[TomSE]

Hi Fellas

Few questions after just under a year into the window cleaning world.

I offer online payments as well as cheque and cash. All the online / cheque payments go into my personal bank account. Is this a problem at all and should I get a business account? The only thing I have been thinking was that it may be easier for completing tax returns. I am currently doing my own tax returns but will most likely get an accountant after this tax year.

I also offer a text the evening before cleaning service and was just wondering how short people keep these texts as so far I have made a point of making the texts more personal for example ... Hi .........., hope you are well. Will be over to clean your windows tomorrow. If you are out but could leave the gate open that would be great. Thanks, Tom. Part of me thinks this is too much and I just wondered how others dealt with this?

Also, I am currently purifying my water with a 400gpd Pure Freedom RO and DI. I have regularly flushed and checked the ppm after the RO and then Once passed through the DI and always changed the Resin when water gets to around 8-9ppm. I have noticed that although the water comes out of the RO at around 12 - 15ppm after it passes through the DI it never gets lower than 2-3ppm although it did briefly when new. This is after putting in fresh resin. It hasn't been a problem as yet but I would like to know why it is not coming out at 0 or even 1 now as it did beforehand. Also on the RO the first filter can be seen as the outer casing is clear. The filter has began to turn dark green lately. Is this something to be concerned about and will it affect the job it is doing?

Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Tom

[PoleKing]

Hi Tom.

1) not a problem for the tax man, the bank MAY get a bit funny but don't worry.
It is easier just to have a business account though.

2) depends on you really. All I put is 'I will be cleaning your windows tomorrow, please leave your gate unlocked for access'
I've experimented with wording over the years. When I put a question like 'could you leave your gate open?' I got texts back simply saying 'ok' which irritate me. When I've been too friendly customers have replied 'not tomorrow'
The wording I use now rarely illicits an 'ok' or a 'not tomorrow'

3) no idea, sorry

[TomSE]

Thanks for that Darren,

I too have experimented with the wording and do find myself getting irriatated by some replies, especially those saying 'next week instead etc.' So will take on board your wording.

Appreciate your help alot.

Best Wishes, Tom

[dave0123]

number 3 - sounds like your not filling the di bottle up enough with resin. You should fill it to where the neck starts to curve

[PoleKing]

Thanks for that Darren,

I too have experimented with the wording and do find myself getting irriatated by some replies, especially those saying 'next week instead etc.' So will take on board your wording.

Appreciate your help alot.

Best Wishes, Tom

If they ask for next week, I just don't reply and cross them off for the next day.
If you go a week later than you planned when you turn up the next month you're a week early.
Pita.
If they ring the following week I say sorry, I was in your area last week and can't get to you until ... we're really busy (which I am)
Over time they'll know not to try and change anything.

[bobplum]

ref wording

Dear customer we are cleaning in your area tomorrow if required please make access to the rear.

many thanks

[supernova77]

I only text a handful of customers who need to leave gates unlocked for access.

I just text - "Hi. Window Cleaning is due tomorrow. Please leave side gate unlocked. Many Thanks. Andy"

Andy

[colin purewater]

Hi I will be round to clean your windows tomorrow, many thanks Colin Purewater window cleaning services   

Short and sweet

[dazmond]

regarding texting the night before.yes i do make it personal to most customers eg "hi jane ill be calling to clean your windows tomorrow so can you leave side gate unlocked if out.many thanks.darren the window cleaner."

i try and use their names whenever possible.ive never ever had a "can you leave it until next week".if they are away ill still go ahead and clean.i get some customers paying me from dubai by BACS sometimes!

if they are having building work/painting done then they get left until next time they are due with other work in the area.

keep using a separate personal account mate.no charges then.why pay for business banking when you dont have to?keep your overheads as low as possible.

im DI only so i cant help you with your RO problems.


very best wishes


dazmond

[dazmond]

just another point tommy i dont text the night before clean for many customers.maybe 5 -10 a week as i think its better to just "turn up and clean" when they are due.it makes your work far more flexible then and your not putting yourself under pressure to get them done the next day due to unforseen circumstances eg bad weather etc.

also it allows you to fit the jobs in on any given day you have room due to other customers having building work done or if you just fancy cramming more work in that day.


best wishes


dazmond

[robert mitchell]

Have you tried testing your water with a different tds meter or re calibrated yours?

[formb]

I put:

We will be cleaning windows in your area over the coming few days, please allow access if required. AUTOMATED TEXT PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE.

I find this wording helps with:

1. Changeable weather conditions
2. 'not this time' replies
3. Making you and your company look bigger and more professional that you might actually be.