[richard jagger]

Well we all come to a point in our business when we need to move into a higher level of professionalism. This must surely include T/c I am quite resolved with what I have done so far.I would like some  constructive in put,with out the avalanche "No it won`t work " . If it is the response you feel I guess you not ready for it yet. Its just  thought at this point.
So here goes.
TerMS of Service:

1: The W/c will free of  charge  re clean any glass window not clean and of a sub standard result, if advised by the customer within 48 hours by phone or text. Please advice on the exacted windows.
2: The w/c will not be held responsible for any damage made prior  to cleaning of glass. We will inform you were possible of such damage
3: The w/c would expect customer to advise prior to going on Holiday or Time away from home so alternate arrangement can be made. We can still clean you property safely while you are away and will respect and observe your property & home security.
4: The w.c will expect 7 days prior notice period termination of service.
5: The W /cwill not accept any doorstep cancellation or deferment of service and will apply a charge of  £8.00 to defray cost of arriving.
6:The w/c will at all time respect you and your property and will expect the same in return.
7:If for any reason the customer defaults on payment the w/c   retains the right to seek payment by legal means. This cost will be for the account of the defaulting customer's account.
8:Payment may not be with held as a means of negotiation a conflict  between parties.

The w/c will apply these terms in a fair minded and reasonable manner.

ANYONE WANTING USE  IT, FEEL FREE TO USE S IT A BASE FOR YOUR OWN TERM AND CONDITIONS

[andyM]

If the wizard does get a doorstep cancellation does he turn the customer into a frog? 

[Ste b]

Id change number 1 to 24 hour guarantee,

[scottt24]

^^^ what he said
Spelling and grammar needs some attention
Terms seem reasonable to me and probably will to most w/cs but will be surprised if you can make it stick with customers

[richard jagger]

I o need to go over the grammar as I put this on to quick.
As far as the wizard goes I don`t know ere that came from must be a cut a paste error.
If I could I would turn up on the doorsteps and turn a few in customers.
 
  Stb e Do you think 48hours to too long and why. I still find I do not quite grasp the bussiness culture of people in the U K so do not always know what reasonable is.

If you see grammar faults do correct e as my first language is not English as most know.I thought I was getting a lot better.

[C o z y]

Smithie, all well and good having T&C. What if the custy dont stick to them, or how will you enforce them? IMO, if people feel they are "signing upto" something, they don't feel good about it. Your next windy tips up to canvass, and they jump ship because he has no T&C's.

It's a guard dog with no teeth mate.

[C o z y]

Maybe the best way is to get moe work than you can handle, and then you won't need T/C, because if any custy starts to cause you stress, you drop them.

I've found the answer to most problems in this game is get more custies.

[Ian Lancaster]

Maybe the best way is to get moe work than you can handle, and then you won't need T/C, because if any custy starts to cause you stress, you drop them.

I've found the answer to most problems in this game is get more custies.

I agree with Cozy - trying to impose conditions on the customers is a dead-end street, they'll just tell you to do one.

We use T&C's but only to establish what we will/will not do and under what conditions:

   TERMS & CONDITIONS
         
1. WEATHER.  We work in most conditions, but see the
RAIN GUARANTEE in the attached leaflet
         
2  APPOINTMENTS;  Only by special agreement - substantial
additional payment required.   
         
3. METHOD:  See "Water Fed Pole" leaflet
         
4. PERIOD:  Every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on work load
never less than 4.      
         
5. HOURS;  8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday
         
6. ACCESS:  Required at any reasonable time ONLY for
performing service.  Fully insured, copy certificate
supplied on request      
         

[jonathan lorentsen]

I think Ian Lancaster t&c work better than smithy t&c. They will just do what they want and the only answer is to be at 110% capacity then you can just move onto the next job if they say not today and then put them on the end of the list. Most that are committed to getting their windows cleaned regularly won't mess you about.

[Smudger]

Well said cozy and Ian

No point in trying wrap people up in pointless and unenforceable rules and regs

Darran

[richard jagger]

Thanks guys for your input I do respect many of the points made on this matter and also understand were you are coming from as I having been at this malarky for some time.
But di feel the need yo have some ground rules and that is what they are.
 T /c are  not a matter of forcing the  customer into submission but a way of  encouraging mutual of respect. You will find there will be a dog or two who will try to flaunt your T/C (rules of service ), as it now stands we dump them. But most of our customers will respect you for having some sort of (rules )or T/Cs in  the first place. As most business have  them  and it encourages  customers  to cooperate and understand the boundaries of your business.
 
Think of our schools,for example. Only the teacher have t/c of employment. But what about the kids? its this lack of rules that leads our teachers out of that profession and the kids into  wilderness of disorder in there lives.
 
T /C are not a law but tells the customer what they can expect of a business relationship with your Company.

These is a term used in business  studies and at a risk of sound high brow or been up myself.

It says you don`t have to be a big business to a treated as if you are.

[richard jagger]

Well said cozy and Ian

No point in trying wrap people up in pointless and unenforceable rules and regs

Darran

Why don`t you tell bigger businesses they re wasting there time. I am sure you have had to tow the line of many T/C of business.
If this was the case why to we all pay for transport of goods bought say from Gardeners.Because we will not receive the order.
The only thing stopping us becoming a true industry or getting the respect we deserve and have worked for, like any other business is our own self image.Think small stay small.This is a fact.
This also why some clean large commercial, big income work and others clean the chippy`s windows a fiver.
I will wait for the onslaught.

[C o z y]

I see your points Smithie, but as we've said, trying to enforce them is useless. I know some would like to make this window cleaning malarky a bit more respectable as any other service, but the truth is, you have to respect your own business and hope others will respect it too.

The simple fact is, the public see us as a luxury service mostly, but the image in most peoples eyes will be of the George Formby or Stan Ogden type of affair. That's because most people think its a cloth and ladder job. Some tip up and clean the windows with a hose and a pole with a brush on the end etc etc.

We can't ram it down their throats about us being some sort of "proper" business mate, if they think any plonker can clean a window. So when you tip up at the door and start explaining about T&C's, they get that glazed eye look and tell you to sling ya hook.

As I said, if you have too much work, anyone who messes you about will be filtered out by natural selection. I think you're flogging a dead horse trying to make joe public see us as anything like a business. Maybe some do, who cares? Just count the money and let the other trades work longer and harder for the same money we earn. 

[Smudger]

Again I can't put it better than cozy,  go ahead spend all the time you like and print off reams of paper with long lists of what you expect but it's pointless if you can not or won't follow up on these most people cant even follow the principle behind water fed pole cleaning basically they want you to turn up clean and go away with Ian's T&C it's about the company not a dictation to the customer

It's your biz mate but you put this up for comments and you have been given great advice from very experienced people.

Darran

[robbo333]

Smithie, I can't understand why you'd want to do it?
We're window cleaners; a tradition of happy chappies who turn up on a regular basis and provide a good window cleaning service with and a smile and a bit of banter. 
As soon as you add T&Cs, we become...a bit 'corporate'! No one likes corporate. Remember you tie yourself in too with T&Cs.
You don't need T&Cs to be professional. You just need to act professional, present yourself in a professional manner and do a top job.
And if you have issues with customers, then either change the way you work or dump the custys and replace them. Problem solved.
I think window cleaning is not based on T&Cs, it's based on trust, honesty and a good working relationship with your custys.
Some custys are a PIA but that's the business we're in. Every business has its problems and ours is custys and the weather!
Good luck implementing your T&Cs and I hope it works well for you.

[richard jagger]

Thanks Robb it does make sense. We are and will always be rag tag bunch.

[richard jagger]

 
I have some stick for writing this thread I do want to run a business, and not a informal chaotic business were my customer respect me and I them.
THis statement below might go a little way to understand were I am coming from. I completely understand if you have different views, but its what I feel is good for my business.
What I asked for was help to understand the customer I serve.
As many on this forum know I am a British born that grew up is an ex colony of the U K. And therefore do not always understand the correct way to run my window cleaning business in our U K as my values do not naturally match the U K cultural .So many of my crazy questions are only an attempt to understand things in my day to day workings
   I would be happy if it could be understood were I am coming from at times.

[mgba_78]

Why complicate it

Turn up, look smart, do a good job, interact with customers where possible (shows you are a real human) collect money and repeat every month.

I dont see Ts and Cs would add anything to my business and i see us as one of the most professional W/C around our area. I think customers know the gig without having it written down and  saying youre gonna charge £8 if they turn you away?? Really?

Good luck if you do go with it

Andy

[richard jagger]

So  there is life after death and there is a brain behind all these threads . I agree T/C are rubbish then, and we don`t need them. We are an  informal industry, were customers dont expect much of us. But hay,we are what we are.

[AuRavelling79]

If you don't have an order number/invoice situation (I do for my top 5 commercials) then I see little point.

Bit like buying stuff in a shop - it's a till receipt unless it's a big ticket item.

However an out of the ordinary job especially with a new customer I'd have some terms and conditions.

For example - last April a prospective custy had seen one of my cards and asked if I could do w/c at their commercial premises. My terms were met (in writing via email) which basically were.

We're insured.

Risk Assessment

What I'd do and when. (flexibility allowed for ice and parking) Big 1st clean plus three quarterly follow ups outsides only with exact prices.

Payment  terms and method (30 days, cheque or online)

For domestics - never. (Maybe email exchange about price and frequency for the biggest of jobs or new jobs.)