Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: AuRavelling79 on May 07, 2009, 10:54:29 pm

Title: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: AuRavelling79 on May 07, 2009, 10:54:29 pm
And does this indicate anything?
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: PaulTh on May 07, 2009, 11:17:23 pm
indicates what i suspected since i joined this forum that some wfp users are snobs and look down on trad now. (not all i might add just a tiny minority of morons).people with sigs like "climbing higher without ladders"it uses to be people looked down on window cleaners,now we got window cleaners looking down their noses at window cleaners lol what is the world coming to
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: cybersye on May 07, 2009, 11:27:21 pm
yes, they are all uneducated scumbags and knuckleheads from the dark ages, probably on the dole and moonlighting with a bit of burglary as well as cleaning windows badly with a dirty old rag and a bucket of scummy water, some of them dont even have matching socks lol  ;D
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: GWCS on May 07, 2009, 11:28:47 pm
yes, they are all uneducated scumbags and knuckleheads from the dark ages, probably on the dole and moonlighting with a bit of burglary as well as cleaning windows badly with a dirty old rag and a bucket of scummy water, some of them dont even have matching socks lol  ;D

LMFAO!
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: cybersye on May 07, 2009, 11:37:17 pm
indicates what i suspected since i joined this forum that some wfp users are snobs and look down on trad now. (not all i might add just a tiny minority of morons).people with sigs like "climbing higher without ladders"it uses to be people looked down on window cleaners,now we got window cleaners looking down their noses at window cleaners lol what is the world coming to
next will be pole snobbery
they'll be dissing those who can only afford to cobble together bits of a broom from asda and a decorators pole  :P
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: Window Washers on May 08, 2009, 06:06:53 am
I am now a snob  ;D but did make the video for the decorators pole and broom handle, so maybe im a lower class snob.
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: andyatkinson on May 08, 2009, 07:16:18 am
paulth's period seems to be going on a while
just get a hot water bottle and have a lie down ;D
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: simon knight on May 08, 2009, 07:30:24 am
yes, they are all uneducated scumbags and knuckleheads from the dark ages, probably on the dole and moonlighting with a bit of burglary as well as cleaning windows badly with a dirty old rag and a bucket of scummy water, some of them dont even have matching socks lol  ;D

Yes...and your point being? ;D
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: simon knight on May 08, 2009, 07:40:31 am
indicates what i suspected since i joined this forum that some wfp users are snobs and look down on trad now. (not all i might add just a tiny minority of morons).people with sigs like "climbing higher without ladders"it uses to be people looked down on window cleaners,now we got window cleaners looking down their noses at window cleaners lol what is the world coming to


Very good observations, window cleaning has changed and still is changing.

Don’t think some window cleaners are really snobbish, other window cleaners have not moved with the times.

The idea of helping someone start in this trade by telling them to go buy a ladder & bucket is out dated.

People that have the biggest resistance to wfp are not the customers, but window cleaners!   


Do you really think so Ewan? Is it not possible that some window cleaners just don't want the bother or expense of a wfp system and prefer instead the simplicity of bucket, ladders and a grimy rag?
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: Tosh on May 08, 2009, 08:00:37 am
Along with the change in window cleaning; I wish the weather would change; it's lashing it down side-ways here!

Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: simon knight on May 08, 2009, 08:02:16 am
I think you’re right as well, although a lot of traditional window cleaners are very good at there job and come across as very professional they are reluctant to change.

The window cleaning trade itself has changed and is changing.


Agreed! Anyway I'm off to earn a crust before it lashes down here as well.

Ciao
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: LWC on May 08, 2009, 08:03:22 am
WFP users are lots better at everything than trad simple as that.
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: pingu on May 08, 2009, 08:04:02 am
You can see why alot of guys who are soley trad wish to stay that way...for them it works and presents few issues...so why change..yes we know the safety point of ladders potentially presenting increased chances of injuries.

Wfp is a great tool but hey how many people just get out of the van and night, turn a switch and come back in the morning and go to work...we all know there is alot of fettling involved..and of course there is the additional expenses that go along with wfp.

Dave.
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: Johnny B on May 08, 2009, 08:48:03 am
I am a trad, and intend to remain so indefinitely, but fully respect the freedom of choice we all have to use trad or wfp methods.

Interestingly, I picked up two customers the other day who previously had wfp window cleaners. The custies were unhappy that in particular the upper sills hadn't been cleaned, despite repeated asking and getting promises that they would be done.

The sills were UPVC (originally white, but over time had become resplendent in green). Two minutes with a damp microfiber sorted them out, and I now have 2 very happy new custies. Wfp guys, how do you ensure that upper frames and sills are cleaned properly? (Not having a go, just asking a pertinent question).

John 
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: pingu on May 08, 2009, 09:19:19 am
I think that some polers don't do the sills because perhaps they think it puts too much dirt into the brush bristles...but personally..I clean the sills each time this way like the glass it is just a matter of maintaince really.

I suppose it is all down to the indivdual really rather than the method.

Cheers
Dave.
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: cozy on May 08, 2009, 09:55:09 am
I would like to go WFP but I have the problem of the custies not being happy with it. Once I have seen it working ( hands on ) I will have to "sell" the idea to my Brit custies.

I have fallen once in 20 years and although I wasn't badly hurt I didn't enjoy it! Ladder slipped from under me. I was new to this game and am more carefull now.

Maybe I am old fashioned (I am old  ::)) I enjoy doing trad on my private custies. I must be abit mad too as I also really enjoy talking to them and collecting money at the door on collection nights.

I surpose the only thing missing in my setup is a horse and cart for carrying my ladders around. Must remember to buy a flat cap soon to make the image complete :)


OH, nearly forgot, I would expect "patch" WC's to be trad more than highly advanced cutting edge experts with WFP. WFP types wear matching socks and NEVER wear string vests ;D
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: simon knight on May 08, 2009, 10:10:06 am

 WFP types wear matching socks and NEVER wear string vests ;D


They're also Leonardo DiCaprio lookalikes, Oxbridge educated, speak Queens English and hung like donkeys...and their poo doesn't smell ;D
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: JSMC on May 08, 2009, 01:11:16 pm
indicates what i suspected since i joined this forum that some wfp users are snobs and look down on trad now. (not all i might add just a tiny minority of morons).people with sigs like "climbing higher without ladders"it uses to be people looked down on window cleaners,now we got window cleaners looking down their noses at window cleaners lol what is the world coming to


Very good observations, window cleaning has changed and still is changing.

Don’t think some window cleaners are really snobbish, other window cleaners have not moved with the times.

The idea of helping someone start in this trade by telling them to go buy a ladder & bucket is out dated.
People that have the biggest resistance to wfp are not the customers, but window cleaners!   


why is it outdated? i had all my WFP gear but went trad for 1 year doing all my work.

my fathe rin law is trad and always has been and i can bet he has a bette rbusiness than the majority of us on here. 40 years  and he is still going strong witha very healthy business.
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: AuRavelling79 on May 08, 2009, 01:44:12 pm
indicates what i suspected since i joined this forum that some wfp users are snobs and look down on trad now. (not all i might add just a tiny minority of morons).people with sigs like "climbing higher without ladders"it uses to be people looked down on window cleaners,now we got window cleaners looking down their noses at window cleaners lol what is the world coming to


Very good observations, window cleaning has changed and still is changing.

Don’t think some window cleaners are really snobbish, other window cleaners have not moved with the times.

The idea of helping someone start in this trade by telling them to go buy a ladder & bucket is out dated.
People that have the biggest resistance to wfp are not the customers, but window cleaners!   


why is it outdated? i had all my WFP gear but went trad for 1 year doing all my work.

my fathe rin law is trad and always has been and i can bet he has a bette rbusiness than the majority of us on here. 40 years  and he is still going strong witha very healthy business.

I should flippin' hope so! 40 years and he should've sold up and be taking it easy by now!
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: simon knight on May 08, 2009, 01:53:34 pm
indicates what i suspected since i joined this forum that some wfp users are snobs and look down on trad now. (not all i might add just a tiny minority of morons).people with sigs like "climbing higher without ladders"it uses to be people looked down on window cleaners,now we got window cleaners looking down their noses at window cleaners lol what is the world coming to


Very good observations, window cleaning has changed and still is changing.

Don’t think some window cleaners are really snobbish, other window cleaners have not moved with the times.

The idea of helping someone start in this trade by telling them to go buy a ladder & bucket is out dated.
People that have the biggest resistance to wfp are not the customers, but window cleaners!   


why is it outdated? i had all my WFP gear but went trad for 1 year doing all my work.

my fathe rin law is trad and always has been and i can bet he has a bette rbusiness than the majority of us on here. 40 years  and he is still going strong witha very healthy business.

I should flippin' hope so! 40 years and he should've sold up and be taking it easy by now!

Why?
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: PaulTh on May 08, 2009, 01:58:57 pm
keeps ye fit the ol window cleaning walking about up n down ladders good on the old boy,if ya dont use it ya lose it.
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: AuRavelling79 on May 08, 2009, 02:02:06 pm
Because if you have been a window cleaner for 40 years you should have built up a "better business than the majority of us on here!"

The "should be taking it easy" comment was on my view that if he has been working as a traditional window cleaner for forty years then he will be in his sixties and deserving of enjoying the fruits of his labour.

I do understand that he may now be at the helm of a substantial window cleaning firm and not so often up a ladder anymore - so why not pass it on to the boy and take it easy?

Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: PaulTh on May 08, 2009, 02:10:48 pm
i notice a lot of old folk when they retire they just go downhill and the active ones tend to live longer so if i reach old age i dont think ill be the retiring type.
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: simon knight on May 08, 2009, 02:12:48 pm
Because if you have been a window cleaner for 40 years you should have built up a "better business than the majority of us on here!"

The "should be taking it easy" comment was on my view that if he has been working as a traditional window cleaner for forty years then he will be in his sixties and deserving of enjoying the fruits of his labour.

I do understand that he may now be at the helm of a substantial window cleaning firm and not so often up a ladder anymore - so why not pass it on to the boy and take it easy?



Malc, that wasn't a facetious "why?". Perhaps the old gocker just enjoys being out and about working, meeting people and having an excuse to get out of bed in the morning. I used to work with an 82 year old who was as bright as a penny...until the day he finally retired...he was dead in 4 months...no reason to live!
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: cozy on May 08, 2009, 02:28:14 pm
Was just wondering, has anyone seen any stats as to how many WC's have fallen off a ladder and had injuries or even died? Is that the only reason to go WFP? I would be abit surprised if a custy said "It's ok, I'll pay you 3 times just to get my windows cleaned properly, what a good deal". If that's how custies see it then it sounds like a good idea to me.

The other problems I am looking at is, if I go van mount and my van goes off the road for repairs, how do I earn? If any major part of my kit goes titsup and I can't work, e.g. Pole goes off to be repaired, how do I earn?

If half my british custies are not impressed paying 10 quid + for their house to be cleaned and I do it in 5 minutes instead of 15, what do I do when they tell me to "Get stuffed"?

What about not cleaning the top of frames so I don't get marks on the glass, do I tell the custy "Sorry luv, don't do frame tops"?

These brit custies are the only people who have the outsides only cleaned, all ze Germans have both sides and frames. Don't need ladders for those, all ze vindows open invards.

WFP is unique to US and UK markets, sometimes in Holland too, in Germany WFP is only used for high access work and is not seen as an alternative.

Nobody is better than anyone else, I know most of you know what I mean, but we are here to provide a service that must keep the custy happy, not just us.

Now I'm off to lie down in a darkend room with a fruit salad. 8)
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: pingu on May 08, 2009, 02:44:06 pm
You may have hit the nail on the head there....perhaps you market wont take to wfp as the trad method is so suitable for that market...lets face it...best tool for the job and all that.

Have to admit if I were in your position...I imagine I would like to see what all the fuss is about with wfp but perhaps it would just be expense that could be best spent elsewhere or saved.

Dave.
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: AuRavelling79 on May 08, 2009, 03:47:07 pm
Was just wondering, has anyone seen any stats as to how many WC's have fallen off a ladder and had injuries or even died? Is that the only reason to go WFP? I would be abit surprised if a custy said "It's ok, I'll pay you 3 times just to get my windows cleaned properly, what a good deal". If that's how custies see it then it sounds like a good idea to me.

The other problems I am looking at is, if I go van mount and my van goes off the road for repairs, how do I earn? If any major part of my kit goes titsup and I can't work, e.g. Pole goes off to be repaired, how do I earn?

If half my british custies are not impressed paying 10 quid + for their house to be cleaned and I do it in 5 minutes instead of 15, what do I do when they tell me to "Get stuffed"?

What about not cleaning the top of frames so I don't get marks on the glass, do I tell the custy "Sorry luv, don't do frame tops"?

These brit custies are the only people who have the outsides only cleaned, all ze Germans have both sides and frames. Don't need ladders for those, all ze vindows open invards.

WFP is unique to US and UK markets, sometimes in Holland too, in Germany WFP is only used for high access work and is not seen as an alternative.

Nobody is better than anyone else, I know most of you know what I mean, but we are here to provide a service that must keep the custy happy, not just us.

Now I'm off to lie down in a darkend room with a fruit salad. 8)

Cozy there are a lot of myths in this post - let me explain:-

Falling off death/injury - a good reason, but not the only one.

You don't need to take 3 cleans to "get it right" but you do need to be more thorough on the first clean.

Van packs up question - well your car might do too - mine occcasionally broke down when I was trad or wfp. You can put a 200L in an estate if you want or make a trailer system. Pole? You can use a cheap Harris or Fishing Pole or Unger pole on domestic wfp. Cheap as chips. But when you go van mount (IMO) you will go faster and carry more water generally.

Time to do the job/custy perception. it'll take you just as long to start with if you're thorough. The dividends come later. Awkward custies that you want to keep just do the tops wfp (I've still got one old girl who insists I blade the bottoms!!!!)

Tops of frames - I do 'em every other time. Top Cills I rub along with the brush every time.

Wfp is less tiring so you tend to do more.
 

Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: cozy on May 08, 2009, 03:57:27 pm
Yes Malc, it's "painted abit more rosy on here though, you know my situation mate. I'll still be looking at it with Dave in Holland it's just the more I hear, the more problems I can see coming.

My problem is I'm not good looking enough to get away with anything like the Captain Flashearts I see on here! ;D

Knew I shouldn't have posted ::)

IF/when I go WFP I intend to start with tops only at first to get the IBC's used to it.
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: AuRavelling79 on May 08, 2009, 04:10:43 pm
Yes Malc, it's "painted abit more rosy on here though, you know my situation mate. I'll still be looking at it with Dave in Holland it's just the more I hear, the more problems I can see coming.

My problem is I'm not good looking enough to get away with anything like the Captain Flashearts I see on here! ;D

Knew I shouldn't have posted ::)

IF/when I go WFP I intend to start with tops only at first to get the IBC's used to it.

Cozy, Flasheart was a squadron commander, not a captain! i.e. a major!
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: cozy on May 08, 2009, 04:12:55 pm
In series 2&3 he was a Captain :)
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: dave.e on May 08, 2009, 04:21:35 pm

 WFP types wear matching socks and NEVER wear string vests ;D


They're also Leonardo DiCaprio lookalikes, Oxbridge educated, speak Queens English and hung like donkeys...and their poo doesn't smell ;D


lol ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: JSMC on May 08, 2009, 04:56:22 pm
indicates what i suspected since i joined this forum that some wfp users are snobs and look down on trad now. (not all i might add just a tiny minority of morons).people with sigs like "climbing higher without ladders"it uses to be people looked down on window cleaners,now we got window cleaners looking down their noses at window cleaners lol what is the world coming to


Very good observations, window cleaning has changed and still is changing.

Don’t think some window cleaners are really snobbish, other window cleaners have not moved with the times.

The idea of helping someone start in this trade by telling them to go buy a ladder & bucket is out dated.
People that have the biggest resistance to wfp are not the customers, but window cleaners!   


why is it outdated? i had all my WFP gear but went trad for 1 year doing all my work.

my fathe rin law is trad and always has been and i can bet he has a bette rbusiness than the majority of us on here. 40 years  and he is still going strong witha very healthy business.

I should flippin' hope so! 40 years and he should've sold up and be taking it easy by now!

Why?

well he is fit and active and loves his job. All his work is commercial and easy to do stuff. Got rid of all the crap and he take shis time and the work will come to me and his daughter soon enough.

He has his holidays and stuff but also loves out meeting people daily.

he said he will always keep his nose in it he reckons as all he would be doing is sitting about or playing golf if not working


he
Title: Re: "Gerroff my Patch"/"Wfp" or "Trad."
Post by: martinsadie on May 08, 2009, 07:58:43 pm
yes, they are all uneducated scumbags and knuckleheads from the dark ages, probably on the dole and moonlighting with a bit of burglary as well as cleaning windows badly with a dirty old rag and a bucket of scummy water, some of them dont even have matching socks lol  ;D
my bootlaces dont match at the moment 1 black and 1 yellow  ;D