does anyone know anyone just starting up in redcar as they have taken 2 customers off me which really gets me going I know everyone has to start somewhere but they can't just go on someone else's patch.
Hi Stephen,
I'm glad to see you used your real name (I presume). Ignore the unkind comments, most of the people on here are friendly and helpful.
They are right about the 'patch' mentality - no-one owns the exclusive rights to window cleaning (or any other services) in a particular area. The usual advice in this situation is that if you are doing a good job, you're reliable and professional in your approach then the only customers you will lose are those you didn't need anyway.
Our business covers a huge 'patch' along the North Kent area. I have been cleaning windows here since the late 1960's so by the 'patch' mentality every window cleaner from Gravesend to Herne Bay and down through Ashford and Maidstone is on 'my patch' - I was here first 
We gain customers and we lose customers - that's business. We do our best and if it doesn't suit everybody then good riddance to the ones who abandon us.
Don't let it upset you. Do a good job and be satisfied with your efforts, then you will know it's not your fault if some of your customers desert you.
Nice post Ian.
I can't believe some of the comments posted on here.
The Job centers sometime have a drive to get people off income support and tell them to go and clean windows. They have done that in Guisborough on numerous occassions so they could possibly do it in Redcar as well.
Every now and again Peter's Window Cleaning has a drive to get new customers. They are situated on the Longbeck Trading Estate. They were mainly traditional cleaners but I see more and more WFP vans with Peter's on them. The last time I heard (a couple of months ago) they were doing the fronts of a 3 bed semi for £2.50 and back, front and side for £5.00. They clean 3 to a gang trad, one does upstairs, the other downstairs and the third knocks on the door for payment or writing out slips. They clean windows every 2 weeks and have a massive round in Guisborough, and Brotton areas. I have also seen a van in Redcar, so its logical to conclude they also have rounds there.
Then it could be a retired cleaner looking to top up his pension.
As has been suggested, just ignore them and do your own thing. Clean, cull, canvass. If a customer goes with a cheaper price, then they will leave them as well. Best they go now.