[lee_dewing]

I don't like text'ing custies unless necessary.
 
Do you think charging a customer a £1 is bad?

I suppose it is but just looking for away to put customers off texts.

If i need to text custie to unlock fair enough.

But the custie that insists on having a text for no reason.

Or can anyone give me a good one liner for no to text messaging.

All i can think of is i don't text because it interrupts my evenings/free-time.

Or sending text messages confirming dates is impossible as the weather is unreliable and i can't spend my evenings looking at weather forecasts trying to predict how many houses will get done in a day.

funny today where i am is meant to be 30 c sunny today.

just had a bang of thunder 7.30am and it's raining

[bobplum]

i would text if required but the moment they say "leave it today",especially if its around the second or third clean i would remove them from the list

[Pro-Poler]

I'ts a bit of a problem because I suppose for a lot of work you need to give notice for access and methods of payment personally I don't like texting sometimes they don't switch the phone on or see the text then there's the problem that it gives them an excuse to cancel, my policy is to just get on with it as for access issues all my new customers get told when I take them on that I do the fronts if their not in as I don't do 'appointment cleans'

[lee_dewing]

Bobplum- yep doing that more.

found it is better not to inform them you've cancelled.

Sometimes they get in touch and when you explain to them the reason you haven't return some come back cap  in hand.
Most don't though

Find sending custie a letter or posting a not through the door is a waste of ink, paper and stamp.


Pro-poler yes this is the way for new custies me thinks.

thanks guys.

[Lee13]

I always text the day before, and then the day after with payment details. My customers love it. I used to get the odd 'leave it this week' but if it happens more than a couple of times I drop them. Rarely happens these days as I set their expectations on the day of the quote.

I guess its all about what works for you.

[paul ette]

i text all the night b4, pain in the arse as you always get the odd not this time, but my payment is always left out and gate unlocked so no hassle collecting and no jumping gates
when i have enough customers ill be dropping all the not this time customers

[richard jagger]

When you get to this type of problem is when you need t`s &`c like all cancelations of service must be at least 24 hours in advance. Doorstep cancellations are not acceptable and will be charged.If needing a phone call before service will attract a £1 service charge. I know it sounds harsh, but people respect you for it. It is the big business think to do.This gives you the upper hand.You might loose some, but believe me they will be messers anyway.

[niceandclean]

We text or call everyone the night before! When the customer is signed up, they are told that we contact them the night before out of courtesy and for us to have access. It is not a call or text asking them if they want their property to be cleaned. I think over the years i can count on one hand the messers! If you are a sole trader, then surely you could send a few text messages when you get home as part of the working day? I suppose it all depends on how much you want the job?

[formb]

If you have an Android phone and a bit of computer nous (or a program designer like I do) you could set your computer to do it for you.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.texty.sms&hl=en

Text should read:

Message from your Window Cleaner:
We are in your area and will be cleaning your windows in the next couple of days. Automated text. Please do not respond to this message.

[ben M]

We text or call everyone the night before! When the customer is signed up, they are told that we contact them the night before out of courtesy and for us to have access. It is not a call or text asking them if they want their property to be cleaned. I think over the years i can count on one hand the messers! If you are a sole trader, then surely you could send a few text messages when you get home as part of the working day? I suppose it all depends on how much you want the job?

it all depends on how much you want the job? what do you mean?
I send 2 or 3 texts a week for gate, otherwise no need to call or text every customer  
They know i come every 6 weeks, they know i can't guarantee the exact day, end of story.
I have my rules, if they are not happy they are free to find another window cleaner.
I am the boss of my company,not them.
lost only 1 customer in 2 years time.

[niceandclean]

We text or call everyone the night before! When the customer is signed up, they are told that we contact them the night before out of courtesy and for us to have access. It is not a call or text asking them if they want their property to be cleaned. I think over the years i can count on one hand the messers! If you are a sole trader, then surely you could send a few text messages when you get home as part of the working day? I suppose it all depends on how much you want the job?

it all depends on how much you want the job? what do you mean?

Exactly what i said Ben. It all depends on how much he wants THAT one job who wants him to text. I was only explaining how we operate our business and the issues that we don't seem to have. How you operate or anyone else is entirely up to the individuals! Simples 

[LBWCS]

I think your spot on. If I have to text re gate then its for my convenience.  Other than that factor it into the initial quote. As long as they are happy for you to send them reminders about payment then everyone wins

[CleanClear]

Or can anyone give me a good one liner for no to text messaging.

Due to the constraints it is imposing on us and how it is impacting on our business we are regrettably withdrawing our text the day before service. This will not in any way impact on the quality or frequency of our service to you, infact it will make it easier to keep to our schedules.
In future your next clean will be on or just after one calender month from your previous clean, weather permitting. [or insert your own frequency].
 This will enable us to operate a more flexible operation to suit the day to day requirements of the business and enable us to keep our costs down .



Ok, i know its more than one line........

[lee_dewing]

That's pretty good Clean Clear.

More professional than saying "I don't do appointments luv,  I'm a window cleaner NOT a doctor!"

But I would enjoy saying that.

thanks everyone.