[paul13]

They weren't my prices, as the first message said, old windies prices. It would be £10 if it were mine, but can't go doubling the price in the first two months of taking over otherwise I'd have no one left.

Its difficult raising prices that people are used too same round here so many
w/c doing the same low prices as us.

Time for a change me thinks

[Carl2009]

I've never bought a round for these reasons - hard to know if the jobs are priced right, and you might well buy messers. Back to OP's point.

Go round and see if she has a valid point - are they dirty. If they are dirty re-clean them and apologise. If not then explain that they are clean in your opinion. If she is talking about spider's nests in the reveal on upper (or even out of hand reach ground storey) windows, explain that wfp will clean the frames, and "to a greater or lesser extent the reveals". WFP is perfectly good on first cleans, with the right technique (TFR, time, flow rate, brush head).

If you get them sparkling and she is happy post-visit explain you are glad that she's called you back as it gives you an opportunity to explain the system; why wfp method delivers a better clean (in my opinion it does, but that's not for here) and prices have to rise as the other windie had underpriced the job. Explain the new price is £13 or £13. Ask if she feels she needs a monthly clean (does she?). Could she benefit from going 8 weekly - little difference in how clean the windows are if she's in a quiet cul de sac - but monthly cost still same.

If she looks like she's been slapped with Tosh's todger then you could then offer to try and find another windie but regretfully you won't be able to continue to provide a service. 3 months in and you'll still be canvassing so should be easy enough to replace her, especially given how much she contributes to annual turnover...

I rarely get callbacks, I think I've had 4 in all. 1 was a poor clean and I don't know why; 1 was a loony; 2 the marks were on the inside and the outside was perfect.

Be fair - address complaints, price fair, dump if necessary, do a good clean every time and you'll have a good business.

[Spruce]

Spiders don't wait around for a few days sulking because we destroyed their webs. They will have them rebuilt in no time, usually before the home owner gets back from work.

[tlwcs]

They weren't my prices, as the first message said, old windies prices. It would be £10 if it were mine, but can't go doubling the price in the first two months of taking over otherwise I'd have no one left.

The customers know they are too cheap. You know they are too cheap.
How do you know you would have no-one left, have you asked?
They ain't stupid these customers and they are dictating to you what they will pay and what you will earn.

You will resent underpriced work, it only makes this job harder.
I would be telling them they are getting a more comprehensive clean and thats why you charge more.
There will alway be those who want the job done for now't and those who say "while your here could you just"
Also to bear in mind half of what you earn a day will go on costs, Tax, equipment, fuel, transport etc.

Tough love mate, your better off not working for those prices and spend your time canvassing work you have priced
All the best with it though.
Tony

[C o z y]

Ross makes a good point.

Lemme tell you about conny roofs; must you? yes, ok then. 

We generally charged about £30 for a conny roof - then I said to Dan the man "it's hard work; I can't be ass'd" if you want 'em then do 'em on a Friday (non working day) and you get 80%.


I get a call from Mrs C. You did my conny last year my friend wants hers done, can you fit her in?

Now Mrs C. paid £35 for hers. I say to DtM - you have it, you quote it, you get 80%. He toddles off and quotes £110. Blow me down she phones up and he's got the job!

So I get £22 for letting him use the van and gear, he gets £88; all for about 3 hours work+ half an hour driving.

He's happy, she's happy, I'm happy cuz my back won't ache and my costs are covered plus a bit. All is good.

Good attitude Goldie. Have a "special Cozy brownie point" 











 

[*Hector*]

Have a "special Cozy brownie point" 

Now what is THAT a euphemism for?? 

 

[cornwallwindows]

Many thanks guys, this forum is proving invaluable, some great advice