“My last Window Cleaner did it for…” The quest for value and quality

As with most trades, services, and products, the goal is the same for the customer and the vendor. The customer seeks the best price, top quality, and fastest service. The vendor desires the highest profit, easy work, and customers whom are happy to part with disposable income. Obviously there needs to be a compromise in order to satisfy both parties. 

I often hear the phrase “My last Window Cleaner did it for $$$” I take no offense to this statement. It does peak my interest though. I usually inquire as to why the customer isn’t having their previous Window Washer complete their service. The most common answers are “He hasn’t been returning my calls” or, “he went out of business” and of course “He flaked out on me a couple days ago” There are usually reasons or factors contributing to these scenarios;

1. The previous Window Cleaner underbid the job, realized it after completion, and is not confident in discussing a price increase. 
2. Unable to sustain his business charging too low of prices, the prior Window Washer went belly up.
3. Perhaps there was a rift in customer/service provider relationship that negated the desire to continue future transactions. 

Whatever the reason may be, the search for a new Window Cleaner has begun. The question now is, what is important to you? The lowest price or the best results? Think of this conundrum in these terms;

You can satisfy your hunger by visiting a local McDonald’s or you can go eat at a fine dining establishment such as Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Both restaurants offer meals that will alleviate your hunger, with some differences in price and quality of course. The same can be said about choosing a Window Cleaner. What might seem like a good deal can be a giant disaster. Often you’re presented with an invoice with that awesome price, except your screens are still dirty, your tracks full of grime, and your frames remain disgusting. You question the gentleman you found on Craigslist, his answer; “Oh, well that’s extra, screens will be $3.00 per, tracks are $2.00 each” You scratch your head, realizing this will cost you 20% more than the original quote. 

Make sure you communicate your expectations with anyone you choose to conduct business with to avoid misunderstandings like this. 

If you are a service provider, consider making certain products and add-ons part of your standard cleaning process. Especially screen cleaning and wiping down frames and tracks. My service area ranges from La Quinta, California to Redlands, California. This whole span follows the Interstate 10 which is known for high winds and blowing sand. These conditions can wreak havoc on screens and tracks. Thus, I always clean the screens and tracks as part of a standard cleaning. In fact, a high percentage of customers ask if I clean the screens and tracks before they hire me. If you go through the entire process, get questioned about it, then nickel and dime your customer, you will not be invited back. 

Whether you are a customer or a vendor, know the value of services, be civil, don’t be cheap or cut corners, a know when to walk away from a deal or decline service to a prospective customer. 

If you would like to add to this article, pose a question, or if you are in need of window cleaning, solar panel cleaning, gutter cleaning, or shower door restoration, feel free to contact ShinePro Window Cleaning to schedule your appointment. We service the areas of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, as well as the Cherry Valley, Redlands, and Beaumont, California area.