i started over a year ago, went from a crappy old car to van, then pole system, then sign writting, then uniforms, employee so on so forth...onwards and up wards  ;)

i dont see why anyone can get funny, its not offensive, basically, youve got 30 days, pay t or your gonna be charged, simple

things are going this way (very bad language) i might try it  ;D

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5ydqjqZ_3oc



So how many of you watched the 'funny guy' scene after watching this clip? superb.

Lee
Title: Re: payment late fee update
Post by: LWC on February 07, 2008, 08:38:17 pm
your a funny guy

funny how?

just a funny guy

one of my favourite films