Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: jay moley on December 30, 2024, 03:33:58 pm

Title: Getting rid of ladder jobs
Post by: jay moley on December 30, 2024, 03:33:58 pm
Had a few days to think about it over Christmas. I've done the sums and I've decided to get rid of them straight away. The poster that fell and is in a bad way really made me think.

I'll try and retain those that accept I can't use ladders anymore (as suggested by another poster)  but if not replace them through canvassing and a few other ideas I have to get new customers.

The risk just isn't worth it. If I fall and can't work then my earnings will drop significantly if I employ someone to cover the work.

Also have a mate who is interested in buying the work.
Title: Re: Getting rid of ladder jobs
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on December 31, 2024, 01:46:05 pm
Couldn't agree more.

I stopped using ladder many years ago.  99% of properties don't need them if you have the correct quality and sized poles.   Those that need ladders are badly designed properties that I stay clear of.  I am not risking my whole livelyhood and safety for one stupid job.  I really am not that desperate enough.
Title: Re: Getting rid of ladder jobs
Post by: AuRavelling79 on December 31, 2024, 03:16:12 pm
Couldn't agree more.

I stopped using ladder many years ago.  99% of properties don't need them if you have the correct quality and sized poles.   Those that need ladders are badly designed properties that I stay clear of.  I am not risking my whole livelyhood and safety for one stupid job.  I really am not that desperate enough.

Yep.
New customers ...

"Anything I can reach from the ground madam."
Title: Re: Getting rid of ladder jobs
Post by: Stoots on December 31, 2024, 05:03:42 pm
I remmber the days of stretching over a big extension on a step ladder with a 35ft pole trying to reach some really awkward velux ;D

what was i thinking, taking on such dross lol
Title: Re: Getting rid of ladder jobs
Post by: zesty on January 01, 2025, 08:17:14 am
I bring my nephew with me to foot the ladder on anything gutter related, in terms of windows, I rarely get the ladder off, if I do, it’s to get onto a garage roof.
Title: Re: Getting rid of ladder jobs
Post by: NBwcs on January 01, 2025, 10:58:30 am
I bring my nephew with me to foot the ladder on anything gutter related, in terms of windows, I rarely get the ladder off, if I do, it’s to get onto a garage roof.


Flat roofs are a big no for me since I went through my own (which had no visible sign of wear and tear) If it had been a customers it would have been a nightmare. That's without taking into account the danger of accessing it with a ladder as well. Not worth it.
Title: Re: Getting rid of ladder jobs
Post by: dazmond on January 02, 2025, 10:50:41 pm
Your doing the right thing mate!

If you work on your own it's just foolish to carry on with ladder jobs because 95% of windows can be reached from the ground with WFP.

In the end I only had a few ladder jobs left(around 10).I still clean most of them at a reduced rate minus a few windows. The rest I thanked them for their custom over the years and moved on.

I took loads of risks on ladders when I was younger but I'm 53 now. I've fell off them twice too...again I was a lot younger(23) and I was fine but I don't think I would be quite as lucky next time.
Title: Re: Getting rid of ladder jobs
Post by: lal on January 03, 2025, 05:19:17 pm
Your doing the right thing mate!

If you work on your own it's just foolish to carry on with ladder jobs because 95% of windows can be reached from the ground with WFP.

In the end I only had a few ladder jobs left(around 10).I still clean most of them at a reduced rate minus a few windows. The rest I thanked them for their custom over the years and moved on.

I took loads of risks on ladders when I was younger but I'm 53 now. I've fell off them twice too...again I was a lot younger(23) and I was fine but I don't think I would be quite as lucky next time.


I stopped using ladders over 2 years ago, not worth the risk.