[wizclean]

has anybody bought work that has been done trad for years and been able to convince custy's to have them clean wfp's without to many problems.
any help appreciated

[formb]

I had 1500 customers when we turned WFP.

We lost 10% Most of them, we got back within 2 years.

I would expect if you are a new face with a new method you'd lose more. Make sure they give out a nice glowing reference to all their customers before you turn up.

It will be easier if you type up a letter under their letter head explaining what is going to happen.

[wizclean]

i have done the same with my own work but was just wandering if someone had purchased some work off a trad guy and lost much turning it over to wfp

[daz1977]

i would lie, i would go out with the other bloke for a month to meet custy and pretend that u was covering the round whilst the bloke did something, then after 3 months  tell them he decided not to come back

[formb]

i would lie, i would go out with the other bloke for a month to meet custy and pretend that u was covering the round whilst the bloke did something, then after 3 months  tell them he decided not to come back

I like it.

[Gordon Saunders]

when i bought my round thats what we did, worked well.

[Jack Wallace]

I have bought loads of work of guys who were trad only,
I have a standard letter which I send out and as a result I lose very little of the work. The last lot was this January, Just over £1000 worth of work and I lost 2 jobs worth £25.
Once they have been done 3 times and the customer is used to us all prices are adjusted if necessary, and I rarely have problems with that either.
I have learned it’s all about communication, as long as they know what to expect most are happy. 

[lovewindows]

Point out the positives, ie frames cleaned etc, dont apologise say they have something better [ sorry trad guys ] something new , and push comes to shove limited liability .

[poleman]

aim just buying work of a trad guy and to help with the change over aim his uncle lol 

here is the letter!

Re: window cleaning
06/04/10
Dear Customer
I would like to take this opportunity to in form you of some new changes to window cleaning at your property
Following a bad winter, health and safety issues with the use of ladders, and my low prices, I have joined my business with my uncle (name here)
My uncle's business is called smart cleaning; they are professional window cleaners that have been trading for many years providing a first class service with the latest window cleaning equipment (water fed poles)
we will continue to clean your windows as normal but now I will be employed by my uncle, he will be writing to you in due course to inform you of the changes once we have completed the first clean
Thank you for your custom
 
Kind regards

[South Coast Cleaning Services]

I took over a round but typed and put a letter through all the new custys doors myself a week before I went to do them.
Didnt lose any customers, even tho lots of other local guys canvassed the area before and after id cleaned....

This is the letter I put out

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Dear Customer

I am writing to inform you that as from 29.08.08, we will no longer be able to provide you with a window cleaning service as we are moving away from the area.

We have however found an excellent replacement company whom we thoroughly recommend.

****** ********* are an experienced Window Cleaning Company with a full CRB police check and also based in the ******* area and like us have a large client base that are extremely happy with the service that they provide.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the last few years and wish you all the best for the future.


Should you have any queries please either contact myself on 07951 ***** or your new Window Cleaner ****** on 07976 ******


Kind Regards


****  *******
Managing Director
****** ******** (Sussex) ltd

[wizclean]

thanks guys for the help its much appreciated and glad to here others have got on fine with the change over. and thanks for the help with letters