[windakleena1]

I have been " on the glass" for a number of years now but theres one thing that really gets on my nerves,EVENING COLLECTIONS ( ok before you all jump off your ladders, i know its part of the job). Theres a few comrades who have introduced payment systemns, what are the best ones to use?, what are the pros and cons?.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS.

[Rob_B]

Stamped addressed envelopes!

For the price of a second class stamp let your customers send you a cheque. However, my bank now going to charge me 60p to cash a cheque. Time to find a new one with another years free banking.

[windakleena1]

THAT SOUNDS OK ,  WHAT WAS THE SUCCESS RATE?
Did you get many cheques" lost in the post" ?
CHEERS.

[matt]

i dont even use a SAE

if they are in in the day, i collect

if they are out, i leave a slip which says

your windows were cleaned today

Sorry we missed you for Collection

Can you PLEASE send a cheque to : blah de blah

otherwise you can pay ONLINE or pay next time

it allways works as most like to pay

some pay online, i have paypal / nochex and fastpay, so all covered, but the uptake on online payments are slow

[matt]

just to add

some leave it 2 cleans to send a cheque (if its under 10 quid i tell them to)

most pay all the time, as they realise you provide a service, so its only fair you get your money

[Rob_B]

Never had one lost in the post, and everyone I leave an envelope for sends a cheque.

[windakleena1]

Fanx chaps, that will do nicely.
Merry xmas and a happy financial year!.... 

[Duke]

I leave virtually every customer with an invoice and a stamped addressed envelope unless they happen to be in (not many) I always use a first class stamp....I think that a second class stamp gives the customer the wrong impression (like you arn't that bothered when you get your money...it devalues the business)
It was a bit rough for the first couple of weeks, but now the cheques roll in to my PO Box on a daily basis....if I havn't been paid by the time they are due again (monthly) then they get a phone call or a note to tell them they won't be cleaned again until the account is clear (in nicer terms than that...lol)....seems to work ok...I couldn't stand the idea of having to go back on the evening to pick up money...it'd be like going to work twice. Anyway, it would be another 25 mile round trip...and that's the nearest ones ! Most are fine, and pay up within a few days. One even sent me a Christmas card and tip with the payment, bless 'er.

[stevekennedy]

I'm looking into direct debit  keep ya posted!

[choice.clean]

the answer is standing order i have been using it for last 3 years advantages
1. do not require direct debit gaurantee which i understand is costly.
2. customer just gets a card thru the door when you clean its great when customer comes out and says what do i owe you and you say paid already mate.
3. customer retention is great i can count on fingers number who have left.
4. gets commitment when starting job (if they say dont want to do that there not serious about a regular window cleaner)
5. banks like direct debit most banks give you a good number free each month and then fees are very low i think its 15p with barclays as opposed to 54p for banking a cheque
6. cashflow you know when you will get paid so can plan ahead.
Disadvantages
less communication with customers i put newsl;etter thru door every 3 months to keep customer informed
difficult to rise price you have to send new standing order
banks can mess up.

[windakleena1]

Duke,
How much do you pay for a p.o box ?

[Steve_Richardson]

I also hated collecting so...

I put an SAE through with the note if they are out, if they are in and don't pay for whatever reason, just going out, can't be bothered ect, they just get a note to say please post - they can provide their own envolope!

Everyone has posted within a few days and none have got lost. Works well. Always a check or two coming through my letter box most days 

...and my evenings are my own again!!

Cheers
Steve

[Duke]

How much do you pay for a p.o box ?



cant remember off hand...think it's about £30 for six months...not much really..

[mickeyfat]