[Clean Cloth]

I clean this bungalow every 2nd Monday early morning, once before after I had got my tool belt on and the small steps to reach the porch out of the vehicle she said "don't clean them today, I am going out".

Afterwards I thought of all the clever things to say to her but at the time I was fairly new to window cleaning and was annoyed so just turned away and cleaned her neighbours properties.

This Monday she said "don't clean them today as a lot of rain is forecast the rest of the week. can you come back next week".
It was lovely and sunny yesterday and today in the easy midlands, what a waste.

Despite being a 2 weekly clean I do not want to get turned away again so want to lose her but I clean the properties either side of her and do not want to lose them.

How would you deal with the situation?

[P @ F]

DUMP or hate yourself forever

[Spruce]

I clean this bungalow every 2nd Monday early morning, once before after I had got my tool belt on and the small steps to reach the porch out of the vehicle she said "don't clean them today, I am going out".

Afterwards I thought of all the clever things to say to her but at the time I was fairly new to window cleaning and was annoyed so just turned away and cleaned her neighbours properties.

This Monday she said "don't clean them today as a lot of rain is forecast the rest of the week. can you come back next week".
It was lovely and sunny yesterday and today in the easy midlands, what a waste.

Despite being a 2 weekly clean I do not want to get turned away again so want to lose her but I clean the properties either side of her and do not want to lose them.

How would you deal with the situation?

Skip the house from now on. When she comes out to ask you why she has been missed, tell her that rain/snow/wind is forecast for later so you are know she won't want them doing because of the changing weather.

Even if you want me to do them today I'm afraid I haven't scheduled a clean for your house today. The earliest I can do them is when I do the round next, weather permitting.

[tlwcs]

It’s your business.
 Tell the neighbours she cancels you because it looks like rain. They will understand you need to make a living. I have told neighbours of messes before that I only have so much time a day and I can fill it with people who support me.
Drop her and move on, she will get the message. 

[Stoots]

Do whatever you want really.

If I cleaned either side anyway I'd say no problem catch you next time.

You will be there anyway next month so skin off your nose to clean her next time.

Or just dump her


Whatever it's your choice

[Spruce]

It’s your business.
 Tell the neighbours she cancels you because it looks like rain. They will understand you need to make a living. I have told neighbours of messes before that I only have so much time a day and I can fill it with people who support me.
Drop her and move on, she will get the message.

Very really do messers become good customers. Its usually the other way around. Messers usually just move on and mess another window cleaner around. They very really learn from their past experiences. Its always someone elses fault, never theirs.

So I'm incline to agree with you; just let them go. Unfortunately they might try to get even and vandalise your van so its always good to tread carefully.

[The Jester of Wibbly]

Do you text the day before?  This would prevent being turned away at the door.  If you sent a text and then got turned away at the door, it's an instant dump.

If they text you to say don't bother because of the rain. Have a template ready to send back to them regarding  rain water and how it makes no difference.  9 times out of 10 they will be fine and won't ever ask again.  Educate and manage your customers.

[tlwcs]

It’s your business.
 Tell the neighbours she cancels you because it looks like rain. They will understand you need to make a living. I have told neighbours of messes before that I only have so much time a day and I can fill it with people who support me.
Drop her and move on, she will get the message[/color

Very really do messers become good customers. Its usually the other way around. Messers usually just move on and mess another window cleaner around. They very really learn from their past experiences. Its always someone elses fault, never theirs.

So I'm incline to agree with you; just let them go. Unfortunately they might try to get even and vandalise your van so its always good to tread carefully.

Bl00dy hell Spruce, there’s some hardcore oaps in your area 😁

[Shrek]

I think she doesn’t want you to clean her windows, getting turned away for such trivial things is unforgivable in my eyes. Maybe she doesn’t want to hurt your feelings by saying your sacked or she doesn’t know how you’ll react , so instead she’ll fob you off .
Just dump , you’ll be glad you did

[Johnny B]

I clean this bungalow every 2nd Monday early morning, once before after I had got my tool belt on and the small steps to reach the porch out of the vehicle she said "don't clean them today, I am going out".

Afterwards I thought of all the clever things to say to her but at the time I was fairly new to window cleaning and was annoyed so just turned away and cleaned her neighbours properties.

This Monday she said "don't clean them today as a lot of rain is forecast the rest of the week. can you come back next week".
It was lovely and sunny yesterday and today in the easy midlands, what a waste.

Despite being a 2 weekly clean I do not want to get turned away again so want to lose her but I clean the properties either side of her and do not want to lose them.

How would you deal with the situation?

I would leave them, carry on doing the neighbours' and have a response ready for when or if she asks why she is being 'overlooked'.

John

[Arnold Palmer]

Why are you cleaning them every two weeks. Surely that's too often?

[colin bird]

Maybe she wants a four weekly  clean instead of two weekly so she's always looking for ways to stop you cleaning to save a few quid

[AuRavelling79]

I had one (a dumpee) text me yesterday.

Gist of texts ...

Mrs C: I haven't seen you for a long time - are you still cleaning windows?
Me: I am - last time you told me not to clean as the dogs were in the garden so I took it you didn't appreciate my service and as it has taken a year for you to contact me it seems I was right.

Mrs C: Oh I didn't mean for you to stop completely, I was happy with your window cleaning will you resume cleaning please?
Me: I can do that on the basis that I don't get turned away and that it will cost more as they haven't been cleaned for 12 months.

Mrs C: I think that's completely over the top - I had my sick friends dog's round and I was struggling to look after them. If that's how it's going to be then I'd rather you didn't clean my windows. Sorry to bother you!
Me: Wise decision, Mrs C.  It was no bother; I appreciate the opportunity to explain how turning a window cleaner away upon arrival is not acceptable without good reason. I wish you all the best for the future and hope you find a window cleaner that can accommodate your requirements.
 

[deeege]

I had one (a dumpee) text me yesterday.

Gist of texts ...

Mrs C: I haven't seen you for a long time - are you still cleaning windows?
Me: I am - last time you told me not to clean as the dogs were in the garden so I took it you didn't appreciate my service and as it has taken a year for you to contact me it seems I was right.

Mrs C: Oh I didn't mean for you to stop completely, I was happy with your window cleaning will you resume cleaning please?
Me: I can do that on the basis that I don't get turned away and that it will cost more as they haven't been cleaned for 12 months.

Mrs C: I think that's completely over the top - I had my sick friends dog's round and I was struggling to look after them. If that's how it's going to be then I'd rather you didn't clean my windows. Sorry to bother you!
Me: Wise decision, Mrs C.  It was no bother; I appreciate the opportunity to explain how turning a window cleaner away upon arrival is not acceptable without good reason. I wish you all the best for the future and hope you find a window cleaner that can accommodate your requirements.

Your tone here seems a bit passive aggressive I think Gold. I usually enjoy your ‘flounce’ stories but this one not so much.

Me personally I’d just skip this customer, in a few weeks/months when she asks why I’m not  cleaning her windows anymore I’d just explain that it’s a set frequency or not at all. She’d then get her final chance going back on the round. The next ‘not today’ she’d be dropped for good.

[AuRavelling79]

Well deege - if you read it carefully you can see that she has made the decision after a year of me leaving her out and skipping her.

I was prepared to take her back on the terms I set out; no doorstep cancellations. She said that was "completely over the top" - so she wasn't prepared to go with my terms and I certainly am not prepared to have her on my round.

[Shrek]

I think as time gets on and we have been doing this many years, we just care less for messers.
I had a customer of about 5 years txt me back yesterday saying thanks for your services but are no longer needed at hers and her mums. Long story short, their dog went crazy every time I went round. The last few months the dog has been allowed out by ‘accident ‘ and make a run for me nearly attacking me . I told her if it attack’s me il have no option but to report it which they could end up getting sued and or the dog euthanised .
I don’t think she took it well though, I wished her all the best and am so damn happy I never have to go back again 

[markymark]

I clean this bungalow every 2nd Monday early morning, once before after I had got my tool belt on and the small steps to reach the porch out of the vehicle she said "don't clean them today, I am going out".

Afterwards I thought of all the clever things to say to her but at the time I was fairly new to window cleaning and was annoyed so just turned away and cleaned her neighbours properties.

This Monday she said "don't clean them today as a lot of rain is forecast the rest of the week. can you come back next week".
It was lovely and sunny yesterday and today in the easy midlands, what a waste.

Despite being a 2 weekly clean I do not want to get turned away again so want to lose her but I clean the properties either side of her and do not want to lose them.

How would you deal with the situation?

Depending on my mood (and if I can be bothered) I ask the customer who I should be checking the forecast with - BBC, met office, yr.no, accuweather? Then I ask how far in advance I should check - a day, three days, a week? Then I ask how much rain - 2mm? 5mm? 1 metre?
Then a quick recap for example "So you want me to check BBCs 5 day forecast and only clean if they say it's dry for the next week?"
The level of incredulity or sarcasm can be altered to suit each customer.  I know it won't sink in to the average numpty but it makes me feel better.

[Arnold Palmer]

I had one (a dumpee) text me yesterday.

Gist of texts ...

Mrs C: I haven't seen you for a long time - are you still cleaning windows?
Me: I am - last time you told me not to clean as the dogs were in the garden so I took it you didn't appreciate my service and as it has taken a year for you to contact me it seems I was right.

Mrs C: Oh I didn't mean for you to stop completely, I was happy with your window cleaning will you resume cleaning please?
Me: I can do that on the basis that I don't get turned away and that it will cost more as they haven't been cleaned for 12 months.

Mrs C: I think that's completely over the top - I had my sick friends dog's round and I was struggling to look after them. If that's how it's going to be then I'd rather you didn't clean my windows. Sorry to bother you!
Me: Wise decision, Mrs C.  It was no bother; I appreciate the opportunity to explain how turning a window cleaner away upon arrival is not acceptable without good reason. I wish you all the best for the future and hope you find a window cleaner that can accommodate your requirements.

Now here's a window cleaner with ideas above his station.

Bottom of the heap mate, best place to be.

[Richard iSparkle]

we get practically no people turning us away due to weather.

sometimes a new customer will try to turn us away maybe happens once or twice a year?) but that's it.

if they ask us not to clean we just say we clean whatever the weather. the windows are clean whatever. we'll come back if theres a problem with the quality... but there wont be..

it just comes down to dealing with this type of thing when it arrises and letting the customer know what the service is and how it works. then they cancel themselves if it doesnt suit them, which is fair enough. we all have every right to choose a service that suits us when we are paying for it

i don't see any reason to get involved in spats with customers over things like this. if they want a reliable window cleaner they will appreciate you coming reguarly. if they dont want you every time they can call us out on a one off clean  basis as and when they want (We now charge £65 min for a one off clean so none of them choose that option for some reason!)

i think we have to show goodwill to customers though. sometimes we will turn up and it wont be convenient. if it happens once thats not really a problem. we'd just clean the front and charge them anyhow. if they complained that theyd been charged full price i'd happily refund them about 40% but i would explain our terms at that point and let them know next time they will be getting charged full price

it is different as i have chaps cleaning for me. when you are working hard and trying to get your daily work finished things like this can wind you up more, but having clear in your head what your terms of service are, make it easier to keep your game face on 

[dazmond]

I clean this bungalow every 2nd Monday early morning, once before after I had got my tool belt on and the small steps to reach the porch out of the vehicle she said "don't clean them today, I am going out".

Afterwards I thought of all the clever things to say to her but at the time I was fairly new to window cleaning and was annoyed so just turned away and cleaned her neighbours properties.

This Monday she said "don't clean them today as a lot of rain is forecast the rest of the week. can you come back next week".
It was lovely and sunny yesterday and today in the easy midlands, what a waste.

Despite being a 2 weekly clean I do not want to get turned away again so want to lose her but I clean the properties either side of her and do not want to lose them.

How would you deal with the situation?

every customer that has ever said that to me has been dumped on the spot,i never go back..........its only happened to me around half a dozen times in 26 years though!

its not stopped me from building a good profitable round at all.......you dont need customers like these,get rid.......