[JackieW]

For what it's worth.

I was unsure  whether to carry on next week or not. So I decided to text and email my customers and ask them whether they would prefer to postpone my services or not.

I explained about social distancing, no contact, working alone, disposable gloves, little risk  etc etc.
I explained that the government have not said not to work, instead have said to carry on work.
That there is no instruction that only  'essential' workers are allowed to work.

Most, but not all,responded and apart from a tiny minority, almost all replies were along the vein, that 'yes, you can continue.'.

However, I have still decided that I would rather heed the message to stay home, as I personally feel it's the right thing to do for me.

So I contacted my customers with my decision in a follow up message.


Response:

Far more honest and appreciative. Rather than short 'yes we are happy to continue' it has been more detailed of their thought processes in whether they actually agree or not.

 Most have said they feel that to not carry on is the right decision but they just didn't want to say that before as they wanted to support me as they know its my livelihood.

So it got me thinking, that if I had carried on, some of my customers would deep down not have been that comfortable with it but just wouldn't say.

Since telling them of my decision to pause , several customers who did not reply to my first text asking for their views have now replied, saying that  they didn't want to say no before,  but feel that I've now done the correct thing, and they've acknowledged its not a straightforward decision.

Now, whether I'm right or wrong in my decision,  I do feel happier.

Whether I regret it in the next few weeks and months as I don't have an income coming in and I hear about all the window cleaners on this site continuing to work and earning,  only time will tell.

[KS Cleaning]

For what it's worth.

I was unsure  whether to carry on next week or not. So I decided to text and email my customers and ask them whether they would prefer to postpone my services or not.

I explained about social distancing, no contact, working alone, disposable gloves, little risk  etc etc.
I explained that the government have not said not to work, instead have said to carry on work.
That there is no instruction that only  'essential' workers are allowed to work.

Most, but not all,responded and apart from a tiny minority, almost all replies were along the vein, that 'yes, you can continue.'.

However, I have still decided that I would rather heed the message to stay home, as I personally feel it's the right thing to do for me.

So I contacted my customers with my decision in a follow up message.


Response:

Far more honest and appreciative. Rather than short 'yes we are happy to continue' it has been more detailed of their thought processes in whether they actually agree or not.

 Most have said they feel that to not carry on is the right decision but they just didn't want to say that before as they wanted to support me as they know its my livelihood.

So it got me thinking, that if I had carried on, some of my customers would deep down not have been that comfortable with it but just wouldn't say.

Since telling them of my decision to pause , several customers who did not reply to my first text asking for their views have now replied, saying that  they didn't want to say no before,  but feel that I've now done the correct thing, and they've acknowledged its not a straightforward decision.

Now, whether I'm right or wrong in my decision,  I do feel happier.

Whether I regret it in the next few weeks and months as I don't have an income coming in and I hear about all the window cleaners on this site continuing to work and earning,  only time will tell.

Did you go to the same school as Nathan by any chance?

[kikjason]

My mind changes everyday.. Information I find is so confusing. You can work.. Its keyworkers only. I don't really want to work but waiting till June for money is ridiculous.. I can't survive till then with no income.. Don't no whever to work tomorrow or stay at home

[The Jester of Wibbly]

For what it's worth.

I was unsure  whether to carry on next week or not. So I decided to text and email my customers and ask them whether they would prefer to postpone my services or not.

I explained about social distancing, no contact, working alone, disposable gloves, little risk  etc etc.
I explained that the government have not said not to work, instead have said to carry on work.
That there is no instruction that only  'essential' workers are allowed to work.

Most, but not all,responded and apart from a tiny minority, almost all replies were along the vein, that 'yes, you can continue.'.

However, I have still decided that I would rather heed the message to stay home, as I personally feel it's the right thing to do for me.

So I contacted my customers with my decision in a follow up message.


Response:

Far more honest and appreciative. Rather than short 'yes we are happy to continue' it has been more detailed of their thought processes in whether they actually agree or not.

 Most have said they feel that to not carry on is the right decision but they just didn't want to say that before as they wanted to support me as they know its my livelihood.

So it got me thinking, that if I had carried on, some of my customers would deep down not have been that comfortable with it but just wouldn't say.

Since telling them of my decision to pause , several customers who did not reply to my first text asking for their views have now replied, saying that  they didn't want to say no before,  but feel that I've now done the correct thing, and they've acknowledged its not a straightforward decision.

Now, whether I'm right or wrong in my decision,  I do feel happier.

Whether I regret it in the next few weeks and months as I don't have an income coming in and I hear about all the window cleaners on this site continuing to work and earning,  only time will tell.

That's the spirit

I am doing something similar but only daily for the next days work.  I text them explaining my distancing rules.  I also give them the option to skip the clean due to the virus should they want too. 

I would say about 70% of residentials are pleased.  And the other 30% skip but respect the fact I gave them the choice.  Some even offered to still pay.  I would say most commercial jobs suspended.

[Dave Willis]

I honestly don’t understand the need to try and read customers minds. If you don’t turn up it’s pretty obvious why. They only have to switch the tv on.
I could do with losing 100 customers anyway but I doubt the reason will be because I didn’t turn up during a world wide disaster.

[Stoots]

I've found similar.

If I say I'm coming a lot have said fine and if I say I'm not a lot have also said fine.

Bottom line is most won't care either way, it's not as important to them as it is to us.

[Missing Link]

My mind changes everyday.. Information I find is so confusing. You can work.. Its keyworkers only.

It's not.  The distinction between CRITICAL WORKERS and those who can't work from home is that critical workers have access to childcare.

It is NOT critical workers are the only ones allowed to travel to work.

There is much misunderstanding here.

See my other post about government clarification.

[The Jester of Wibbly]

Yep. I just l like having piece of mind giving customers the choice as everyone has different opinions.   I would now prefer to do as little work as possible during this epidemic, but helps me protect my business and customer loyalty.  It's probably all in my head and should not worry, but I do.   But I am following government guidelines lines and advice to stay safe.

[zesty]

I’m working at normally as I can, untill I’m told not officially...

[Johnny B]

My experience is this:  I have 40 shop fronts and 300 odd regular residentials. Of the latter, some I just turn up and clean, others I text beforehand.

The 40 shops reduced to just 5 in the last 2 weeks.  Of the residentials, I explained on my facebook page on 17th March that I would only be calling by invitation or prior arrangement. This worked very well for me as I had a steady stream of calls and I was able to do ok. I kept the distancing and constant hand sanitizing protocol etc.

When the  Taoiseach (Irish PM) announced the lockdown except for essential services on Friday evening, that did it for me. We are not an essential service, no matter what we may think of ourselves, and there are peoples' lives at stake. And this virus is spreading because too many people are ignoring the warnings and advice to self-isolate.

My wife is asthmatic and has had a bad cough for weeks, and we live with her ageing and heavily medicated mother, so the risks are not worth taking unless I want to contribute to killing them.
Financially we will take a hit, but what good is money when you haven't got your loved ones and good health?

No, I'm now off until we get the go-ahead to resume.

John.

[Dave Willis]

Imagine Dazmonds doorstep banter this week,
Custy: crikey Dazmond, didn’t expect to see you out working,
Daz: it’s fine, government said I can and besides I wear rubber gloves.
Custy: no holiday this year then Daz?
Daz, too right I’ve got a fivestar holiday booked in Zante I’m going to row there if I have too.
Custy: dreadful isn’t it this virus thing?
Daz: na, it’s just mild flu
Custy: how’s the family?
Daz, Mum’s got it, Dads got it, Brothers probably got it, his family have probably got it, chap in the newsagents has just died from it. Apart from that fine.
Here’s your mug back Mrs, see you in four weeks, take care.

[Smudger]

Yep. I just l like having piece of mind giving customers the choice as everyone has different opinions.   I would now prefer to do as little work as possible during this epidemic, but helps me protect my business and customer loyalty.  It's probably all in my head and should not worry, but I do.   But I am following government guidelines lines and advice to stay safe.

That’s the real crux of the matter - it’s not about being socially safe, or containing the virus - it’s about your insecurity  that someone out there is about to steal your work.....

I very much doubt in this troubled times there’s a gang of dolites trying to pounce on your customers


Johnny B - well done, we have friends in Southern Ireland so I know the lockdown is harder than here - it’s something we should take into consideration here and beat the government announcement

Darran

[G Griffin]

My mind changes everyday.. Information I find is so confusing. You can work.. Its keyworkers only.

It's not.  The distinction between CRITICAL WORKERS and those who can't work from home is that critical workers have access to childcare.

It is NOT critical workers are the only ones allowed to travel to work.

FAKE NEWS and incoherence!

[Richard Groves]

Imagine Dazmonds doorstep banter this week,
Custy: crikey Dazmond, didn’t expect to see you out working,
Daz: it’s fine, government said I can and besides I wear rubber gloves.
Custy: no holiday this year then Daz?
Daz, too right I’ve got a fivestar holiday booked in Zante I’m going to row there if I have too.
Custy: dreadful isn’t it this virus thing?
Daz: na, it’s just mild flu
Custy: how’s the family?
Daz, Mum’s got it, Dads got it, Brothers probably got it, his family have probably got it, chap in the newsagents has just died from it. Apart from that fine.
Here’s your mug back Mrs, see you in four weeks, take care.
And I've just put your price up by a fiver.

[LT carpet cleaning]

Imagine Dazmonds doorstep banter this week,
Custy: crikey Dazmond, didn’t expect to see you out working,
Daz: it’s fine, government said I can and besides I wear rubber gloves.
Custy: no holiday this year then Daz?
Daz, too right I’ve got a fivestar holiday booked in Zante I’m going to row there if I have too.
Custy: dreadful isn’t it this virus thing?
Daz: na, it’s just mild flu
Custy: how’s the family?
Daz, Mum’s got it, Dads got it, Brothers probably got it, his family have probably got it, chap in the newsagents has just died from it. Apart from that fine.
Here’s your mug back Mrs, see you in four weeks, take care.
And I've just put your price up by a fiver.
Must dash, girlfriends gagging for it.

[Status Check]

For what it's worth.

I was unsure  whether to carry on next week or not. So I decided to text and email my customers and ask them whether they would prefer to postpone my services or not.

I explained about social distancing, no contact, working alone, disposable gloves, little risk  etc etc.
I explained that the government have not said not to work, instead have said to carry on work.
That there is no instruction that only  'essential' workers are allowed to work.

Most, but not all,responded and apart from a tiny minority, almost all replies were along the vein, that 'yes, you can continue.'.

However, I have still decided that I would rather heed the message to stay home, as I personally feel it's the right thing to do for me.

So I contacted my customers with my decision in a follow up message.


Response:

Far more honest and appreciative. Rather than short 'yes we are happy to continue' it has been more detailed of their thought processes in whether they actually agree or not.

 Most have said they feel that to not carry on is the right decision but they just didn't want to say that before as they wanted to support me as they know its my livelihood.

So it got me thinking, that if I had carried on, some of my customers would deep down not have been that comfortable with it but just wouldn't say.

Since telling them of my decision to pause , several customers who did not reply to my first text asking for their views have now replied, saying that  they didn't want to say no before,  but feel that I've now done the correct thing, and they've acknowledged its not a straightforward decision.

Now, whether I'm right or wrong in my decision,  I do feel happier.

Whether I regret it in the next few weeks and months as I don't have an income coming in and I hear about all the window cleaners on this site continuing to work and earning,  only time will tell.

I think you are trying to convince yourself that not working is the correct thing to do. As stated previously we are working as normal because we are following the government guidelines. So far we have picked up 14 new customers from other local window cleaning companies because they emailed their customer base informing customers that they are not working. This will continue. Don't think your customers will be loyal to you. Summer is coming and people want clean windows and conny's. What will you do when the lockdown is extended to July?

[Status Check]

Just to add that your are more at risk going shopping in the supermarket than going to clean windows as a lone worker.

[p1w1]

For what it's worth.

I was unsure  whether to carry on next week or not. So I decided to text and email my customers and ask them whether they would prefer to postpone my services or not.

I explained about social distancing, no contact, working alone, disposable gloves, little risk  etc etc.
I explained that the government have not said not to work, instead have said to carry on work.
That there is no instruction that only  'essential' workers are allowed to work.

Most, but not all,responded and apart from a tiny minority, almost all replies were along the vein, that 'yes, you can continue.'.

However, I have still decided that I would rather heed the message to stay home, as I personally feel it's the right thing to do for me.

So I contacted my customers with my decision in a follow up message.


Response:

Far more honest and appreciative. Rather than short 'yes we are happy to continue' it has been more detailed of their thought processes in whether they actually agree or not.

 Most have said they feel that to not carry on is the right decision but they just didn't want to say that before as they wanted to support me as they know its my livelihood.

So it got me thinking, that if I had carried on, some of my customers would deep down not have been that comfortable with it but just wouldn't say.

Since telling them of my decision to pause , several customers who did not reply to my first text asking for their views have now replied, saying that  they didn't want to say no before,  but feel that I've now done the correct thing, and they've acknowledged its not a straightforward decision.

Now, whether I'm right or wrong in my decision,  I do feel happier.

Whether I regret it in the next few weeks and months as I don't have an income coming in and I hear about all the window cleaners on this site continuing to work and earning,  only time will tell.

I think you are trying to convince yourself that not working is the correct thing to do. As stated previously we are working as normal because we are following the government guidelines. So far we have picked up 14 new customers from other local window cleaning companies because they emailed their customer base informing customers that they are not working. This will continue. Don't think your customers will be loyal to you. Summer is coming and people want clean windows and conny's. What will you do when the lockdown is extended to July?

Wow, give yourself a pat on the back 

[EandM]

I'm apparently high risk and need to isolate for 12 weeks
As is my son.
As is my wife.

I could always send the daughter but she's only 12.

I think I'm going to have to wait this out.

[Status Check]

For what it's worth.

I was unsure  whether to carry on next week or not. So I decided to text and email my customers and ask them whether they would prefer to postpone my services or not.

I explained about social distancing, no contact, working alone, disposable gloves, little risk  etc etc.
I explained that the government have not said not to work, instead have said to carry on work.
That there is no instruction that only  'essential' workers are allowed to work.

Most, but not all,responded and apart from a tiny minority, almost all replies were along the vein, that 'yes, you can continue.'.

However, I have still decided that I would rather heed the message to stay home, as I personally feel it's the right thing to do for me.

So I contacted my customers with my decision in a follow up message.


Response:

Far more honest and appreciative. Rather than short 'yes we are happy to continue' it has been more detailed of their thought processes in whether they actually agree or not.

 Most have said they feel that to not carry on is the right decision but they just didn't want to say that before as they wanted to support me as they know its my livelihood.

So it got me thinking, that if I had carried on, some of my customers would deep down not have been that comfortable with it but just wouldn't say.

Since telling them of my decision to pause , several customers who did not reply to my first text asking for their views have now replied, saying that  they didn't want to say no before,  but feel that I've now done the correct thing, and they've acknowledged its not a straightforward decision.

Now, whether I'm right or wrong in my decision,  I do feel happier.

Whether I regret it in the next few weeks and months as I don't have an income coming in and I hear about all the window cleaners on this site continuing to work and earning,  only time will tell.

I think you are trying to convince yourself that not working is the correct thing to do. As stated previously we are working as normal because we are following the government guidelines. So far we have picked up 14 new customers from other local window cleaning companies because they emailed their customer base informing customers that they are not working. This will continue. Don't think your customers will be loyal to you. Summer is coming and people want clean windows and conny's. What will you do when the lockdown is extended to July?

Wow, give yourself a pat on the back 

No need for that is there?

[Bungle]

For what it's worth.

I was unsure  whether to carry on next week or not. So I decided to text and email my customers and ask them whether they would prefer to postpone my services or not.

I explained about social distancing, no contact, working alone, disposable gloves, little risk  etc etc.
I explained that the government have not said not to work, instead have said to carry on work.
That there is no instruction that only  'essential' workers are allowed to work.

Most, but not all,responded and apart from a tiny minority, almost all replies were along the vein, that 'yes, you can continue.'.

However, I have still decided that I would rather heed the message to stay home, as I personally feel it's the right thing to do for me.

So I contacted my customers with my decision in a follow up message.


Response:

Far more honest and appreciative. Rather than short 'yes we are happy to continue' it has been more detailed of their thought processes in whether they actually agree or not.

 Most have said they feel that to not carry on is the right decision but they just didn't want to say that before as they wanted to support me as they know its my livelihood.

So it got me thinking, that if I had carried on, some of my customers would deep down not have been that comfortable with it but just wouldn't say.

Since telling them of my decision to pause , several customers who did not reply to my first text asking for their views have now replied, saying that  they didn't want to say no before,  but feel that I've now done the correct thing, and they've acknowledged its not a straightforward decision.

Now, whether I'm right or wrong in my decision,  I do feel happier.

Whether I regret it in the next few weeks and months as I don't have an income coming in and I hear about all the window cleaners on this site continuing to work and earning,  only time will tell.

I think you are trying to convince yourself that not working is the correct thing to do. As stated previously we are working as normal because we are following the government guidelines. So far we have picked up 14 new customers from other local window cleaning companies because they emailed their customer base informing customers that they are not working. This will continue. Don't think your customers will be loyal to you. Summer is coming and people want clean windows and conny's. What will you do when the lockdown is extended to July?

Are really doing that? I can’t for a minute think you are. I’m pretty sure people aren’t thinking, hmm better get another window cleaner in, our regular guy has decided he can’t be 4rsed coming anymore.

If you did that to me I .... probably best I don’t say anymore.

[p1w1]

For what it's worth.

I was unsure  whether to carry on next week or not. So I decided to text and email my customers and ask them whether they would prefer to postpone my services or not.

I explained about social distancing, no contact, working alone, disposable gloves, little risk  etc etc.
I explained that the government have not said not to work, instead have said to carry on work.
That there is no instruction that only  'essential' workers are allowed to work.

Most, but not all,responded and apart from a tiny minority, almost all replies were along the vein, that 'yes, you can continue.'.

However, I have still decided that I would rather heed the message to stay home, as I personally feel it's the right thing to do for me.

So I contacted my customers with my decision in a follow up message.


Response:

Far more honest and appreciative. Rather than short 'yes we are happy to continue' it has been more detailed of their thought processes in whether they actually agree or not.

 Most have said they feel that to not carry on is the right decision but they just didn't want to say that before as they wanted to support me as they know its my livelihood.

So it got me thinking, that if I had carried on, some of my customers would deep down not have been that comfortable with it but just wouldn't say.

Since telling them of my decision to pause , several customers who did not reply to my first text asking for their views have now replied, saying that  they didn't want to say no before,  but feel that I've now done the correct thing, and they've acknowledged its not a straightforward decision.

Now, whether I'm right or wrong in my decision,  I do feel happier.

Whether I regret it in the next few weeks and months as I don't have an income coming in and I hear about all the window cleaners on this site continuing to work and earning,  only time will tell.

I think you are trying to convince yourself that not working is the correct thing to do. As stated previously we are working as normal because we are following the government guidelines. So far we have picked up 14 new customers from other local window cleaning companies because they emailed their customer base informing customers that they are not working. This will continue. Don't think your customers will be loyal to you. Summer is coming and people want clean windows and conny's. What will you do when the lockdown is extended to July?

Are really doing that? I can’t for a minute think you are. I’m pretty sure people aren’t thinking, hmm better get another window cleaner in, our regular guy has decided he can’t be 4rsed coming anymore.

If you did that to me I .... probably best I don’t say anymore.

Exactly..full of poop

[vistech]

Not the kind of customers I would like on my books

[Status Check]

Do what to who? They just book on the website..... It's only after talking to them (at a distance) you realise they have binned there cleaner.

[Stoots]

If someone asks for their windows cleaning i dont ask if they have another cleaner., Its none of my concern, i`ll quote them and if i get it i`ll clean it. simple as that.

[The Jester of Wibbly]

If someone asks for their windows cleaning i dont ask if they have another cleaner., Its none of my concern, i`ll quote them and if i get it i`ll clean it. simple as that.

Same here.

I went into my local chippy on Fri night as my local Mcdonald drive though is closed. The chip shop did not ask me were I normally go, nor did they refuse to serve me out of loyalty to Mcdonalds. 

[James Styles]

For what it's worth.

I was unsure  whether to carry on next week or not. So I decided to text and email my customers and ask them whether they would prefer to postpone my services or not.

I explained about social distancing, no contact, working alone, disposable gloves, little risk  etc etc.
I explained that the government have not said not to work, instead have said to carry on work.
That there is no instruction that only  'essential' workers are allowed to work.

Most, but not all,responded and apart from a tiny minority, almost all replies were along the vein, that 'yes, you can continue.'.

However, I have still decided that I would rather heed the message to stay home, as I personally feel it's the right thing to do for me.

So I contacted my customers with my decision in a follow up message.


Response:

Far more honest and appreciative. Rather than short 'yes we are happy to continue' it has been more detailed of their thought processes in whether they actually agree or not.

 Most have said they feel that to not carry on is the right decision but they just didn't want to say that before as they wanted to support me as they know its my livelihood.

So it got me thinking, that if I had carried on, some of my customers would deep down not have been that comfortable with it but just wouldn't say.

Since telling them of my decision to pause , several customers who did not reply to my first text asking for their views have now replied, saying that  they didn't want to say no before,  but feel that I've now done the correct thing, and they've acknowledged its not a straightforward decision.

Now, whether I'm right or wrong in my decision,  I do feel happier.

Whether I regret it in the next few weeks and months as I don't have an income coming in and I hear about all the window cleaners on this site continuing to work and earning,  only time will tell.

I think you are trying to convince yourself that not working is the correct thing to do. As stated previously we are working as normal because we are following the government guidelines. So far we have picked up 14 new customers from other local window cleaning companies because they emailed their customer base informing customers that they are not working. This will continue. Don't think your customers will be loyal to you. Summer is coming and people want clean windows and conny's. What will you do when the lockdown is extended to July?

All this is doing is making people who have chosen to stay home more anxious/stressed as they will be worrying about other windies taking their customers, I’m not saying you mean to do this as you said they just booked up online but imo those customers are nobs if they are jumping ship with all this going on. 

[CleanClear]

I think you are trying to convince yourself that not working is the correct thing to do. As stated previously we are working as normal because we are following the government guidelines. So far we have picked up 14 new customers from other local window cleaning companies because they emailed their customer base informing customers that they are not working. This will continue. Don't think your customers will be loyal to you. Summer is coming and people want clean windows and conny's. What will you do when the lockdown is extended to July?

Nope. Didn't happen of the Year Award.

[The Jester of Wibbly]

For what it's worth.

I was unsure  whether to carry on next week or not. So I decided to text and email my customers and ask them whether they would prefer to postpone my services or not.

I explained about social distancing, no contact, working alone, disposable gloves, little risk  etc etc.
I explained that the government have not said not to work, instead have said to carry on work.
That there is no instruction that only  'essential' workers are allowed to work.

Most, but not all,responded and apart from a tiny minority, almost all replies were along the vein, that 'yes, you can continue.'.

However, I have still decided that I would rather heed the message to stay home, as I personally feel it's the right thing to do for me.

So I contacted my customers with my decision in a follow up message.


Response:

Far more honest and appreciative. Rather than short 'yes we are happy to continue' it has been more detailed of their thought processes in whether they actually agree or not.

 Most have said they feel that to not carry on is the right decision but they just didn't want to say that before as they wanted to support me as they know its my livelihood.

So it got me thinking, that if I had carried on, some of my customers would deep down not have been that comfortable with it but just wouldn't say.

Since telling them of my decision to pause , several customers who did not reply to my first text asking for their views have now replied, saying that  they didn't want to say no before,  but feel that I've now done the correct thing, and they've acknowledged its not a straightforward decision.

Now, whether I'm right or wrong in my decision,  I do feel happier.

Whether I regret it in the next few weeks and months as I don't have an income coming in and I hear about all the window cleaners on this site continuing to work and earning,  only time will tell.

I think you are trying to convince yourself that not working is the correct thing to do. As stated previously we are working as normal because we are following the government guidelines. So far we have picked up 14 new customers from other local window cleaning companies because they emailed their customer base informing customers that they are not working. This will continue. Don't think your customers will be loyal to you. Summer is coming and people want clean windows and conny's. What will you do when the lockdown is extended to July?

All this is doing is making people who have chosen to stay home more anxious/stressed as they will be worrying about other windies taking their customers, I’m not saying you mean to do this as you said they just booked up online but imo those customers are nobs if they are jumping ship with all this going on.

James, don't worry.  Most will stay loyal.  The ones you lose are not ones you need anyway.

[andyM]

All this is doing is making people who have chosen to stay home more anxious/stressed as they will be worrying about other windies taking their customers, I’m not saying you mean to do this as you said they just booked up online but imo those customers are nobs if they are jumping ship with all this going on.

Some of the old dears are ruthless.
They mark the date of your next visit on their little calendar a month or more in advance, even if you had not agreed to it.
Then if you turn up later than what the X on their little calendar says you are greeted with their exaggerated arm waving movements as you exit your van followed by a barrage of expletives which would put a 1970's "adult" comedian to shame.  And when you reply "Well do you want me to still do them then?"
They reply (through gritted dentures) "Go on then, i was just about to ring someone else but you'll do for now, and i want you to do the inside kitchen window this time?"   
These are the one's that will jump ship given half a chance.

[Granny]

"No need for that is there"
Satus Check. You might want to consider you're own status.
Part of humanity and the window cleaning fraternity, or an absolute tawt.

[dazmond]

Imagine Dazmonds doorstep banter this week,
Custy: crikey Dazmond, didn’t expect to see you out working,
Daz: it’s fine, government said I can and besides I wear rubber gloves.
Custy: no holiday this year then Daz?
Daz, too right I’ve got a fivestar holiday booked in Zante I’m going to row there if I have too.
Custy: dreadful isn’t it this virus thing?
Daz: na, it’s just mild flu
Custy: how’s the family?
Daz, Mum’s got it, Dads got it, Brothers probably got it, his family have probably got it, chap in the newsagents has just died from it. Apart from that fine.
Here’s your mug back Mrs, see you in four weeks, take care.

Yep that's about right dave! .......

On topic I just send my usual text to customers that I notify....most are turn up and clean....if they come out and want to skip,that's fine under the circumstances......4 skippers last week and 5 new jobs.....

Keep it simple guys.....IMO the less said the better.....some of you really seem to overcomplicate a simple notification process

Have you ever thought your customers maybe just want a normal matter of fact text or you to act as normal as possible without all the extra waffle?

Your making a rod for your own back IMO......

[Seel]

Great post......I have done something similar and came to the same conclusion.

[AuRavelling79]

For what it's worth.

I was unsure  whether to carry on next week or not. So I decided to text and email my customers and ask them whether they would prefer to postpone my services or not.

I explained about social distancing, no contact, working alone, disposable gloves, little risk  etc etc.
I explained that the government have not said not to work, instead have said to carry on work.
That there is no instruction that only  'essential' workers are allowed to work.

Most, but not all,responded and apart from a tiny minority, almost all replies were along the vein, that 'yes, you can continue.'.

However, I have still decided that I would rather heed the message to stay home, as I personally feel it's the right thing to do for me.

So I contacted my customers with my decision in a follow up message.


Response:

Far more honest and appreciative. Rather than short 'yes we are happy to continue' it has been more detailed of their thought processes in whether they actually agree or not.

 Most have said they feel that to not carry on is the right decision but they just didn't want to say that before as they wanted to support me as they know its my livelihood.

So it got me thinking, that if I had carried on, some of my customers would deep down not have been that comfortable with it but just wouldn't say.

Since telling them of my decision to pause , several customers who did not reply to my first text asking for their views have now replied, saying that  they didn't want to say no before,  but feel that I've now done the correct thing, and they've acknowledged its not a straightforward decision.

Now, whether I'm right or wrong in my decision,  I do feel happier.

Whether I regret it in the next few weeks and months as I don't have an income coming in and I hear about all the window cleaners on this site continuing to work and earning,  only time will tell.

I think you are trying to convince yourself that not working is the correct thing to do. As stated previously we are working as normal because we are following the government guidelines. So far we have picked up 14 new customers from other local window cleaning companies because they emailed their customer base informing customers that they are not working. This will continue. Don't think your customers will be loyal to you. Summer is coming and people want clean windows and conny's. What will you do when the lockdown is extended to July?

Status Check, are you actually saying that 14 new customers from other local window cleaning companies (who have told them by email they are not working due to corona) have come to you to get their windows cleaned in the first week of a government "lockdown" to defeat coronavirus?

Really?

[AuRavelling79]

Do what to who? They just book on the website..... It's only after talking to them (at a distance) you realise they have binned there cleaner.

So now you are saying you  have talked to them - at a distance - and they have binned their cleaner(s).  All within a few days of a government lockdown and them being emailed that their current cleaner has emailed them they are not working due to corona?

[gary999]

On my limited travels..i haven't seen one Shiner out working...normally see at least a dozen...i do know of one out whose
work is pretty much rural but none in the Town areas.

[dazmond]

On my limited travels..i haven't seen one Shiner out working...normally see at least a dozen...i do know of one out whose
work is pretty much rural but none in the Town areas.

i havent either gary!not seen any window cleaners working!ive seen quite a few gardeners though and had a chat with a few of them(at a distance naturally)....binmen,postmen and delivery drivers are in abundance......

[NWH]

Poachers will be out while you are spinning the wheel with Phil and Holly.

[G Griffin]

Poachers will be out while you are spinning the wheel with Phil and Holly.

Poachers get the virus, too.
I won't get if off Phil or Holly.
Unfortunately.

[NWH]

I bet you still go  to the supermarkets though that’s the real breeding ground for this especially when you pass the tracksuit wearing latest Nike Air Max wearing chavs that think this virus is transmitted through the inside of a condom,hence why they never wear them and they usual followed by a football team of kids 🤣.
If you think you’ll get this out working on your own over that think again

[davids3511]

Poachers will be out while you are spinning the wheel with Phil and Holly.

Poachers get the virus, too.
I won't get if off Phil or Holly.
Unfortunately.

You'd want it off Phil?

[NWH]

You can mock all you like people are people what do you think these people are thinking that are hearing all these window cleaners are sitting at home,they’ve not been going long don’t have enough work they’ll be out looking for it.
I’ve had people I’ve given work to try and tap up some of the work I’ve done before,what does that tell you all is fair in love and war we are already hearing some customers are jumping ship and we are only 2 weeks in lol.
I will work till it’s not possible to do so like I say I let people know I’m coming they’ve been very grateful to me for letting them know and have said absolutely carry on until you are told you can’t,that hasn’t happened yet as far as I’m aware.

[Slacky]

Poachers will be out while you are spinning the wheel with Phil and Holly.

This is stupid covidiot post of of the year.

[G Griffin]

Poachers will be out while you are spinning the wheel with Phil and Holly.

Poachers get the virus, too.
I won't get if off Phil or Holly.
Unfortunately.

You'd want it off Phil?

Why not?
Under a Holly bush.

[edward1]

my experience is that my church going Custys have put me off everyone else is fine