[AuRavelling79]

As soon as you discuss taking them on set out your stall:-

Generally -

Them: "How much do you charge?"
You:  "It depends - I offer monthly and two-monthly rates and the first clean is always rather more as they need bringing up to scratch."

Them: "Can you ring me before you come so I can be there/unlock the gate?"
You: "That's not necessary I have a "special" gate ladder with rubber contact points that lets me gain access with no damage and as I don't work in heavy rain or snow I cannot give an exact date each time - and if you're not in I just leave a slip for you to send me a cheque or you can even do it on-line now."

Them "It really is impossible for you to get round the back" (fort knox jobby)
You: I can do the fronts every month and you phone me and I'll do the backs as a one-off early in the morning/late in the day" etc.

or

You - producing a set of keys - "lots of my custies trust me with a key or code, would that be a way forward?"

If they won't play ball then do you really want them? This filters out most of the crud but have some well rehearsed polite but firm phrases:-

Them: Can you leave it this time?
You: Oh why? Is there an emergency/problem?

If it's an out of character real emergency or they've forgotten to tell you that their having work done then I would put up with it once in a while but if it's "I don't think they need doing this time, or come back in spring" Then:-

You: Well, I hope you understand but don't operate a "turn up and see service" but I can offer you a regular clean every two months if you prefer.

I'm brilliant on a keyboard mind but sometimes I just dump. 

[ian kev]

Thanks for that Gold, good write up. another question if you dont mind, the other day someone phoned and asked for a quote, id already done one in the same area so know the size house ect, so i asked if she wanted regular and she said will try you out first to see if your any good then maybe monthly...would you guys price as a one off, or explain maybe that its more for first clean then will drop price if become regular. cheers ian

[steven ainger]

firstly,
 i would look at the property to see how bad they are.
1...if they are not bad, then 50% the regular clean,
2...if there mingin at least double first clean,
expain why the charges work that way.

[Tom White]

This happened to me just into the New Year.  I reminded the customer of our original terms and agreement, and said that if I didn't clean them today, I'd remove him from my list.

He said "Fine, do that then!" and went inside the house.  He must've had a think about it, because when he came out (I was cleaning his neighbours) he said, "Oh go on then!" and I've had no trouble from him since.

Dump your time wasters, otherwise you'll end up with a round full of 'em and you'll get disheartened and stop window cleaning.

Remember the old CIU adage of "It's easier for a window cleaner to find another customer, than it is for a customer to find another window cleaner!"

[CLEANCARE WC]

you got it kev thats exactly what id do

[GB Window Cleaning]

Thanks for that Gold, good write up. another question if you dont mind, the other day someone phoned and asked for a quote, id already done one in the same area so know the size house ect, so i asked if she wanted regular and she said will try you out first to see if your any good then maybe monthly...would you guys price as a one off, or explain maybe that its more for first clean then will drop price if become regular. cheers ian

i'd price this at a one off clean the first time, then if she wonts you back again drop to a maintenance clean price! simp! 

[Ian101]

When taking a new customer on I offer 2 prices £12 for a monthly or £16 for a 2 monthly call so if they say "leave it this time" you can then remind them of the 2 month price.

About 25% go with the 1 month from the start and the rest 2 monthly .... takes longer to build ur round up but never get "leave it this time" from a bi monthly customer and if u do then u can drop em without loosing too much ... only exception is the wife / husband / dog died or the house has the builder there working on it