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joshem

  • Posts: 163
Caterpillar to Butterfly
« on: January 14, 2013, 01:00:50 am »
Hopefully going to be making the transition from trad to WFP very soon. Just wanted to know a couple of things:

1. As a rule, how bad are the first few cleans because of having previously not cleaned the frames / used detergents for the windows?

2. Because of the potential for the above, did you clean the (dirty) frames free of charge to compensate?

I just think that with the customer already being a bit dubious about this new method that asking for extra money to clean the frames seems a bit of a cheek. Plus they've not asked for them to be cleaned, it's been forced upon them...

scottt24

  • Posts: 397
Re: Caterpillar to Butterfly
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2013, 07:19:51 am »
If cleaned correctly then most houses won't be a problem
But I would definately tell them it may take two or three cleans to get rid of soap residue
Most customers are too dazzled by the sight of clean frames to notice a few spots when you first change over
Having said that you will loose some because they won't think they're getting their money's worth anymore even with the shiny frames
Thanks,
              Scott

SherwoodCleaningSe

  • Posts: 2368
Re: Caterpillar to Butterfly
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2013, 08:02:30 am »
If your asking for extra money to clean the frames you may use a shed load of customers.  When I changed over I cleaned every window twice frames and glass then just glass, the results were generally good.  I know that trad cleaners normally charge a lot more for frames but wfp cleaners will clean frames effectively free of charge.

Simon.

dazmond

  • Posts: 24434
Re: Caterpillar to Butterfly
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2013, 08:13:58 am »
i put loads of prices up on my round when i switched over as i was able to clean windows over connies,skylights and 3 storey windows.

i lost around 4 customers because they didnt like WFP.some customers just put up with it for a few months until i got used to the new system.


go for it!!

by the way you will be a lot SLOWER using WFP for the first few weeks!! ;D ;D ;D ;D
price higher/work harder!

Small but perfectley formed

  • Posts: 1747
Re: Caterpillar to Butterfly
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2013, 11:02:25 am »
When we changed over we never cleaned the frames all my prices a low because they are fortnightly cleans only problems we had was people don't like change and windows left wet,  but the majority get used to it.
If your prices don't pemit cleaning the frames don't why work for free.
Spit and polish

chez

Re: Caterpillar to Butterfly
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2013, 12:05:45 pm »
Hey.
You can help with the risk of leaving too many marks. What I did was, on the last time I did the upstairs trad, I cleaned the windows but gave the frame above the glass a real good wipe with microfibre as if it is really dirty it mixes with the water and leaves terrible runs for the first 2 or 3 cleans wfp on every house.  Warn your customers about the swap over and the possibility of marks but it will get better and better. I have over 600 customers previously cleaned trad and swapped over to about 90% wfp. Lost a few but gained much more as I can reach higher windows and awkward. If any were funny i just said to them politely that " with respect they are asking me to do something that they are not willing to do - go up a ladder and your life " I've come to the point were I'm not risking it any more. Most were fine but as I said lost a few. I was really frightened if I'm honest cos its my income to pay bills! But all was fine. It's interesting now as most of my customers look at the investment I've made and view me as one who uses modern technology and as more and more use it they get used to it. Not a knock on trad tho cos I did it for 24 years with a ladder. 4 years wfp btw.
Hope it helps.

PurefectWindowCleaning

  • Posts: 2303
Re: Caterpillar to Butterfly
« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2013, 06:47:15 pm »
So you guys never cleaned the frames as standard when traditional?  ::)

Pathetic

chez

Re: Caterpillar to Butterfly
« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2013, 09:48:52 pm »
So you guys never cleaned the frames as standard when traditional?  ::)

Pathetic

Not for the prices I charge or I wouldn't make any money!

CLEANCARE WC

  • Posts: 4454
Re: Caterpillar to Butterfly New
« Reply #8 on: January 14, 2013, 09:57:39 pm »
The 3 clean thing imo is a complete myth, any new job I get now regardless of the state of the windows or how they were previously cleaned, I get the job done 1st time and im sure most others do... its probably more to do with not having aquired the correct technique when starting out wfp.

WE CLEAN BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT WITH WATER FED POLE WHEN WORKING AT HEIGHT.