Window cleaning veterans,
I’m a rookie window cleaner and work in an area with a lot of storm windows. I recently broke a storm window that was stuck in the frame.
My question: Have you ever had to decline a job because of inoperable storm windows? If so, how did you handle it? I don’t know if I should use a waiver, then try to force a stuck window; or just explain to the customer that stuck windows are outside the scope of service I can provide.
Thank you all for any advice you can offer!
I was actually just talking about this with a friend.
There’s one house that I cleaned that’s over 100 years old. Still has old wavy glass but then has an odd style of storms installed over the original glass.
During my initial inspection I asked if she minded that I take a few apart to see how difficult it would be.
Some were fine but some wouldn’t open.
I usually give a set price before starting each window job, but on this one I gave a range. Lower price if it goes easy over all and I would skip the inside panes if ones that don’t open/ higher price the more I have to fight with it.
I communicated all my concerns, had her sign off on minor damage such as scratches and and cracked frames because I noticed these issues already.
I ended up skipping some windows but I still had a decent paycheck at the end of the day with no liability issues.
Plus, I never force frames in any way that will break them. I know it’s frustrating sometimes, but know when to step back.
Hope this helps.
Thank you JackSmack. Good advice. I kept telling myself, “just a little more pressure and it’ll come out.” Should have known when to stop like you said!
Anytime! @OFWCo. And if you’re just new to the biz, you’ll get used to things like that. Although I’m only just finished my 3rd year in biz for myself, I’ve been doing this for at least 7 yrs now (not quite as long as some others here) and I still have to remind myself sometimes to walk on the side of caution. Best of luck to you and welcome to the group!
You would be wise to walk away from some jobs. The time and aggravation are not worth it. There are plenty of easy windows to clean with higher margins. Just be honest with the customer.
We have a waiver on storms. Over the past 25 years I’ve seen storms in good shape and a lot and I mean a lot in bad shape. We explain to the customer the shape of their storm windows and help them to appreciate what we’re up against to get them cleaned. I physically show them to, pull one out and show them the problem areas of the window. I take pics of them too, along the way. Majority of the time it’s not a problem for the waiver to be signed, most understand. If you take the time to educate them, they really appreciate it. We do a lot of storms in our area, most companies around here won’t touch them. In fact the companies refer us often. We make just as much off the storms then we do standard, because it’s hard to find someone to clean them right. Last year we did one for 1,200 or 45.00 a window, so you can make money with them. Just make sure you have a window easel, makes cleaning them so much easier.
We do them right or just don’t do them at all. Most wont be happy any other way, I’ll show them the difference if you do t pull out the storms. It’s usually a waste of money fir the customer if you can’t get them out and sometimes you have to pass because of that. But we want the customer happy in the end whether we do it or not. Anyway, hope that helps a little.
Thanks Johnlee. How do you tell a customer you are passing on their job? Do you ever get negative feedback when needing to pass?
Simplycleankentucy, that helped a lot! Thank you for the detailed info. Did you have a waiver put together by an attorney, or did you purchase it or build it yourself?
Did it myself years ago, use it most of the time. Unless the storms are newer or in great shape, I get it signed and educate the customer.
Just adding on to what @SimplyCleanKentucky said, you would be surprised at how little home owners actually know about their home. You really do have to teach them sometimes. So try to be educated yourself. It’s up to us to set their expectations of the final results on each job… and @SimplyCleanKentucky, I usually come up with a written agreement on my quote form to have them sign, maybe not as professional seeming but it works. Would you mind to share a template of what you use as a waiver?
You can put your name/business name where I blacked out. Just a basic waiver, there are other too or you can reword it differently. Gives you an idea though, hope that helps. Take care.
Cool! Thanks
