Because 90% of my customers pay at the time services are rendered; including commercial accounts; it is difficult to relate to collections, etc.
Doctors and dentists expect payment at the time of an office visit; why should anyone think window cleaners should wait?
I'll bet your customers pay when they buy their groceries and go to the doctor, and get their car fixed, etc.
And having to go around to collect money on a weekly basis is infringing on your time off.
And time with your family.
If it were me; I would begin today with making a clear point with customers that payment is due whether they are home or not.
Just because it has "always been that way" does not mean it is correct to make window cleaners wait for their money.
If you want your pay policy to change; take charge today; change your policy.
Look at it this way; IT IS YOUR BUSINESS, YOUR PAY POLICY, YOU CALL THE SHOTS!
Just think how much time is spent on an annual basis collecting; (2 hours per week X 52 weeks = 104 hours per year; 4.33 days per year just collecting.
And a bit of frustration also; gas; wear and tear on your vehicle. :
To make window cleaners wait for their money or to make them come by later is not a fair policy to you.
Leave them several envelopes when the agreement is made.
Either mail it on that day or leave the check in the envelope in a particular spot for pick up.
Unless payment in advance is in cash; who is to say the check will be good 6 months from now.
I used to pay some people in advance/postdated checks.
My accountant told me never to do that again.
Bad policy he told me. The ideal arrangement is paid at the time.
But as you know, change will not happen on it's own. If you want pay arrangements to change; change them!
Otherwise you have no one to blame besideas yourself for not being paid as you wish.
By the way; I do flirt sometimes in a freindly way. I look at you guys as co-workers and commrads.
But I am every bit as serious as all of you about the window cleaning proffession.
Maybe more serious than many!
Hugs