Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: jdemarco on October 13, 2007, 05:23:39 pm
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I started this handy little trick to increase my earnings about 6 months ago with no complaints so far. Maybe you do it , idont know, But its this. 95% of my work is 4 weekly which in the long run if you manage to get to every customer bang on 4 weeks you will earn more than just every month, we all know that so nothing new, but what im doing now is going to my customers an extra day earlier and if my 4 weekly day in a particular area lands on a monday then the following month i will go 3 days before which will be a friday and keep it going for the whole year.
The majority of customers dont batter an eyelid but the ones that write the dates on the calender i just explain to them that the weather for the day i should be calling on doesnt look great and i dont want to do them in the rain for you and at the same time i dont want to come late because i know you like a regular service. Or i just tell them that that day im away or i have a prior engagement. And for all those people who think this is unethical and dishonest its not you end up keeping your customer happy cos where i live 99% of window cleaners are extremely irregular and customers hate this.
So customers never complain that im irregular and they dont complain that im early, there just gratefull im there even if it is a day or 2 early. Dont know if this would work well with 2 weekly work but definately with 4 weekly. If you got spare days that need filling then do it or if not then employ someone so you get through your work quicker and can go early, what you pay them you will earn back and more at the end of the year.
Is anybody else doing this?
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Good Idea in theory, but if you have worked up a round and have a nearly full diary, surely it would be better just to get 20 or more customers to make it a full month and save all the messing and potential loss custom from people who are not happy with it.
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mmmmm, sound like crookedness, If you say every 4 weeks it should be every 4 weeks otherwise you are just lying, Luke
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I started this handy little trick to increase my earnings about 6 months ago with no complaints so far. Maybe you do it , idont know, But its this. 95% of my work is 4 weekly which in the long run if you manage to get to every customer bang on 4 weeks you will earn more than just every month, we all know that so nothing new, but what im doing now is going to my customers an extra day earlier and if my 4 weekly day in a particular area lands on a monday then the following month i will go 3 days before which will be a friday and keep it going for the whole year.
The majority of customers dont batter an eyelid but the ones that write the dates on the calender i just explain to them that the weather for the day i should be calling on doesnt look great and i dont want to do them in the rain for you and at the same time i dont want to come late because i know you like a regular service. Or i just tell them that that day im away or i have a prior engagement. And for all those people who think this is unethical and dishonest its not you end up keeping your customer happy cos where i live 99% of window cleaners are extremely irregular and customers hate this.
So customers never complain that im irregular and they dont complain that im early, there just gratefull im there even if it is a day or 2 early. Dont know if this would work well with 2 weekly work but definately with 4 weekly. If you got spare days that need filling then do it or if not then employ someone so you get through your work quicker and can go early, what you pay them you will earn back and more at the end of the year.
Is anybody else doing this?
Surely it would be easier just to get a few extra customers?
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I started this handy little trick to increase my earnings about 6 months ago with no complaints so far. Maybe you do it , idont know, But its this. 95% of my work is 4 weekly which in the long run if you manage to get to every customer bang on 4 weeks you will earn more than just every month, we all know that so nothing new, but what im doing now is going to my customers an extra day earlier and if my 4 weekly day in a particular area lands on a monday then the following month i will go 3 days before which will be a friday and keep it going for the whole year.
The majority of customers dont batter an eyelid but the ones that write the dates on the calender i just explain to them that the weather for the day i should be calling on doesnt look great and i dont want to do them in the rain for you and at the same time i dont want to come late because i know you like a regular service. Or i just tell them that that day im away or i have a prior engagement. And for all those people who think this is unethical and dishonest its not you end up keeping your customer happy cos where i live 99% of window cleaners are extremely irregular and customers hate this.
So customers never complain that im irregular and they dont complain that im early, there just gratefull im there even if it is a day or 2 early. Dont know if this would work well with 2 weekly work but definately with 4 weekly. If you got spare days that need filling then do it or if not then employ someone so you get through your work quicker and can go early, what you pay them you will earn back and more at the end of the year.
Is anybody else doing this?
No if 4 weekly it is at least 4 weeks per clean, I think I have cleaned 1 day early once this year as I was going away for a few days and wanted to finish the round before I went, I did explain this to every customer that asked, as people start to talk and having words like he turns up before hes meant to etc is not good for compayy image, once in a blue moon people will understand every time (they are not stupid) have you been cleaning long?
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Good idea if you're short of work. Better to be early than late anyway. Just say you're getting ahead so they still get the same cleans a year even though you go on holiday. That's true and you don't have to lie. I did my work in five weeks for a while rather than six ( about two years ago now) to make up for no customers. Now I try to ditch some and get better ones.
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Thousands more? ::)
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Yeh cos if its so easy getting customers why window cleaners always after more work, from what ive read from other posts. Like i said customers dont even know when your due they wont be bothered. this is far easier than going out canvassing and why not do both. Any new jobs i get now i tell them that i will be with them every 4 weeks give or take a day or 2. So im even telling them. Im never late and im always early and if the early day is wet then i go the day i was supposed to go and that way i dont lose a day cos the next time you go if its 4 weeks then you will be a day late all the time. It really does mount up at the end of the year. Little things like this combined together make a hell of a difference to your earnings. Trust me! Its worth trying. you wont lose customers if you explain why you do it but only if they ask.
Are your customers that fussy that the slightest alteration they sack you.
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Thousands more? ::)
If you got the work then yeh thousands more. when i was doing this i worked it out with 5000 pounds a month by going a day early it went up in total after a year 65000 pounds per year to over 69000 pounds per year. If my calculations were right.
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I do sometimes turn up a couple of days early or late anyway. However, I run a 6 weekly cycle so it's probably not so critical to be exactly on time. In any case, I do tell people that I sometimes get a bit in front or behind with the work when I start cleaning for them and everyone has accepted that.
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Thousands more? ::)
If you got the work then yeh thousands more. when i was doing this i worked it out with 5000 pounds a month by going a day early it went up in total after a year 65000 pounds per year to over 69000 pounds per year. If my calculations were right.
pull the other one.
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I can't take much more of this tripe. :o
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I can't take much more of this tripe. :o
:D
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20 odd posts...£69000 a year...there every 4 weeks, and a day earlier each time. dam you must be organised, where do you get the time to do THAT much work, and if your theyre a day earlier each time, youve made up 52 days in a year! wow youve found a extra 2 months of out of 12...well done
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Because he only works three and a half days a week remember. ;)
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Because he only works three and a half days a week remember. ;)
Must be Graham Gould in disguise.
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Because he only works three and a half days a week remember. ;)
oh sorry forgot about that
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im waiting for reply...yawns...come on this is entertaining
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I await the approaching amazement, that rises in the wake of your magnificence.
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Mums just got the tea ready then it's bath time. :P :)
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Ok have your fun. Only trying to help. If you dont want to listen then dont. Im running a very successful business more successfull than i ever thought possible. i just want to pass my knowledge on to help teachable people who want to earn more and build an empire. If i come across as cocky and big headed then i apoligize im just enthusiastic about my business and i know what you can achieve. if you dont know whats possible you wont exert yourself you just make do with what you got. Im your messiah!!!
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im sorry but i dont agree and if the customers have brains they will click on im pretty sure mine would.
I dont really think its the way to run a business on lies thats just my opinion!
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Jdemarco, we all want to succeed and all look for inspiration thanks for your concern. The problem is first off your spouting unbelievable figures for a virtual sole trader (paying a lad £50 per week) who up untill a couple of weeks ago would have been working trad only, then your entering the wfp world with a basic trolley system, only work three and a half days a week, far exceeding the vat threshold which you appear to have no understanding of at all. What else do you expect? If your figures and indeed you are genuine then you have pulled off an amazing feat and would be an incredible business man and I take my hat off to you. But for me like I said unbelievable. Sorry
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You're okay JD.
Fresh ideas, different perspective.
You've taken a few insults off me and others and you don't get threatening or crawl into your shell.
I haven't been doing this long but been wfp about 6 mths. Most on here go to longer frequencies, which is a problem that you will face wfp. The windows don't get dirty, even the thick custies catch on eventually.
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I do exactly the same & have been doing this for past 10 years atleast.
I have only had the odd complaint over the years and to be honest, im not bothered if they cancel.
I have got myself into a position now where all my work is different, terraces, semis, very large houses, offices, apartment blocks, generally most work you could imagine.
I believe im the best window cleaner going(my opinion), so i am used on a regular basis by a couple of bigger cleaning companys to carry out there work.
I have been there in the past employing 5 lads and renting work out, but have found me and 2 lads cover as much work , as im not as stressed and can keep my eye on both work and the money !
I have been approached by a very, very big company & am keeping my fingers crossed that i get my prices right & it comes off..
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If your figures and indeed you are genuine then you have pulled off an amazing feat and would be an incredible business man and I take my hat off to you. But for me like I said unbelievable. Sorry
Ill take that last part of your post! cheers for the compliment!!
I AM 100% genuine
And its 50 pound a day i pay my lad, im tight but not that tight! And when hes finished his training in about 2 months i will be putting his wages up to 60/70 a day and eventually when he takes on more responsibility and proves his loyalty i will pay him 100 pounds a day.
I suppose i do take alot of stick from you guys. I must bring it on myself, i can see it from your point of view. You either love me or hate me!! i think tommorrow ill post that on a poll.
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If your figures and indeed you are genuine then you have pulled off an amazing feat and would be an incredible business man and I take my hat off to you. But for me like I said unbelievable. Sorry
Ill take that last part of your post! cheers for the compliment!!
I AM 100% genuine
And its 50 pound a day i pay my lad, im tight but not that tight! And when hes finished his training in about 2 months i will be putting his wages up to 60/70 a day and eventually when he takes on more responsibility and proves his loyalty i will pay him 100 pounds a day.
I suppose i do take alot of stick from you guys. I must bring it on myself, i can see it from your point of view. You either love me or hate me!! i think tommorrow ill post that on a poll.
£50 is for how many hours work ???????
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If your figures and indeed you are genuine then you have pulled off an amazing feat and would be an incredible business man and I take my hat off to you. But for me like I said unbelievable. Sorry
Ill take that last part of your post! cheers for the compliment!!
I AM 100% genuine
And its 50 pound a day i pay my lad, im tight but not that tight! And when hes finished his training in about 2 months i will be putting his wages up to 60/70 a day and eventually when he takes on more responsibility and proves his loyalty i will pay him 100 pounds a day.
I suppose i do take alot of stick from you guys. I must bring it on myself, i can see it from your point of view. You either love me or hate me!! i think tommorrow ill post that on a poll.
Hey relax !!
It's just a bit of gentle ribbing.
We all get a bit of stick on here occasionally.
Think of it as an initiation ceremony :)
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If your figures and indeed you are genuine then you have pulled off an amazing feat and would be an incredible business man and I take my hat off to you. But for me like I said unbelievable. Sorry
Ill take that last part of your post! cheers for the compliment!!
I AM 100% genuine
And its 50 pound a day i pay my lad, im tight but not that tight! And when hes finished his training in about 2 months i will be putting his wages up to 60/70 a day and eventually when he takes on more responsibility and proves his loyalty i will pay him 100 pounds a day.
I suppose i do take alot of stick from you guys. I must bring it on myself, i can see it from your point of view. You either love me or hate me!! i think tommorrow ill post that on a poll.
Hey relax !!
It's just a bit of gentle ribbing.
We all get a bit of stick on here occasionally.
Think of it as an initiation ceremony :)
Shiner, from what i can take from the posts hes lovin it ;D
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Only really possible with domestics as commercial work is on a strict monthly budget of 1 clean per month for set amount.
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If you have a full round it isn't possible anyway, and there are always variables that will delay you.
Sick days, foul weather, dark nights, lazy days, late starts, holidays and so on.
I'm full up with work as it is, I couldn't get earlier if I wanted to, and as alex says, if you have a lot of commercial work then much of it will be for a set amount of cleans per year.
Though I've never really had a problem with turning up a day or 2 early when the occaasion has arose.
But I'm not sure I believe figure of over a grand a week and still being able to get the work done in even less time than before!
And with the figures quoted, you will have to be vat registered.
Presumably this lad is also employed correctly? Employers liability, taxed, employers NI and so on??
Ian
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i have my doubts i mean y would you do that just to pass the vat threshold??
If you were going to surpass £63,000 you would just want to you would want to be way over like 20G over to make it worth it :-\
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Been doin this for years mate, better late than never at all big man, never kid a kidder! ;D
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eventually at the rate you are stating.. you will be calling daily to clean them... if each month you pinch a day or two.
surely?
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Must be Graham Gould in disguise.
No doubt about it.
Not as funny as he used to be though.
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This would only make sense if you were planning to never get anymore work,why not just go out and get enough work so that you never have any spare days.6-8 weekly cycles for cleaning window`s is far more profitable as you can charge up to 30-40% percent more as the gaps between cleans are longer,let the customer see that you`ve actually cleaned them,every 4 weeks is commercial work only for me your never going to get top money doing domestics every 4 weeks.
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hi guys at that rate he will have finished before he has started
lots of lol
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hi guys at that rate he will have finished before he has started
lots of lol
Well scorn all you will, it works well for me. Any other tips i think ill keep my big mouth shut. Over and out!
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JDemarco
Keep them tips coming, i appreciate evry thing you say.
Dave
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JDemarco
Keep them tips coming, i appreciate evry thing you say.
Dave
Well...ok just for you dave! Cheers mate.
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I enjoy them too mate, you did initially come across as an arrogant git, but I'm warming to you ;D
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hi guys at that rate he will have finished before he has started
lots of lol
Well scorn all you will, it works well for me. Any other tips i think ill keep my big mouth shut. Over and out!
JDE, we are not all set in are ways m8, there are some that look to earn more in the future, any tips you give are gladly read, some will help some will not , but never will I knock you for being like me (wanting better for yourself) good on you m8, keep em coming
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what a read that was hahaha
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sorry m8 just my feeble attempt at humour
over &out
mike
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hi guys at that rate he will have finished before he has started
lots of lol
Well scorn all you will, it works well for me. Any other tips i think ill keep my big mouth shut. Over and out!
Hey. Remember. This is just an initiation ceremony. :)
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hi guys at that rate he will have finished before he has started
lots of lol
Well scorn all you will, it works well for me. Any other tips i think ill keep my big mouth shut. Over and out!
Does that mean we have to go back to listening to people harping and moaning on about earning nothing more than a toffee again?
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Ben Lovelock, have you got this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy52yueBX_s
You can download it here
http://cache.googlevideo.com/get_video?video_id=Wy52yueBX_s