[supernova77]

How can it take 5minutes to clean a garage door? Takes me about 20 seconds!!!
 

You must do a brilliant job in 20 seconds... And I thought customer care was your top priority  

[groundhog]

How can it take 5minutes to clean a garage door? Takes me about 20 seconds!!!
 

You must do a brilliant job in 20 seconds... And I thought customer care was your top priority  

I do acually, as I said takes a couple of minutes the first time you clean it then a quick wipe over each time is all thats required to keep it clean!! 

[cozy]

Every part of my service costs the custy money. Be it a quid, or a few pence, but it costs. Any problems with that, they just simply need to find another windy. It's harder to find a windy than it is to find a custy.

No need for any chat with the custy that wants something for free, just replace them with a custy that pays for what they want.

[groundhog]

Every part of my service costs the custy money. Be it a quid, or a few pence, but it costs. Any problems with that, they just simply need to find another windy. It's harder to find a windy than it is to find a custy.

No need for any chat with the custy that wants something for free, just replace them with a custy that pays for what they want.

You sound like a laugh a minute!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[cozy]

Yo think so?? 

[bobplum]

your running a business,time is money
i personally dont think you get better thought of by doing the freebies
i suppose it comes down to your nature

[DaveG]

Ive got a few "Top Custies" that I do freebies for ie garage doors, conservatory gutters, workshops, inside kitchen windows etc. But only long standing customers that are generally nice people (and they make me a cuppa)

[groundhog]

your running a business,time is money
i personally dont think you get better thought of by doing the freebies
i suppose it comes down to your nature

Who said anything about freebies? I'm talking about providing an exceptional service, going the extra mile!! Many of you probably spend a fair bit on adverising etc, but the best advertising tool you can have is your work, do an exceptional job and exceed the customers expectations.. then this is the best advert you could possibly have... people will notice, you have created a positive talking point and your customers will be far more likely to recommend you to their friends and neighboors!! 

[cozy]

Yes, good point. However, in this case, an exceptional service doesn't need to include a free garage door clean.
I see your point though, but you have to know where the line is.

[dazmond]

on some of my newer work i throw  the garage doors in as standard service.i do charge a good price though.on older cheaper compact work ill charge a quid or two.

its the older customers who say"can you just go over that soffit up there and ill give you an extra fiver please!"that ive put a firm stop to.

years ago i used to do all sorts of extras for some customers but not anymore.esp as im charging £6  per small 3 bed semi on some older compact stuff.customers will take the pee if you let them.ive spent a fair few quid on equipment and im certainly not cleaning soffits/fascias,conny roofs for nothing!!

anybody else have customers who are shocked if you say"that will be £40 for soffits front and back and £30 for the conny roof"?

ive had a few this year and they dont want them done!im really not bothered!im pretty full with normal window cleaning so unless im earning a bit more from the extras im happy not to bother!!

got a good one the other day though.£15 for windows and £60 for soffits all around.the soffits are pretty clean so will only need water.i reckon 2 hours tops from setting up to driving to my next job.ill slip it in after other work around 3pm.these types are good add ons in spring/summer.

at the moment id be just happy to get a few days in this week due to being off work with my ankle!


regards


dazmond

[groundhog]

Yes, good point. However, in this case, an exceptional service doesn't need to include a free garage door clean.
I see your point though, but you have to know where the line is.

When I started window cleaning, I was always hearing complaints and moans about other window cleaners who didn't even bother to wipe the sills. So I immediately started to clean all frames and sills as well as the glass, this made me stand out and get lots of recommendations from customers and it also allowed me to charge a premium for my service!! these days most window cleaners (although not all) clean the frames and sills, so I now go a bit further and I now clean garage doors and also other little extras like gutters and fascias which makes me stand out, but I'm not really doing it for free as I charge a premium for a premium service!!   

[groundhog]

 im charging £6  per small 3 bed semi

im pretty full with normal window cleaning

I wonder why??   :

[Dave Anderson]

Doing freebies for me is now a no-no...I work hard and believe I give a good service at a good price..if anything else is asked for an extra charge will be made and why not.

I am not a family member, friend so extra work equals extra money.

There is nothing wrong with being friendly but when asked to do extra work...I'll charge.

Now saying this...I do things for free for many customers, whether it's removing some leaves from a gutter that are causing a blockage, removing some bird poo from woodwork etc, etc...these I'll do because it makes me feel better...no need to tell the customer...this is for me.

Cheers
Dave.

[cozy]

That's pride in your work Dave. Good thing to have.

Groundhog, I know what you mean mate. The point to remember is, if like me and Dazmond, you have alot of very compact work, even if you charge a good price, the freebie lessons the price if you get my drift. Another thing to remember is, on compact stuff, every 5 minutes extra you give for free, adds up on 10 custies to 50 unpaid minutes. It's the old "Time is money" chestnut. For 50 unpaid minutes, your prices need to be checked to see ifthey really are that high.

It's like guys going on about how fast they can use a squeegy, no good being fast at fanning, it's how fast you can swap tools and get into position. Minutes count for alot in WCing mate.

Just my opinion.

[cozy]

PS, you may think you charge a good price, what if it's low in reality? You think you're getting recommends for quality and really it's because you're cheap!!!


Only joking 

[groundhog]

 The point to remember is, if like me and Dazmond, you have alot of very compact work, even if you charge a good price, the freebie lessons the price if you get my drift. Another thing to remember is, on compact stuff, every 5 minutes extra you give for free, adds up on 10 custies to 50 unpaid minutes.

I think we are talking from different ends of the window cleaning world!! If your like Dazmond and charging £6 for a 3 bed house !!! then good luck to you!!!!  I charge £25 for a 3 bed house, and I'm able to do so because I do an exceptional job and clean frames and sills and think nothing of giving their garage doors or facia boards a quick wipe down, and removing blockages from their gutters when needed!! 

[cozy]

You're on the wrong track mate. My prices are very different to what Daz charges. I'm in Germany mate, different set up here. Wasn't having a pop at you. The last post was meant as a joke.

[AuRavelling79]

> Mind you Groundhog - if you really wanted to provide exceptional service for your customers you'd have a wfp system - if only to reach rooflights and otherwise inaccessible windows.

[groundhog]

> Mind you Groundhog - if you really wanted to provide exceptional service for your customers you'd have a wfp system - if only to reach rooflights and otherwise inaccessible windows.

Ive been wfp for over 6 years now, I only ever get out the squeegee these days for inside work!!! 

[groundhog]

You're on the wrong track mate. My prices are very different to what Daz charges. I'm in Germany mate, different set up here. Wasn't having a pop at you. The last post was meant as a joke.

No probs mate, I'm just trying to give you guys the benefit of the Groundhog School of Business!!!   Hopefully someone learned something