[Mr. S]

I was speaking in general to a mate of mine who is a grasscutter and he does 5 cuts then 1 free to his customers!

Just wondered if anybody had done this before with window cleaning, if so did it/ does it work?
The reason im asking is i dont clean in P***** down rain but thought this would help ensure customers had their windows cleaned in all weather, and prompt me to work too (in other words i hate being indoors with the missus!)

I would only offer this to cussys who pay within the week after cleaning which would also prompt them to pay on time. (I have issues as we all do about customers paying on time and chasing money, although im dropping some)

Ok, the logic is sometimes a house may get cleaned 8 times a year on a 4 weekly rota =£80 on a £10 house.                         If i clean 10 times ayear + 2 free on rota =£100 on a £10 house. but i can also guarantee weeks they will be cleaned in, which is not always happening at moment.

This can also apply to 6 week cleans. Hope i made myself clear with regards this.

What do you guys think?

Cheers Craig

[NWH]

It sounds to me like a lot of WC`s on here are getting seriously desperate in wanting to hang on to some of there work.

[L.J.Thorpe]

eh
eight times a year on a 4 week round
how do you work that out

[L.J.Thorpe]

It sounds to me like a lot of WC`s on here are getting seriously desperate in wanting to hang on to some of there work.

agree
forget free cleans and dropping your price,just get out and build up more work

[Mr. S]

LJ THORPE, sorry just sometimes running late etc so just for example 8 times a year.

And definately not desperate to hold onto work ive got more than enough.

I was just trying to get peoples thoughts, sometimes its hard to clean properties in the rainbecause of peoples misconceptions about wfp............. Or maybe i should just think stuff it and get on and clean in all weathers untill im stopped. I did actually do a letter when first started wfp that stated rain does not affect the clean, but some people still regard it as a waste of money, thats another issue i was trying to get around by doing this!

If it still seems like a bad idea tell me but i just want to make a better business next year with things running smoother

[biggs]

if youve got more than enough work , why offer anything for free.all 4 weeklys get cleaned  13 times ayear.and they all pay for 13 cleans. window cleaning does not need gimmicks or freebies dont complicate an easy job.

[sageorgeta]

I tried this a couple of years ago when i was struggling from trad over to wfp.I know what you are saying about the weather,it is hard to commit yourself to regular cleaning when we have customers who look at wfp as a gimmick.
Let me tell you,i soon dropped the idea as i realised that yes the cussies were getting a now more reliable service (ie i would do the free cleans in all weathers) but i was still working my nuts off for free.....NO WAY.
My answer was to go out and build a bigger customer base (much bigger) and tell the customers that they would be on a 4-6 week rota....that way i had a shed load of work and they all got done easily within the time scale they had been told.
I also educated new customers who were sold a wc service on the understanding that their windows WOULD be cleaned in all weathers (excluding hurricanes,flash floods.and oh yes and if i was playing in a poker tournament )
You have to learn to tell the customer what your business is about.The only downside to having a lot of work and doing it in all weathers is that you do not have the option of being lazy...you have no excuses and have to get out there come what ever.
Do the right thing for you,it is your business make it work for you and good luck.
 

[Pristine Clean]

It sounds to me like a lot of WC`s on here are getting seriously desperate in wanting to hang on to some of there work.

Yes it does sound that way... all moaning about undercutters, and protecting their rounds... They need to rethink their infrastructure and maybe not being competitive enough.

[L.J.Thorpe]

LJ THORPE, sorry just sometimes running late etc so just for example 8 times a year.

And definately not desperate to hold onto work ive got more than enough.

I was just trying to get peoples thoughts, sometimes its hard to clean properties in the rainbecause of peoples misconceptions about wfp............. Or maybe i should just think stuff it and get on and clean in all weathers untill im stopped. I did actually do a letter when first started wfp that stated rain does not affect the clean, but some people still regard it as a waste of money, thats another issue i was trying to get around by doing this!

If it still seems like a bad idea tell me but i just want to make a better business next year with things running smoother

i would concentrate more on building a compact and well paid round that can pay you the amount you want to earn based on no more than 5 to 6 hours a day, i have always tried to avoid the "set day" system. I moved the round away from monthly cleans to a  5 to 6 week round and just relaxed a bit about being behind.Worry when you are not behind and wake up with no work to do

[Chris Galloway]

I offer a reduced price if they do a monthly clean, and its paid by standing order every month.

So say its normally £10 a month - id charge them £8 if they pay by standing order. I therefore get money on time every month, and i dont have to chase them up - its actually becoming quite popular with new customers.

[tonylee]

Hi
It was wet for me last Monday and Thursday.
On Monday I cleaned 17 houses with 3 being out and of the 14 that were in, not 1 person batted an eyelid! The 3 I had to collect from also paid without questioning if they were done in the rain. It was similar on Thursday.
I tell people that rain water is nearly as pure as the water I use and will gaurantee the finished job, although I'm rarely questioned about working in the rain.
It is for us to change the customer perception of wet working but to do this we must want/have to work. Most window cleaners don't like to get wet!
Try it, you will be surprised at how many just let you get on with it without the need to give away free cleans.
Tony

[Londoner]

By offering a free week I can see endless disputes over whether or not this was their free time or not. Far too complicated

If anyone wants to go grass cutting I can find you shed loads of work. I am always being asked if I know anybody by my customers. No need to offer deals.

[biggs]

not lost one customer by cleaning in the rain.might get the odd remark.but always reply with "its the time of year" or "its the country we live in its to be expected"as long as they all pay up im not really bothered what they think iether.i dont go to work to make friends with my customers, though i am allways polite .never offer them the chance to miss just because its raining iether ,i never have .try it custys soon get used to you turning up in rain some even comment im glad your not a fair weather w c .if anything there the window cleaners that take us back 30 years .istill hear window cleaners say you cant clean windows in the rain my reply is, watch me,while your sat in the cafe im a week in front.if we all did it thered be non of this. but ithink some w c like an easy excuse for a day off.

[ants]

Yep clean in the rain and guarantee the result.
If anyone complains say what if its raining next month

[sageorgeta]

I offer a reduced price if they do a monthly clean, and its paid by standing order every month.

So say its normally £10 a month - id charge them £8 if they pay by standing order. I therefore get money on time every month, and i dont have to chase them up - its actually becoming quite popular with new customers.

Chris.....Thats 20% of your income given away.What happens if all the cussies eventually go that way,you will effectivly be working 2.4 months per year for nothing as you allow them a rate drop for paying by standing order....surely that cant be right.

[Chris Galloway]

I offer a reduced price if they do a monthly clean, and its paid by standing order every month.

So say its normally £10 a month - id charge them £8 if they pay by standing order. I therefore get money on time every month, and i dont have to chase them up - its actually becoming quite popular with new customers.

Chris.....Thats 20% of your income given away.What happens if all the cussies eventually go that way,you will effectivly be working 2.4 months per year for nothing as you allow them a rate drop for paying by standing order....surely that cant be right.

Its money that i defiantly have compared to some i might not ever get  from cussies or have to waste my time and fuel or letters and envelopes and stamps chasing it up, like at the moments im owed over £200. You have to ask yourself what is more important to you?

I steady guaranteed income from your customers which is paid automatically and all i have to do is log into my online banking to check - or one that you never know whos gonna pay and when, and then have to chase up money.

I know what i prefer, easy does it.

[Mr. S]

Sorry i havent been on for a while to continue my topic but ive been busy..........Even in the Rain!

Anyway ive noted all replies, CHEERS!

OK i think as of New Year im going to work in all weathers, im trying it now. I think i will possibly need to go 6 weekly accross my round, although i have days where the cussys i think will prefer 4 weekly. Do any of you operate both rotas?
If im going to work in all weathers, should i just guarantee what week i will clean on to the customer, or a specific day?
I can see my initial idea is probably good for some businesses, but i can see the downside now too.
Cheers Craig