I have around 500 customers now, and only a small percentage are on Direct Debit.
1st I prefer credit/debit card on the day of the clean (if they are in) as the money is in my account the very second they pay by card, so thats actually better than Go Cardless in that instance. Plus if they decide they want an extra, like a gutter wash or, upvc cleaning, it gives me more selling power as if its a big job they can pop it on their credit card and i can charge more due to the utilisation of their credit facility.
2. BACS is the next preferred method of payment, its free and immediate.
3. Direct Debit..is my last preferred method, its just for those who are either very busy of very forgetful, and i set up collection of all DD customers to come out on the 26th of the month no matter when the clean is due, or was done. This way all payments are in our account within the month they are cleaned.
Cash is no longer accepted with new customers, and is tolerated but discouraged amongst my very older customers.