[Stoots]

So i picked up 7 new potential cleans this week....

Only 2 of them i ended up doing 

1 had velux on the roof front and rear and i couldnt reach
1 had a rear extension with velux on either side of it, only way to do them would be off a ladder
1 was a mid terraced that needed a drive around to do the backs
2 had access only through the garage

Only 2 of them i fancied doing nice easy semis

actually theres another one i had who i didnt reply to as access to back was through a neighbours garden, something else i no longer do.....

All of these i would have taken on years ago not anymore ive become very picky

[Pete Thompson]

You can still quote a house without the veluxes.

I stopped doing all high up veluxes about a year ago, I told customers that insurance wouldn't cover veluxes higher than 3 metres anymore.  Most of them didn't even realise I had been doing them.

(The actual reason was just that I hated doing them and couldn't be bothered getting the long pole out anymore)

[deeege]

How do you stay as a single operator yet are always taking on loads of new work? Never get to the point that you’re happy or are making very minor changes?

[AuRavelling79]

You can still quote a house without the veluxes.

I stopped doing all high up veluxes about a year ago, I told customers that insurance wouldn't cover veluxes higher than 3 metres anymore.  Most of them didn't even realise I had been doing them.

(The actual reason was just that I hated doing them and couldn't be bothered getting the long pole out anymore)

I think my 10 year old extreme 47 is on borrowed time. I replace the top three sections every time I buy new sections for my extreme 20.

I snapped a bigger section last year so it is half length ( old stepped section) and the pole is basically now an extreme 43/44!

But if I break another large section I might not be able to reach my highest work anymore so might stop the farthest distance roof lights or the last four floor property I have.

[Small but perfectley formed]

Hi Stoots how’s the gutter vacuuming service doing is it a viable add on for your area.
Was thinking of buying a vac and camera I work a ex mining area so price for jobs is lower than most .

[Stoots]

How do you stay as a single operator yet are always taking on loads of new work? Never get to the point that you’re happy or are making very minor changes?

Im always dumping, jobs that ive put up with for years i just dont dont want to anymore. i figured if im not going to employ someone then i need to make my round the easiest it can be. Any job that i pull up to and think i dont really like this one is on my list to go.

[EandM]

Once consistent finding I've noticed:

Those customers who phone on my landline are almost always problematic, argumentative, overly demanding, etc.

Those that call my mobile, aren't.

Based on about 30 calls in the last couple of years.

[Stoots]

Once consistent finding I've noticed:

Those customers who phone on my landline are almost always problematic, argumentative, overly demanding, etc.

Those that call my mobile, aren't.

Based on about 30 calls in the last couple of years.

Don't answer the landline problem solved.

I've not had a landline for about 10 years

[Stoots]

You can still quote a house without the veluxes.

I stopped doing all high up veluxes about a year ago, I told customers that insurance wouldn't cover veluxes higher than 3 metres anymore.  Most of them didn't even realise I had been doing them.

(The actual reason was just that I hated doing them and couldn't be bothered getting the long pole out anymore)

I think my 10 year old extreme 47 is on borrowed time. I replace the top three sections every time I buy new sections for my extreme 20.

I snapped a bigger section last year so it is half length ( old stepped section) and the pole is basically now an extreme 43/44!

But if I break another large section I might not be able to reach my highest work anymore so might stop the farthest distance roof lights or the last four floor property I have.

I sold my longest pole back in April.

Had to drop 4 or 5 jobs but glad I did I hated the thing!

Said goodbye to anything I can't reach with a 25ft pole

I do have a few velux on extensions and a few really awkward angles over connys etc I still do but they are on my list to go.

[JandS]

Only do velux windows on bungalows.
Only do windows that my SLX 25 will reach.
Any gates locked after texting night before pay full price regardless of what I can't do.

[AuRavelling79]

You'll love this one ...

One of a pair of very large 3 storey Georgian semis I took on last year. Needed to pre notify at times as sliding sashes sometimes left open in warm weather.

Got a text saying that they were away so cancel September's clean please. I responded with 'Does anyone need to actually be there as I guess the windows will be shut?'


'We do like to leave some windows ajar for fresh air, so would prefer to leave it this time.
And lastly,  being surrounded by field , the farmers and now harvesting,  spraying and will be causing so much dust , when you do the windows,  they will need doing again , so waste of your time and our money.  🤔"

My response is in my next post.

[AuRavelling79]

I understand completely. I think it best we draw stumps and you find a window cleaner that will accommodate your requirements more fully.

Your loss. Thanks for the time you were here. R

It really isn't. No problem.

[dazmond]

I very rarely dump a job....but when I do its for the same reasons

1.persistent very late payments every clean.
2.dog muck
3.parking issues

[robbo333]

Once consistent finding I've noticed:

Those customers who phone on my landline are almost always problematic, argumentative, overly demanding, etc.

Those that call my mobile, aren't.

Based on about 30 calls in the last couple of years.



Why don't you get 'call forwarding' on your landline so it goes straight to your mobile? 

[dazmond]

Once consistent finding I've noticed:

Those customers who phone on my landline are almost always problematic, argumentative, overly demanding, etc.

Those that call my mobile, aren't.

Based on about 30 calls in the last couple of years.

I don't get any of these annoying phone calls.my missus on the other hand gets them virtually every week being an interior designer!😆

I love the stress free life of a window cleaner!🙂👍