[dazmond]

got a call today of one of my custys telling me of a lad canvassing my round with leaflets etc.she said "do you want his number so you can have a word with him? ;Di said no!its a free country!i dont own my custys!

ive had about 15 -20 different guys canvassing parts of my round over the last 16 years.never lost one.......yet!i just concentrate on my business and try and do a good reliable job for a fair price.

if i do lose a couple they were nt worth having as custys anyway IMO.

i have noticed quite a few new windys about lately.at least 3 new ones where i work!!! :

anyone else noticing a lot of new starters?

[gerard mcmanus]

Not just around but on here as well. I think half the time that is a big problem, other people e.g. customers who can end up starting something. If they where with EON and Scottish gas knocked there door, they wouldn't call EON and say send out the rough mob there after your lively hood.

However your still hear stories of rivalry getting out of hand, and not just in window cleaning, across the board in all trades. I think the main problem is the window cleaning industry has a relatively low entry price if your trad, which means anyone with a bucket, blade and ladders can compete with you weather they are anywhere near your level or not.

The Glasgow ice cream wars always comes to mind when I read topics like this. As well as all those gangland films about the days of corruption, allot of the oldies still remember. Nothing more than a small downside to society, some will always break the rules, and someone always pays the price.

[Ian W]

Same here. I have had customers tell me that other cleaners have canvassed their areas. I haven't lost one yet either. I must be doing something right!

[Smudger]

When times are tough w/c ing looks to be a good way of becoming your own boss with minimal set-up costs.

you cant blame people for wanting to make a living, as/if the economy recovers many of these will disapear.

i live in a rural area and know of at least 12 other w/c's  in the area - some travel 10+ miles to do a few houses others are part time and are milkmen, posties, or firemen the rest of the time

many just have an old car with a ladder strapped to it.

that is just part of the business,  all you can do is offer professional service

Darran

[Londoner]

Mine get canvassed all the time but interestingly I don't seem to be getting it at the moment. Quite the reverse actually. A lot of window cleaners have disappeared. Thats not suprising but I have had a few phone calls from people who are looking for a new window cleaner because of it.

I've taken on new customers like that before and in the spring the old window cleaner turns up again with some half baked excuse and I get dropped.

[cockney rebel]

Yes, i've had it too, but if you do a good job, no matter what price it is, your customers will be loyal to you, the one's which ain't, well its there loss.
Had one leaflet dropped at punters bungalow. I charge him £6 for it but the leaflet said £4 & prices fixed to 2012. He is still my customer. I think there are alot of cowboys out there doing it for pocket money ( & claiming benefits which makes me MAD  ) which effects us hard working, honest & tax paying window cleaners.

[cozy]

Had a custy tell me that one of the other WC's in one of the areas I clean came around last week. He is offering the same price as me but will weed the path when needed, included in the price. Poor sod must be desperate !!!  Haven't lost any custies though 

[geefree]

Plenty of new starters on here, just imagine the % who dont come on here

i have had 2 w/c canvass the areas i clean,

but its a free world and good luck to them for doing something for themselves.

ps. i canvass anywhere i want too. 

[gerard mcmanus]

I would say the percent who don't are most likely prodominately the buckies who dont pay there contribution to society. However I am sure there are plenty honest windies who are just not that computer literate, dont care too much for forums or are too busy as well.