[windows_chepstow]

When I say 'fussy'; how much of a perfectionist are you when cleaning windows?

When Wor Lass and I started window cleaning we were way over the top when it came to being fussy window cleaners.

We didn't have many customers, so we could afford to take the time to do a high-quality job.

Most customer's didn't even bat an eye-lid and I remember one customer sacking me 'cos she was decorating or something.

My point is, you can be too 'fussy' and you get the same amount of 'thanks' if you do a standard clean.

So how fussy are you?

[Richy L]

I always make sure the window is cleaned well, wipe the edges and wipe down the cills. Some people want me to clean the frames included in the price for cleaning just the windows. But i feel this is being 'over the top'.

[Morph]

One of my mottos to customers has always been, "I don't just clean glass, I clean windows."  I've stood by that, whatever.

[windows_chepstow]

What got me thinking about this, is a local window cleaner who I just met last week told me he 'was as fussy as the customer'.

I'm like that.

[MNWC]

Tosh,

I always clean glass, frames and sills.
a lot of window cleaners dont but it makes all the difference and gets noticed 

[mark dew]

When Wor Lass and I started window cleaning we were way over the top when it came to being fussy window cleaners.
We didn't have many customers, so we could afford to take the time to do a high-quality job.

Yep.... same as.

I think the difference between now and then is that i'm gradually getting a better awareness of where to focus that fuss nowadays. And where not to as well.
The best glass i clean is that 18th/ 19th century glass. The stuff with bubbles and impurities. Don't have to be fussy there at all. Wipe dry no smears. Perfect.
Newer homes (last 15 years) i have to spend longer on. I always have to do a quick once over when i'm done. I used to find this a pain in the arse. But i do charge 20p  more per window on those type of jobs than i did 6 months ago.
I am fussy on 1st cleans still, but after that not so much. Though i do guarantee my work to be smear free for a couple of days afterwards.

[windows_chepstow]

Tosh,

I always clean glass, frames and sills.
a lot of window cleaners dont but it makes all the difference and gets noticed 

Pre-WFP, I was sacked by one customer for not cleaning the frames; but on the whole, I don't think it matters.

If you've got a fussy customer; you generally know; so you can make a bigger effort (if you want to) for him/her; but in general, a clean window and sill is enough; unless you routinely charge higher prices for frames too.

[JohnL]

always clean glass, frames and sills.
a lot of window cleaners dont but it makes all the difference and gets noticed 

too right, happy customers mean a lot when another WC comes touting for business

JohnL

[Sir Squeaky]

I was taught by Ian to do windows and clean sills.
Anything else is extra charge.

Customers are fussy about sills.
Generally the older folks too.

[macc]

hi chaps. before i switched to wfp i always tryed to keep heads clean & the cills were a must.

im fussy so the way i look at it if a window cleaner did mine & charged me would i be happy,  , if yes thats good enough 4 me. 

[windows_chepstow]

always clean glass, frames and sills.
a lot of window cleaners dont but it makes all the difference and gets noticed 

too right, happy customers mean a lot when another WC comes touting for business

JohnL

Do you not think there's more to keeping customers than purely producing a high-standard of work?  I think that building up a good rapport with the customer is Number 1 priority.

A window cleaner I know was told by one of his cutomers that his neighbor no longer wanted his window cleaning services, but kept him on anyway; because he seemed such a 'nice guy'.

Now had this 'nice guy' cleaned all the frames etc, but didn't build up the rapport he had with the customer who didn't want a window cleaner; then he'd've been sacked.

I'm not knocking you 'fussy' guys; good on you; you're better window cleaners than me.

But you're not going to be knocking out four-houses an hour like young Leekson!

So is the maths worth it... 

1.   Time spent working longer on a window, on stuff that may not even be noticed; is that worth the loss of income?

Or

2.   Clean the glass only; then move on; risking the loss of the odd customer here and there (remembering it's easier to find customers than for customers to find window cleaners)?

From a business point of view, once your established, I think Number two makes more sense.

[AdamSouth]

i am a fussy window cleaner, i do clean the frames and doors and although the first clean is a pain and can take ages all you do to keep the frames looking clean is a quick wipe with a damp scrim. not a lot more effect and more money for me.

although i've been in this game for nearly 2years i've just started up on my own and have put out about 500 leaflets, you'll be surpised how many people will sack they window cleaner for not doing their frames.

[Sir Squeaky]

Agreed Tosh, as long a standards don't tail off.
I've got to stop myself sometimes, as I'm too quick for my own good.
It's easy to get slack, but there's no point wasting time, better to chance it!

[g_griffin]

It`s a good one this.

 I`m probably too fussy...... or then am I too cheap?
I would say both  .

  But, there`s nothing wrong with being cheap or dear. It all depends on the job and time it takes.

                     Gerry.

[windows_chepstow]

you'll be surpised how many people will sack they window cleaner for not doing their frames.

I have to disagree here.  I've only had one customer in three years 'sack me' for not doing their frames.

Thinking about all the frames I haven't cleaned (pre-WFP); this loss of one customer was certainly worth it.

[JohnL]

Hi Tosh

yes I agree with most of what you say but would add a successful business is one that has all its attributes in the 'good' class ie workmanship, quality, customer awareness, service - etc etc etc

however I am not sure if its wise to let the standard of quality be lowered because of speed and where I come from customers are pretty hard to come by purely because I am in a very very rural area working on buildings that take a time just moving around but I have already found a good job done is a good customer won.

JohnL

[stevef]

I have always  cleaned windows as if the customer is watching me! but that dose not mean slowly. If you put the time in on the intial clean the the customer will check the work and be happy, all subsequent cleans will be easy and faster! but just as good!
Customer then recomends you to all her friends you get rich!
happy days!

Steve

[g_griffin]

I think the key is "customer awareness".

If the customer wants the frames cleaned and is charged for them, then they should be cleaned.

 If not,quicker job- cheaper price.

The make-up of your round is also relevant. It`s not practical to do a lot of cheaper,quicker jobs on a round like JohnL`s.

               Gerry.

[AdamSouth]

you'll be surpised how many people will sack they window cleaner for not doing their frames.

I have to disagree here.  I've only had one customer in three years 'sack me' for not doing their frames.

Thinking about all the frames I haven't cleaned (pre-WFP); this loss of one customer was certainly worth it.

maybe you were lucky, from my 500 or so leaflets i've had about 8 phone calls asking for quotes saying they already have a w/c but they don't do the frames and they feel that it should be part of the job. i don't like taking business from other so i quoted pretty high thinking that i wouldn't get it but 3 said yes. don't know bout you but if i had spent all the money on nice shinny white upvc that costs 000's i'd want it cleaned. if you don't clean it it staines.

[Morph]

[
Do you not think there's more to keeping customers than purely producing a high-standard of work?  I think that building up a good rapport with the customer is Number 1 priority.

A window cleaner I know was told by one of his cutomers that his neighbor no longer wanted his window cleaning services, but kept him on anyway; because he seemed such a 'nice guy'.

Sales training manuals usually say, "25% Product, 75% Personality" is what people buy.