Iain jones
Well-known member
- Messages
- 56
- Location
- Somerset
When I do a first time or one of clean how much should I charge
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I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have the customer base I have if I tried to change double for first wash.Surprised so many people think double for the first clean. There's a few lads round here that seem to do that. I just stick £5-10 on the job depending on the size of it.
I feel the same but then I think would I actually have a much stronger customer base who doesn't skip cleans in winter as they understand the importance of regular cleaning ?I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have the customer base I have if I tried to change double for first wash.
I’ve filled rounds and sold rounds doing this.I feel the same but then I think would I actually have a much stronger customer base who doesn't skip cleans in winter as they understand the importance of regular cleaning ?
Maybe when i've filled one round i'll grow a set and join em charging double for the first clean.
When quoting I always say a first clean will take 2-3 times longer than a regular clean to get the frames up to standard, but I can usually blitz them as I have mastered my technique, like a Jedi ?I’ve filled rounds and sold rounds doing this.
If you explain the reasons why, (using more water, labour time etc) they will understand.
If the windows are extremely dirty, I’m honest with them. I tell them I’ll clean them twice on the first clean, but there still might be the odd drip line.
Never encountered a problem ?
I dunno mate. We're not far apart and would have a similar customer demographic. It's the norm in Gloucester for them to charge double with the biggest complaint being they come once and don't return ?If we're straight and fair, I find that mostly what goes around comes around, once we explain that first washes take more time, effort and water, and so therefore need a higher payment they usually understand and mostly become good customers. It's all about being fair and balanced. We will get messers as well but get skilled at reading people. I say again though that if I tried to charge double I don't think I would have the good, strong customer base that I have.
All the charging double etc is covered by this, be it first clean or regular clean. We all think we charge a fair price for our services, the traditional guy with a ladder or a WFP guy with a new van, electric reels and hot water. It's the customers perception of what is and isn't fair that matters, how we sell our services is important.At the end of the day the whole pricing system relies on you trying to judge what the customer is willing to pay and if you're prepared to do the job at the price.
That’s the most intelligent thing you’ve ever said !Treat a 'first clean' and a 'one off clean' as two completely different things.
If it is a 'genuine' first clean and they are really dirty then you should definitely charge more. It will take you longer and the customer should respect that.
If the customer is a bit iffy on paying more for a first clean, then perhaps you should be wary about the long term quality of this customer!
I usually think, how much longer it would take, and charge accordingly. Some may be only 10 mins more, some may be 3 times as long.
You need to be honest, explain to the customer, and charge fairly. You are trying to build a relationship here with the customer, but not get 'had over'!
Also, the more thorough you are on the first clean...the more easier the next cleans become.
If it is a 'one off' clean and the customer has said they are moving, or just want it done the once, then this is a bit more fun. The simple answer is 'how much do you want the work'?
If you are just starting out and need the work then don't go too high, get the cash coming in. If you are overloaded, then you may not even bother quoting, because you won't have the time.
The real trick is trying to work out, 'which is which'. We all get custys that say they want a regular and really only want a one off, especially this time of year!
That only comes with experience. Go with your gut instinct, price is right and keep smiling. You'll win some, you'll lose some!
When you first start out it's hard to believe anyone would get anywhere charging double for the first clean. Some people would say start as you mean to go on etc.I've only just started so all of my jobs are first cleans : ( ..... ha ha. I've decided to set first clean price at 50% more than the regular clean price.
The first job I got was a 3 bed semi, customer used to pay £6 but cleaner had disappeared, I quoted £20 first clean and £15 regular and got it. I know it's not 50% but I was unsure about the £2.50 so just thought £20. It's a tricky one I'm still undecided on the £20 or £22, at the end of the day it is only £2, that's not going to make or break the business.
The second job was a detached house, easy access and not too many windows. I wanted to quote £20 regular but didn't know whether to charge £25 or £30 for the first clean. Then I thought it through and thought well from the customers perception they will look at the first clean price and think it's not much different to the regular price if it's £25, so therefore doesn't look like they get much of a discount for going regular. £20 and £30 there is a greater difference so it looks a lot better to the customer. So I went with the £20 and £30 and didn't get any quibble, also got them to sign up for dd.
Now I think double price would be a fair price for the first clean but I am going to stick with 50%. The reason is that's the discount they get from me, it's a discount on the first clean to entice them to get the windows cleaned regular. It may or may not make a difference but it's something that I'm comfortable with, if I don't get the job then that's fine they were not for me but I will not be blaming my price. If it was double then I would have that question in my mind.
I'm sure double is probably the way to go, but starting out and learning I think 50% is fair as my work will not be as good as it will be say in a years time when I have more experience.