lost a job today

[Gavin]

Feel a bit disheartened today lost a good weekly commercial. Apparently got beaten on price although dont know how they could beat my price, supposedly were not happy with results. I know I did a good job and windows were also perfect.

Makes me doubt my skills but know I did a good job.

 

[nearlyclean]

Cut throat business commercial stuff,I wouldn't take it personal and just move on if you know you were giving a good service not more you can do .

I had cancellations in the past and will get more in the future.

always someone cheaper and there will be someone cheaper than them

 

[nearlyclean]

The ones who value you will treat you well,Some of these that swap and change cleaners to save a few pence end up with dirty windows are not worth worrying about.

 

[nearlyclean]

Had one today,sent cheque and note inside saying not need them cleaning for a few months,let you know when I need you.(£7.50 a month)

I struggle with these as I have a enough work for myself at the moment and don't want to employ,I had few calls this week and these will replace them (sound like CIU) But when they do call up,they will get the "one clean fee". Had another that was worth £60 big house stop cleaning it because her husband rang and told me to do them for £22,I laugh and said you better find yourself another windie,had his wife a few days later begging me to clean them but I stuck to my guns and said sorry.Yesterday they ring to book up a clean as I was taking the address the penny dropped and had to refuse,politely said I cant clean your windows and hang up.Cheek of some.

 

[Hinty]

I know exactly what you mean. Going back a few years I had some commercial work, and had 8 people working for me. Over***ht I lost one big contract, and a week later I lost another even bigger contract.

The company in question had just taken on a new client, who happened to run a cleaning business... who undercut me by £1.00 - I lost the job. No loyalty.

As a result I had to let 3 of my employees go, which was a horrible thing to have to do. Particularly as they were good workers. Never want to be in that position again.

Another thing to bear in mind, is that commercial customers are also being squeezed - to make sure all their contractors are insured, have health & safety policies, method statements, will carry out risk assessments........ the list goes on.

A friend of mine has been specialising in the commercial side of things for years - and he is still being made to jump through hoops just to be able to quote.

Some commercial jobs won't even touch you unless you have at least 2 trade memberships, and I forget the term - but there is some form of certificate that you can get (costs loads) which tells the prospective business that you have systems in place for H&S, quality etc. - This certificate is govt. approved, and you have to have an on site inspection to be able to get it, which lasts for 1 year.

Most of us don't venture into this area, and what we call commercial are in reality small, ground/1st floor offices, shops, pubs, schools etc.

The term safety in numbers will always hold true, which is why I only do domestic with a couple of small jobs now.

 

[nearlyclean]

I ask for their risk assessment of their building and H&S policy this makes them blush as many building managers don't have this and it is a legal requirement for them to provide these docs

 

[nearlyclean]

When I price up a job I have a little filofax with me that I make notes in and I have little reminders questions to ask potential customers and make notes of their requirements like move the door mat out the way,don't stand on the garden bench,dog pooh or dog flap things I need to remember.And on the first page I have a check list like Payment-bank transfer/cheque via post/cash hidden

notify next clean by phone or email or just turn up

Gate lock/can I climb with ladder or jump over

stuff like that and I for building managers I ask for risk assessment of building,what hazard to window cleaner,who do I need to speak to on arrival,door codes/keys

Makes you look more professional and all the time your asking the questions they cant ask questions LOL

 

[nearlyclean]

Bloody hell - I turn up and hope for the best and if someone moans they want a call the day before I drop them as I cannot be bothered with too many arrangements.

I work on my own and make £250 a day and it works if I don't stop. I never collect whilst working unless they want to come out as talking slows me down.

I sound like a right misery but it was the way I was taught. Work like a trojan and the money will flow.

I know eveyr customer by first name and if they really want a chat then I will stop (I am not completely heartless)

Trouble is, I do not have enough work yet to fill 20 days!!! LOL

I know what you mean,I only do this when pricing up and its a bit of a laugh I like to get people on the back foot also it looks like your taking an interest in them and the job.I earn okay and plod along 90% of my customers either post the cheque or bank transfer and the 10% pay on the door,I like a chat builds up customer relations.And after a while with training they see you coming down the round and when you get to certain houses they have a drink and a few biscuits ready

 

[Hinty]

Years ago I was messing about, and made up an application form - just to wind up one of the lads that worked for me - telling him it was what I was going to be doing from now on.

Next thing I know, before I had a chance to wind him up he had seen it, and handed a few of them out - had 3 come through the post - all really big houses.

i thought I might have really blown it - but it worked out ok.

LOL

dave