[Suffolkcleaners]

Right guys..I'm sure the topic has been covered before but what do you do if a potential new customer books you in saying they want either 4 or 8 weekly when really it was just a one off clean they were after?

I think from memory i have heard comments saying you should charge(in my case i charge double for first cleans) so maybe i should have just charged double. Sooo annoying though when they are definite in saying they want it regularly and they just clearly want a one off!

[SeanK]

Why didn't you charge double if that's your policy ?

[richard groves]

I don't do anything, not much I can do.

Window cleaning for most isn't an essential service most could not live without.
Unlike mobile phone contract providers or internet broadband providers for example - tie you into a contract from day one - we can't do that.

Providing you earnt from it, annoying as it may be, just shrug it off, there will always be a few like that.

[tonycarr]

i always charge double on first cleans as it takes longer, more if they need scraping, sometimes use virosol as well.  i tell them to close all the vents as there`s going to be lots of water first time, rarely have a problem if you explain whats involved

tony

[Suffolkcleaners]

Good point. I was a soft touch as he seemed certain it was a regular clean so i just charged him £20(for 30 mins work) based on a 8 weekly price. Yep should have stuck with my policy and charged double so i guess i answered my own question.

[PoleKing]

Saying that I only take direct debit for regular cleans but I'll take any payment up front for a one off seems to sort them out.

[Suffolkcleaners]

Thanks for replies guys(actually it was nearer an hours work-hence why i'm annoyed at myself)but totally agree with comment above ''just shrug it off'' not alot else i can do apart from learn for next time :-)

[SB Cleaning]

I can usually tell if they are gonna be a messer...I've got a sixth sense for them

[richard groves]

I can usually tell if they are gonna be a messer...I've got a sixth sense for them

It usually starts with the line "How much do you charge ? "

[Ian101]

Unless your really unlucky and attract them then just best to forget it and move on .. don't think there is much you can do ... may be worth saying "our normal price is £24 but all on-going regular cleans are £12" ??

[Dick]

Telling them that will only have them say it's a regular clean to get cheaper price then cancel after first one.

[Johnny B]

I don't have a problem with one offs. In fact, I find that if you take them on, as I do, they'll phone occasionally for repeat cleans, so they aren't really one off cleans at all. I have plenty of these on my books, and when they come in, I fit them around my regulars and they give my income a welcome boost.

One could look at them in a similar way as add-ons. I mean, who has their conny roof or gutters cleaned every month? And why turn away work if it makes you money?

John

[richard groves]

My take on "regular" cleans are that you cannot really expect people to agree to them up front without them first being happy with your work and price. You can never really tell what folk think of you. Charging double ? fair play if you can get away with it e.g. £25 for a detached or front and back terraced 3 floor town house  - you really gonna charge them £50 for 30 mins work ?
I tend to charge what I'm happy to earn per hour, may put a few quid on if really grubby but out to win over new customers and turn them into new loyal regular custies, not give them a reason to think twice about it or shop around. Its a gamble, you will always lose one or two ( the one offs who "lied")

[Ronnie Bryce]

I do exactly as Johnny B, they always call again time after time after time. Would not entertain it on my estate work, but off the beaten track, it's not a problem.

[Tom-01]

Saying that I only take direct debit for regular cleans but I'll take any payment up front for a one off seems to sort them out.

Thats good I like that.

[C o z y]

I don't have a problem with one offs. In fact, I find that if you take them on, as I do, they'll phone occasionally for repeat cleans, so they aren't really one off cleans at all. I have plenty of these on my books, and when they come in, I fit them around my regulars and they give my income a welcome boost.

One could look at them in a similar way as add-ons. I mean, who has their conny roof or gutters cleaned every month? And why turn away work if it makes you money?

John

Wish I had that sort of attitude Johnny. I'd be in permanent bother with the Garda if I lived where you do. 

[richard groves]

I don't have a problem with one offs. In fact, I find that if you take them on, as I do, they'll phone occasionally for repeat cleans, so they aren't really one off cleans at all. I have plenty of these on my books, and when they come in, I fit them around my regulars and they give my income a welcome boost.

One could look at them in a similar way as add-ons. I mean, who has their conny roof or gutters cleaned every month? And why turn away work if it makes you money?

John

agree, and they often recommend you or have neighbours that you pick up too.

[Ian101]

Telling them that will only have them say it's a regular clean to get cheaper price then cancel after first one.

no you tell em  "£24 for THIS clean but all ONGOING cleans are £12"

[bobplum]

The standing order request can usually sort them out