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Cash flow!!

CMRwindowcleaning

Active member
Messages
284
Location
surrey
Has to be one of the worst parts of being a window cleaner...lots of £15 here and £13 there not to mention waiting 30 days for commercial transfer! Some days it feels like you have come home and earned nothing and then it trickles in slowly. Obviously you get your good cash days and also good transfer days but if I had all my money paid to me in my hand every week id be a lot better off. Anyone else find this? Don't get me wrong I'd still rather have it trickle in than go and work for someone else!!!

 
worst thing off this job, dont trust BACS sounds gd but folk are not interested if they pay you or not so they have to be chased also

collecting is the biggest problem

 
I think it's been discussed before: BACS or gocardless, and then collecting is simply a text message. Easy peasy. In fact, I would have thought that would be a feature on Cleanerplanner

 
We've been using go cardless for about a year now. Have just over 80% of the client base on go cardless. All customers that refuse to use the go cardless system can pay via b.a.c.s but if the payment Isn't received 3 working days after the job is completed on their property, they are fined a 50% late payment charge of the price of job. Which is stated in the terms and conditions we hand them on the door on the first clean. So if gutters are cleaned for over £100 it gives the customer a rocket up their ****. Haven't to date received a late payment. Best way to deal with clients who like to control their spending. Is tell them that you operate a business that requires cash flow. If they are on direct debits with their phone and broadband provider and other services they require. That is the easiest option. So there is no reason why anyone with an Internet connection can't sign up on go cardless or pay within 3 days via b.a.c.s.

As regards customers that can only pay via cash and cheque. Usually it's the older clients that want to use this method and their always in. If not cheque is in the post within the hour they come back.

 
All this fuss to get people to pay. I just let it roll. I always get paid and I've never hassled anyone and I never go collecting. Most people want to pay. I like my customers. I'm sure adding 50% if they don't pay quick enough makes them wanna stay on your books!

 
A fine of 50% seems a bit harsh to me.

I'd lose loads of customers.

3 days to pay is no time but if it works for you.

I certainly wouldn't do it.

Hope you never buy now pay later

/emoticons/biggrin.png:D:rolleyes:

 
Would like to see a 50 % price fine. Stand up in court What happens if it is then a week overdue
All terms and conditions are given to the client on the door when they initially sign up with us. The first thing they have to do if they don't go on go cardless is sign a contract stating that their payment will be paid within a 3 working day window. Or they could just sign up on go cardless and not have to worry. As long as everything is in writing and is clear and they sign then you won't have a issue. Regarding the overdue problem. Weather can stop all window cleaners. So we also assure the client we will be cleaning their house between a 4 - 6 week period. This covers our ass for being late.

It works for us. We have tried every tactic possible to try and eliminate late payments. As you know it's especially difficult if you have staff waiting for your money and brand new finances and loans to pay for monthly.

Although I can see where your coming from when you aren't prepared.

 
so they late paying its a 50% price increase on debt and if ur late it no bother lol some craic
We are always cleaning clients Windows within 4-6weeks we never let it go till 7 weeks. In fact we've never let it go to 6 weeks. We're mostly on a 5 week basis so we have upheld our end of the bargain. But yes I have to admit it's a bit harsh but to be honest I don't need clients that take 3 weeks to pay bills when I have nagging staff to pay. I want everyone that uses direct debits to pay otherwise they can use this method of b.a.c.s. They find the system fair. Never had complaints even tho we have a good 250 clients on it. We did have over 580 on it until last year. 2 have cancelled the rest are on go cardless. Not everyone uses the same tactics to get people on go cardless as we do but personally we find it works. I have to admit in some ways there are reality checks. Cash customers are great but I hate collecting. I did sodding years of it and because we cover miles and miles we can't afford to keep collecting. Plus it's way too tempting to pocket a few quid here and there. And when you get to v.a.t registered stage you have to be so careful. Appreciate everyone's opinion though. It's not for everyone the way I deal with clients. But i don't need faff at this stage. I want it easier. Rant over lads. Lol.

 
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