I’ve got numerous jobs from CL. Usually it’s a basic simple ad with a reference to the website. I haven’t used it for a while as I just don’t have the time to do many residentials, but it has worked for me. Never got flagged or anything. If it doesn’t work, no big deal, … cost me nothing but a few minutes. But be prepared and I hope everyone understands that people on CL normally want something done cheap. Still if you need the money you can get jobs, … at least in my area.
It’s also a good idea to put general pricing info in your ad to pre-qualify leads.
Just did another CL job yesterday. $410 in two and a half hours
HAHA…Charged a gas surcharge, right?
I usually forget to get around to posting on CL. But as it happens when I do post I get a job within 24 hours - today I got two calls, one booked for pw a roof and window cleaning and another guy wanted to know what I’d charge for removing and cleaning 3 large storms: 5x4, 6x7, and 6x8…quoted $125 
and he was off like a prom dress…what? That’s the cost for the first hour?! 
http://www.nicestwindowcleaners.com/pressure-washing
I get jobs off of CL all the time, its free advertising and yes there are bottom feeders on there, however it is very easy to get a 125.00 dollar one hour pressure washing job and turn that into window cleaning, rain gutter cleaning etc. I have two people working for me and basically have to take any opportunity to fill up the schedule. There is spam, however I have got some jobs that were large and paid well
Hey, Justin…
What was your process for removing snow from roofs?
Anyone have a snow-plow set-up for a Super Duty Ford? Always wanted to set mine up for winter snow plowing, but have never looked into it.
Flat roofs - We bought these snow slids from Fred Meyer and cut the snow into blocks pushing over to the side, then had 2 or 3 guys shoveling up over a four foot wall. We only did a couple buildings.
homes - We just got up there and shoveled away.
I would never do it again…
I looked into a couple different snow plows and understand you don’t want to use your nice vehicle. The plows are pretty rough on em. Now I understand why I always see plows on old beat up trucks.
Whew! All good things to know! Thanks! I think I will sit in my nice cozy house by my nice warm fire and read WCR posts instead of going out and shoveling snow. 
I’ll be sitting right next to you Well, maybe not next to you, by my own warm fire
TBH - I hope it doesn’t snow more than a couple inches so I can beat the pavement this winter.
I seem to get about 1 new customer per listing too.
Here are a couple that have done well for me…
here’s a new ad I just posted… Is Your Current Window Cleaning Company Ripping You Off??? thoughts?
Just looked up some marketing info. We have 58 prospects and 49 customers from craigslist in the past 2 years.
I use CL for solar screen leads and it works well. I am getting 2 -3 jobs a week and have up-sold probably half of those.
lol - I updated and renewed my cl post a day or two ago after reading this thread.
[B]Got this email today[/B]
Hi there ~ I am interested in getting my windows cleaned soon…I have 14 panes, 6 tracks, and 6 screens that need to be cleaned. Let me know if you’d rather come out to give an estimate. I’ve gotten 2 other estimates, and they were both around $75 - $85.
Let me know what you think! Thanks ~ Sarah
Sarah,
[B]My response[/B]
Hello and thanks for contacting me. The numbers you gave me play out like this based on a normal cleaning (no paint overspray, silicone or non organic debri)
14 panes = $70
6 tracks = 0 (we wipe the tracks as part of our normal cleaning, although it isn’t a shopvac crevice tool deep cleaning)
6 screens = $12 to brush and $24 to wash
These are our normal prices and we don’t price match. I’ve been in business 9 years, licensed, bonded and insured with a 1 million liability policy.
With my company you may pay a little more, but you get a trusted company that you’re either using for the first time, or that has earned your trust - To come out year after year. You know who it is in your house and can trust them around your kids/family and walking by your valuables. This peace of mind is sometimes worth the extra money spent.
Heaven forbid the window guy falls thru one of your windows. I won’t even get into that, but I’m sure you can figure out what happens if they aren’t insured.
Thanks for your time Sarah,
Justin
A Pane in the Glass
(509) 954-9152
Justin: I don’t get it – your prices are slightly higher. How does that ensure trust? How does a slightly higher price ensure that someone won’t go through a window? How does a reply from a CL ad instill trust? How do you really differ from the folks who provided the other two estimates? I’m guessing they are middle of the road prices for your area.
Yea umm I forgot to add “give me some advice on your wording” for my post. I didn’t post it to say “Look at me and my brilliant response” but was posting to get everyones input on how they would respond.
If someone is strictly price shopping there’s only so much I can do to win them over if my price is higher. So my goal is to point out what they are getting if they chose my company whether the other company’s are in the same class or not. That isn’t for me to worry about, it’s for the customer to research. What I can do is sell my company to them.
I’ll try and answer your questions the best I can from my viewpoint.
- Your prices are slightly higher. How does that ensure trust? My price has nothing to do with ensuring trust. What I’m trying to communicate to the customer is that my company is a proven trusted company. Whether the other two company’s are shady or trusted, that’s up to the customer to research. If what I was saying came across as bashing the other two company’s, that obv isn’t the line I want.
- You ask how does a reply from a CL ad instill trust - The same as if I was talking to her on the phone I guess. Communication - Again, I’m pointing out to her if she choses my company she’s in good hands. Let us prove it, etc…
- How do I differ? Not sure if I do or not. I have no clue who the other two company’s are. My intention was to warn her about some of the things that could happen if the company she picks isn’t insured or comes with no credentials. Then of course point out my company has both.
I’m curious to these questions you ask, They’re a little odd. I’m not a very good writer, but you are a smart guy and I’m sure know exactly what I’m trying to say. Are you trying to pick a fight?
Would you mind responding to the CL ad as if it was directed to your company? I’m curious to your line now?
Justin: no, nothing personal. Just trying to folks who read your post (and perhaps you…) to think about hoe they approach opportunities with potential customers, what their target demographic looks like, and how to differentiate themselves from other service providers in their area.
I’m guilty of not considering the above all time. I have a great respect for you after reading your posts for years here and on NWCD.
BTW, I’m not your ****ing bro.
Cool - I was getting the urge to punch Doogie Howzer in the face
