Price increases

[Jimroot]

I've had a flurry of window interest, and a few gutter quote last few weeks. I've been quoting £20 a side average semi, maybe that's too cheap and they think it's a low value experience

I'd never let these threatening guys stop me, good on you for targeting 'their area':thumbsup:

 

[Smurf]

The only person that thinks it is a low value experience is yourself I'm thinking. /emoticons/biggrin.png

 

[Jimroot]

I'm trying to get them from being virtual to real experiences

But it's a fine line between 'too cheap' and 'too much'. I just priced at the lowest I'm willing to do it for

 

[TolishAPurd]

I don't like this 'per side' business if I'm honest. Unless its a regular customer and you like them. Otherwise charge for both, and if one is empty, its just a bonus. 20 quid isnt even worth getting the big ladder off the van IMHO. When I started I was charging £40 per normal house, but I soon realised I was mugging myself off as most gutters are chockers, and access is often a problem. £60 is my minimum now, and even that seems cheap to many as a lot are quoting around the 80 mark here. Its the one job we do that is essential maintenance, and its dangerous- so charge accordingly.

 

[rshandyman]

I count per side as a guidance for myself and add more if needed

 

[Jimroot]

Good points, I've been too chatty with the customer and try and explain things too much. I'll try and squint looking up at the gutter, rub my chin, and double my price /emoticons/biggrin.png

 

[Smurf]

Shake of head then say "IT'S NOT GOING TO BE CHEAP" works for me /emoticons/biggrin.png

 

[Taxlossloz]

Yeah I noticed some people think the gutters are going to be similar price to windows - I quoted £160 the other day on a big house including soffits (£20 regular window customer) she had a fit! But if she saw the work involved she prob think it's a fair price

Al work on her ...

 

[Jimroot]

I think they think the first clean should be as good a finish as maintenance for same money. Some are ok and take guidance, some I think are of the 'but Fred used to do it for 50p' mentality

...where is Fred now I wonder

 

[Eclipse]

How did the £5 increases go down @Eclipse?

Fine, all said they were happy with our work so accepted it.

 

[Duncs]

i picked a house out of this estate I do, now they are all different sizes not thinking it through enough £2 rise

the house is awkward have to climb over balcony, but the woman is pain in ****

she checked all her nabours then went mental that hers was the only house getting increase

could,int tell her" yer your right but your a horrible ****

 

[cheapncheerful]

yep arsehole tax...:rofl:

I just put one up like that I used to hate the job but now after two sneaky price rises...Im looking forward to my next clean..

 

[Duncs]

i,m going to be kicking ma sell done a cheap and chickened out

 

[cheapncheerful]

sometimes the best way duncs...:rofl:

til you bump into her at the local supermarket..

 

[Danfire]

It's taken a while but I'm in the process of increasing the whole round in order to earn an hourly rate that I'm happy with from every customer. Some were already ok and didn't need a increase (just stuck a quid on to keep them used to an annual rise) and others were well short and had to swallow a fiver rise. No one has refused and if they did I couldn't give a monkeys, there's a shortage of cleaners down here so if they want a decent, regular service than they're going to have to pay the piper.

It's harder with the customers that show a genuine fondness towards me, it's difficult to feel detached and I worry I might upset the relationship but I guess they should understand that the time I spend working is done to pay my bills and shouldn't begrudge paying the going rate.

 

[cheapncheerful]

yes cheapie hangs on as long as possible but one day there comes a time when you think ...is it worth it anymore so they have to go up...

and once interest rates start to rise as one day they will....I have to be ready../emoticons/biggrin.png

I always remember boars advice not to get too friendly with the custy but it is hard with some as they are so nice...

one just came out with a dvd player last week ...well okay he probs didnt know what to do with it but I was quite happy with his offer to keep the wifey happy watching gavin and stacey...

 

[Danfire]

I've got one that always makes me tea and cakes and insists I sit down and chat about events from the last six weeks, I have another that gives me biscuits and sweets for my children every visit. I'm blessed to have a lot of lovely customers but I have to tell myself that business is business, it's not easy though.

 

[TolishAPurd]

I've got one that always makes me tea and cakes and insists I sit down and chat about events from the last six weeks, I have another that gives me biscuits and sweets for my children every visit. I'm blessed to have a lot of lovely customers but I have to tell myself that business is business, it's not easy though.

I have the same problems mate. I have a handyman customer that I was working for today. Old woman that likes a chat. Its like she doesnt realise that I am there to earn a living, not talk. Her face was a picture when I cut her short today and told her that I had to crack on as I was running behind. It feels bad, but at the same I think its a bit self centred to expect you to sit down and talk every 5 minutes. Topics include hips, daughters gall bladder, husbands ill health, daughters old employment, daughters new employment..... and thats just today.lol

 

[Dave B]

It's taken a while but I'm in the process of increasing the whole round in order to earn an hourly rate that I'm happy with from every customer. Some were already ok and didn't need a increase (just stuck a quid on to keep them used to an annual rise) and others were well short and had to swallow a fiver rise. No one has refused and if they did I couldn't give a monkeys, there's a shortage of cleaners down here so if they want a decent, regular service than they're going to have to pay the piper.
It's harder with the customers that show a genuine fondness towards me, it's difficult to feel detached and I worry I might upset the relationship but I guess they should understand that the time I spend working is done to pay my bills and shouldn't begrudge paying the going rate.

If 2 accept a fiver rise and one £10 customer doesn’t you have just made the same money for a 3rd less work if you get my drift

Freeing up time for another well paying job

 

[cheapncheerful]

yep tolish it is amazing what we end up chatting about..

mostly them type I try to miss and have the chat laters when I have finished work and am free to chat...

but of course doesnt always work out..

have more than enough trouble dodging the feckin neighbours to get out to work..

straight into ze greek today...blah blah blah didnt understand a bloody word....just kept saying oh yes ..something about a neighbour cutting a tree too short...zzzzzzzzzzzz

disability next door..er..fat....do I want some tadpoles...oh yes feck work I will go and catch some tad poles...

one thing I really really like about my 6.15 am start on tuesday...no fecker about..

 

[Jimroot]

I'd like to charge extra as 'befriender' tax, add that to arsehole tax, covers all bases /emoticons/wink.png