[CleanClear]

Somebody told me today that window cleaning is a form of begging.

Its pretty shocking what the public think of us. In some peoples eyes we're on par with big issue sellers.

Dean.

I'd agree, its a form of begging. Traditionally physically disabled people where give some sort of token employment by polishing brass door knockers, letter boxes or cleaning windows.
 Follow through to modern times and its still erstwile unemployable people carrying the trade on. The venacular has hardly changed ....... from ....loyalty, provide regular service,never let you down, i have a living to make.
 The difference between us and big issue sellers is that the big issue sellers are up front about it.  

[Johnny B]

Just because a customer says it, it doesn't mean that its right.

Wikipedia says, "Begging is the practice of imploring others to grant a favor, often a gift of money, with little or no expectation of reciprocation. Beggars may be found in public places such as transport routes, urban parks, and near busy markets. Besides money, they may also ask for cigarettes or other small items.

There have been times when I have certainly been made to feel as if I am a beggar. This doesn't bother me, although the irony that some customers expect extra or add-on jobs to be done for free is not lost on me.

John

[Dean Taberner]

I was working in Birmingham yesterday and actually went to James Turner St (Benefits st) in Winson green. I had to go just to see what it was like.

and?

I've seen worse places in Stoke-On-Trent. It wasn't that bad to be fair.

[Ian101]

U been watching too much ricky gervais

[rosskesava]

How can doing a job of work in exchange for money be begging?

Begging is asking for money while giving nothing in exchange.

[Tadgh O Shea]

Free enterprise, We are all free to enterprise as much or as little as we want.
Shag the begrudgers.

[gary999]

I was working in Birmingham yesterday and actually went to James Turner St (Benefits st) in Winson green. I had to go just to see what it was like.

and?

Your manor Gaz?

no im in souh birmingham,was just curious

[SB Cleaning]

U been watching too much ricky gervais

yeah my mate seen that film and was taking the p out of me

[robertphil]

id think begging could be quite a decent living

[Jim Waugh(Albright & Shiny)]

Im lower than a snakes belly.... but thats only  because of all the money pinning me to the floor.... lol

[andyM]

This bloke manages to scrape a living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbXTcomqgPc 

[Whizz-Bizz]

That comes from knocking doors and asking if you can clean the windows.

Theres only one thing  lower than a window cleaner and thats the little blighters that knock the door, 

 "Please guv'nor, clean ya windows for ya guv'nor" doffing cap

Thats how they think we should be and really dont like it when my cleaners collect in brand new bmw's     

[8weekly]

That comes from knocking doors and asking if you can clean the windows.

Theres only one thing  lower than a window cleaner and thats the little blighters that knock the door, 

 "Please guv'nor, clean ya windows for ya guv'nor" doffing cap

Thats how they think we should be and really dont like it when my cleaners collect in brand new bmw's     

Exactly. But I am pretty sure that's where the idea comes from. On a few occasions I have had customers that showed initial disappointment that the cleaning cycle had come around so quickly say to me, "Go on then. Clean them if you want to".  I feel like saying "I couldn't give a flying @@@@ if I do or not", but of course I just doff my cap and say "thank 'ee sir". 

[James Bulton]

 THIS THREAD REMINDS ME OF THE STORY OF THE KINGS NEW CLOTHES.

[G Griffin]

It dunt matter what 'some people' think. 'Some people' are just ignorant and false knowledge is worserer.

[Archer]

Let them KEEP calling us window cleaners beggers, suits me.

Well this begger just booked 17 nights in Thailand with missus, 2 weeks in Olu Deniz (family) and bought another van.  

[H2GoKent]

I do a lot of shops and some of the staff do sneer a bit, which makes me want to laugh out loud.

I must admit when I worked in shop 20+ years ago I was stunned when our windy was off to Florida for his holidays again.

Don't worry about it, it's a low status form of work even if you have a nice van some people will try and make you feel bad.
If I have an unpleasant customer I just charge them more. I had one I put up by 40%, he canned me and I said 'Thank you' with a big grin on my face

[Dean Taberner]

"At least you're working, its better than being on the dole"

[Dean Taberner]

Who is still begging or have you all moved on as planned?

[chris turner]

Who is still begging or have you all moved on as planned?

I think most of us have gone from begging off our customers to stealing from them now