[Londoner]

Congratulations to Ian. I think image counts more than we realise. when I see a new  window cleaner out and about (which I often do)  I form a complete view of him as I drive past and most of it is based on his appearence. So if I do it so must the customers.

[Paul Coleman]

Shiner      I take your point and I would have done the same. The point about benefit fraud only really kicks in when it is a systematic fiddle. And we all know that it goes on bigtime.
The trouble is that window cleaning is just ideal for these people. They can work for cash, its fairly anonimus, and they can move around a bit to keep it that way.

Oh sure.  It can and does happen.  I think another more common scenario is when people have a regular job and take up window cleaning to make a bit extra.  They may not claim benefits but I wouldn't mind betting that a fair proportion don't pay tax on it either.  Also, with the advent of child tax credits, a lot of people would be getting tax credits who wouldn't be getting them if they declared properly.  I'm not being judgmental about this though as I'm sure most people would do whatever it takes if they were in a jam.
The bit that would bug me is that these moneys can provide an indirect subsidy to the person who may work this way.  Not so terrible in itself if they don't chase the work of legitimate window cleaners like myself, but it can cause pay rates to be held down generally.  It can also mean that many of us are paying a little more tax than we otherwise would in order to provide this subsidy.  Perhaps this issue isn't a major concern at the moment but, as the economic screw gets tightened more (as appears to be starting to happen), then this could start making a bigger difference.

[D.Salkeld_Ltd]

In our small market town I've been working in town for about 12 years. Lived in the area for over 30 years.  People kmow me, most call me by my first name.  Why?

I believe it is because I try to be, above all, honest.  I'm not perfect, I do miss bits and make mistakes (occasionally). But my customers know all they have to do is ring my mobile and I'll put it right, no quibble.  I don't rush, I take my time and do a good job! I explainn if there are problems with access and we work together to ressolve the issues.

That's what I find people in our town are prepared to pay for:
Honesty and a good job.

There are "Cowboys" but they don't bother me.

Remember:

NOT PERFECT - BUT - HONEST!!

David

[dai]

D salkeld I aggree entirely. Most of my new work comes from recomendation from existing clents. As you put it "Not perfect but honest"DAI

[Londoner]

A bit off topic but if there are cowboy window cleaners they are nothing compared to cowboy builders plumbers and garages.
I am having a running battle at the moment over a garage bill for over £700 for a routine service on a car thats less than a year old. the garage is a main agents and they couldn't care less. Pay up or we'll take you to court, thats their attitude.