[Johnny B]

... who is on holiday for this week only.

Today I was asked by the manageress of one if I could go back and do them again next week as they said I do a better job than my friend. 

I would have loved to, as it is in the middle of town, and I am certain it would lead to me getting more work. On principle I had to decline, explaining that my friend had done me a really good turn in offering the work to me, and that I couldn't return the favour by stabbing him in the back. She fully understood, but still asked for my number in case she needs me in the future. 

Just thought I'd share that with you all.

John

[C o z y]

Bit tricky that one mate. Business is business but friend is friend. Even if she cancels him, if you then get the job, it makes you look bad anyway. For the sake of a few jobs, I wouldn't do it.

Canvass some shops anyway, see how it goes.

[keyser soze]

Bit tricky that one mate. Business is business but friend is friend. Even if she cancels him, if you then get the job, it makes you look bad anyway. For the sake of a few jobs, I wouldn't do it.

Canvass some shops anyway, see how it goes.

+1

[ben M]

... who is on holiday for this week only.

Today I was asked by the manageress of one if I could go back and do them again next week as they said I do a better job than my friend. 

I would have loved to, as it is in the middle of town, and I am certain it would lead to me getting more work. On principle I had to decline, explaining that my friend had done me a really good turn in offering the work to me, and that I couldn't return the favour by stabbing him in the back. She fully understood, but still asked for my number in case she needs me in the future. 

Just thought I'd share that with you all.

John

tell your friend the same thing as above

[Johnny B]

Good advice. I believe I will get other work from this anyway, as I believe I left the manageress with a favourable impression, and she may spread the word anyway. If not, I've lost nothing.

I remember another situation years ago. I got into window cleaning through another friend. He taught me, gave me a job and we worked together for a few months.

About a year later I was cleaning another friend's windows (she lived in a road where my  windy friend had probably half the houses. A guy across the road asked me to do his. I felt very uneasy as I was sure he was my friend's custy. In order to put him off I gave an inflated price. Shock, horror, he accepted.

Some months later I was cleaning this house when my friend drove past. He was livid and gave me some serious earache for weeks after. Can't say I blame him, but I wouldn't wish to do the same again.

John    

[Gav Camm lammy 283]

wot shop
could well be on me new list lol

[scottt24]

wot shop
could well be on me new list lol

LOL ? Can't see that taking another mans livelihood is anything to laugh about

[George P]

wot shop
could well be on me new list lol

LOL ? Can't see that taking another mans livelihood is anything to laugh about

whenever you get any new jobs (commercial or domestic) you are taking somebodies livlihood,

[Gav Camm lammy 283]

Il take all ya work

[Roy Harding]

I had the exact same thing happen. And replied as you did, and also told the other window cleaner. There are several window cleaners in the town, and they all pinch each others work at the drop of a hat.

But they all trust me, and never go for any of my work, as they have respect for me in that way.

However one did take a job a small pub, then a few months later a retirement home he did asked if I would tender. I was £50 over the top of his price and still took the job. He came and asked whats going on? I explained he had taken the pub and I was more expensive. To this day we get on well.

And if any of them need help they all ring me.

Roy

[dazmond]

if a customer of one of my rival/friends? asks me to clean their windows because they are not doing a good job i will take it on no problem if its in my area of work.

if i was helping a windy friend out with some of their work because they were on holiday then no but id tell the friend he needs to up his game!

ive lost the odd job to other windys usually because they were friends or prefer trad.its never bothered me.always another customer just around the corner.

[Dean Taberner]

You do get a bit of that with national window cleaning contracts.

[traps7]

if a customer of one of my rival/friends? asks me to clean their windows because they are not doing a good job i will take it on no problem if its in my area of work.

if i was helping a windy friend out with some of their work because they were on holiday then no but id tell the friend he needs to up his game!

ive lost the odd job to other windys usually because they were friends or prefer trad.its never bothered me.always another customer just around the corner.

I agree.

But as for taking another man's living in general, not a friend - tough! it's up to each of us to keep our customers happy else they will go somewhere else. If he's not doing his job properly then that's his problem.

[mark dew]

I think you've done the right thing.
You can help, but if you have to hold anyones hand in business it's doomed to failure in the end anyway. Then no-one has gained.
Custom comes and goes, friends should stay forever.

[Crystal-clear]

u done the right thing there, but let your friend know also find out which area of your work the customer liked more return the favour to your friend by telling him then he can improve on it!

[wfp master]

You do get a bit of that with national window cleaning contracts.

yes it becoming clearer.

[SPE]

You have been helping out a friend and he's helping you. He's trusted you with his work.
You have done the right thing, be honest with him and tell him as you have here, then its down to him.