[Paul Simpson]

I had a job last week, elderly lady, when I turned up she says he's your payment, I'm off out, won't be back until this afternoon, just close the door after you, lock it and leave key in an agreed safe place. Very trusting I thought and done exactly as she asked.

Turn up at another job this morning (upholstery), this time its  an elderly gentleman, he lets me in, shows me the 2 suites, we agree a price and I tell him how long it will take, he puts the cash on the side and says I'm off to work now, be back at 2pm (I was done by 12.30pm), close the door after you when you are done. 

I have obviously got a very honest face but it just amazes me that these people can be so trust-worthy of someone they have just met. Certainly wouldn't find me leaving someone unattended in my house, or am I just too suspicious?

Anyway blower accidently blows an ornamental figure off the side this morning and a leg breaks off it. I left a note explaining what happened and offering my apologies.
Should I have done anymore? I do have a disclaimer on the bottom of my estimate that it is down to the customer to remove valuables & delicate items before cleaning but most of these elderly people do not read the small print........ normally because they can't without their binoculars. 

[fletch]

Paul,
Personally I would of knocked some money of the bill for them, just out of sheer decency and obviously any potential repeat business and your reputation but, thats just me.

[davep]

I had 2 jobs like that last month, a lady in her 30s doing the school run, and a couple similar age had to pop to the office..  so its not just the old people.. must be our honest faces   

[Paul Simpson]

I did think about that Fletch and would have done so, but I know I put "left the cash on the side" but it was actually a cheque so had no option there.
Left him a satisfaction form to fill in so hopefully he'll return that and I'll find out how happy or unhappy he was about it. 

[colin thomas]

i always suggest that they leave me to get on with it rather than they have a day off work, most of the time they agree, after all, you'd be pretty stupid to take  anything from a customers house,  i also start at 8.30am so if that clashes with a school run, i always suggest they leave me to get on with it, they always do.

colin

[Liahona]

Paul, I am sure you will find people leaving you to it is the norm.

I actually wont clean if the client or anyone else is around.

Best, Dave.

[Steve Chapman]

dave,

Thats a good idea and to be honest is probably the best way.

But how do you encourage them to go without being too rude or obvious.?

Sometimes I drop big hints, but you often get the ones that want to watch your

every move ! :

I've even had people sit on their suite when i've started to clean it


It's like they haven't got anywhere else to go


regards
steve

[Liahona]

When I sort out with the client or the clients representitive to clean I just simply say I dont want anyone at the property while the work is to be done.

 Best, Dave.

[Mike Osbourne]

I get this a lot and I think you have to accept it cos it's soo common.

However, you do leave yourself open. Suppose something is already broken and they haven't realised, they mislay some money or some prize possesion, who do you think their mind homes in on.

A few months back my mrs did her nut when I told her a women popped out for an hour and mensioned in passing her 4 year old was asleep upstairs. I said fine, but later realised I'd really put myself in a position. The kid could have woken up, come down stairs and ran out in the street and I'd be none the wiser. And in today's Daily Mail culture we are open to even more sinister accusation.

What made it even more rediculous was the mother was a primary school teacher. She should know better!

[Geoff Jewkes]

Had an elderly lady once, her job was 200 and a bit, anyway I round it down to £200. She paid me at the end of the job and I started to count it. She said Don`t you trust me ?? I carried on counting and she had given me 20 £20 pound notes ( £400 ). She thought she'd given me 20 £10's. She was a bit red faced and very grateful for my honesty ! As for being left to it....... it's very common, even with new customers

[Jason Hedges]

Its not only older people that are too trusting!

I've done work for middle aged and younger customers where they leave me in their home to do work while they 'pop-out'. Even give me or leave keys to be dropped off or left after.

I much prefer as will most to be left alone while working, nothing worse than someone looking over your shoulder and talking for the sake of talking!! Some people are just really lonely and you have to grin and bear them.

Best way to handle them is to keep your head down and be selective but sensitive with your hearing, talk when you have to if not ignore and carry on working.... Sounds harsh but talking can take up a lot of valuable time......

Kind regards,
Jason.