Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Sir Squeaky on April 07, 2008, 07:34:39 pm

Title: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 07, 2008, 07:34:39 pm
After the mixed response of my last topic on overpricing, I thought I'd stir things up with another one.

I was asked to go and give someone a price last week in a nice posh estate.
Lots of potential good high priced work, but I know there's a few other w/c's about.

So I turn up at this 4-bed detached and give my price.
(I won't mention the price as it's irrelevant.)

The lady tells me she already has a window cleaner.
I ask why she's asking me, and she tells me he uses wfp, but uses HER water!  :o

Now I don't know how this works, but what a cheeky sod if it's true.
That's unbelievable!
I'll have that one then, no guilt there...! ;D
 
Title: Re: Another one gained...
Post by: Moderator David@stives on April 07, 2008, 07:36:26 pm
She might just think he uses her water.

I had a customer ready to give me a mouthful until i explained the water actually came from my van
Title: Re: Another one gained...
Post by: Tosh on April 07, 2008, 07:37:58 pm
Also, if she's so tight about 'her water', how tight is she with how much she's prepared to pay?

Don't some of your customers always say, 'If you need any water there's a tap... etc'?  Then you have to start explaining 'pure water' and stuff.

She sounds like a dodgy one to me.

Sounds like you've gained another idiot.
Title: Re: Another one gained...
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 07, 2008, 07:43:20 pm
Also, if she's so tight about 'her water', how tight is she with how much she's prepared to pay?

Don't some of your customers always say, 'If you need any water there's a tap... etc'?  Then you have to start explaining 'pure water' and stuff.

She sounds like a dodgy one to me.

Sounds like you've gained another idiot.
She's not an idiot at all, that's why she's not being taken for a ride on her water bill!

He turns up and connects to the outside tap which he turn full on and takes about 20 minutes.

We're not on about topping up a bucket Tosh. ::)
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Neil Williams on April 07, 2008, 07:49:50 pm
Ionics sell a system you just plug into an outside tap, no doubt others do it too.
It will be DI system. Daves carrying wateraround ;D
Title: Re: Another one gained...
Post by: groundhog on April 07, 2008, 07:50:24 pm
You seem to attract the type of customers that I try to avoid!!  ;)
Title: Re: Another one gained...
Post by: Dean Aspects on April 07, 2008, 07:51:48 pm
The situation here in Scotland is different as the water charges are in with the council tax so using a customers water wouldnt matter but if i got a separate bill for it and someone used it without asking and then charging me for the privelidge then i would probably react the same as your customer good luck with your customer treat her with respect and you will get it back if not move on

Dean
Title: Re: Another one gained...
Post by: Tosh on April 07, 2008, 07:54:08 pm
She's not an idiot at all, that's why she's not being taken for a ride on her water bill!

He turns up and connects to the outside tap which he turn full on and takes about 20 minutes.

We're not on about topping up a bucket Tosh. ::)

A bath full of water is just a few pence if you're on a water meter.

She's an idiot okay.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Tosh on April 07, 2008, 07:55:44 pm
Squeaks,

I bet you were cheaper than her last window cleaner and she just used the water thing as an excuse.

I'd bet money on it. ;)
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: TDW on April 07, 2008, 08:00:48 pm
This is not unheard of. I know 2 w\c who use the customers water at every house. I dont think its a clever way of working but they say they dont have any problems from the customers.

Only last week my battery went flat and I asked a customer if I could charge it up and she flatly refused. So I certainly wouldn't like to go round all my customers asking if I could use there water.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 07, 2008, 08:01:28 pm
Squeaks,

I bet you were cheaper than her last window cleaner and she just used the water thing as an excuse.

I'd bet money on it. ;)
Tosh, you're full of rubbish.
I was told about the water thing from the house opposite too, who's my mates mum.
Alright?

No need to get jealous because it's not in a council estate.
Title: Re: Another one gained...
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 07, 2008, 08:02:19 pm
You seem to attract the type of customers that I try to avoid!!  ;)
...and what's your problem with my nice customer with nice house at a good price then Bushpig?

Another jealous council house king? ;D
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Tosh on April 07, 2008, 08:03:02 pm
 ;D

I love a good bite.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Tosh on April 07, 2008, 08:06:06 pm
Squeaks,

I'm going to take some photos of those houses you used to do for £6, that I now do for £12.00, and post 'em here tomorrow. ;D

I'm also still doing Greylands at 50% more than what you used to do it for.  I did it this morning; she's a lovely customer too.

Don't be so cheap, Squeaky, and hopefully you won't be flapping about your tax bill in future.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 07, 2008, 08:14:59 pm
Squeaks,

I'm going to take some photos of those houses you used to do for £6, that I now do for £12.00, and post 'em here tomorrow. ;D

I'm also still doing Greylands at 50% more than what you used to do it for.  I did it this morning; she's a lovely customer too.

Don't be so cheap, Squeaky, and hopefully you won't be flapping about your tax bill in future.
Get your facts right first mate.

Those houses were £7 not 6.
Also I did them twice as quick as you, so I was no worse off.

I'm no cheaper than you, it's just that most of mine are old existing stuff.

Any new jobs you wouldn't get more.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 07, 2008, 08:15:41 pm
Anyway, how about get stuffed and get back on the topic, not having yet another pop at me. >:(
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Tosh on April 07, 2008, 08:16:33 pm
 ;D

I love a good bite.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Clive McDonald on April 07, 2008, 08:17:03 pm
Just because you are cheap squeaky clean some don't like it. I get this a lot too.

It's on the side of my van, If you want a cheap window cleaner ring me! So you can imagine.

They ring and they say, I want a cheap window cleaner, and i have to laugh like it's the first time i've heard it.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Bobs Window Cleaning on April 07, 2008, 08:20:26 pm
Love you squeaky  ;D..................but not as much as you love us ;D
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Bobs Window Cleaning on April 07, 2008, 08:29:16 pm
Is that your new bird Roger :o
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: groundhog on April 07, 2008, 08:47:31 pm
Is that your new bird Roger :o

I've heard he likes them big!!
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Clive McDonald on April 07, 2008, 08:51:51 pm
Sorry I misunderstood, i thought you were cheap and the other chap, Tosh was jealous.
The signwriter came up with that comment on the side of my van, and I thought he was being helpfull untill someone pointed out that he had only come up with idea after I had knocked his price down. It's possible it was his way of making fun of me. Anyway I get a lot of phone calls.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: groundhog on April 07, 2008, 09:01:52 pm


It's on the side of my van, If you want a cheap window cleaner ring me! So you can imagine.


Great business sense!! lets all build really big low paying rounds!!! I wish I had thought of that!!!!!  Not!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: TDW on April 07, 2008, 09:11:38 pm
Its probably more a ploy to get them to call you rather than actually being a cheap W\c.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: groundhog on April 07, 2008, 09:15:04 pm
Hi discount, no I'm not clowning I'm deadly serious!!! I can't understand why you or anyone else would want to build themselves a low paying round? It makes no sense to me whatsoever!! I always try to sell my services at the maximum price the market will allow!  ;)
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Davo on April 07, 2008, 09:27:28 pm
Hi discount, no I'm not clowning I'm deadly serious!!! I can't understand why you or anyone else would want to build themselves a low paying round? It makes no sense to me whatsoever!! I always try to sell my services at the maximum price the market will allow!  ;)

Groundhog, your wasting your time, some people just dont get it, and they will never get it.

They will charge what they think theyre worth, which isnt very much by the look of it.





Mark
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 07, 2008, 09:30:59 pm
What's this got do with a window cleaner using a customer's water?
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: groundhog on April 07, 2008, 09:32:33 pm
What's this got do with a window cleaner using a customer's water?

Nothing!! But it's far more interesting!!! ;D
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: groundhog on April 07, 2008, 09:34:38 pm
Hi discount, no I'm not clowning I'm deadly serious!!! I can't understand why you or anyone else would want to build themselves a low paying round? It makes no sense to me whatsoever!! I always try to sell my services at the maximum price the market will allow!  ;)

Groundhog, your wasting your time, some people just dont get it, and they will never get it.

They will charge what they think theyre worth, which isnt very much by the look of it.





Mark

I think your right Mark, I'm just trying to help, but I don't think they see it like that!!  :(
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Captain Scarlet on April 07, 2008, 09:35:47 pm
Davo, I like your little disclaimer about not cleaning windows  :) I do agree with you about pricing high because youve invested alot of money in your business etc etc. Most of it is psychological. The reality is people are prepared to pay good money to get their windows cleaned, Luke
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Chris Cottrell on April 07, 2008, 09:39:56 pm
What's this got do with a window cleaner using a customer's water?

Nothing!! But it's far more interesting!!! ;D


Roflmao  ;D ;D





sorry squeaks its not funny really
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Helen on April 07, 2008, 09:40:10 pm
What's this got do with a window cleaner using a customer's water?

 ;D ;D ;D you started it!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Neil Williams on April 07, 2008, 09:42:00 pm
What's this got do with a window cleaner using a customer's water?

Nothing but some people enjoy hijacking others topics instead of starting their own.


I'd say this is a DI system designed for home owners use or by a window cleaner where no other practical method is available.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: groundhog on April 07, 2008, 09:47:06 pm


I can see on this forum I have fallen amongst a right bunch of half sharps.

Feel free to leave then Discount boy, you will not be missed!!!!  ;)
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Bazzy1999 on April 07, 2008, 09:50:10 pm
Oh dear whats this place coming to..  ::)
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: L.J.Thorpe on April 07, 2008, 10:11:11 pm
I can see I've got some straightening out to do. Please give me a moment.

Who wants it first squeaky clean the cheapo who says he's not cheap, groundhog who thinks it's clever to tell people he's dear, or davo who's too clever to be either cheap or dear?

I can see on this forum I have fallen amongst a right bunch of half sharps.
9 posts and he got you lot sussed ;D ;D ;D
(no offence squeeks ;))
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 07, 2008, 10:14:20 pm
Get stuffed all of you. ;D

Cheap my arse.
I charged £1 a minute on something the other day and I was still cheap apparently. ::)

There's only one or window cleaners out of about 15 in my town who charges more than me.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: groundhog on April 07, 2008, 10:18:16 pm
Get stuffed all of you. ;D
Cheap my arse.


Charming!!! :o
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Mike 108 on April 07, 2008, 10:20:50 pm
Squeaky - There's nothing dodgy about using the customers water from an outside tap, as long as the customer has given their permission. It saves dragging hose across the pavement, and, like someone said, the cost of the water will be negligible.

As for a lot of the replies to this topic - the've gone off the subject and are just plain nasty!

Some people haven't got the ability to give a humourous/tongue-in-cheek reply - so they should refrain from posting.

The forum is (I think) for the benefit of members who want advice/information from those who are able to give it - not for people to act clever and make cheap comments at other's expense.

Let's cut out the nastiness.

Mike
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: SherwoodCleaningSe on April 07, 2008, 10:28:38 pm
As regards the water.  I think it is pretty bad form to take water from the custy's tap, especially with out asking.  It doesn't look very professional either.
It is funny though as in reality there isn't a lot of difference between say a gardener using an outside tap and us, we both provide a service the customer will reap the benefits of the water usage.  I suppose the difference between  a gardener is that he doesn't carry a massive baffled tank with him.
In reality though it doesn't look very professional and could be seen to be taking a liberty as in this case.

Squeeky are you producing your own water yet or still getting it off of Mr Giles?

Simon.

As for the other stuff, it doesn't really matter how much you earn, or whether you are expensive or cheap, as long as you provide for your family and are happy in the job.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: peter holley on April 07, 2008, 10:40:52 pm
there are some real muppets on this forum!!!
squeaky... if your buisness is heading in the right way...keep on the way you are going..
 ;)
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Paul Kettless on April 07, 2008, 10:51:52 pm
Christ after reading this post, thank god I am a carpet and general cleaner.. ;D

Is it always this friendly in here... :(
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: frames to panes on April 07, 2008, 10:55:05 pm
Usually worse, just post about earnings then stand well back!  ::)
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: TennetClean on April 07, 2008, 10:59:46 pm
Personally I don't think its good form to be using the customer's water really.  You should be self sufficient IMO.  However, I suppose it depends on the customer.  Its not the cost as such, because this is negligible but it is the impression it gives.

I know a window cleaner who doesnt have a system (he uses ladders), but he DOES have a pole and a filter that clips straight onto the tap.  He only uses the pole for difficult bits like conservatory roofs etc.  and the customers dont mind.

I've tried telling him that he should just go the whole hog and turn 100% waterfed pole (for safety if nothing else), but he's not having it.

Each to his own.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: bluez on April 07, 2008, 11:14:39 pm
These topics that drift off on tangents seem to have the same posters every day, what does that tell you.

Obviously some very busy window cleaners :'(

I used to enjoy a good book but the fiction and friction on here is much better.

Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Sir Squeaky on April 07, 2008, 11:19:38 pm
...and I'm quite proud that in my two threads I've managed to fuel 9 pages of arguments. ;D
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: williamx on April 07, 2008, 11:24:53 pm
I also clean carpets as well as windows and the amount of time after I have asked the customer that they have the hot water on, they explain that there is no electricity and how come I don't bring my own, or can they have a discount because I'm using their water and electric.

I've also have had many customers let me fill up with water while I'm working, saves me a job the next day.
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: elite mike on April 08, 2008, 06:00:54 pm
...and I'm quite proud that in my two threads I've managed to fuel 9 pages of arguments. ;D

you really get them going,dont you, :D  :D

mike
Title: Re: Another dodgy w/c...
Post by: Ian_Giles on April 08, 2008, 09:23:34 pm
This has way to many pointless and flaming replies for me to spend my time going through them and deleting them.

locked >:(

Ian