Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: jay moley on March 17, 2025, 07:49:11 pm
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I clean a customers house every 8 weeks, just the front.
She asked for the back to be cleaned last time. I checked and I hadn't done it for 8 months. Did it (it took ages) but priced it well.
I said to her you may get some marks, let me know and ill pop back and touch it up.
Anyway she text me on Friday saying there are marks. This is a month after the clean.
I thought she was trying it on but I said I'd go and have a look. Went today and clearly she's had some pressure washing done or some building work, but looks like pressure washing, patio slabs looked clean. Splash marks all over the windows and render marks too. I checked around the corner and those windows were perfect.
I text her saying about the pressure washing and she's saying it hasn't been done.
I don't think I'm even going to reply. I don't deal with messers.
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It boils my hiss that they think we are that stupid we can’t see what’s happened. Then to save face argue/claim and swear differently.
Dump is the best call mate.
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If they dont tell me within 24 hours or so i wont go back.
I had one last week, i messaged her for payment 7 days after the clean. She said all her windows were left streaky...
I just said sorry its been 7 days and no one else has complained so i cant re clean it for free. Theres no way all her windows were streaky thats not even a thing...
she still hasnt paid me i will just dump her i think
Out of all the times ive been called back more than half of them there was nothing wrong with them, its usually inside.
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Im not replying to her message.
Another dilemma...
I've been leafleting the last few days after work. Got a call today, they said I used to clean their windows. I said id come back to them with updated quote.
I've looked them up and they skipped cleans multiple times in the past, this is 4 years ago.
Either dont bother or spell it out that they used to skip and this is a regular 8 weekly service. Can't decide.
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They've got 48hrs to report any complaints after that I'm not interested as too much time has passed to establish a cause.
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Im not replying to her message.
Another dilemma...
I've been leafleting the last few days after work. Got a call today, they said I used to clean their windows. I said id come back to them with updated quote.
I've looked them up and they skipped cleans multiple times in the past, this is 4 years ago.
Either dont bother or spell it out that they used to skip and this is a regular 8 weekly service. Can't decide.
Did you want to top up your work with proven messers? Spell it out my arse, they know they’re crap!
Have they messed someone else about in the last 4 years.
I never take anyone back.
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Im not replying to her message.
Another dilemma...
I've been leafleting the last few days after work. Got a call today, they said I used to clean their windows. I said id come back to them with updated quote.
I've looked them up and they skipped cleans multiple times in the past, this is 4 years ago.
Either dont bother or spell it out that they used to skip and this is a regular 8 weekly service. Can't decide.
Did you want to top up your work with proven messers? Spell it out my arse, they know they’re crap!
Have they messed someone else about in the last 4 years.
I never take anyone back.
You are right. Not going to bother.
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When I started 6 years ago I took on any new customer and let them control me. Now its the other way about because I have plenty of customers. Even got called today when I was helping my mate lay slabs at his house. Just told the guy to send a text with his address on it and I'll take a look because it has a conny attached. I clean 4 in small area off the main road so the new clean is a no brainer but will still price it correct.
Feel sorry for newbies or folk trying to build up a round because customers can take advantage of them because they need the work. All I can say is its better to hold your ground, start as you mean to go on and it slowly gets better, that's what I have found out. Picking up work all the time now just through word of mouth which will happen if you provide a good service.
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When we are new, it's easier for customers to try to have a go because we are inexperienced. We also are building a round, so we are inclined to be more tolerant and absorb these punches as long as they aren't too far below the belt.
We learn the tricks once we get caught and are better prepared next time. Then someone comes up with a new one. It's all part of the learning experience.
As the expression goes; calm seas don't make good sailors.
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Don't accept bad customers, be confident offering a great service to good customers and be straight with the bad ones
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I got a customer asking why I cleaned their windows when the house was getting work done. I thought a customer would contact me to say leave it this month as I'm getting new doors fitted instead of the window. It's getting to the stage they think I'm a mind reader. 🤔
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In my experience, there is much more chance of a good customer becoming a messer, than a messer becoming a good customer.
Once they start to show those messer traits, then it's time to bid them farewell.