[MLS]

Hi all.

I've been doing this job since 1991 and have always collected money from those that were out on a weekend, but was interested to read a while back about some window cleaners putting addressed envelopes through the door instead.

My question is do they really work and don't you end up with the same customers never sending a cheque. Does it not leave you open to being told that they've sent the cheque, even though you've not recieved it 

Maybe I'm just sceptical, but I honestly believe that I'm better off continuing to collect as I've always done. I'd be interested to hear how you lads do it, and also if you have come across problems.

Regards.

Lee

[roo]

i used to collect.start at 6.30 finish at 9.30.3 times a week.i stopped doin that 2 yrs ago.i use envelopes and have never had to go out since.the few customers take their time -i always get paid be f o r e nxt clean is due-cant believe the differance its made to my evenings.go for it!!!

[supernova77]

I've been window cleaning for about 21 months now and have never ever ever gone out collecting.

I always leave a slip if a customer is not home together with an envelope so that they can post a cheque to me... The sheet also explains how they can pay via my website, and also gives my bank account details so that people can make an internet transfer straight to my account (more and more customers are doing this now instead of sending a cheque).

I don't have any problems with any of my customers paying using these methods... To me collecting would be a waste of time!

Andy

[david68]

I have just started using envelopes and the best way is to print your address on them.
Yes its slowly working for me.
Now i have a website and i gets loads of people paying by bank transfers and paypal.

Dave

[macmac]

I just leave a slip, no envelopes & always get my cheques.

tony

[xpskwindowcleaning]

If you put Google Checkout on your site you can get credit/debit card payments for free until 2008 and customers spending over £30 get £10 off automatically from Google - a nice incentive to give your customers that won't cost you a penny.

http://checkout.google.com/sell

[Helen]

MLS - other than the milkman I can't think of any other profession that collects payment. You waste time with collections, stretching your working hours into more than relax hours. As for "I have sent my chq" scenario. you get them to see if it has cleared and if not there is no problem. We believe as I am sure many others do that this is a much more secure and safer way of receiving payments, along with internet banking, which is a great "seller" of services, stop collecting and have more time to yourself!

[Grafters Cleaning Services]

SAE works well for me

[Majestic]

I use a SAE,
All new customers are told that I dont do collecting.

 They have 4 options

If they are in they can pay me when I have finished.
Leave it somewhere around the back of there house.
SAE,  you will be surprised how many drop it off at your house ( including your SAE )
Paypal
Most people have a ebay account and have no problem paying that way.

[geefree]

i too simply leave a slip  " please forward cheque payable to"... etc etc.... no envelopes.

99.9% send them.

Gary.

[djhaydn]

i write please forward on the bottom of my slip. i may collect 5/6 a week just down the road.
haydn

[windowwashers]

I have just started using envelopes and the best way is to print your address on them.
Yes its slowly working for me.
Now i have a website and i gets loads of people paying by bank transfers and paypal.

Dave

what is your web site address dave?

[geefree]

I have just started using envelopes and the best way is to print your address on them.
Yes its slowly working for me.
Now i have a website and i gets loads of people paying by bank transfers and paypal.

it costs a bit using paypal.... just transferred £180.... they charged me £6



Dave

[Davie T]

I enclose with my Invoice an evelope that has an address label. No stamp.
I buy the small self adhesive labels from Able Labels and stick them on myself.
By using an address label that is preprinted you avoid any errors of wrong or incorrect address and of course make the "chore" of making out a cheque and addressing an envelope a little easier.

[pjulk]

i use a stamp on my envelopes and they do work.

The one's that play up i get rid of.


Paul

[Neil271052]

I have always left a stamped addressed envelope and have never gone collecting.

For the price of a stamp it looks more professional and IMO gets your cheque to you faster.

Virtually all my customers are on my doorstep so quite a few will just drop the money in on their way to work etc.

[shammy davis jnr]

the ones that dont send more than twice and you cant get hold off bin them ,,simple as that  the only down side at times is clowns that still send coin through the post  f,,k right a check for two weeks if its that difficult lol
had the odd one with hole on envelope and coin has fell out on transit aye right  but i have two young kids and the time saved is enourmous ........well worth it