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karygate

  • Posts: 694
bad customers
« on: September 27, 2008, 07:22:37 am »
when we first started we got some customers that other cleaners had dropped or just stopped coming to. we thought that they were mad and money is money and all that . now a year and a half on we can fully understand it . most of these we have now also dropped because our books are getting fuller and they are a right pain in the arse. i think our threshold was probably more than others but are very wary now when taking on new customers that say "i,ve had 15 different cleaners over the years,do them twice then do not see them again".
gary

STEVE-UK

  • Posts: 1609
Re: bad customers
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2008, 08:49:12 am »
i must of picked up loads of these when canvassing !

ftp

  • Posts: 4694
Re: bad customers
« Reply #2 on: September 27, 2008, 08:54:06 am »
I have one "makes a change for a windowcleaner that comes back!" his courtyard is a dog toilet. :-[  I've had words.

cat9921

  • Posts: 669
Re: bad customers
« Reply #3 on: September 27, 2008, 09:01:46 am »
we have now also dropped because our books are getting fuller

who ever taught you must of been a good window cleaner  ;D

Adders lick and polish  ;)

Tim82

  • Posts: 535
Re: bad customers
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2008, 10:25:44 am »
I have one "makes a change for a windowcleaner that comes back!" his courtyard is a dog toilet. :-[  I've had words.

 Was his name nigel and did he film it and put it on youtube?  :D

AuRavelling79

  • Posts: 26702
Re: bad customers
« Reply #5 on: September 27, 2008, 01:01:55 pm »
Bad customers are someone who takes up your time, more than necessary for whatever reasons.

It’s best to get rid of them, if they don’t pay for the extra time it cost you to deal with them.


Good point Ewan - I've had a won't do this sort of attitude at times but if you cost it in why not?

Before:-  "Can you phone before you come" Me:- "No never!"

Now, if it's worth it:- "Can you phone before you come" Me: (Mentally adding £5 to the price) OK, can you tell your neighbour I'm coming too?" Them "OK fine"

But.... if they then say "not today thanks" still dropped.
It's a game of three halves!

Re: bad customers
« Reply #6 on: September 27, 2008, 01:29:20 pm »
In my T&C's its a regular service, if that is what was requested at the time of quotation.

If they say not today, i give them one more chance in the year, if they say it again, then they are advise that at the time of quotation its was agreed it was a regular service and a price to that effect.

If they want a bespoke service then a new quotation is required.. Basically a first initial clean price always.

Of course customers are totally entitled to say when they want their windows clean, but im trying to run a business which is my livelihood.

I dont need the hassle of picky customers there are plenty out there that need a regular service, if they want a 'as and when' service they can pay me extra for it (compared to a regular service), or dont have me to do it.

With regards to customers saying i have 'X' amount of window cleaners in the last so many years/month, i tell them why that is.

1) They are probably not professional window cleaners and are just seasonal or benefit cheats etc.
2) They vastly under quoted at the time of quotation 'just' to get the business then realised this. (which is why you get so many saying ' my last WC charged me this price - yeah? then why you asking me for a quote - speaks to reason really)
3) Or the customer wasn't good at paying on time.

It really opens their eyes. Maybe they dont like me saying it, but i believe in being up front with people and hopefully people appreciate this from me.




Dale Smith

  • Posts: 491
Re: bad customers
« Reply #7 on: September 28, 2008, 06:42:38 am »
when we first started we got some customers that other cleaners had dropped or just stopped coming to. we thought that they were mad and money is money and all that . now a year and a half on we can fully understand it . most of these we have now also dropped because our books are getting fuller and they are a right pain in the arse. i think our threshold was probably more than others but are very wary now when taking on new customers that say "i,ve had 15 different cleaners over the years,do them twice then do not see them again".


We are looking forward to the time we drop a few of ours..... not there yet but when the rounds do get pruned there will be no hesitation on a few of them  ;)
Swindon, Wiltshire.