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Mark Dee

  • Posts: 58
How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« on: August 13, 2021, 08:33:11 pm »
I am in the planning stage of starting, primarily, an exterior cleaning business. I notice that clean frequency for windows seems to be getting longer and longer than it used to.  More cleaners  now offer 6,8 and even 12 week cleans as a regular service to their customers.

My question is, how dirty are the windows and frames  getting in between cleans (in general) now you offer extended call frequency. Do you see call frequency getting even longer or are you at the limit of how long you are prepared to wait between cleans for your customer.  This question is aimed mainly  at how dirty the windows become between cleans rather than the hit to the yearly vaue of that customer to your business.

Thanks for taking the trouble to answer.

Mark.

Smudger

  • Posts: 13438
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #1 on: August 13, 2021, 09:16:52 pm »
Generally - 8 weeks are not really any dirtier than 4 weekly - but there are many factors like location and time of year

if I were to start again I would go for 6 and 12 weekly service - 4 weeks wfp is like returning to windows cleaned only the day before

I offer 8 weekly as a standard service ( this is where I price it up for 4 weekly and add 50% ) then offer a "discounted" service  for 4 weekly which is usually about £2 quid cheaper than an 8 weekly clean - any longer duration is "bespoke" and is double a 4 weekly price ( usually equals a first clean price )

Darran
Never argue with an idiot, they will only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience

dd

  • Posts: 2568
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #2 on: August 13, 2021, 09:59:33 pm »
Generally - 8 weeks are not really any dirtier than 4 weekly - but there are many factors like location and time of year

if I were to start again I would go for 6 and 12 weekly service - 4 weeks wfp is like returning to windows cleaned only the day before

I offer 8 weekly as a standard service ( this is where I price it up for 4 weekly and add 50% ) then offer a "discounted" service  for 4 weekly which is usually about £2 quid cheaper than an 8 weekly clean - any longer duration is "bespoke" and is double a 4 weekly price ( usually equals a first clean price )

Darran
So your standard price is £4 - 4 weekly, £6 - 8 weekly

Splash & dash

  • Posts: 4364
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #3 on: August 13, 2021, 11:04:04 pm »
A lot of our work is costal and 95% of our work is 4 weekly I think time scale is area related most ask for monthly cleans , our maximum frequency for domestic is 8 weekly we won’t do any longer and most that are 8 weekly you struggle to see through the gkass as it’s covered with salt . Inland places might stay cleaner longer ????

Smudger

  • Posts: 13438
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #4 on: August 14, 2021, 12:05:50 am »
Generally - 8 weeks are not really any dirtier than 4 weekly - but there are many factors like location and time of year

if I were to start again I would go for 6 and 12 weekly service - 4 weeks wfp is like returning to windows cleaned only the day before

I offer 8 weekly as a standard service ( this is where I price it up for 4 weekly and add 50% ) then offer a "discounted" service  for 4 weekly which is usually about £2 quid cheaper than an 8 weekly clean - any longer duration is "bespoke" and is double a 4 weekly price ( usually equals a first clean price )

Darran
So your standard price is £4 - 4 weekly, £6 - 8 weekly

Not even going to pretend I understand that post or where you get £4 and £6 from

Darran
Never argue with an idiot, they will only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience

Dry Clean

  • Posts: 8856
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #5 on: August 14, 2021, 07:43:24 am »
Generally - 8 weeks are not really any dirtier than 4 weekly - but there are many factors like location and time of year

if I were to start again I would go for 6 and 12 weekly service - 4 weeks wfp is like returning to windows cleaned only the day before

I offer 8 weekly as a standard service ( this is where I price it up for 4 weekly and add 50% ) then offer a "discounted" service  for 4 weekly which is usually about £2 quid cheaper than an 8 weekly clean - any longer duration is "bespoke" and is double a 4 weekly price ( usually equals a first clean price )

Darran
So your standard price is £4 - 4 weekly, £6 - 8 weekly

Not even going to pretend I understand that post or where you get £4 and £6 from

Darran

The the 50% add on and £2 discount is confusing him, lets say you price up a 4 weekly at £20 that would make 8 weekly £30 or £28 for 4 weekly, he's taking it as the £2 is 50% of your 4 weekly price which would be £4 and £6.

M & C Window Cleaning

  • Posts: 1581
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #6 on: August 14, 2021, 01:45:56 pm »
Where I work, the frequency of cleans customers opt for seems in most cases to be related to how much they are going to have to pay rather than how dirty they get. If it were down to how dirty they get, then I think the majority would opt for a four weekly clean. It's only when you quote them a price that they seem to consider the 8 weekly option.

Smudger

  • Posts: 13438
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #7 on: August 14, 2021, 08:52:58 pm »
Thx dry - hopefully he understands how i operate now😊

Darran
Never argue with an idiot, they will only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience

Mark Dee

  • Posts: 58
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #8 on: August 15, 2021, 12:24:08 pm »
So any clean frequency over 12 weeks would be classed as a first clean, the price of which would depend on how hard  and long it would be to get them looking right.
I presume a custy who wanted a bi annual clean wouldnt be classed as a regular customer, and would be moved to the "cull" list.

AuRavelling79

  • Posts: 25385
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #9 on: August 15, 2021, 02:30:45 pm »
So any clean frequency over 12 weeks would be classed as a first clean, the price of which would depend on how hard  and long it would be to get them looking right.
I presume a custy who wanted a bi annual clean wouldnt be classed as a regular customer, and would be moved to the "cull" list.

Nearly always.
It's a game of three halves!

Smudger

  • Posts: 13438
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #10 on: August 15, 2021, 03:37:00 pm »
Depends - if they are a 3 bed semi at (example) £15 then yes

If it's a large country house at (example) £375 then no

The beauty, and aggro of this game is there is no standard operating formula or pricing - we are all independent and "self employed" run and price things as you feel is best for your circumstances

Darran


Darran
Never argue with an idiot, they will only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience

CleanClear

  • Posts: 14695
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #11 on: August 15, 2021, 06:09:57 pm »
Generally - 8 weeks are not really any dirtier than 4 weekly - but there are many factors like location and time of year

if I were to start again I would go for 6 and 12 weekly service - 4 weeks wfp is like returning to windows cleaned only the day before

I offer 8 weekly as a standard service ( this is where I price it up for 4 weekly and add 50% ) then offer a "discounted" service  for 4 weekly which is usually about £2 quid cheaper than an 8 weekly clean - any longer duration is "bespoke" and is double a 4 weekly price ( usually equals a first clean price )

Darran
^^^^
Jesus Christ !!!  ;D  Talk about gobbeldy gook. They're not really any dirtier, but you add 50 % ?  ;D ;D And you do discounted for 4 weekly  ;D ;D

NWH just got banned for posting random crap like this.
*Status*--------Currently Online---------

CleanClear

  • Posts: 14695
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #12 on: August 15, 2021, 06:14:16 pm »
So any clean frequency over 12 weeks would be classed as a first clean, the price of which would depend on how hard  and long it would be to get them looking right.
I presume a custy who wanted a bi annual clean wouldnt be classed as a regular customer, and would be moved to the "cull" list.

How do you "cull" a non regular customer ? You either cater for them or you don't ?
*Status*--------Currently Online---------

Mark Dee

  • Posts: 58
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #13 on: August 15, 2021, 06:28:58 pm »
So any clean frequency over 12 weeks would be classed as a first clean, the price of which would depend on how hard  and long it would be to get them looking right.
I presume a custy who wanted a bi annual clean wouldnt be classed as a regular customer, and would be moved to the "cull" list.

How do you "cull" a non regular customer ? You either cater for them or you don't ?

The custy wants to move from 12 weeks (regular clean) to " can you come just before xmas and  back around spring?"  I agree you either cater for them or you dont but that must apply to any conditions the customer asks for or condition they dont comply with.
As Smudger kindly pointed out the yearly revenue of that custy is the important thing ie adding 50% for less cleaning frequency to increase the revenue for servicing the account.
Im a newby trying to work stuff out, please excuse my ignorance.

CleanClear

  • Posts: 14695
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #14 on: August 15, 2021, 06:34:54 pm »
So any clean frequency over 12 weeks would be classed as a first clean, the price of which would depend on how hard  and long it would be to get them looking right.
I presume a custy who wanted a bi annual clean wouldnt be classed as a regular customer, and would be moved to the "cull" list.

How do you "cull" a non regular customer ? You either cater for them or you don't ?

The custy wants to move from 12 weeks (regular clean) to " can you come just before xmas and  back around spring?"  I agree you either cater for them or you dont but that must apply to any conditions the customer asks for or condition they dont comply with.
As Smudger kindly pointed out the yearly revenue of that custy is the important thing ie adding 50% for less cleaning frequency to increase the revenue for servicing the account.
It makes sense to me and I'm the newby asking the dumb questions :)

What makes sense to you ? And can you explain what you think a "cull list " is ?
*Status*--------Currently Online---------

Mark Dee

  • Posts: 58
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #15 on: August 15, 2021, 06:52:11 pm »
So any clean frequency over 12 weeks would be classed as a first clean, the price of which would depend on how hard  and long it would be to get them looking right.
I presume a custy who wanted a bi annual clean wouldnt be classed as a regular customer, and would be moved to the "cull" list.

How do you "cull" a non regular customer ? You either cater for them or you don't ?

The custy wants to move from 12 weeks (regular clean) to " can you come just before xmas and  back around spring?"  I agree you either cater for them or you dont but that must apply to any conditions the customer asks for or condition they dont comply with.
As Smudger kindly pointed out the yearly revenue of that custy is the important thing ie adding 50% for less cleaning frequency to increase the revenue for servicing the account.
It makes sense to me and I'm the newby asking the dumb questions :)

What makes sense to you ? And can you explain what you think a "cull list " is ?

As you can see I edited my original post, unfortunately not before you read it. However I will reply to you question

"It makes sense to me" refers to why Smudger adds 50% to the price of an 8 week call frequency  even though the windows arent noticably dirtier. If he reduces the call frequency without increasing the price then the annual revenue from servicing that customer is reduced. By increasing the price although the revenue is still reduced the return on the time spent servicing the customer actually improves, and why not, as long as the customer is happy with the arrangement. The annual fixed costs of running his business havent changed and unless he finds mmore customers he is still worse off.
 
From your replies I got the impression that  you didnt  understand that bit and felt that a surcharge on their previous price is somehow unfair.

A "cull" list is the list a customer who is ready to be replaced with better work goes onto and when the time comes refine your work. Is that wrong?

CleanClear

  • Posts: 14695
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #16 on: August 15, 2021, 07:34:21 pm »
So any clean frequency over 12 weeks would be classed as a first clean, the price of which would depend on how hard  and long it would be to get them looking right.
I presume a custy who wanted a bi annual clean wouldnt be classed as a regular customer, and would be moved to the "cull" list.

How do you "cull" a non regular customer ? You either cater for them or you don't ?

The custy wants to move from 12 weeks (regular clean) to " can you come just before xmas and  back around spring?"  I agree you either cater for them or you dont but that must apply to any conditions the customer asks for or condition they dont comply with.
As Smudger kindly pointed out the yearly revenue of that custy is the important thing ie adding 50% for less cleaning frequency to increase the revenue for servicing the account.
It makes sense to me and I'm the newby asking the dumb questions :)

What makes sense to you ? And can you explain what you think a "cull list " is ?

As you can see I edited my original post, unfortunately not before you read it. However I will reply to you question

"It makes sense to me" refers to why Smudger adds 50% to the price of an 8 week call frequency  even though the windows arent noticably dirtier. If he reduces the call frequency without increasing the price then the annual revenue from servicing that customer is reduced. By increasing the price although the revenue is still reduced the return on the time spent servicing the customer actually improves, and why not, as long as the customer is happy with the arrangement. The annual fixed costs of running his business havent changed and unless he finds mmore customers he is still worse off.
 
From your replies I got the impression that  you didnt  understand that bit and felt that a surcharge on their previous price is somehow unfair.

A "cull" list is the list a customer who is ready to be replaced with better work goes onto and when the time comes refine your work. Is that wrong?
Your original OP asks this question:
Quote
My question is, how dirty are the windows and frames  getting in between cleans (in general) now you offer extended call frequency. Do you see call frequency getting even longer or are you at the limit of how long you are prepared to wait between cleans for your customer. This question is aimed mainly  at how dirty the windows become between cleans rather than the hit to the yearly vaue of that customer to your business.

Smudger told you ..........................
Quote
Generally - 8 weeks are not really any dirtier than 4 weekly
Now you say:
Quote
"It makes sense to me" refers to why Smudger adds 50% to the price of an 8 week call frequency  even though the windows arent noticably dirtier. If he reduces the call frequency without increasing the price then the annual revenue from servicing that customer is reduced.

So you've give up on the quest to find out if the windows are dirtier or not ?

Depending upon how you operate then a 12 weekly clean may not happen, even an 8 weekly clean may not happen. I fully understand why prices are different for different frequencies.  It would have to be a substantial job for someone to get a 12 week frequency i would imagine.
*Status*--------Currently Online---------

CleanClear

  • Posts: 14695
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #17 on: August 15, 2021, 07:54:12 pm »

I offer 8 weekly as a standard service ( this is where I price it up for 4 weekly and add 50% ) then offer a "discounted" service  for 4 weekly which is usually about £2 quid cheaper than an 8 weekly clean - any longer duration is "bespoke" and is double a 4 weekly price ( usually equals a first clean price )

And i'm just loving the math here, lets have some fun:
4 weekly £10 and add 50% for 8 weekly =£15.
Then, offer a "discounted " service for 4 weekly @ £2 cheaper than the 8 weekly clean  ;D ;D
£2 cheaper than £15 = £13.
 ;D ;D ;D
*Status*--------Currently Online---------

Mark Dee

  • Posts: 58
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #18 on: August 15, 2021, 08:20:37 pm »
So any clean frequency over 12 weeks would be classed as a first clean, the price of which would depend on how hard  and long it would be to get them looking right.
I presume a custy who wanted a bi annual clean wouldnt be classed as a regular customer, and would be moved to the "cull" list.

How do you "cull" a non regular customer ? You either cater for them or you don't ?

The custy wants to move from 12 weeks (regular clean) to " can you come just before xmas and  back around spring?"  I agree you either cater for them or you dont but that must apply to any conditions the customer asks for or condition they dont comply with.
As Smudger kindly pointed out the yearly revenue of that custy is the important thing ie adding 50% for less cleaning frequency to increase the revenue for servicing the account.
It makes sense to me and I'm the newby asking the dumb questions :)

What makes sense to you ? And can you explain what you think a "cull list " is ?

As you can see I edited my original post, unfortunately not before you read it. However I will reply to you question

"It makes sense to me" refers to why Smudger adds 50% to the price of an 8 week call frequency  even though the windows arent noticably dirtier. If he reduces the call frequency without increasing the price then the annual revenue from servicing that customer is reduced. By increasing the price although the revenue is still reduced the return on the time spent servicing the customer actually improves, and why not, as long as the customer is happy with the arrangement. The annual fixed costs of running his business havent changed and unless he finds mmore customers he is still worse off.
 
From your replies I got the impression that  you didnt  understand that bit and felt that a surcharge on their previous price is somehow unfair.

A "cull" list is the list a customer who is ready to be replaced with better work goes onto and when the time comes refine your work. Is that wrong?
Your original OP asks this question:
Quote
My question is, how dirty are the windows and frames  getting in between cleans (in general) now you offer extended call frequency. Do you see call frequency getting even longer or are you at the limit of how long you are prepared to wait between cleans for your customer. This question is aimed mainly  at how dirty the windows become between cleans rather than the hit to the yearly vaue of that customer to your business.

Smudger told you ..........................
Quote
Generally - 8 weeks are not really any dirtier than 4 weekly
Now you say:
Quote
"It makes sense to me" refers to why Smudger adds 50% to the price of an 8 week call frequency  even though the windows arent noticably dirtier. If he reduces the call frequency without increasing the price then the annual revenue from servicing that customer is reduced.

So you've give up on the quest to find out if the windows are dirtier or not ?

Depending upon how you operate then a 12 weekly clean may not happen, even an 8 weekly clean may not happen. I fully understand why prices are different for different frequencies.  It would have to be a substantial job for someone to get a 12 week frequency i would imagine.

I havent given up on trying to find out if the windows are dirtier or not, but the forum is quiet and replies are relatively scarce.

CleanClear

  • Posts: 14695
Re: How Dirty Are Yours Now?
« Reply #19 on: August 15, 2021, 08:36:52 pm »
I havent given up on trying to find out if the windows are dirtier or not, but the forum is quiet and replies are relatively scarce.

Mine are definatley dirtier after 8 weeks compared to 4 weeks. How are your own Mark ?
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