[Andy L.W.C.S.]

Although it says im a NEWBIE i have been cleaning Windows NOW for 22 years.
I joined the forum to study n learn about WFP systems, which i now use and have done for the past
4 years +, two vans runing the Concept 2o Hot wash systems, very very pleased, many thanks Julie and the team.

So price increases.. No price increases for the past 6 years (Bad) also i switched all customers over to Standing Order payments at the same time as introducing the customers to the WFP 4 years ago, this went quite well, lost some as hated the WFP n lost some over S/O, but saved about £9,000 per year on wages, fuel and others bits n bobs that go with collecting, also got my life back as no goin out in the eves from 6 to 8 mon - fridays, now comes the crunch time PRICES have got to go up, i still have a customer from day 1 of window cleaning Priced then at £4.50 (4 weekly cleaning) her price today is £7.00!!! £2.50 in 22 years n she still has a rant at that price, new customer Hse price 3 bed semi is now quoted at £10.00 4 weekly, shes not gona be happy with this, but all my prices have got to go up, combine that with S/O payments we now have Huge problem as they will have to ajust payments in the Bank, so do i go for it n say all standard 3 bed semi are £10.00 from now on which would be around £2-3 per customer (which some are happy to pay as they have told me prices need to go up) but others gona have proper rants over this, Hmmm..
Most WFP boys around my way are charging around £10.00 and upwards so im not out pricing myself its just the big jump from £7.00 to £10.00. I know its my fault as didnt put prices up earlier but at the time i couldnt and dint know how many costomers was goin to leave.

S/O payments work well and do save lots of time and money but this is the time when its goin to be a pain, but saying that i dont think i would change anything if i had to do it all again.

What would you do and say as i read a topic on here called 20% VAT Increase = Oppertunity, Hmmm. this is what got me typing.

Many thanks in advance for comment and views
Andy LWCS Milton Keynes  :

[Johnny B]

Like yourself, I am guilty of not increasing my prices frequently enough.

Although I have no room to say it really, prices should be raised to keep your business viable. Perhaps you could do a sample increase on the ones you wouldn't mind losing, and see what happens.

Whenever I have bitten the bullet and raised mine, no-one has really complained. If your customers are happy with your work, they will accept the increase if they can afford it. If not, how long would it take for them to find another window cleaner to do at least a good a job for the same price or for less, as well as to get to know and trust the new cleaner.

Best wishes,
John.

[brianbarber]

The massive problem is when you leave prices too long, it's almost intimidating to ask for an increase of 3 to 5 per clean.

I have only been cleaning for a few years, but I do increase either annually or bi annually,
Otherwise you end up with grudge clean syndrome.

I know this as I bought work at end of 2009 ,that unknown to me was priced to include connys, so last jan I said to all the conny customers that I'm increasing by £5 per clean.
I luckily didn't lose one, and they were all trad before I started them just 3 months earlier.
I will be increasing these customers this year by at least 2.00 because.....you guessed it, I am getting much high prices for same house types in othe local areas!
So that's my view on increases.


Mr B

[richard jagger]

Price increases in a business is a must every year by at least the inflation rate. AS some many above writers have found out.
Most customer will expect it as its normal business practice.I have read so often on this forum that we feel we keep our customers if we keep our prices down, which is a total farce.THE BEST TIME TO DO INCREASES is at Christmas and summer holiday time people are not so aware of prices and will live with price increases at that time of the year.

[Andy L.W.C.S.]

Cheers John & Mr B, wizkid not bout the Xmas increase tho, but all taken in, customers in for bit of a shock then!!!
knockin time again, have not had to do this for about 12years (
cheers again guys

Andy

[Steve CM]

Hello Andy

I'm from MK to. i need to increase some prices this year (although not all of them) I'm sure if you bite the bullet and do it you'll be fine (the ones you lose should out weigh the ones you keep by far). Does sound like a massive headache on adjusting all them standing orders though. Dunno how you would get round that one without everyone adjusting them manually.

Steve

[Andy L.W.C.S.]

Hi Steve, yes 1 big head ache comin but got to done, they got to ajust S/O payments but that not that hard either phone call, online or they will have go into bank its not that hard!!!
Im the 1 lost out ova the past years n i bet they all got Pay increase every year, i didnt, just more to pay out.

[Clive McDonald]

Hi andy,
really impressed,
we don't get many concept users here.Well done for that, they are expensive but probably the best on the market given that daily running costs are lower than ionics.A lot of us on here are diy, but it's not cheaper really because you spend a year on here learning what's what and buying the wrong kit- but thats a seperate issue.

Many of us would love to get custies on SO.So in that sense you are a bit in front of the forum. The problem for me would be turning up on time.

You are going to have to put your prices up.I suggest a sensible well reasoned letter.This letter could include SO changing instructions.

[billozz]

Price increases in a business is a must every year by at least the inflation rate. AS some many above writers have found out.
Most customer will expect it as its normal business practice.I have read so often on this forum that we feel we keep our customers if we keep our prices down, which is a total farce.THE BEST TIME TO DO INCREASES is at Christmas and summer holiday time people are not so aware of prices and will live with price increases at that time of the year.

why do you think people will not be aware of being asked for more money at times that they would be spending the most money they will spend all year??

[Andy L.W.C.S.]

slumpbuster

concept in my eyes IS the best, dont like ionics one bit, sorry guys!!! Did look at building own but this was easy choice after talkin to Julie at concept 2o, i have now built 3 other Hot wash systems wiv what iv learnt over the years for friends n they work Gr8

i turn my work EVERY 4wks wivout fail n have done for many many years, 13 cleans per year every year so my customers ok wiv S/O, just the price increase to go!!! do you no if any price increase letters on forum so i got something to work wiv
cheers
Andy