[Frankybadboy]

I totally agree with you, this figure is ok for 1 man and a van, but I am looking at building it up to £800 to £900 for 2 men in 1 van.

Thats another reason I will keep on calling the night before, any that do cancel or cannot be done will be replaced by another customer so the daily income figure is roughly £300, the excess work will be cleaned by me at first until there is enough work to start another van on a 3 day week.

Hopefully I can keep on repeating this method and grow at a steady rate, but it will take time and I have allocated 5 years to achieve what I want.

So what are you saying, is that figure for you & your staff or just you at this moment in time?

that's me and 1 member of staff, i normally pick him up at 10am and drop him home by 3.30pm

how the hell did you managed when you had 2 staff on that income on windows.?


i say it a again your full of it

[Johnny B]

I would prefer to just turn up amd clean, just as I did in England for 14 years without any problems.

Here in Ireland it just doesn't work that way, so I have had to adapt my approach, and if it means that I have to call, phone or text beforehand, I will do that in order to stay in business.

Very interesting thread!

John      

Out of interest if say you have 15 jobs schedules for the day how many would turn into a not today or leave em this time ?

Good question Ian. When I started out here, I could have up to 75% or more that would say 'not today' on a second clean. It was driving me nuts at the time, but I have persevered and the way it works now as I am beginning to fill my run up is that if they say it to me now, it doesn't bother me so much as I can still earn close to what I need with more reliable customers I have since picked up. The 'not today' brigade are still on my books, but now only get my attention when I can fit them in, so the tide is now beginning to turn in my favour.   

John       

[William McCafferty]

I totally agree with you, this figure is ok for 1 man and a van, but I am looking at building it up to £800 to £900 for 2 men in 1 van.

Thats another reason I will keep on calling the night before, any that do cancel or cannot be done will be replaced by another customer so the daily income figure is roughly £300, the excess work will be cleaned by me at first until there is enough work to start another van on a 3 day week.

Hopefully I can keep on repeating this method and grow at a steady rate, but it will take time and I have allocated 5 years to achieve what I want.

So what are you saying, is that figure for you & your staff or just you at this moment in time?

that's me and 1 member of staff, i normally pick him up at 10am and drop him home by 3.30pm

how the hell did you managed when you had 2 staff on that income on windows.?


i say it a again your full of it

lets think, o yes I was in plaster for 3 months, I was advised not to work for 1 year, I had a simple choose stay at home and earn nothing or employ a part timer and carry on working.

as you are such a wise one, I have another op planned in the next couple of months, the same one I had last year but on the other leg.

This time though I will not be able to do half of what I could last year, so whats your wise words.

[mikecam]

Out of interest if say you have 15 jobs schedules for the day how many would turn into a not today or leave em this time ?

Ian, i operate mostly this way. The amount that turns into a not today or leave it this time is generally nil. I'm generally ruthless at culling them, once i allow it and then second time i suggest i take them off and they can ring me when they want me (that comes at a premium). I'm already a premium rate as most can get a cleaner cheaper, but then........they just turn up you never know when they've been, i don't like the gangs of lads they have ...etc..... I know its not for everyone, and its not a time efficient way to run a compact round. But it is another way to run your business that works too. I just say...just letting you know i'll be round tomorrow. Never have an issue really.

[William McCafferty]

as usual on this and other forums people are attacked because they say and do things differently, normally these people don't winge when a customer cancels or it snows, or their hose reels fall apart.

These people also hide behind fictious names and try to bully anyone who is not in their special club.

I do things in my own little way, some things work, while others do not.

I want a lot from this business and I don't mind saying what I want.

When things don't go to plan I don't fall apart and start crying, I get on with it and carry on running my business.

My turnover figures in my opinion are low, my profits are even lower, unlike some I don't mind spending money on trying to improve my business, and I will continue to do so, because at the end of the day this will show me a return in higher profits down the line.

I have though noticed that these bullies always go on the attack because they are afraid that newbies will learn that there is good money to be made from window cleaning, and they will come into the trade and they will suffer from the extra competition.

Well I hope that thousands and thousands do come into the trade, maybe then the dinosaurs can be put out to grass and go into the abliss they deserve.

[♠Winp®oClean♠]

as usual on this and other forums people are attacked because they say and do things differently, normally these people don't winge when a customer cancels or it snows, or their hose reels fall apart.

These people also hide behind fictious names and try to bully anyone who is not in their special club.

I do things in my own little way, some things work, while others do not.

I want a lot from this business and I don't mind saying what I want.

When things don't go to plan I don't fall apart and start crying, I get on with it and carry on running my business.

My turnover figures in my opinion are low, my profits are even lower, unlike some I don't mind spending money on trying to improve my business, and I will continue to do so, because at the end of the day this will show me a return in higher profits down the line.

I have though noticed that these bullies always go on the attack because they are afraid that newbies will learn that there is good money to be made from window cleaning, and they will come into the trade and they will suffer from the extra competition.

Well I hope that thousands and thousands do come into the trade, maybe then the dinosaurs can be put out to grass and go into the abliss they deserve.

Have you been drinking Pure HYdro?

That's a complete contradiction to what you've always implied on another forum

I don't think it's bullying but I have to agree that understanding how you do things is somewhat puzzling more often than not, especially when they seem to contradict constantly?

Each to their own eh

[Paul Coleman]

as usual on this and other forums people are attacked because they say and do things differently, normally these people don't winge when a customer cancels or it snows, or their hose reels fall apart.

These people also hide behind fictious names and try to bully anyone who is not in their special club.

I do things in my own little way, some things work, while others do not.

I want a lot from this business and I don't mind saying what I want.

When things don't go to plan I don't fall apart and start crying, I get on with it and carry on running my business.

My turnover figures in my opinion are low, my profits are even lower, unlike some I don't mind spending money on trying to improve my business, and I will continue to do so, because at the end of the day this will show me a return in higher profits down the line.

I have though noticed that these bullies always go on the attack because they are afraid that newbies will learn that there is good money to be made from window cleaning, and they will come into the trade and they will suffer from the extra competition.

Well I hope that thousands and thousands do come into the trade, maybe then the dinosaurs can be put out to grass and go into the abliss they deserve.

I didn't see anything myself that I would interpret as bullying.
I would also say that most on here have the goal of improving their business.  The issue is that what one sees as an improvement, another will see as creating problems.  The way of improving my business that I adopt is to try as far as possible to stick with decent paid, easy access work that requires the minimum of customer maintenance.  I even have jobs where, to gain access, I get up a step ladder, lean over the gate and stretch downwards with a long crowbar to flip the bolt.  I regard that as easier than phoning ahead.
If you or anyone else wants to spend time phoning ahead and sometimes juggling around the needs of individual customers, that is of course your prerogative.  You see that as improving your business.  I see the fact that I seldom need to do that as improving my business.  Sounds like one of those "agree to differ" moments 

[pncleaning]

Imagine this, you have a full round of say, 350 to 450 customers who you service with clean windows every 6 weeks. They mostly behave and 90% pay on time and don't cause problems. OK so far?

Now a "special" customer calls (at 11 pm  ) and starts talking about a special arrangement for the service in that you "must" contact them first, before you intend to turn up and provide the service they want.

All they would hear from my side of the conversation would be a dial tone at the other end of the phone line.

I'd be looking for at least one new customer who fits the system that's in place to provide the service they want. No frills, just more customers than you can manage. As soon as someone wants "special handling", it's time to decide.

We DO provide a service, but because it can get very big for a one or two man set up very quickly, you need to stay 100% in control and not try to pander to everyone.

Just my opinion, but so far, after over 20 years in the game, works for me.

[pncleaning]

 

[Roy Cauldery]

Ian, i operate mostly this way. The amount that turns into a not today or leave it this time is generally nil. I'm generally ruthless at culling them, once i allow it and then second time i suggest i take them off and they can ring me when they want me (that comes at a premium). I'm already a premium rate as most can get a cleaner cheaper, but then........they just turn up you never know when they've been, i don't like the gangs of lads they have ...etc..... I know its not for everyone, and its not a time efficient way to run a compact round. But it is another way to run your business that works too. I just say...just letting you know i'll be round tomorrow. Never have an issue really.

Again,we run our business like this.It's not everyone's cup of tea,but it works for me
Five years in and just employed our third member of staff.I guess I'll just keep txting and phoning customers and jumping through hoops-it's not a problem,I'll get their money any way I can
One of the best threads on here for a long time ......

[William McCafferty]

when I mention figures along with staff employed I am either accused of lying or full of it.

Because of certain disability problem my "working day" is no more than 2 hours, I cannot walk more than 1/4 mile without being in extreme pain.

This is a vast improvement on 12 months ago and in 2 months I will be back to the beginning where walking 5 paces requires pooploads of morphine.

Because of this I organise my business to work around what I can do, when I go into hosptital I will take on another member of staff to do what I cannot do.

Yes I could sack my staff and spread the work over 7 days and do it myself, but I will not have any room left for new customers or one offs, so my carpet cleaning side will come to a standstill and my business growth will be non-excistent.

Instead I spend a little money on wages, cram everything into the shortest period of time and have the capacity to take on extra work and have steady growth in my business.

If this is full of it, what are my options, cancel the operations, sell up and sign on the sick or go bankrupt.

[William McCafferty]

I would like to thank everyone on this topic who has posted about not calling/texting the night before, special thanks to those few who have had personal digs at me.

I went to a networking meeting this morning and in my speech, I mentioned this forum and showed all who were there this topic which I had printed off copies for them.

I stated that I am the village idiot : because I call or text the night before, and if possible I will work my round to help my customers.

I showed then some of the replys from those of you who do not call/text the night before and they were impressed with the Dump and Replace attitude from some :

Anyway I picked up 3 new customers, I have one meeting to quote for an office block and someone knows a lord who owns a stately home, I might not get the job but at least I get the chance to pitch for it.

I have now changed my website, I will be promoting my call the night before because it looks like there are customers out there who want this type of service.

So once again, THANK YOU, without your input I would not have this new work. 

and I also mentioned some of the other things that was said as well on this topic, they really like them, so keep on posting it brightens their day up for them.

[mister bit]

Bloody hell it's gone into the real world it'll be on "Today in Parliament" next R4.

1.2.3.4 how to start a forum war

5.6.7.8 trying to keep your custys straight 

It's brilliant!

[AuRavelling79]

Hi Purehydro (William) - I know you've gone off topic but this has piqued my interest - you say you picked up 3 custies, and a couple of enquiries. Was that from fellow attendees of your breakfast club?

[keyser soze]

when I mention figures along with staff employed I am either accused of lying or full of it.

Because of certain disability problem my "working day" is no more than 2 hours, I cannot walk more than 1/4 mile without being in extreme pain.

This is a vast improvement on 12 months ago and in 2 months I will be back to the beginning where walking 5 paces requires pooploads of morphine.

Because of this I organise my business to work around what I can do, when I go into hosptital I will take on another member of staff to do what I cannot do.

Yes I could sack my staff and spread the work over 7 days and do it myself, but I will not have any room left for new customers or one offs, so my carpet cleaning side will come to a standstill and my business growth will be non-excistent.

Instead I spend a little money on wages, cram everything into the shortest period of time and have the capacity to take on extra work and have steady growth in my business.

If this is full of it, what are my options, cancel the operations, sell up and sign on the sick or go bankrupt.

dont let some of the guys get to you bud. sounds like you got your business under control . you dont have to justify yourself to guys on here . seems to me some guys on here seem pretty negative to other people  for some reason or another . i woudn't call it bullying. probably their nature . i get what i want from this forum which is good stuff generally but there are some know it alls on here . i laugh at some of their posts . nit picking cause you use the wrong word or phrase. small minded people tbh

[William McCafferty]

Hi Purehydro (William) - I know you've gone off topic but this has piqued my interest - you say you picked up 3 custies, and a couple of enquiries. Was that from fellow attendees of your breakfast club?

Yes, one was already a member, he is the solicitor,  he wants me to do his house, his present cleaner won't call the night before so his back is never done, I have given a roough price of between £25 to £30 depending on how big his conny is, I do know that to get to one side of the conny needs to be done from the neighbours house, so he is going to have a word to see if I can get that as well, he has also arranged for me to go and quote for the office where his company work from.

The others were just visitors, 2 have been before but one was a newbie.

I did ask why they now want me as their cleaner and it was only because I told them all about this topic about me calling/texting the night before, all already have cleaners who don't or won't do this.

One of the visitors who wants me to do his parents house was giving me instructions on how to get there when he mentioned it was by this stately home and as a ad lib I said I would love to have that on my books, anyway he said he used to work there when he was younger, but his mum and dad know the Lord and Lady really well, they have been friends for a very long time and it would not be a problem for them to get me an indroduction.

I am really thinking of doing this one free of charge or at least at a very low price, I think that the spin-offs in me promoting that I clean it in the local area will get me loads of work, it will certainly be used on my web-site and leaflets.

I won't mention yet which one it is, but I will BRAG if I do get it I have been watching the show about Chatsworth lately and I do clean the carpets in 2 apartment blocks in Bakewell every so often, so I might drop a hint or two to his Lordship should I get this one.

[Ian101]

I would like to thank everyone on this topic who has posted about not calling/texting the night before, special thanks to those few who have had personal digs at me.

I went to a networking meeting this morning and in my speech, I mentioned this forum and showed all who were there this topic which I had printed off copies for them.

I stated that I am the village idiot : because I call or text the night before, and if possible I will work my round to help my customers.

I showed then some of the replys from those of you who do not call/text the night before and they were impressed with the Dump and Replace attitude from some :

Anyway I picked up 3 new customers, I have one meeting to quote for an office block and someone knows a lord who owns a stately home, I might not get the job but at least I get the chance to pitch for it.

I have now changed my website, I will be promoting my call the night before because it looks like there are customers out there who want this type of service.

So once again, THANK YOU, without your input I would not have this new work. 

and I also mentioned some of the other things that was said as well on this topic, they really like them, so keep on posting it brightens their day up for them.

bit drastic that Hydro just to find someone who agrees with you ... well apart from one or two on this posting 

Ive got a spare orange box you can have for £5 if you fancy a trip to speakers corner though this  weekend wont be many there wot with it being the jubilee and all that 

[William McCafferty]

when I mention figures along with staff employed I am either accused of lying or full of it.

Because of certain disability problem my "working day" is no more than 2 hours, I cannot walk more than 1/4 mile without being in extreme pain.

This is a vast improvement on 12 months ago and in 2 months I will be back to the beginning where walking 5 paces requires pooploads of morphine.

Because of this I organise my business to work around what I can do, when I go into hosptital I will take on another member of staff to do what I cannot do.

Yes I could sack my staff and spread the work over 7 days and do it myself, but I will not have any room left for new customers or one offs, so my carpet cleaning side will come to a standstill and my business growth will be non-excistent.

Instead I spend a little money on wages, cram everything into the shortest period of time and have the capacity to take on extra work and have steady growth in my business.

If this is full of it, what are my options, cancel the operations, sell up and sign on the sick or go bankrupt.

dont let some of the guys get to you bud. sounds like you got your business under control . you dont have to justify yourself to guys on here . seems to me some guys on here seem pretty negative to other people  for some reason or another . i woudn't call it bullying. probably their nature . i get what i want from this forum which is good stuff generally but there are some know it alls on here . i laugh at some of their posts . nit picking cause you use the wrong word or phrase. small minded people tbh

I agree with you andrew, I have come to the conclusion that a lot of them are afraid of some of my and others ideas on this business, I think that they can see that if someone like us was to start up in their area, then they might start to lose work.

They also get very nevous when people start to talk about what can be earnt from window cleaning, they do not like this sort of talk, because if it gets out that window cleaning can be a good earner, there might be a bigger influx of new cleaners and for once in their lives they will have to complete for a living.

How you they can hide all the new shiny professional looking vans that are growing on our streets is a problem though.

Personally I love competition, I use to sell double glazing door to door and I was good at it, and you cannot have a tougher job than that.

I do know that if everything works out for me and i do suceed in what I want, well I will be BRAGGING about it from the roof tops, I already try and get more newbies into the trade and while I would have been quite about my sucess after all the knocks I have had on this and other sites, I have changed my mind and instead I will spread the word that window cleaning is a great way to earn pooploads of money, for a little outlay.

[Frankybadboy]

the reason hydro people have a go at you like myself is that half what you say dont add up........simple


you just stated that you cant do more than 2hours work aday......the other day on another forum you said quote "3 window cleans and 1 carpet which I can do on my own,"


now surely that would take more than 2hours on your feet........


hydro you quoted"These people also hide behind fictious names and try to bully anyone"


never have i hid behind a fictious name,look in my profile,look at web-site your see who iam.and never have i bullied you.just pointed out things dont add up,if that bullying then you need to look up the meaning of it.

i say it to your face and have no problem with anyone doing the same back to me.

what people are saying is somethings NEVER add up with you over differnet forums.to lie you have to be good at it.

and has being affaid of newbies ive help a few people start up on the forum and will continue todo so,what work for you doesnt work for everyone.

[William McCafferty]

I would like to thank everyone on this topic who has posted about not calling/texting the night before, special thanks to those few who have had personal digs at me.

I went to a networking meeting this morning and in my speech, I mentioned this forum and showed all who were there this topic which I had printed off copies for them.

I stated that I am the village idiot : because I call or text the night before, and if possible I will work my round to help my customers.

I showed then some of the replys from those of you who do not call/text the night before and they were impressed with the Dump and Replace attitude from some :

Anyway I picked up 3 new customers, I have one meeting to quote for an office block and someone knows a lord who owns a stately home, I might not get the job but at least I get the chance to pitch for it.

I have now changed my website, I will be promoting my call the night before because it looks like there are customers out there who want this type of service.

So once again, THANK YOU, without your input I would not have this new work. 

and I also mentioned some of the other things that was said as well on this topic, they really like them, so keep on posting it brightens their day up for them.

Ive got a spare orange box you can have for £5 if you fancy a trip to speakers corner though this  weekend wont be many there wot with it being the jubilee and all that 

Sorry I don't work at height