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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Klean07 on January 08, 2009, 08:34:28 am

Title: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Klean07 on January 08, 2009, 08:34:28 am: I see lots of the battered old Astra brigade. So thought it may be a good idea if everyone took a picture of what they consider to be a cowboy wcs car. Everyone on here on here is always commenting on them so why not take a pic of some and put them on here? Just the car and ladders etc will do.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: williamx on January 08, 2009, 10:29:40 am: You need to be careful, who you label a "cowboy" if he pays his tax and is good at his good job, he is not a "cowboy" he is just not showing a professional image.

If you post pictures with words saying he is a "cowboy", then he might get a bit upset, take you to court for slander/libel, win a lot of money, then go out and buy the lastest setup from "Ionics" with a brand new van to put it into.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: matt on January 08, 2009, 10:31:58 am: seriously, does driving a car make you a cowboy ?? ??
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Polewash on January 08, 2009, 11:09:58 am: Quote from: matt on January 08, 2009, 10:31:58 am
seriously, does driving a car make you a cowboy ?? ??

I thought cowboys rode horses, should be fairly easy to spot ;D ;D

John
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: poleman on January 08, 2009, 11:26:31 am: This is what I would call a Cowboy!

No regard for H&S they can easy fall on a mum and her baby below >:( get the twats like this out of our industry!!!
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Scrimble on January 08, 2009, 11:29:25 am: omg that picture is shocking,

not all cowboys drive cars, theres a couple of wfp window cleaners i know of who employ scallys and pay them cash in hand to do work for them,

just because you've got a big van and a pole on the roof instead of a ladder by no means whatsoever exclude you from being a cowboy
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: matt on January 08, 2009, 11:36:24 am: Quote from: Poleman on January 08, 2009, 11:26:31 am
This is what I would call a Cowboy!

No regard for H&S they can easy fall on a mum and her baby below >:( get the fools like this out of our industry!!!

Andy, they are not cowboys, they are just idiots, shocking picture

i guess it just goes to show how we have moved on ( though im sure it still goes on ) as in the old days stuff like that was the norm
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Klean07 on January 08, 2009, 12:06:41 pm: Quote from: Poleman on January 08, 2009, 11:26:31 am
This is what I would call a Cowboy!

No regard for H&S they can easy fall on a mum and her baby below >:( get the fools like this out of our industry!!!
Pictures like these idiots are the ones I meant, no reg numbers or full facial pics, just a car that you think that could be a doleite se-up or pics of wcs doing silly things that hse would put them to shame.
Theres a couple of moo boy wcs round here, they have no grips on their l;adders, and a guiness label instead of a tax disc.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: jade.l on January 08, 2009, 02:12:52 pm: i dont yet have a van, i need to build up to gettin one, but i shant be a `cowboy` so's to speak-i intend to be a pro at some point... and even look the part and get a van haha!
still,blinding picture that
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Rob.Hall on January 08, 2009, 02:14:20 pm: There is a w/c who has been around for years in our town.
He drives an estate. Must be 15 yrs old.

Cannot call him a cowboy as he does all the shops in the high street and has a substantial round.

You cannot compete because he is so cheep.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: simon knight on January 08, 2009, 02:33:14 pm: Looking at that picture...apart from the sheer stupidity of it...how on earth can you work with your tummy up against the glass?
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: SherwoodCleaningSe on January 08, 2009, 04:12:22 pm: Can't believe how dangerous they are in that picture, I mean only using diy ladders they really are cowboys.

Simon.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: JSMC on January 08, 2009, 04:32:48 pm: gf dad has suzuki jeep with ladders on and has a business most on here would cut their right arm off for.

don't be fooled by fancy vans and all the latest kit
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on January 08, 2009, 04:47:23 pm: The only reason I ditched my 15 yr old estate car was it's unreliability and it's lack of ability to take a 400L tank safely.

I team up (for a block of flats and some commercial) with a guy who drives an L reg Pug 405 estate with a 175L tank and drums on board. He looks raggedy-arsed but he's as legit as they come - PL insurance - tax and demeanour impeccable. We finish the job (his for paperwork), he gets a three figure cheque the minute we finish and he pays me 50% on the spot with cash. All declared and thru' the books.

He's a character - really bright boffin type - brews his own "diesel" makes his own catalytic converter to burn wood in a log burner legally in a smokeless zone and has legally split his home into two flats and rents the other to a relative above board.

He just doesn't see the need for "flash" stuff. It's quite funny on rare occasions when we need to quote he'll "suit up" and behave professionally to get the job and then three weeks later he's cleaning the same MD's office we've sold to like he's some hobo I've dragged off the street. ;D

No, don't judge a book by it's cover.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Oakley Windows on January 08, 2009, 04:55:27 pm: Attitude?
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: tomy jackson on January 08, 2009, 04:59:50 pm: hear hear i kowe one giy who has old banger with roof rack bent duble with midal of it resting on roof if you see the house hes just moved to ????? £???? , he says custy love the fact he looks hard up ????????????
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: ok cleaning on January 08, 2009, 05:03:24 pm: cowboys dont come out in the winter they like warm weather go out clean couple of houses make some cash spend rest of the day in the beer garden dinking beer and enjoying theirselves while we try to money together for the mortgage
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: kenaltobelli on January 08, 2009, 05:15:52 pm: thanks for posting pic hell of a pic
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: michelle111 on January 08, 2009, 06:19:47 pm: I am a painter and decorator who got into window cleaning . I started my business with an old banger on the advice of a tax advisor at the Inland revenue, to keep all costs to a minimum because it was a new business.

I have worked very hard over the years, to build up a loyal customer base, and over these periods of years anyone with any business sense, will talk to as many as their customers to gather as much information which would benefit myself, without them realising.

So i am decorating someones house, and a window cleaner turns up to clean my clients windows with his fancy van (wfp) and he is there 10-15 minutes and charges them £25, and the customer isnt entirely happy with them, or their neighbours !

This gets me thinking about the amount of people that could be potential customers for me.
Believe me, i telephoned the majority of my decorating customers and found i can take the work with ease basically because they trust me and know who i am, and wouldn't be bothered if i turn up in a rusty old banger, because they know they would get value for money.

I have so far enough windows to cover two days per week, which i can dodge the weather if it is raining or icy, and swap them for decorating days.

I have not yet had to door knock or advertise, it is all word of mouth.

The majority of people are concerned with value for money than image

ps.....I have now a van ;D
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: matt on January 08, 2009, 06:23:46 pm: Quote from: michelle111 on January 08, 2009, 06:19:47 pm

ps.....I have now a van ;D

makes you a pro then :P :P :P
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: pingu on January 08, 2009, 06:26:51 pm: Image does not make a 'pro' lets face it much of the world financial strife has been caused my very image savvy chaps...

Too much today is about the wrapping...

Many on here seem to think a full Thermo-doo-dah system, full van wrap and badged clothing makes the worl go around...

How you carry yourself and approach your work is far more important.

Dave.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: supernova77 on January 08, 2009, 06:57:56 pm: Quote
I see lots of the battered old Astra brigade. So thought it may be a good idea if everyone took a picture of what they consider to be a cowboy wcs car. Everyone on here on here is always commenting on them so why not take a pic of some and put them on here? Just the car and ladders etc will do.

My Dad is also a window cleaner (has been now for about 10 years)... He has an old white M reg Vauxhall Astra estate.

He pays all his taxes, and does an excellent job.

Is he a cowboy?

Andy
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Nathanael Jones on January 08, 2009, 06:59:04 pm: I don't think having or not having a van makes a difference,.. it's the ambition and desire to improve and to move up to a van, or to move from trad to WFP,.. or any other move that makes your life easier and your cleaning results better,.... having that ambition is the first step to being professional.

The guys who are happy with the old astra, ladders and a dirty rag, and who never have the desire to improve, that's what separates pro's from the cowboys IMO.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: peter holley on January 08, 2009, 07:19:36 pm: what is a cowboy?
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Oakley Windows on January 08, 2009, 07:32:23 pm: Quote from: Stan The Man on January 08, 2009, 07:31:08 pm
u talk like a tit

;D
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: chrisyg on January 08, 2009, 07:41:15 pm: Regarding that picture, I used to do that in london on residential properties. However i used a window cleaning A frame.

As someone said, it was the way we used to do it, and they way everyone worked practically.

wfp has made things a LOT easier, which is why you find anyone thinking of doing window cleaning now.

If it was all about ladders etc, no one would bother.

I consider cowboys to be guys doing it to supplement their dole money or whatever, with worn out blades, and just dont care about the quality of the job. Just covering enough money to hit the pub with.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: peter holley on January 08, 2009, 07:41:52 pm: Quote from: Matt @ Oakley Windows on January 08, 2009, 07:32:23 pm
Quote from: Stan The Man on January 08, 2009, 07:31:08 pm
u talk like a tit

;D

lol
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: dai on January 08, 2009, 07:59:18 pm: I used an old banger all the years I was trad, in fact I still used it with a trailer after going WFP. I use an old escort van for work now, when all the water that keeps getting spilled rots the bottom out of it I'll buy another one.
I was toying with buying a horse, and a cart to carry my gear, I could offer to keep the grass down as an add on, it would help with the feeding costs too.
I could go out tomorrow and buy a brand new van, wouldn't have ask for finance either, I just don't see the point in doing so, who would I impress?

I was told years ago that old Nye Bevan, the guy that started the NHS would be chauffeur driven down to his constituency in South wales in a Rolls Royce, he changed it for a Morris Minor that he drove himself for the last couple of miles.
I don't know if this was true, but I can understand his motives if it was.
If I was starting out in this business, I would have a new van, but with a long established round the customers would think I was taking the mick if I bought a new one and then tried to increase my prices. It's hard enough putting up prices as it is.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: windowswashed on January 08, 2009, 08:27:08 pm: I class a cowboy as someone who rips customers or the tax man off and has no respect for public safety. I know many decent window cleaners who drive around in beat up old bangers and no uniform who provide a top rate service to their customers, it doesn't make them cowboys.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: david68 on January 08, 2009, 09:28:10 pm: I have heard there is worst than a cowboy wc on here called Four Seasons, If you like take alook at his post called "How i catch up with work when i am behind".

Dave
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Central Window Cleaners on January 08, 2009, 09:59:52 pm: we use a beatup old car but we are not a cowboy company. We pay all our taxes etc and are a LTD company.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: tacky on January 08, 2009, 10:15:55 pm: be fair most of us started with cars or estates .some still do ,who cares . as long as u ar legit .window cleaner near me .biggest round shops etc ,had round off his dad .this guy is at least 60 .allways had estates .cars .drive what u ar happy with . not what posh jack says .
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Jago on January 08, 2009, 11:09:16 pm: Andy do u really want me to answer that lol

We all had to start somewhere
i am skint with my van
needs must and all
it carries more water and i get bigger jobs

but there are loads of new shiny ladders on normal car roofs I have been seeing that more
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Klean07 on January 08, 2009, 11:10:04 pm: Quote from: Andy @ Southern Cleaning Services on January 08, 2009, 06:57:56 pm
Quote
I see lots of the battered old Astra brigade. So thought it may be a good idea if everyone took a picture of what they consider to be a cowboy wcs car. Everyone on here on here is always commenting on them so why not take a pic of some and put them on here? Just the car and ladders etc will do.

My Dad is also a window cleaner (has been now for about 10 years)... He has an old white M reg Vauxhall Astra estate.

He pays all his taxes, and does an excellent job.

Is he a cowboy?

Andy
Only if he has a beer bottle label instead of a tax disc, no rubbers on his ladder feet, uses an old towel instead of scrim. Takes stupid risks like the idiots in picture above. Get the drift?
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Klean07 on January 08, 2009, 11:17:08 pm: Quote from: Stan The Man on January 08, 2009, 07:31:08 pm
Quote from: Klean07 on January 08, 2009, 08:34:28 am
I see lots of the battered old Astra brigade. So thought it may be a good idea if everyone took a picture of what they consider to be a cowboy wcs car. Everyone on here on here is always commenting on them so why not take a pic of some and put them on here? Just the car and ladders etc will do.
you talk like a tit,my mate has a mercades and when he started window cleaning he bought an old ford just for work,it doesnt matter what you drive,its how you work,and how do you define cowboy
I used to drive a cortina when I first started. Theres nothing wrong with that. But read the post title again before you open your gob. It says "have you seen any cowboy wcs"?? First time I've been called a tit. Thought tits were usefull. ;D
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Oakley Windows on January 08, 2009, 11:18:04 pm: I ALWAYS used towel for scrim, in the years I was trad I NEVER used anything else and NEVER had complaints about the detailing.

Keep it bone dry, have plenty to hand, cant go wrong.

'Using towel makes you a cowboy!!' ;D

Saying THAT makes you one ;D
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Oakley Windows on January 08, 2009, 11:24:45 pm: Quote from: Klean07 on January 08, 2009, 11:20:32 pm
Quote from: Matt @ Oakley Windows on January 08, 2009, 11:18:04 pm
I ALWAYS used towel for scrim, in the years I was trad I NEVER used anything else and NEVER had complaints about the detailing.

Keep it bone dry, have plenty to hand, cant go wrong.

'Using towel makes you a cowboy!!' ;D

Saying THAT makes you one ;D
I suppose not filling in your profile makes you one too Matt!! Who you hiding from?

You dont need to look in my profile, if you do a search on Google for Matt Oakley Window Cleaning youll find my home address.

In fact heres the link you'd get with google

http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Matt+Oakley+Window+Cleaning+&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_enGB278GB278

Still hiding?

I see your profile is full of detail.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: four seasons on January 08, 2009, 11:25:37 pm: i dont get u guys the only time i use rag is when i wipe my hands after that dog crap gets on hose.never use one for tad ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Oakley Windows on January 08, 2009, 11:28:13 pm: Quote from: Klean07 on January 08, 2009, 11:20:32 pm
I suppose not filling in your profile makes you one too Matt!! Who you hiding from?

If I wanted to take on a false identity it would be pretty pointless putting up any personal details wouldn't it.

Anyway, why arent yours in your profile? ;D
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: johns window kleen on January 08, 2009, 11:35:22 pm: Cmon girls, this is getting silly.
Whoose Marty Feltdum?
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Martin-Swinscoe on January 09, 2009, 05:47:33 pm: i drive a focus estate, i could quite easy afford a new van but i choose not to for the simple reason is. I don't like showing the whole world how well that i'm doing or else everyone will be doing it ;)
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: AuRavelling79 on January 09, 2009, 05:53:10 pm: Quote from: Martin-Swinscoe on January 09, 2009, 05:47:33 pm
i drive a focus estate, i could quite easy afford a new van but i choose not to for the simple reason is. I don't like showing the whole world how well that i'm doing or else everyone will be doing it ;)

Focus???? No self-respecting cowboy or person trying to project a poor image can drive a Focus! Far too modern! ;D

It's got to be a Pug 405 estate pre- P - reg for the serious wfp "I'm a poor raggedy-arsed guy stuggling to make ends meet" image-projecting window cleaner.

Now, trad guys can use the high spec pre - P reg Rover 200's to project the ladders-through-the-sunroof cowboy image... ;D
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: dai on January 09, 2009, 06:00:18 pm: o self-respecting cowboy or person trying to project a poor image can drive a Focus! Far too modern! ;D

It's got to be a Pug 405 estate pre- P - reg for the serious wfp "I'm a poor raggedy-arsed guy stuggling to make ends meet" image-projecting window cleaner.

Now, trad guys can use the high spec pre - P reg Rover 200's to project the ladders-through-the-sunroof cowboy image... ;D
Quote
Heaven forbid that domestic customer think that you are better off than them, it could be very bad for business. Just plead poverty, and laugh when your on the plane to Bali.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: geefree on January 09, 2009, 06:23:18 pm: i understand what you mean, and where you are coming from regarding cowboys,... its just a shame everything has to turn into an arguement.

its a tongue in cheek post regarding taking a photo of someone who looks like a cowboy w/c....i would not class that as an insult to anyone.... its up to each individual how professional they want to look.....maybe some people are scared they may look like a cowboy, hence the negative posts.

we all know they are out there for beer money, the dole dossers, in the clapped out bangers with no road tax.

if anyone here is insulted by the topic, i would find that very strange.

::)
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Klean07 on January 09, 2009, 07:16:17 pm: Quote from: Gazzasp8 on January 09, 2009, 06:23:18 pm
i understand what you mean, and where you are coming from regarding cowboys,... its just a shame everything has to turn into an arguement.

its a tongue in cheek post regarding taking a photo of someone who looks like a cowboy w/c....i would not class that as an insult to anyone.... its up to each individual how professional they want to look.....maybe some people are scared they may look like a cowboy, hence the negative posts.

we all know they are out there for beer money, the dole dossers, in the clapped out bangers with no road tax.

if anyone here is insulted by the topic, i would find that very strange.

::)
At last someone who understands the post and doesn't get offended by it. A few people on here need to get a sense of humour and get out more.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: foxy on January 09, 2009, 07:33:30 pm: never let no one know how much dough you hold; you know, the chedder breed jealousy.

best to keep a low profile when people are struggling.

don't pull up to clean their windows (a service) in a better car than them.

if you have been cleaning windows for a while and need this spelling out; you are very lucky to still be in business.

if you make good money from honest people dont rub their noses in it.
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: peter holley on January 09, 2009, 08:36:59 pm: there is a wc in my area known as elvis...he walks around with half a ladder 13ft i think... he carrys a black sports bag with his rags....he doesnt have a bucket! and i see him working mostly on a thursday or friday.... ::)

iv picked up some of his custies.....they have all said he did a crap job, and his prices are reasonably priced :P
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: peter holley on January 09, 2009, 10:13:06 pm: LOL ;D ;D ;D ;D yes but... nothing i cant handle....hehe
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: s.w.c on January 09, 2009, 11:12:06 pm: im singing in the rain , im singing in the rain, la la la la la la la la la la la la la o i do love to be beside the seaside, o i do love to be by the sea la la la la la la la
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: peter holley on January 09, 2009, 11:19:34 pm: Quote from: s.w.c on January 09, 2009, 11:12:06 pm
im singing in the rain , im singing in the rain, la la la la la la la la la la la la la o i do love to be beside the seaside, o i do love to be by the sea la la la la la la la
[/quote
you still on the rum smithy.......lol ;Drain!lol
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Klean07 on January 09, 2009, 11:25:51 pm: Quote from: s.w.c on January 09, 2009, 11:12:06 pm
im singing in the rain , im singing in the rain, la la la la la la la la la la la la la o i do love to be beside the seaside, o i do love to be by the sea la la la la la la la
You caught any fish yet smithy?
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: paul w on January 09, 2009, 11:43:50 pm: saw a van once with you have tryed the cowboys now try the indians made me laugh
Title: Re: Have you seen any cowboy wcs lately?
Post by: Klean07 on January 09, 2009, 11:53:46 pm: ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D