[magic moments]

So far most of my 7 custys want texting before I come and clean so they can have the cash on them is this ok to do this or will this make them inclined to give me the old leave it this time etc?

[bobplum]

you only have 7 customers?,i wouldn't bother texting

[GDwindowcleaning]

He is just starting out so numbers dont matter, we used to text and you do get the odd cancellation but we used it as a mechanism to cut out the timewasters. There is an arguement for both sides but we did, helps with access too...

[Bay View WCS]

When I first started I offered this where I needed to gain access thinking it would save time in the long run and it would be another 'customer service' I was offering.  However, it did leave me open to the 'leave it this time brigade' so now I just tell them if they are not in I will climb the gate carefully or clean the accessible windows at a proportion of the full price; this works better for me and doesn't leave me feeling like I've been kicked in the nuts for offering better 'customer service'!!

[magic moments]

I think il do this for the few customers I have ,and when I get new ones I will try and steer clear of doing it if possible,I suppose at least they have the money ready.

[king marko]

I text before cleans with some, and most are fine but you always get the odd 'not this time'
I know a bloke who sends a  text reading something like ' this is an automated text message-please don't reply. Your windows are due for cleaning tomorrow-please leave us access, thanks'
He claims it's reduced the messers drastically??
I prefer the personal touch tbh  

[GDwindowcleaning]

For anyone that tried to cancel I just text back saying we only offered a regular service and if thats not what they wanted we would take them off our list. That kept most on or sorted them out as a messer so we dropped them. It kept 99 percent on monthlys. I like the idea of the automated text idea though...

[Rayleigh Window Cleaning Services]

Dont get involved with all this texting the night before, start the way you mean to carry on. Educate the customer, tell them you call monthly, 6 weekly or what you agree to do and Job done.
There will always be the odd few who must be text but steer clear if poss.

Steve

[GDwindowcleaning]

Its a personal choice thing, my customers loved it and once they know they cant cancel at will it works. And only took 5 mins the day before to send the texts once set up on your phone...

[colley614]

I think you should aim at canvassing a bit more mate and turn that 7 into 70

[magic moments]

I intend to watch this space,just wanted to start on the right path,when you turn up unannounced. Do you find most custies have the cash on them and what do you do if they don't?

[king marko]

The ones who don't need contacting for access/whatever - just turn up and clean.
If they are in they may pay cash? they might pay chq?
The ones who aren't home, I leave a SAE with a slip which has all the details on it (my address, date cleaned, price, payment details)
Don't bother with putting a stamp on envelope tho it's not worth it
Some guys leave a card with a date on for when they'll call back and collect the money - the choice is yours

[SB Cleaning]

Its a personal choice thing, my customers loved it and once they know they cant cancel at will it works. And only took 5 mins the day before to send the texts once set up on your phone...

I do this i have very little problems.

[britishwill]

We email the week before, or near enough!
The email always says when we are coming and if they needs anything else doing like insides, gutters or driveway cleaning. We will almost always have one say they are not around or not convenient, but on the flip side we always have at least one client that wants an extra service!
So I see it I can keeping the customer service by informing them but also not loosing out as those extra jobs I pick up more than compensate to the one that needs rearranging.

Also with messers etc I imediately say we only offer a regular wc if you would like me to take you off the list that is fine. Or if they are on 4or 6 weekly move to 8 weekly mention that. Most believe it or not say ok especially once they realise you have a family to fed/business to run. I assume they want to stay because we are good and other wc's have not been?
Also on every quote I email the client stating we only offer a regular wc service and mention the schedules we offer.

[Deangsi]

This is how i do it i turn up weather there is anyone there or not,better they not there as i can work fast without explaining myself,ticket the house of i go collection on the evenings all my work is local so only collect two nights a week. Had loads of custys asking me to ring nite before i dont text or ring anyone. But if i did it would be a standard saved message i could send to all that evening.i never tell people what day i will be there next time either.basically you get your ticket then i collect
 not trying to be a di## but its the only way for me imagine texting or ringing over 200 people a month giving them a day or even a time no thanks lol

[supernova77]

I only text customers when I need them to leave their gate unlocked for access to the back.

I've had customers in the past ask me to text them before each clean... They generally turned into messers... They are all dumped now!

Andy