Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: martinsadie on January 09, 2009, 08:20:27 pm

Title: Cheeky sod
Post by: martinsadie on January 09, 2009, 08:20:27 pm
A local window cleaner leafleted some of my work today,anyway i rung him up and he apologised that there was know one in that area , first time ive cleaned it today for 12 weeks shows you to keep on top off your work,anyway i gave him some other work i havnt done for about 4 months  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: jaykie on January 09, 2009, 08:44:22 pm
Lol, this patch thing baffles me, custy wants there windows done 4 weekly, you turn up after 12 and expect them to stay with you, if someone phoned me up id of told them where to go, think custy has the right to sack you and get someone else in.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: jaykie on January 09, 2009, 08:56:06 pm
got 140 top jobs, not full yet but could be if i wanted but not willing to take on crap areas or cheap jobs, got 3 management companys letters for quotes one being 75k 5 year contract, Im very picky, I would never take on work if I couldnt do it and when i get to that stage ill be employing,
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: NWH on January 09, 2009, 09:10:25 pm
customer who gave me the flyer is happy with me,problem was had 2 weeks in Cuba then lost nearly 2 weeks at xmas,and lost 3 days november with snow plus bad weather as well,my problem is too much work so some bits do over run not normally that bad though , any way Jaykie when you get a bit more succesful you will get these problems,the only people who can keep on top of there work are the ones without a full round
Stay in front get a WFP.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: stfc on January 09, 2009, 09:13:28 pm
there is no such thing as a patch.IF you dont clean them when they are required then thats your problem to be honest,the bloke has every right to leaflet any where
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: Kevin R on January 09, 2009, 09:16:04 pm
I canvas other window cleaners work on a regular basis - when they mess up or don't turn up I get the job. Just business  ;)

I have purposely criticized  other window cleaners commercial work and told the customers to let me do a demo just after their usual wc has left and told them I will match their price and increase their standard or add value to get the job. For some reason most cowboys price well.

However I only do this to window cleaners who are rubbish. If they are mad enough to do a bad job and I notice then I will take it from them with no hesitation at all - In fact I believe they deserve it.

If your good and provide a quality service you have nothing to fear - if your bad then just beware  ;)
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: STEVE-UK on January 09, 2009, 09:18:23 pm
Chris, im going for a contract of that value also
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: jaykie on January 09, 2009, 09:21:59 pm
lol would it be nearer me then you
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: STEVE-UK on January 09, 2009, 09:30:59 pm
yep, sounds like the same one lol ;)

the paperwork is quite involved
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: jaykie on January 09, 2009, 09:32:52 pm
I got 12 pages

How much you quoting lol
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: STEVE-UK on January 09, 2009, 09:45:46 pm
yeh ok my quote is hhm na  lol

yeh, mine has 12 pages too

Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: peter holley on January 09, 2009, 10:04:39 pm
customer who gave me the flyer is happy with me,problem was had 2 weeks in Cuba then lost nearly 2 weeks at xmas,and lost 3 days november with snow plus bad weather as well,my problem is too much work so some bits do over run not normally that bad though , any way Jaykie when you get a bit more succesful you will get these problems,the only people who can keep on top of there work are the ones without a full round

maybe you need to work in the rain ;D
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: ronnie paton on January 09, 2009, 10:05:11 pm
i have to say i agree, you dont turn up for 12 weeks????? excuses are not good enough maybe one week or even two weeks late but you can not call your self profesional!!!

and because people turn up on time and provide a REGULAR service there not busy????

well i must be dead quiet then ;D
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: peter holley on January 09, 2009, 10:10:11 pm
 quote from kev red....I canvas other window cleaners work on a regular basis

if they cant be bothered to be regular... then they aint fussed! BUT I WANT THAT WORK :( im in buisness and i want to get the work..... i dont undercut, but i do promote RELIABLE ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: ronnie paton on January 09, 2009, 10:23:36 pm
ive that much work im always behind in winter but its better than being short,

well maybe employ cause unless your really cheap it wont be difficult for some to canvass and take your work, all they need to say is well i will reliable when i say 4 weeks it will be 4 weeks!!
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: outdoor restore on January 09, 2009, 11:11:27 pm
Can anyone tell me where I register "my patch".
Is there a map of the UK showing available patches ??
Or is it more secretive, do I need to put some sort of mark on the roadsigns or maybe on the window sills? - if so can someone tell me the code.
Also if I do just one house on an estate does that estate become my patch?
Any help would be appreciated.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: peter holley on January 09, 2009, 11:30:13 pm
Can anyone tell me where I register "my patch".
Is there a map of the UK showing available patches ??
Or is it more secretive, do I need to put some sort of mark on the roadsigns or maybe on the window sills? - if so can someone tell me the code.
Also if I do just one house on an estate does that estate become my patch?
Any help would be appreciated.

lol!     good post ;D exactly right!
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: Klean07 on January 10, 2009, 12:04:02 am
If I turned up twelve weeks late I'd expect to lose my work. My work is monthly which 95% of time is always up to date.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: mark dew on January 10, 2009, 12:35:18 am
Can anyone tell me where I register "my patch".
Is there a map of the UK showing available patches ??
Or is it more secretive, do I need to put some sort of mark on the roadsigns or maybe on the window sills? - if so can someone tell me the code.
Also if I do just one house on an estate does that estate become my patch?
Any help would be appreciated.

You got to pee in 5 metre intervals along the street, again on their front doorstep and the garden as well just to be sure.
Repeat every clean.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: Ian W on January 10, 2009, 08:24:38 am
...my problem is too much work so some bits do over run not normally that bad though , any way Jaykie when you get a bit more succesful you will get these problems,the only people who can keep on top of there work are the ones without a full round

I don't understand why some people take on more work than they can handle in the cleaning period they work to. (Aside from weather related delays).

If you work a 4 week round and take on 6 weeks worth of work for example, then you aren't doing yourself any favours. If your daily takings are roughly the same every day, then you gain no real benefit from the extra work.

Wouldn't it be better for people to take on better work and let the worst parts of their round go to increase their takings, or employ someone to help cover the extra work?

A full round is where you can just about cope in the time you allow it, whilst ensuring you maintain the customer levels to keep it there.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: jaykie on January 10, 2009, 08:26:24 am
It wont be long and somebody (like me) go and canvass or leaflet the whole town, and when you ring them up they will tell you where too go.

You two should be more discreet, price fixing is illegal!

what are you on about.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: tonylee on January 10, 2009, 08:45:27 am
customer who gave me the flyer is happy with me,problem was had 2 weeks in Cuba then lost nearly 2 weeks at xmas,and lost 3 days november with snow plus bad weather as well,my problem is too much work so some bits do over run not normally that bad though , any way Jaykie when you get a bit more succesful you will get these problems,the only people who can keep on top of there work are the ones without a full round
Hi Stan.
Where I work there are no patchs and my round is full. I am generally up to date as I work Monday to thursday this give me two days (fri & sat) to catch up if ness. I work in all weather and rarely do I have to catch up.
Also with Fridays spare I can bring any bank holidays foreward so they are not lost. All that said though I am wfp so it is easyier to work in the wind and rain.
Tony
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: elite mike on January 10, 2009, 09:15:11 am
customer who gave me the flyer is happy with me,problem was had 2 weeks in Cuba then lost nearly 2 weeks at xmas,and lost 3 days november with snow plus bad weather as well,my problem is too much work so some bits do over run not normally that bad though , any way Jaykie when you get a bit more succesful you will get these problems,the only people who can keep on top of there work are the ones without a full round
Stay in front get a WFP.

hi stan

that is the best advice you will ever get
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: karygate on January 10, 2009, 09:15:55 am
when i first started i did not bother to try my own estate because there is already 5 window cleaners i know come into it. anyway i was asked to do 1 by a person we have known for years and now have about 15 of the 100 houses. so just goes to show you about patches. whenever i watch w/c and their patches they seem to only do 1 in about every 5 houses round here still. oh and before anyones asks i am the most expensive.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: Oakley Windows on January 10, 2009, 09:24:38 am
Can anyone tell me where I register "my patch".
Is there a map of the UK showing available patches ??
Or is it more secretive, do I need to put some sort of mark on the roadsigns or maybe on the window sills? - if so can someone tell me the code.
Also if I do just one house on an estate does that estate become my patch?
Any help would be appreciated.

You got to pee in 5 metre intervals along the street, again on their front doorstep and the garden as well just to be sure.
Repeat every clean.

 ;D


Quote
Stay in front get a WFP.
Quote
hi stan
that is the best advice you will ever get

And that.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: ronnie paton on January 10, 2009, 09:30:18 am
there is round i clean were i prob do about a third of the houses around 175 houses there are another 3 window cleaners.

you cant clean everyone price method are just afew reasons.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: dai on January 10, 2009, 10:01:33 am
...my problem is too much work so some bits do over run not normally that bad though , any way Jaykie when you get a bit more succesful you will get these problems,the only people who can keep on top of there work are the ones without a full round

I don't understand why some people take on more work than they can handle in the cleaning period they work to. (Aside from weather related delays).

If you work a 4 week round and take on 6 weeks worth of work for example, then you aren't doing yourself any favours. If your daily takings are roughly the same every day, then you gain no real benefit from the extra work.

Wouldn't it be better for people to take on better work and let the worst parts of their round go to increase their takings, or employ someone to help cover the extra work?

A full round is where you can just about cope in the time you allow it, whilst ensuring you maintain the customer levels to keep it there.
It's very handy having that extra work in a recession. I have lost a few customers but not lost any income, and I would have to lose a lot more before my income would be affected.
Too much work is the best insurance policy you can have.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: ronnie paton on January 10, 2009, 10:09:58 am
and be the best way to get a bad rep???

i understand what your sating but im sure they werent your thoughts a year or so ago.

If you say im profesional reliable this that and the other and you turn up 8WEEKS LATE it would not be exceptable.
you provide a service and people deserve a good service, if you had a telecom company promising you this that and the other but did provide you would.........CANCEL

Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: outdoor restore on January 10, 2009, 10:42:24 am
Can anyone tell me where I register "my patch".
Is there a map of the UK showing available patches ??
Or is it more secretive, do I need to put some sort of mark on the roadsigns or maybe on the window sills? - if so can someone tell me the code.
Also if I do just one house on an estate does that estate become my patch?
Any help would be appreciated.


You got to pee in 5 metre intervals along the street, again on their front doorstep and the garden as well just to be sure.
Repeat every clean.

Mark

Thanks for that, will do!!  On second thoughts might wait till the weather warms up.

Neil
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: Ian W on January 10, 2009, 10:57:12 am
It's very handy having that extra work in a recession. I have lost a few customers but not lost any income, and I would have to lose a lot more before my income would be affected.
Too much work is the best insurance policy you can have.

Good point Dai. But don't customers get a bit fed up if your constantly late though?
I know it can be a pain, but wouldn't canvassing to replace lost customers while managing to complete the round pretty much on time, everytime, be another way?
I think I have lost one or two to the alleged credit crunch, but have maintained numbers without trying. I am sure I could increase my round a lot with a bit of effort if I wanted.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: NBwcs on January 10, 2009, 12:18:00 pm
"I know it can be a pain, but wouldn't canvassing to replace lost customers while managing to complete the round pretty much on time, everytime, be another way?"
Thats pretty much my approach but this recession has altered my views slightly.I absolutely hate taking work over from one week to another, but im coming round to the idea that having slightly more than i can handle is the only effective way to combat losing turnover as we really dont know whats round the corner at the mo. lost two shops this week so have been out doorknocking this morning to replace the lost revenue. With the amount of new wc's about , lack of new builds, and job losses being anounced, I can see a time and not too far away when the customer losses outpace the new ones gained.Best to have a little "cushion"  in place if possible. As for phoning other wc's because their leafleting near your work... c'mon Stan thats pre historic. nothing wrong with canvassing, its undercutting thats frowned on, the two dont go hand in hand.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: AuRavelling79 on January 10, 2009, 03:02:15 pm

You got to pee in 5 metre intervals along the street, again on their front doorstep and the garden as well just to be sure.
Repeat every clean.

I vote this "post of the month!" Very funny! ;D
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: Tosh on January 10, 2009, 03:22:30 pm

You got to pee in 5 metre intervals along the street, again on their front doorstep and the garden as well just to be sure.
Repeat every clean.

I vote this "post of the month!" Very funny! ;D

Ditto  ;D

There's no such thing as patches and from a legal point of view, they're probably are illegal.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: Tosh on January 10, 2009, 06:44:02 pm
There's only one guy round where I live who reckons there's such a thing as 'patches'; but he's not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: Ian W on January 10, 2009, 09:28:53 pm
Thats pretty much my approach but this recession has altered my views slightly.I absolutely hate taking work over from one week to another, but im coming round to the idea that having slightly more than i can handle is the only effective way to combat losing turnover as we really dont know whats round the corner at the mo. lost two shops this week so have been out doorknocking this morning to replace the lost revenue. With the amount of new wc's about , lack of new builds, and job losses being anounced, I can see a time and not too far away when the customer losses outpace the new ones gained.Best to have a little "cushion"  in place if possible.

I guess that seems a valid reason. Thanks.
Title: Re: Cheeky sod
Post by: DaveG on January 11, 2009, 05:50:23 pm
Im just canvassing an area and im picking up custies , although they already have a w/c...they dont seem to be happy with him either because of his attitude or his reliability!

If the custies arent happy with his service then surely he must expect to lose some?