[Art]

Hi  all ,this was something that dustdees posted about recently, was a bit suprised there were few responses, surely if you receive an enquiry about a job from an area you don't cover , it's better to be able to pass it on for the following reasons

1. You leave the customer with a good impression of your company, because even though you  couldn't quote, at least you were helpful.
2. Others will hopefully do likewise for you. Which means work
3. Your own company can build good relatioships with others around you. We all have staffing problems from time to time so sub contracting labour off each other would also be an option.

Come on people. Think about it !!!!!

Regards Arthur

[domestic bliss]

You are quite right James.  I have had a local company pass on my details to a customer they couldn't do.  As it happens the customer was to far away from me as well.  But the thought was there

[Art]

Well let's start the ball rolling 

I cover slough, windsor and surrounding areas

[Art]

12 people have viewed this topic and only one has replied come on people!!!

Does anyone want to give any views why this wouldn't be a good idea

Better customer service and passing on work and help!! Surely from a business point of view this has to be good 

[dustdees]

Nice One,

I'm glad that at least someone holds the same opinon as me.

Gwc Cleaning,Domestic Bliss & Cherub Cleaning have my details:

I have had work from GWC & Cherubs Cleaning(Ny COUSIN):
We now have a pact that if we can't do we pass it on!!

COME ON EVERYONE GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!

[brookie12]

Hi
I belive that you have to be very careful when passing on work as the company you mybe passing the work on to might not be up to your standards.
so its catch 22 if you know the company then thats fine but if you dont watch out dont like to be the doom and gloom but crap companys operate everywhere.

i  was told by a freind on friday that i could not do her end of tennancy clean for her, as it had to be up to the high standard of the letting agents(JOKE) so all i did was the carpets for her after the place had been cleaned WELL i will tell you that if that house had been cleaned then i am santa....it was realy bad and we had to call back the company to re do the clean again on a friday night so it just goes to show that the is companys out there willing to rip you off
so please be very careful who s number you pass on....

[Art]

Hi Brookie,

 Your absolutely right. Personally speaking i've worked very hard to gain and maintain high standards in everything my company does.
I for one wouldn't sub out or recommend just anyone as this would damage my reputation. But if companies are set up professionally ie h& s policy,risk assesments, uniformed staff, proper insurance etc.. then we'd be half way there. Then maybe a face to face meeting.

[Sarah Sarill]

Hello everyone,

I posted a similar post a while ago on the w/c section because I am geting w/c calls for area I dont cover from my YP advert.

I requested the company name, contact telephone number and specific details of what areas they were prepared to cover in the SE Wales area.

I did stress that the concept was not a recommendation but just an alternative number for the client to call and that it was their responsibility to check out they conformed to all the H&S guidelines on Insurances etc.

Wait for it................. yes, I had one reply.

Nowt queer as folk eh !!!!

Someone did suggest keeping a record of thes details on a locked subject for easy reference - maybe that's a possibility here too.

Good luck with your efforts Arthur,

Kind regards,

Sarah

[dustdees]

JAMES123,

Unlucky, I had a enquiry for Cookham Dean last week, but didn't know anyone that covered that area!!

[Art]

Hi Dustees,

 Well my email is on there so anything else comes up give me a shout, Flat out at the moment but if can fit anything in i will. At the end of the day it's all money.
How far down towards my way do you cover?

[dustdees]

HI James

We will cover up to Henley on Thames, but if it's a big job and worth the travel we would consider it.

Cheers


Den

[exoclean]

It might help us all if everyone filled in their profile and possibly the type of work they did and how far we are prepared to travel for work. If we wanted to extend the idea further maybe setup a "Clean It Up" type of federation where contact information is exchanged between say a Window Cleaner and a Carpet Cleaner in the same area or someone that specialises in outdoor cleans like me, who does Pressure Washing and someone from domestic/commercial indoor cleans, the possibilties are endless.

Obviously it has to be properly thought out and some sort of compensation or mutual exchange arranged but what harm could come to small operations or large operations helping each other. Someone that just cleans windows will not be hurting his/her own business if that customer wanted their carpets cleaned or her drive washed, would it? The thing with a lot of people is they're too frightened to pass information onto others incase others might do better with "their" contact. Its fine if you can clean everything but few can, so by helping someone you will be helping yourself. We talk to each other every day on here and when we hear of a job we cant do comes up most people just wash their hands of it and let the customer do their own searching. If we took on some responsibilty and helped to find a suitable cleaner, your customer would have a higher opinion of you.

To some extent you have to do some homework and make sure the people you are in tandem with are properly insured, are as good as they say they are and possibly examples of their work or references from previous customers. Think how much money we can save each other on advertising if we helped each other. There is only so much we can do. A friendly professional exchange would help many small and large businesses alike.

What do you think?

Paul

[Art]

Paul,

 That's exactly the kind of response i was looking for. Anyone got anymore opinions or ideas on this?

[martin19842]

hi there

james 123,

we work on a contract or sub contract basis, and our specialist division will work nationwide, as we will project manage the full job.

i have several relationships with people on clean it up, and am more than willing to pay finders fees on work found.  And the people that i have raletionships with know that.

I am always of the opinion that nobody should ever turn work down, there are a number of cleaning companies operating that are now building up a good client base,and are building a good reputation for themselves, so when a job comes along that they cannot do then we are more than willing to help out.

To the extent where we will do joint site visits and meetings to ensure that the client appreciates the seriousness that we take our role.

As cleaning is the last trade through the door, then usually time is of the essence, if a place is opening or being occupied then the deadline has to be met.

to give you and example we got a lead from here on a wednesday evening, we did the site meeting on the thursday evening, and completed the work overnight on the friday.

regards

martin

[exoclean]

Just to add to my previous post on how we can help each other. When at the customer's place of business or home be vigilant and ask questions such as, Is there anything else you might need help with? for example I noticed while washing your drive your windows could benefit from a professional clean. I know this window cleaner who works this area and is part of a the "federation", he/she is a real professional. When would it be best to make an appointment for you to have an informal chat with them? Would during the week or weekend be best?

They give you a time and date, call you your business buddy and off we go. It takes seconds, it shows you care and they are more likely to use them if they come recommended by another professional.

The amount of work I add on to the original job I do is how I keep myself busy. I normally start with the drive and end up doing the patio and/or walls as well. When I'm doing the patio I often get my gardener friend a small maintenance contract as well. It does work for you personally and for others as well. You just have do your job well and then use your charm to get any add-ons.

Unfortunately for me the autumn is here and as I do domestics my workload has slowed down but any opportunity I get to help anyone I will do my best.

Paul

[Art]

Paul,
 Whichpart of london do u cover?

Martin,
 Was thinking more of a network thing, maybe i misunderstood your reply but you seem to be more on the lines of commision for getting you jobs.
Moost of the work i do is short notice late nights weekends, really anything that gets the job completed to the clients deadline. But i'll keep you in mind .

Arthur

PS I gather from your posts your main business is builders cleans?
What part of the country are you based?

[exoclean]

I'm based in Chingford which is on the borders of East and North London. I'm minutes away from the M25 and can get to most London and Home counties quite easily. In my last business I was working in transport so driving for me is not a problem. Do you have anything interesting in mind?

[Art]

Paul,
Is it only pressure washing you do?

[exoclean]

With regards to cleaning, yes.

I'm quite new to this I have only been in business for about 6 months. I also carry out some light maintenance and offer a sealing service. I went on one of these sealing courses and had instruction on how and when to apply the sealant. I have used my training on a few jobs and have, without blowing my own trumpet too much, done a pretty good job.

I'm always prepared to turn my hand to most things and if I think I can do it with some level of competence I'll will give it a go. I won't however take on anything that is beyond my level of ability or if I dont have the right equipment. Hence, why I believe in this exchange idea as being good for all involved.

Paul

[windolene]

Hi,

without reading all the posts apart from the first few it is my thought that window cleaners generally have a full book & are not looking for new work. Besides a customer looking for a local cleaner will look local. I think anyone partaking in this network will receive little or no work at all.

Just my thoughts.

Kevin WINDOLENE.