Is it a good idea to have a separate account to accept window cleaning payments.

[windymillers]

I have a current account with a bank and wondered if it is allowed to have another current account with the same bank just to accept payment from window cleaning.

If the customer is out I would leave an A6 size card saying I had cleaned the windows and accept payment via Bank transfer to the following sort code and account number.

Easier to keep track of earnings that way.

I wont be using a business name.

 

[Steve E]

I have a current account with a bank and wondered if it is allowed to have another current account with the same bank just to accept payment from window cleaning.

If the customer is out I would leave an A6 size card saying I had cleaned the windows and accept payment via Bank transfer to the following sort code and account number.

Easier to keep track of earnings that way.

I wont be using a business name.

That's what I do. No problem from my bank.  I just opened it in my name as opposed to my current account which I have with the same bank. On my app it's named ' window cleaning'.

Makes life easier when doing the books.

I do get the odd cheque as well. Bank seem happy but I've only been doing this since April part time.

I don't see the advantage in a business account for the level I'm at.

 

[windymillers]

Thanks for the information.

You said you also accept cheques, so I assume if the customer is out you leave a card/leaflet saying you have cleaned the windows and you have your address on the card so they can post it to you.

I was not sure if I wanted my address on the cards/leaflets.

 

[Steve E]

Thanks for the information.

You said you also accept cheques, so I assume if the customer is out you leave a card/leaflet saying you have cleaned the windows and you have your address on the card so they can post it to you.

I was not sure if I wanted my address on the cards/leaflets.

No my address isnt on my 'windows cleaned today' card. This is a special arrangement with a few customers who don't do on line banking. One is all ways in but prefers to pay me by cheque.

I clarify payment method when I sign them up.

My address is on my 'new customer' leaflet though. I followed trad man's advice on that. It helps prove you are local and legit. 

I'm not originally from the area I work now so I thought it might help if customers new I was based locally.

 

[windymillers]

Thanks for the reply.

I also am not originally from this area and have a different accent so I will have to have a look and see if I can find Trad man's video you mentioned..

 

[rugbywolf]

I have a current account with a bank and wondered if it is allowed to have another current account with the same bank just to accept payment from window cleaning.

If the customer is out I would leave an A6 size card saying I had cleaned the windows and accept payment via Bank transfer to the following sort code and account number.

Easier to keep track of earnings that way.

I wont be using a business name.

I use my regular account. just make sure that when your customer sets up the account with their bank that in 'reference' they put their first line of address, that way you will know who has paid. I have an A5 slip that has all my bank details etc, that I give to customers. Regarding cheques, I have a special slip for that which is paper-clipped to a self addressed envelope (no stamp), if they are not in, otherwise just pay into bank. You get used to who pays you by cheque after a time. In the beginning, I used to log the bank account number, name and address of all cheques sent, but I don't bother now. I have been caught out a couple of times with cheques that have bounced and not knowing who it was, as the bank will send you the cheque but not tell you the address. My daughter who works in accounts told me that they photo-copy all cheques.

 

[best]

I too use a separate account, much easier to check on payments.
I also ask the customer to text me when paid (50% don't bother to text)

Sent using the http://Window Cleaning Forums mobile app

 

[windymillers]

Thanks to all of you for the useful information.