[Bay View WCS]

He all

So a lady approaches me while cleaning the house opposite and asks for a price.  The couple are outside tidying their garden with their young son so I go over and quote £16.00 every 8 weeks which they accept.  I offer to clean while there and they have no money - no problem I say you can pay online; clean and leave slip with bank details, Paypal email and address.  This was 27th Feb.

11th March no payment received so text sent asking if payment made to correct account as none received; he apologised and said he would pay when home from work.  Next day get a text saying internet banking down and could he drop cash off - told him address was on leaflet but to leave til internet working if he wished.   At this point I'm still not too peed off as these things happen.

Fast forward to 20 April and get a text saying his internet now working again but bank details mislaid so could I text through - which I did.

Yesterday still no payment so sent the following:
'Good evening, I have checked my account and, despite assurances that payment would be made, cannot see a payment made for the window cleaning completed on the 27th February. Kindly make payment without further delay. Regards.'

Got a text this morning saying: 'all paid. apologies'

Now I'm gonna dump (and get 2 more  ) - no question about that as I think that this is a bad omen for future payment issues and a 'good custy' is one that pays, and pays on time.

As I said I was not really concerned that they were not going to pay - just that they were disorganised and/or couldn't be bothered getting round to it.  I also know that I should have chased sooner so I can take some of the blame for the delay.

But would they have been an automatic dump for you or is this by no means an extreme example?

Interested in your thoughts.

Cheers, Tom

[PoleKing]

I wouldn't dump just yet.
Not after one clean.
Offer standing order-they haven't got to remember then.

[davids3511]

You set the tone by telling him he could hang on until internet working. In his head your not that bothered about time lines so it wasn't a priority for him. I've done it myself and I think I am mostly responsible when they become p takers. It's very hard to change them back too without insulting them.

[HampshireWindowCleaning]

My round is full of twat5 like this, i'm gradually dumping them as I get new ones to replace them, like you said, once a bad payer, always a bad payer, it's the same old people every month.

[HampshireWindowCleaning]

Haha it changed t w a t to numptys, bit strict on here arent they

[dunn7179]

Two cleans and that's it if the haven't payed there out, they may of got two free cleans out of me, but slowly you build up a good round with good payers.

[SB Cleaning]

I would see how it goes on the next clean.....

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

I would encourage them to set up a standing order in fact you could make it a condition for your continued service for them.  It sounds like they are just forgetful, and they might have thought that paying immediately wasn't such a big deal as you said they could pay later.  They might be fantastic customers if given the chance.  If however I got messed around again I would drop instantly.

Simon.

[colin purewater]

I wouldn't dump just yet.
Not after one clean.
Offer standing order-they haven't got to remember then.

Took the words out of  my mouth there

[robertphil]

luicky you got yer money ##

now best to get rid before the real grief starts is my experience

[dazmond]

ive got about 5 customers that will soon be ex-customers.its the same ones every time.some are taking the pee now.on the plus side ive had the best months takings ever this month.

ive been guilty of being a bit soft with some of them but once paid im gonna drop them like a ton of bricks.

if you get a taxi somewhere you dont say to the driver "can i pay you in 2 or 3  months time?" do you??

[GB Window Cleaning]

give them one more chance maybe?!

[Handyman Window Cleaning Services]

i allow 2 unpaid cleans (subject to my discretion and my discretion is that I need to gain the trust of new customers)  I have had the same problem before after first clean customer took time to pay so I didn't do again, I was paid eventually and I explained other ways of paying. still clean windows this time I have no problem and I get paid online on the day.

you have showed them your not a push over, you were persistent about getting your money.  sometimes customers respect that and wont be slow again, sometimes they are embarrassed and try not to do it again.

However there are the ones that will always take the mick and have stupid excuses. 'sorry no cash' although I am swimming in it  to lazy to pay, to forgetful, think the window cleaner comes last.

[Mike #1]

You left it to long mate i tend to go knocking on the door at 8 am if i am getting messed about some custys who i was going to dump have sorted payment out without any probs since . Mike

[Bay View WCS]

It's close but numbers seem to suggest giving one more chance then!

A free clean it is then 

[stuart mc]

It's close but numbers seem to suggest giving one more chance then!

A free clean it is then 

one more chance my erse, just forget them, saying that I am a soft touch and keep giving one more chance but on occasions I make decision and stick to it