[Lee Pryor]

Those who charge more for 1st cleans, how much more do you charge and do you find customers dont like/moan about this?

[Walter Mitty]

Those who charge more for 1st cleans, how much more do you charge and do you find customers dont like/moan about this?

I don't have a fixed amount or percentage.
If the windows are in a reasonable state and it feels like they will be a genuine regular, I will probably just charge my normal price.
If the windows are a bit of a mess and/or I sense that the customer might not be around too long, it's anything from adding between a third and two thirds.
If I get a bad feeling about someone wanting a cheap one off, it's double.
Any of the above may be varied depending on my work situation at the time.

I've n ever had a customer moan about this yet.  Mind you, a couple of them bumped me for the money down the years.

Using my intuition does cause some variation, but my initial feeling about a customer is usually about right.

[AuRavelling79]

This ^.

[Positivity]

I've never charged double, usually half as much again as the price for the house, this usually covers any extra effort.
I view the 1st clean as a selling point to demonstrate the clean we provide and an investment for future returns.
However having been caught out before on the promise of "We want a regular cleaning service" only to be turned away the next time because the windows and frames are still looking good.
Now, always a 1st clean price unless they have been well maintained either by themselves or another windie and there is no justification for an extra charge.

[SeanK]

Totally agree with Walter on this one, great post.

[Clever Forum Name]

Double first clean.  6th clean free.

Never done it yet tho lol 

[8weekly]

Doesn't work if Lee Pryor doesn't visit to quote which I'm guessing he doesn't. But I do as WM, even if it's an over the phone quote. You often get a feel.. a "spidey sense". 

[sunshine windows]

Quoting blind can be a nightmare. If they put you on the spot for a price, I'll always double the regular price.

Otherwise I assess each job/customer when visiting the property for an accurate price

[Shane sharples]

Quoted an end terrace the other day by looking on google street maps, couldn't be assed going out that day so gave a price over the phone which wasn't any extra as I thought it looks 'easy!' .... When I got there, there was some kind of sick or porridge or some crap all over one of the back windows!! that'll teach me for being lazy!

[jk999]

 Lol

[Smurf]

Nothing like quoting blind then finding out you have been stiched up like a kipper is there shrek 

[Shane sharples]

Iv learnt my lesson smurf ...never take on another end terraced customer 🙃

[Smudger]

More or less the same as Walter - and it also depends on if the customer is ringing in or canvassed, if they call us and the windows are bad it's double the 4 wky price ( if it's a good vibe I offer 6 TH clean at half price ) if out canvassing then it's about 30 to 40 % more, we used a canvasser who, in fairness got in lots of new work, but he targeted the most filthiest properties and couldn't get his head around the first price rule, so it was a painful time cleaning for no reward.

Darran

[a900]

Double the normal clean for me unless I feel it doesn't suit the job.

I usually say after I give the price 'I do usually charge double for the first clean because of the extra work required to get them looking nice' and see there reaction. It's normally 'that's fine' or 'ok'

[Mike #1]

50% more for first cleans unless they have been well maintained but even then i've lost out at times as some previous windys haven't cleaned the frames the thoroughly .

[Walter Mitty]

It's not unheard of to quote the first clean price and, when the customer queries it, to mention that subsequent cleans would cost a bit less.  If they don't query it ...

[robbo333]

I usually give a 'regular' price and then say that because their windows are really filthy, would they mind if I charge a bit more to cover my time, just for the first clean. I usually add on about a third more. Never had a single problem.  Also, it helps me to see the custys reaction and decide if they will be good long term material. 

[johnwillan]

Hi Lee

Hope all is well.

For inbound quotes via website and call centre the first clean is always plus 50%, obviously those that book have no complaints but I've no idea how many are put off by the thought. We also implement this on walk up's and canvassed jobs and rarely come across any objections.

Why not trial it with the call centre adding it to the script? You could also add a line to your printed matter such as "please note there is a 50% surcharge on first cleans"

HTH

John
 
 

[tonycarr]

i always charge double on 1st cleans, exceptions are   if  they look well maintained,  for example nice clean frames etc as it makes it easier for me, i`ll charge 50% extra,   a little old lady i might not charge any extra

i always spend extra time, the first time bringing them up to scratch. washing at least twice with a final rinse on the glass, when i explain that, and why, their 99% fine.

tony

[nathankaye]

Same as above, dependant on the state of the property. But as a rule of thumb, always charge extra for that first clean. I did when trad cleaned for 14yrs and more so since switching to wfp. It always takes that extra time and effort and because you are there that fraction longer, they feel their getting their moneys worth in. For little old dears, im cheekh with it, I charge em a cuppa n biscuit instead. That way, your training the customer as well lol.