Why Don't we Use WFP?

« **on:** April 01, 2005, 06:46:08 pm »

If you don't have a pole system, let's hear your thoughts about them. Do you think they're a load of rubbish? Are you contemplating buying one? Are you confused by the options?

Most of the window cleaners I meet who use ladders say they would like to get one eventually, but haven't got around to looking into it all just yet.

What's your thoughts?

-Philip

« **Reply #1 on:** April 01, 2005, 06:57:57 pm »

The only thing that worries about a pole system, having now got over the shock of the cost, is that we have picked up quiet a lot of work from properties that weren't happy with WFP's.

What ever any one posts here about them being better - that still concerns me but just to not have to go up ladders ..... sigh .......

« **Reply #2 on:** April 01, 2005, 07:07:51 pm »

Did you manage to find out the circumstances of why they wern't happy ? Could it have been an inexperienced pole user...or probably a first clean ? Or was it (as I've had) 'I don't like all the mess'.....what mess ?... a bit of water on the outside ? What do you do when it rains ? ......people are funny....they don't like change, or anything new. Sometimes they just need to be taken by the hand and gently educated. That sounds really patronising, I know...but sometimes.....(customers that is...not you guys.....he said, digging himself out of a hole...lol)

« **Reply #3 on:** April 01, 2005, 07:09:00 pm »

I'm not sure, had to let some work go cause I havent got one but even the cheapest is alot of money and it would take a long time to pay for itself.
I hear mainly good things about them, the negative concern me but mostly its all the hassle of finding somewhere in my shed to get the water filtered.
I would prefer to build my own and save some money, but need to find out ho to do so.

« **Reply #4 on:** April 01, 2005, 07:18:10 pm »

ok, way to go...you should be able to find out all you need to know through these message boards and the links they post. Might take a bit of reading though....there's loads of good information out there....

« **Reply #5 on:** April 01, 2005, 07:27:29 pm »

Hi Duke

Two didn't want WFP's because their carpets and curtains ended up wet and they were both houses with old sash cord windows.

One customer tripped over the hosing (or whatever it's called) and got into an arguement with the w/c. Some were because 'it just don't seem right' type of reasoning but most were because of the poor quality of work.

I've never asked anyone any more detaills but I will do in future.

We recently picked up three close together jobs all done by the same w/c who went over to poles and to me, the windows looked spotless.

I think what it is maybe is that whilst out working we will only hear negative comments from customers as that is why they contacted us in the first place.

I hope so.

« **Reply #6 on:** April 01, 2005, 07:42:20 pm »

yeah, that'll be it I reckon....I get people the opposite...like the idea and want me....funny old world...

« **Reply #7 on:** April 01, 2005, 07:45:06 pm »

Ordered mine just waiting for delivery should be early next week hopefully.

Got all my RO/DI filters all set up and 400ltr storage tank.
Has a small problem i connected my RO up to my toilet systern as it was the closest water pipe.
switched on 2 hours later only 2 ltrs of water i thought o christ i spent all this money to find i can't make enough water.
Got onto the supplier of my RO and said the water pressure is to low the reason is it's not on a mains supply but comming from a tank in the attic.
So tomorrow got to change it over to a mains supply probably get moaned by the wife as i have to drill through two walls but its in a good cause

Paul

« **Reply #8 on:** April 01, 2005, 08:24:22 pm »

If the cost of buying wfp is a problem heres what I did.

50 pence on every clean x 350 cleans = £175.00 a month extra x 12 months = £2100.00 extra per year with no loss of revenue to yourself.

I have spent £3000.00 so far on my system but the majority of it will be paid by the customer base.

Rob

« **Reply #9 on:** April 01, 2005, 09:37:07 pm »

well im going to get wfp but am worried it doesnt do as good a job. Much of my work is georgian sash windows. Are you saying that wfp doesnt work on these? why???

« **Reply #10 on:** April 01, 2005, 10:57:43 pm »

They do work on Sash windows matter of fact on every window, you just need to know how to clean them correctly with a WFP. They do take abit longer thou on sash windows thats all.

Justin

« **Reply #11 on:** April 02, 2005, 08:06:23 am »

I'm quite keen to get into WFPs but it is confusing, there is no doubt about that.

My problem is my wife who is totally unconvinced by the whole idea. She believes that the customers will never pay good money to have their windows cleaned by a bloke with a "bog brush on a broom handle"

She belives they will not regard it as a proper job. To that end she may be right. I am very tradidional and still finish off with a shammy etc although its more for show than good window cleaning its what the customers like to see.
Loads of people have commented on it over the years.

« **Reply #12 on:** April 02, 2005, 12:57:10 pm »

my problem is my wife who is totally unconvinced by the whole idea. She believes that the customers will never pay good money to have their windows cleaned by a bloke with a "bog brush on a broom handle.

LOL

« **Reply #13 on:** April 02, 2005, 01:26:33 pm »

Quote from: bumper on April 02, 2005, 12:57:10 pm

my problem is my wife who is totally unconvinced by the whole idea. She believes that the customers will never pay good money to have their windows cleaned by a bloke with a "bog brush on a broom handle.

LOL

i liked that aswell

infact i might use it on a flyer lol

« **Reply #14 on:** April 02, 2005, 02:03:23 pm »

Sash windows can be awkward, but the biggest problem is when their frames have oxidised.
You also have to take care on the lower sash not to spray water up into the gap between the 2 sashes.
But oxidisation can be a problem on any window, even mild oxidisation can cause spotting.
Fortunately it is only a small percentage of painted or aluminium windows that have this problem.
Changing long held existing customers over to WFP won't be easy, you will probably lose a few, but you should aslo begin picking up new ones because you DO have WFP.

There is a steep learning curve needed though, and that can be part of the problem $:-\$ It takes a while to become good at what you are doing.

I've been going for 12 months with my system, for quite some time now I would say that in most cases, even on a first time clean I will do a top job, something you will struggle do in the first few weeks of first time cleans.....and of course everything for a month is a first time clean

Ian

« **Reply #15 on:** April 02, 2005, 03:44:24 pm »

Quote

More money I suppose, so maybe the trad guys can stick to sash?

Graham.

Gee , thanks.

« **Reply #16 on:** April 02, 2005, 04:56:47 pm »

Most of my customers are spread out and all domestic...so how will it save me time setting up to clean one house, maybe a terrace with 3 sash windows? Traditional methods mean it maybe only takes 4-6 minutes for a £5 charge. Theoretically I could charge more but as I understand things, it would take 5 minutes just to unravel the hose and setup the wfp.

Mark

« **Reply #17 on:** April 02, 2005, 09:04:28 pm »

Have a look at the backpacks, fastest thing out there.

« **Reply #18 on:** April 03, 2005, 07:42:47 am »

Yes i completely understand. 50% of my work is houses with sash windows many with naff paint so what do i do get the gear just for 50% of my work just to keep the hse happy? Man life is so complicated!!

« **Reply #19 on:** April 03, 2005, 09:50:29 am »

No.Carry on in a safe manner as you usually do.

Poll

If you don't at present use Water-Fed poles, lets find out the reasons why: