[Nameless Drudge]

I`m in the process of buying some work,cleans are due before christmas(130 customers),all established wfp,the guy is going to do these cleans with me(weather permitting). So we think a letter is the way to explain the changeover especially as many probably wont be in. I feel it should be kept simple and not highlight these people have been "sold",so would be very appreciative of any suggestions of wording to put in it and any advice/tips from folk who have done this before.If they don`t get done before christmas its likely i will just be tackling them on my own in the new year. I`m buying this work from a busy bloke with 6 employees and his backlog is a nightmare at the moment for him and he is hands on himself  so i can see his priorities changing and me doing it on my own,any advice greatly appreciated,regards.

[richywilts]

say something along lines that the current operator of the round is passing on his work due to new venture, expanding in new area, or moving the business in a different direction and has passed on the goodwill of the work too someone who he trusts to provide a reliable service in his absence

[poleman]

just bought a round this week this is what I sent (just kept it simple)

09/12/10
Window Cleaning

Dear New Customer
Following the recent change over in your window cleaning services, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself
My name is poleman and I have been in business for over 20 years and like most window cleaners use the waterfed pole system, also all are work is fully insured for your peace of mind.
Mark has given me all the details need to continue his round and in due course I will be calling to clean as normal
Thank you for your custom.

Yours Sincerely
 

Andy
MD of Poleman Ltd

[poleman]

this is what the old w/c sent to his customers

07/12/10
Re:  window cleaning
Dear Customer
I would like to take this opportunity to inform you after much consideration I have decided to move out of the area (Buxton) for a fresh start with my partner.
A good friend of mine (poleman) has now taken over my window cleaning round from the date of this letter and will carry on as normal, polemans company name is xxxx and he will be writing to you in the coming days.
Just remains for me to wish you all the best 

[geefree]

To be fair , the other guy should have had the courtesy to give a letter to his customers , as part of the sale,

I sold bits and bobs and let the customers know via letter or verbally,

but that does not help you,

Try,

Dear Sir/madam,

After x years of providing you with a reliable service ,  blogs window cleaning sevices , are unable to continue with the domestic window cleaning round, due to expansion in the commercial market,  and are also cocentrating on carpet cleaning.

We, as a professional company , have aquired the domestic side of the business from Blogs window cleaning services, and aim to provide you with a first class , regular reliable service.

We are a local friendly company with x years of experience,  are fully insured, and our reputation speaks for itself.

We look forward to meeting you, and continuing with a first class service.

If you have any problems with this changeover , please contact xxxxxxx

Or your previous window cleaner  tel. xxxxxxxxxxxx

Thank You.

Yours.............

xxxxxxxxxx

[G Griffin]

Sean,
      You don`t want to mention that the customers have been "sold" to you but I would let them know that you have laid some money out.
It maybe the difference between keeping some and losing some. Customers can be wary about a new cleaner but they may give you more of a chance if they know it has cost you money.

[Nameless Drudge]

Cheers for the replies,settled my mind some,the blokes being fair so far and the customers are going to get 2 letters at the same time,one from each of us,i want to and will probably compose both. Strange how i get to worry about this when most probably the majority of customers wont give a ****cks .But i can`t take that risk so i will be putting the effort in and i keep telling myself i will be rewarded in later life!

[Crystal-clear]

Hi sean Grats on getting your new work i hope it Works out well for you!


All these letter examples seem nice and simple to me which is perfect i have sold a round here and there and bought too

what i found the best way was to say absolutely nothing simply turn up with the old cleaner introduce yourself and say you will be working on his behalf and the address for the cheques will be your address

Those that were out staple your slip with his slip with a pen highlight your address for the cheque. this might make them call you then explain that bob is going to be busy in the commercial sector and you are working on his behalf

Happy days! no confusion no who are you? no Oh.. so ill never see bob again?
no i think ill cancel i dont want a new cleaner this way its as if Bob might return to clean them personally and they keep you on cos of bob, during your visits get friendly with them as you know our job has nothing to do with cleaning windows its a people person business as you know if they like you and can have a chat with you as long as your work is satisfactory you have them for life then after a few cleans explain that you took over Simple!

but with these letter things its just too final!some customers could get scared ,panic and cancel

I used my method up north on a round with about 300 customers only £4 average but i think only 4 dropped out and these were bad payers.

Just an idea for you but maybe the letter might be more suitable for you