Of course you have a very valid point Mick - but we would rather have work that is priced well for us, provide a great service and build relationships with the client, this way when a telecanvasser/door canvasser etc comes a calling we have a good enough relationship, that we do not loose the job, at worst they tell us they are getting other prices and can we match it? Well thats the theory, this is because the job has been won with a realtionship attatched not just purely a price factor. Now I am not saying it works all the time - but so far so good
Customers that are PURELY on price you may find it hard to keep them as, as soon as someone touts for business they will say yes, and just go with the lowest price.
I will stress again if people are HAPPY with their window cleaner (service and price) then we are NOT interested in undercutting, we have a loyal strong customer base, we are selective with our commercial client base. If we wanted to get involved in big tenders and this may come at some point if we want this type of work then maybe our requirements will change. Its the same when we knock doors, if someone has a window cleaner and they are happy, we NEVER tout for his business, we simply thank them and move on to the next door. I am not saying it is wrong to, BUT for our business ethos it is wrong for us. Its an approach we do not choose to use. Of course IF they are NOT HAPPY, and we always ask why, then we are more than happy to quote and (hopefully) get the work.
I am super on the knocker and on the phones (but roles have evolved and I do not have as much time for it as I would like) and I am confident I could pick up lots of "under-cutter/aggressive sale" type work, no commitment let me pop round see if I can give you a better price type pitch, but for now that is not want we are looking for.
I will add that we picked up some super telecanvas based work this year from care homes and schools, all of whom did not have a window cleaner, we have charged good prices and provided an excellent service, and also are building good relationships with the clients.
Mrs Smudger x