[PurefectWindowCleaning]

In 9 years of trading, ive never charged more than the normal price for a 1st clean. (looking back, HOW STUPID)

Anyway, as from today that changed...


1 off clean = double regular clean

Regular clean = pay 1 in advance (to stop new customers saying there regular and then cancel)
The one in advance will also cover if they move out etc and not tell me and we clean windows without knowing etc


Whats your views on charging one in advance? The only issue I can think of is if they die (for example). you will have to pay 'the advanced clean' back to next of kin somehow.


Hope you follow 

[scottt24]

Never thought of it before but think it could be a good idea for first cleans as it asks for a bit of trust from both sides
Don't think you could ask for double for first cleans though when asking for advance payment for second clean

[PurefectWindowCleaning]

Never thought of it before but think it could be a good idea for first cleans as it asks for a bit of trust from both sides
Don't think you could ask for double for first cleans though when asking for advance payment for second clean

I wouldnt charge double for the 1st clean, if they said they were going to be a regular. I would only ask for one in advance.

 

[robbo333]

I thought about charging more on first cleans, but I don't. It's a bit of extra work, but if I think it could lead to a good, reliable customer then it's worth it. Also, I would never charge for a clean in advance. It's a bit like saying 'I don't trust you'. If they cancel then they cancel. To me, customers either want their windows cleaned on a regular basis or they don't. All the ideas and gimmicks in the world won't change that. You provide a good, regular, reliable service. The custys get to know you, they like you and they trust you. I'd rather build a good customer base once, properly and slowly, than keep having to rebuild with gimmicks and persuasion.
That's how I role 

[PurefectWindowCleaning]

I thought about charging more on first cleans, but I don't. It's a bit of extra work, but if I think it could lead to a good, reliable customer then it's worth it. Also, I would never charge for a clean in advance. It's a bit like saying 'I don't trust you'. If they cancel then they cancel. To me, customers either want their windows cleaned on a regular basis or they don't. All the ideas and gimmicks in the world won't change that. You provide a good, regular, reliable service. The custys get to know you, they like you and they trust you. I'd rather build a good customer base once, properly and slowly, than keep having to rebuild with gimmicks and persuasion.
That's how I role 

Robbo - have you ever started to clean a house to then find out they have moved out?

Also, the paying in advance stops any 1 off clean customers having you over saying they are gonna be regular but then cancel. Because either way, you will be getting the 1 off clean price. You see?

[robbo333]

I thought about charging more on first cleans, but I don't. It's a bit of extra work, but if I think it could lead to a good, reliable customer then it's worth it. Also, I would never charge for a clean in advance. It's a bit like saying 'I don't trust you'. If they cancel then they cancel. To me, customers either want their windows cleaned on a regular basis or they don't. All the ideas and gimmicks in the world won't change that. You provide a good, regular, reliable service. The custys get to know you, they like you and they trust you. I'd rather build a good customer base once, properly and slowly, than keep having to rebuild with gimmicks and persuasion.
That's how I role 

Robbo - have you ever started to clean a house to then find out they have moved out?

Also, the paying in advance stops any 1 off clean customers having you over saying they are gonna be regular but then cancel. Because either way, you will be getting the 1 off clean price. You see?

James, I see what you are saying mate and yes i have been had a couple of times but now I smile loads and ask more questions. I probably will get shafted again but hopefully not too much.

I couldn't ask for payment in advance just because I thought a custy would cancel! I would actually rather they cancelled and I could devote my time to proper customers that will help me build a stable and reliable business. It sounds like you are trying to get the best out of dodgy customers and I am just trying to get the good ones. Don't get me wrong i've got the dodgy ones too.

[scottt24]

By asking for advance payment for second clean you should get a good idea by their reaction if they're going to be messers
You can then decide whether to even bother with first clean

[PurefectWindowCleaning]

By asking for advance payment for second clean you should get a good idea by their reaction if they're going to be messers
You can then decide whether to even bother with first clean

Exactly. 

[robbo333]

By asking for advance payment for second clean you should get a good idea by their reaction if they're going to be messers
You can then decide whether to even bother with first clean

Exactly. 

It that works for you then go for it!

[Johnny B]

I am with Robbo on this.

It takes both sides to build a trusting relationship. If you take monies in advance, what guarantee does the customer have that you would turn up to do the next clean?

I am not insinuating that you are like this James, I am sure you are not, but remember some customers may have been burnt by believing they have a windy who is completely trustworthy. That itself may be true, but sometimes things happen beyond anyone's control that means that the windy stops turning up.

John    

[PurefectWindowCleaning]

I am with Robbo on this.

It takes both sides to build a trusting relationship. If you take monies in advance, what guarantee does the customer have that you would turn up to do the next clean?

I am not insinuating that you are like this James, I am sure you are not, but remember some customers may have been burnt by believing they have a windy who is completely trustworthy. That itself may be true, but sometimes things happen beyond anyone's control that means that the windy stops turning up.

John    

Thanks for the reply John.

Yes, thats a good point. I guess my argument would be that we have been established for nearly ten years, and am the leading company in my area...

I might give it a try on the next few customers we pick up just to test the water.

 

[Steve Sed]

Just charge more for the first clean. That way you aren't questioning their honesty and you are getting paid for the extra work. I have never had a problem with it.

[Window Washers]

I tend to make it clear there are two different prices. One off clean or a regular price (4 cleans or more cancel within the time then there is a different of regular price against one off for first clean price tend to cut out large % of messers your always going to get some what ever you do.

I personally think this would affect take up rates I never worry about the minority as they are a small part of the bigger picture.

[G Griffin]

If you've any doubts, you could ask for payment before the subsequent cleans.

[Ian101]

A good way to expose their intentions is to ask following when they ask for a price.

"Do you want a regular clean or is it the one off"

then you deal with whatever the reply is ..................... but back to the OP yes I started charging more for the 1st clean last year and no problems so far apart from remembering to do it 

[formb]

I don't charge extra for first cleans.

1offs are £50 call out + double normal price.

[Ian101]

I don't charge extra for first cleans.

1offs are £50 call out + double normal price.

fair play to that ..... do you do many ?

[formb]

I don't charge extra for first cleans.

1offs are £50 call out + double normal price.

fair play to that ..... do you do many ?

Virtually none, but then that's the idea. I'm not really interested in 1 offs, to be honest charging £50 call out + double just about makes it worthwhile doing, but only just.

[richard jagger]

I think its all window cleaner should consider. Its a step closer to been professional. What one could always do is give back half at the 4th clean if you felt it was fair. I would not though been caught to many times.Well done James and all who agree. 

[dazmond]

i keep it simple.if its a dirty first clean then double my maintenance clean price.

if its a first clean and the windows are pretty clean then normal maintenance clean price.

i dont take on one offs ever.


regards



dazmond