[Totus]

I'm a firm beliver in planning to ensure I get my switch over to WFP as seemlessly as possible but understand that there will be a huge learning curve and potential problems that need dealing with. I have been trad but decided to go WFP (starting this May).

Having used this forum i've picked up some great advise but would like some feedback on some of the finer points (at least I think they're finer points!) I've already implemented and some i'm going to implement, and some I have no idea about!. Please feel free to advise on any or all of the points(if you have the time! )

1) Have been working through my custy base and started preparing the frames to ensure all dirt is removed. I know it will take 3 months or so to get in the groove of WFP, but how big a factor will cleaning the frames in advance save me when D-Day arrives? I have about 600 customers.

2) I looked at my houses and some of them have access issues for WFP  - i) locked gates, ii) access only via going over the roof, iii) difficult to reach windows iv) poor access for the van etc. Wondered if you "dumped" these custys or tried some of the following solutions proposed below.

i) Get keys cut for unlocking gates from the custy.
ii) Ran the hoses up and over the roof via a ladder to access the backs or just do the fronts.
iii) Repriced the custy because you couldn't reach them or used ladder for access and trad it.
iv) Use a trolley system to access houses on estates where work is dense but access is poor. NOTE: there are 2 of us so, for example, one can WFP from van on fronts whilst the other used the trolley to get in and around the awkward backs.

3) Have thought long and hard about my "core" set-up, based on the round I have come up with the following. Over Kill? or Good Foundations?

 - Static Tank in garage (1300 lites) producing pure water with transfer pump.
 - 2 Man set up in Van with a 1000 litre Tank, plus transfer pump to dispense water quickly from tank to trolley when needed (see point 2 iv).
 - 2 50 litre Trolley systems (not producing - just delivery of pure water from tanks)

4) In light of the harsh winter how the f*@k will i keep the static system producing water in the garage overnight and not freezing before transfering it. A big jumper!!!!

5) Have a mixture of frame types to deal with, other than PVCu frames that I see no real need to worry about, any tips on cleaning these frame types effectively?

 - Wooden (Poor condition - flaky paint, loose putty etc.)
 - Metal (worried about oxidisation - should I be?)
 - Powder coated Ali (milky runs surely!)
 - Leaded (do i need to worry about the type of lead on the windows, if so, which ones?)

7) Gonna get out a letter out explaining how it works, improved service, better health and safety blah blah blah......what percentage of "fall out" did you have?

And Finally!!!!

6) Was going to offer selected custys (mainly PVCu and frames in good condition) the opportunity of having their frames cleaned regularily for a bargin £1 extra on their current bill.

However, i'm wrestling with my conscience over knowing that i'll have to do the frames anyway as part of the job, but keep thinking of the "fall out" and am trying to lessen this potential problem. Shrewd Idea or Scamming Git?


As stated above any advice on any of these points would be great, as having trawled the back catalogue of posts i've stuggled to find some of the answers i need.

Thanks for your feedback - Cheers.

Neil.
 

[Window Washers]

I'm a firm beliver in planning to ensure I get my switch over to WFP as seemlessly as possible but understand that there will be a huge learning curve and potential problems that need dealing with. I have been trad but decided to go WFP (starting this May).

Having used this forum i've picked up some great advise but would like some feedback on some of the finer points (at least I think they're finer points!) I've already implemented and some i'm going to implement, and some I have no idea about!. Please feel free to advise on any or all of the points(if you have the time! )

1) Have been working through my custy base and started preparing the frames to ensure all dirt is removed. I know it will take 3 months or so to get in the groove of WFP, but how big a factor will cleaning the frames in advance save me when D-Day arrives? I have about 600 customers.

2) I looked at my houses and some of them have access issues for WFP  - i) locked gates, ii) access only via going over the roof, iii) difficult to reach windows iv) poor access for the van etc. Wondered if you "dumped" these custys or tried some of the following solutions proposed below.

i) Get keys cut for unlocking gates from the custy.
ii) Ran the hoses up and over the roof via a ladder to access the backs or just do the fronts.
iii) Repriced the custy because you couldn't reach them or used ladder for access and trad it.
iv) Use a trolley system to access houses on estates where work is dense but access is poor. NOTE: there are 2 of us so, for example, one can WFP from van on fronts whilst the other used the trolley to get in and around the awkward backs.

3) Have thought long and hard about my "core" set-up, based on the round I have come up with the following. Over Kill? or Good Foundations?

 - Static Tank in garage (1300 lites) producing pure water with transfer pump.
 - 2 Man set up in Van with a 1000 litre Tank, plus transfer pump to dispense water quickly from tank to trolley when needed (see point 2 iv).
 - 2 50 litre Trolley systems (not producing - just delivery of pure water from tanks)

4) In light of the harsh winter how the f*@k will i keep the static system producing water in the garage overnight and not freezing before transfering it. A big jumper!!!!

5) Have a mixture of frame types to deal with, other than PVCu frames that I see no real need to worry about, any tips on cleaning these frame types effectively?

 - Wooden (Poor condition - flaky paint, loose putty etc.)
 - Metal (worried about oxidisation - should I be?)
 - Powder coated Ali (milky runs surely!)
 - Leaded (do i need to worry about the type of lead on the windows, if so, which ones?)

7) Gonna get out a letter out explaining how it works, improved service, better health and safety blah blah blah......what percentage of "fall out" did you have?

And Finally!!!!

6) Was going to offer selected custys (mainly PVCu and frames in good condition) the opportunity of having their frames cleaned regularily for a bargin £1 extra on their current bill.

However, i'm wrestling with my conscience over knowing that i'll have to do the frames anyway as part of the job, but keep thinking of the "fall out" and am trying to lessen this potential problem. Shrewd Idea or Scamming Git?


As stated above any advice on any of these points would be great, as having trawled the back catalogue of posts i've stuggled to find some of the answers i need.

Thanks for your feedback - Cheers.

Neil.
 

Adding £1 or 2 to have frames cleaned is a bargin , You know I used to charge for this trad, is good move to up some of the crap paid work (should I say lower paid work)

Neil You are always welcome to pop over and have a chat one evening, I can show you want works and how problems happen and can be solved, Ice is a cow but it is overcomeable.


Best advice I can give you m8, is stop beating yuorself up, think back to when we saw that guy in the car park, I did it you thought about it. It was not as hard as you thought/maybe still think it is 

Ian

[Totus]

Cheers Ian. Will give you a buzz about middle of Feb and we'll catch up. Hope you had a good x-mas and the family is well.

[matt]

I'm a firm beliver in planning to ensure I get my switch over to WFP as seemlessly as possible but understand that there will be a huge learning curve and potential problems that need dealing with. I have been trad but decided to go WFP (starting this May).

Having used this forum i've picked up some great advise but would like some feedback on some of the finer points (at least I think they're finer points!) I've already implemented and some i'm going to implement, and some I have no idea about!. Please feel free to advise on any or all of the points(if you have the time! )

1) Have been working through my custy base and started preparing the frames to ensure all dirt is removed. I know it will take 3 months or so to get in the groove of WFP, but how big a factor will cleaning the frames in advance save me when D-Day arrives? I have about 600 customers.

clean frames will make it alot easier

2) I looked at my houses and some of them have access issues for WFP  - i) locked gates, ii) access only via going over the roof, iii) difficult to reach windows iv) poor access for the van etc. Wondered if you "dumped" these custys or tried some of the following solutions proposed below.

i) Get keys cut for unlocking gates from the custy.
ii) Ran the hoses up and over the roof via a ladder to access the backs or just do the fronts.
iii) Repriced the custy because you couldn't reach them or used ladder for access and trad it.
iv) Use a trolley system to access houses on estates where work is dense but access is poor. NOTE: there are 2 of us so, for example, one can WFP from van on fronts whilst the other used the trolley to get in and around the awkward backs.

buy yourself a small backpack ( 100 quid ), for the rear of a house you will need under 15L so just jump the gate or over the roof ( as i guess you do ) with the pole and backpack

3) Have thought long and hard about my "core" set-up, based on the round I have come up with the following. Over Kill? or Good Foundations?

 - Static Tank in garage (1300 lites) producing pure water with transfer pump.
 - 2 Man set up in Van with a 1000 litre Tank, plus transfer pump to dispense water quickly from tank to trolley when needed (see point 2 iv).
 - 2 50 litre Trolley systems (not producing - just delivery of pure water from tanks)

its a personal thing, if you think that will work for you, then try it

4) In light of the harsh winter how the f*@k will i keep the static system producing water in the garage overnight and not freezing before transfering it. A big jumper!!!!

aquarium heaters seem to do the trick, a 500 W ( 25 quid ) will stop the water from freezing

5) Have a mixture of frame types to deal with, other than PVCu frames that I see no real need to worry about, any tips on cleaning these frame types effectively?

 - Wooden (Poor condition - flaky paint, loose putty etc.)  try to not touch the frame, just the glass
 - Metal (worried about oxidisation - should I be?) these can be bad, i have a few that have been done for 7 years and still do not come up well, the customer was warned and accepts it
 - Powder coated Ali (milky runs surely!) see above
 - Leaded (do i need to worry about the type of lead on the windows, if so, which ones?) DO NOT push too hard, the really old 1's can leak a little, turn down the flow

7) Gonna get out a letter out explaining how it works, improved service, better health and safety blah blah blah......what percentage of "fall out" did you have?

i am not sure of the point of a letter, i never have been, it just gives the customer something to worry about / check for faults, your a window cleaner, you clean windows, it doesnt matter how they are cleaned

And Finally!!!!

6) Was going to offer selected custys (mainly PVCu and frames in good condition) the opportunity of having their frames cleaned regularily for a bargin £1 extra on their current bill.

if you need the extra quid then great, personally i would explain its a BIG perk of WFP and leave it as that

However, i'm wrestling with my conscience over knowing that i'll have to do the frames anyway as part of the job, but keep thinking of the "fall out" and am trying to lessen this potential problem. Shrewd Idea or Scamming Git?

see above

As stated above any advice on any of these points would be great, as having trawled the back catalogue of posts i've stuggled to find some of the answers i need.

Thanks for your feedback - Cheers.

Neil.
 

replies in RED

[Martin ccs]

dont worry neil your not the only one with a million and one worries about swapping over to wfp.
in the same boat as you but im starting in the next few days or maybe weeks.

really worried how some customers will react - mainly older or the handful of stroppy customers.
worried that ones that dont like it or dont see how the water n brush will clean the window will just go looking for faults to pick on.

its crazy that you can do a £100 + office and not have any worries but when it comes to some stroppy old lady in her £5 a month bungalow you cant help but worry a bit about complaints .......

getting mixed views from here about a wfp letter for customers - i wanted to do a letter so that customers will have a heads up on whats happening and hope they understand, but some chaps on the forum say just go for it without letter so that customers dont go looking for faults - im a bit stuck either way!

do you think you have a good letter or did you take one off here?

been looking at all my customers houses and thinking " god this would be so much quicker wfp "

i guess the other worry i have is coming home every day to a load of complaints or when i turn up next time finding customers saying the windows looked rubbish last time i have someone else now.

i know im over worrying but it just shows you care about your work.

im sure im gonna over worry and use far too much water but i hope after a few weeks i will get that sorted.

[Jays Window Cleaning]

Water left on the glass was my main issuse when i went over from trad to wfp. I would just say to my customers if there not satisfied with the results once dry i would come back and clean the effected area. Never had a call back from any of my customers. Some of my bunglows for the elderly i just do trad two windows at the front two at the back. I even asked my customers which method they prefer and 99% of them have said as long as the windows are clean they dont mind either. I had problems through winter with wfp and went out a few times trad. All the houses i cleaned trad have all dried up perfect wfp. You really dont need to worry. I am very new to water fed pole i was stressing the same so i do understand. Just go for it. It will be the best move youve done.

Hope this helped

jay

[Window Washers]

Cheers Ian. Will give you a buzz about middle of Feb and we'll catch up. Hope you had a good x-mas and the family is well.

I will not be answering in the middle of feb Neil as I am not here, before the 10th or in march 

All are well my end , glad to see your doing it now

take it easy

Ian

[matt]

a good idea AND IT WORKS

is to do the upstairs with WFP for a while AND TRAD downstairs, explain about the H&S issues

WFP from front to rear and then start trad front to rear downstairs, the dripping would have all but stopped by then

this gets the customer used to the system, then when they accept it does a good job, change it all over

it works and a fair few on here have done it that way, many do not lose any customers

[Totus]

Cheers guys for your feedback, it is much appreciated. Hope all is well in the world of window cleaning for you, now the freakish weather has disapated!