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Pro-Poler

  • Posts: 216
To Text Or Not To Text?
« on: February 25, 2014, 11:28:51 am »
Does anyone else refuse to text customers? I never do this anymore as it's incredible just lately how many use it as an excuse to say "leave it this time".

Smudger

  • Posts: 13459
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2014, 11:34:49 am »
Never,

They get a cleaned card with next date on, we always clean on that date, simples

Darran
Never argue with an idiot, they will only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience

SeanK

Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2014, 11:37:47 am »
The same method as Darran.

Pro-Poler

  • Posts: 216
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2014, 11:41:05 am »
Yes, I don't work in heavy rain so not practical for me, it's just texting I won't do, I will however phone, customers seem more shy of cancelling with a phone call, but more inclined to cancel if they can just press a few keys on a phone.

paul ette

  • Posts: 631
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #4 on: February 25, 2014, 03:23:40 pm »
i text, easier for gates etc and getting money left, always get the cancellations, but the ones that are reliable are always reliable, as soon as i have enough work to get rid of the not this time, i will ;)

A & J Owen Window Cleaning

  • Posts: 2192
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2014, 03:44:50 pm »
I text only for those where gates need to be open and they leave money ie it's easier for us. If they start saying not this time, then I stop texting and either get rid of them or just do the fronts.

♠Winp®oClean♠

  • Posts: 4085
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2014, 04:16:51 pm »
Texting is deadly for being messed about. ONLY in extreme circumstances will I contact the customer before cleaning.

Ian101

  • Posts: 7889
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #7 on: February 25, 2014, 05:20:01 pm »
Does anyone else refuse to text customers? I never do this anymore as it's incredible just lately how many use it as an excuse to say "leave it this time".

I text the odd one for gate access.

Try not to take em on nowadays but I will do as you have to give folks a chance to be good customers however they only get 1 chance ... normal exceptions of death .. on holiday ... builders in are ok but never accept anything along lines of we will leave it this month etc etc

Perfect Windows

  • Posts: 4303
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #8 on: February 25, 2014, 05:25:03 pm »
We text or call every single one, every single time.  Texts are much quicker and simpler so we prefer them.

Why?  Because we're idiots.

Vin

8weekly

Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #9 on: February 25, 2014, 05:35:43 pm »
We text or call every single one, every single time. 

Vin
When I first started I texted every one. Over time though I came to realise that some used would return with "not this time" and that it was more a question of me feeling more comfortable than any great need to text. I would often get replies like "the gate is always open so need to let me know". The biggest disadvantage though was the lack of flexibility if I got delayed, took on an extra job etc.

Now I will text for gates that are locked and don't have a problem with it. I very rarely get a "can you leave it this time". If I do, I clarify the reason and delete from Aworka if I am not happy with the reason. Occasionally I will be sneaky and say "is it because of the weather?". If they say yes, I text back that they are dumped. I take it personally I'm afraid.  ;D


♠Winp®oClean♠

  • Posts: 4085
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #10 on: February 25, 2014, 05:40:37 pm »
We text or call every single one, every single time. 

Vin
When I first started I texted every one. Over time though I came to realise that some used would return with "not this time" and that it was more a question of me feeling more comfortable than any great need to text. I would often get replies like "the gate is always open so need to let me know". The biggest disadvantage though was the lack of flexibility if I got delayed, took on an extra job etc.

Now I will text for gates that are locked and don't have a problem with it. I very rarely get a "can you leave it this time". If I do, I clarify the reason and delete from Aworka if I am not happy with the reason. Occasionally I will be sneaky and say "is it because of the weather?". If they say yes, I text back that they are dumped. I take it personally I'm afraid.  ;D



It's about flexibility for me too. Can't be arsed with with all this texting malarkey if the weather changes or I change my mind about where to go etc etc.

Normal houses get no notification, some of the bigger country houses, mansions etc are usually notified.

Dave Willis

Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #11 on: February 25, 2014, 05:44:35 pm »
I text about four out of four hundred for the same reasons.

tlwcs

  • Posts: 2162
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #12 on: February 25, 2014, 05:46:46 pm »
We text or call every single one, every single time.  Texts are much quicker and simpler so we prefer them.

Why?  Because we're idiots.

Vin

I'm afraid I'm an idiot too.
Group text, job done. Rarely get a knock back now.
I find most like to know your coming and see the text as a benefit.
Tony

Perfect Windows

  • Posts: 4303
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #13 on: February 25, 2014, 05:51:26 pm »
I've just sent out tomorrow's texts.  One response so far "Great"

Vin

robbo333

  • Posts: 2420
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #14 on: February 25, 2014, 05:53:20 pm »
I always text or phone 95 percent of my customers.
I get the odd 'not today thank you' but when I get busier these will go.
I get the odd genuine 'I have the builders in and scaffolding up' which I think is helpful to know.
Most are really good and leave the money out, or are expecting my payment slip for online payment (so it doesn't get missed).
I charge quite high prices and custys seem to like to be contacted the day before (I clean 8 weekly). I use it as a selling point.
In an ideal world, I'd have 10 percent more work each day than I wanted and this should allow for any 'no thank yous'
"Thank you for calling: if you have a 1st floor flat, mid terraced house, lots of dogs, no parking, no side access, or no sense of humour, please press hold!
For all other enquiries, please press1"

IDEAL50

  • Posts: 39
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #15 on: February 25, 2014, 05:55:31 pm »
If I had to text all my customers every month...
How would my £10 pay as you go top-up last?
At the moment it lasts about 2 1/2 months (yes I know Billy-no-mates)

Next you will be all agreeing to go on Twitter/facebook/instagram and the like... just to be seen!

so glad I'm not!

I already have a verbal contract with one and all my customers, that's good enough for me!

♠Winp®oClean♠

  • Posts: 4085
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #16 on: February 25, 2014, 06:00:45 pm »
I've just sent out tomorrow's texts.  One response so far "Great"

Vin

I've just not text any. Tomorrow though I'll clean all custies planned & get either cash, cheque or bank transfer from every one. I'll also get some "great" "nice to see you" "thanks" etc.

These custies will know roughly that I'm due. Nothing has been arranged so if the weather turns or anything else crops up I'm free to go with it without any added "re-notifying".

They are all trained, I don't need to text them. ;)

robbo333

  • Posts: 2420
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #17 on: February 25, 2014, 06:05:56 pm »
Unfortunately I need access and many of my customers have nice houses with big side gates, including electric gates at the front.
I'm coming up 50 years old and can't be arsed to climb over. Easier to text.
"Thank you for calling: if you have a 1st floor flat, mid terraced house, lots of dogs, no parking, no side access, or no sense of humour, please press hold!
For all other enquiries, please press1"

Frankybadboy

  • Posts: 9024
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #18 on: February 25, 2014, 06:47:02 pm »
I only send texts to customers to leave the gates open,about 10 in total



I also send then in text shorthand,like "plz leave de gate open tomor plz thxs" ;D ;D ;D

Don Kee

  • Posts: 4906
Re: To Text Or Not To Text?
« Reply #19 on: February 25, 2014, 06:54:29 pm »
I only send texts to customers to leave the gates open,about 10 in total



I also send then in text shorthand,like "plz leave de gate open tomor plz thxs" ;D ;D ;D

You missed out the kisses