[ftp]

Looking at some of the wesites about showing borrowed pics of abseilers dangling about and masses of five storey glass, do you think these images or slick sites could put normal customers off?
If you go to yell.com for a window cleaner would you go for the top of the list boxed advert or one further down who may look cheaper? Would you fit Everest double glazing because they tell you they are the best or a local family run company down the road?

[peter holley]

i think so... people just want a window cleaner that turns up!!!!

[matt]

tough call

AND

depends on your target market

remember though, think big, be big 

[AJ]

Looking at some of the wesites about showing borrowed pics of abseilers dangling about and masses of five storey glass, do you think these images or slick sites could put normal customers off?
If you go to yell.com for a window cleaner would you go for the top of the list boxed advert or one further down who may look cheaper? Would you fit Everest double glazing because they tell you they are the best or a local family run company down the road?

everyone raves about being No1 on Google, but I have read that No2 or 3 is the place to be. Maybe this is the logic behind it.

[windowwashers]

Looking at some of the wesites about showing borrowed pics of abseilers dangling about and masses of five storey glass, do you think these images or slick sites could put normal customers off?
If you go to yell.com for a window cleaner would you go for the top of the list boxed advert or one further down who may look cheaper? Would you fit Everest double glazing because they tell you they are the best or a local family run company down the road?

everyone raves about being No1 on Google, but I have read that No2 or 3 is the place to be. Maybe this is the logic behind it.

I prefer to be 1 and three or 1 and 2 on google, I seem to be the top and I never have a problem, I get big and small, I do not quote prices on there at all

[seandyer2003]

I was collecting with my pda tonight on a quite poor estate and i think they all thought i was earning too much

[David Slater]

Looking at some of the websites about showing borrowed pics of abseiler dangling about and masses of five storey glass, do you think these images or slick sites could put normal customers off?
If you go to yell.com for a window cleaner would you go for the top of the list boxed advert or one further down who may look cheaper? Would you fit Everest double glazing because they tell you they are the best or a local family run company down the road?

There's no such thing as 'too professional' in my book.

There is such a thing as overpricing though!!!

Price right and offer a totally professional service.

Would you employ a rubbish builder because he was cheap?......he's still going to be rubbish isn't he?

Would you employ a good builder who offered keen prices?...he's still good isn't he?

Professionalism all the way for me....and keen pricing!!

[Clive McDonald]

ftp said borrowed pictures of abseilers etc and makes a valid point.

[jaykie]

Looking at some of the wesites about showing borrowed pics of abseilers dangling about and masses of five storey glass, do you think these images or slick sites could put normal customers off?
If you go to yell.com for a window cleaner would you go for the top of the list boxed advert or one further down who may look cheaper? Would you fit Everest double glazing because they tell you they are the best or a local family run company down the road?

everyone raves about being No1 on Google, but I have read that No2 or 3 is the place to be. Maybe this is the logic behind it.

Window cleaner Eastbourne im 3rd down, now all have a look and get me to No1 lol

[ftp]

What 

[Nathanael Jones]

I think it depends on your target audience. If you're hoping to get domestic work from your website then pics of skyscrapers and abseiling are defo off putting. As for looking too "professional",. then yes, it can be an issue. The custie in the 3 bed semi might often prefer the slightly less professional looking website simply because it is less intimidating.
A great psychological work around for this is to include a picture of 2 of yourself on the website,.. putting a face to the company removes any intimidating factor that a really pro looking website might offer.

[pingu]

Have been thinking about this myself and the way I present myself..

Started not to worry about shaving each day, wear the same trousers, jackets for a couple of days etc...left the cleaning of the van go a little longer than normal.

So today I ordered a new set of work gear for each work day mon- to friday and also have decided to wash the van each week...I suppose it is the little things that make the difference.

Also updated the website, updated and ordered new advertising cards for the new year....so other than giving you my boring to-do list...I suppose this is about how easy it is to slip into a rut and appear un-professional.

Cheers for waking me up.

Dave.

[Trotsky]

I rather like the sound of this,  Miss representation, anyone know her address...

I quoted three new customers over the last two day's didn't get any of them... Too expensive?
I must be, but I am professional and my prices reflect the job done!

A well spoken lady asked me today...
her ... Are you expensive?
me... Do I look expensive?
her... Yes!
I put quote through letter box... waiting reply!
sign of the times, no worries!  

[Paul Coleman]

I rather like the sound of this,  Miss representation, anyone know her address...

I quoted three new customers over the last two day's didn't get any of them... Too expensive?
I must be, but I am professional and my prices reflect the job done!

A well spoken lady asked me today...
her ... Are you expensive?
me... Do I look expensive?
her... Yes!
I put quote through letter box... waiting reply!
sign of the times, no worries!  

If they ask I just tell them I'm not the cheapest nor the most expensive.  However, I make it clear that I'm fully insured against damaging anything of theirs and that if they are prepared to pay an above average price, I will provide an above average service.  I also make it clear that there would be no need ever to go through the hassle of looking for another window cleaner.

[ftp]

That must be the first time you've said you clean windows in over a thousand posts Ewan. You wouldn't be telling porkies would you?

[Ian Lancaster]

Why borrow pictures of other people to put on your site?

What's wrong with pictures of yourself?  That way potential custies can see exactly what they're getting

[Trotsky]

  Just got the phone call today...
Despite the price I got the Job... lovely chubbly! 

[David Slater]

I think it depends on your target audience. If you're hoping to get domestic work from your website then pics of skyscrapers and abseiling are defo off putting. As for looking too "professional",. then yes, it can be an issue. The custie in the 3 bed semi might often prefer the slightly less professional looking website simply because it is less intimidating.
A great psychological work around for this is to include a picture of 2 of yourself on the website,.. putting a face to the company removes any intimidating factor that a really pro looking website might offer.

Ahhh...

You're right of course Nat 

Pictores of Big Skyscrapers and MEWPS wouldnt really encourage 'domestic' customers

...but couldnt you combine the two with a well designed website 

Obviously, you dont want to scare off the domestic customer but in the same breath, you dont want commercial clients thinking you are 'just' the local windy fella?