Hey all, any advice to a newbie on how to schedule route work?
Ive got 3 storefront customers signed up so far for a monthly cleaning. One of them is a dental office, the other a small restaurant, the other a vape shop. On initial contact Ive been telling them that we are in their area on fridays. How do you all determine what time you’ll be arriving at each job on that route? Certain businesses are going to ask that we do it at different times of day, so im just seeking some advice on how to schedule and plan out routes effectively. I of course plan to build and build onto the route with other neighboring businesses
It’s been years since I did storefronts, but I would get with the managers and ask what time window would be best, with the understanding there has to be wiggle room. Once you get that established you can slot them on the schedule.
Weather can also be an issue this time of year so ask if they are flexible with alternate days of the week. The restaurants will be picky, they don’t like window cleaners doing their thing in front of a lunch or dinner crowd. We always had to schedule during their slow periods, and one place had a football team come in on Fridays so that was definitly a no-go.
You’ll probably find that not too many places are time-sensitive to when you’re there. Restaurants definitely do have their busy times. Smaller ones may be a bust if you try to do them when they’re busy. Other larger eating establishments may have areas that are not generally filled when you are there which will give you some flexibility to jump in and out of the busy areas as the ebb and flow allows. One thing I do is go immediately to the most popular seating area and get all or part of it done quickly. What you can’t do right away you may be able to get to later if you keep your eye on the situation.
Personally, I’ve never perceived a real need to ask what day(s) are best for you to come. If you work a small area and are available every day, then yes. But it’s also a benefit in my mind to become a ‘fixture’ in a town. i.e., you are always on Main St. Thursday mornings. You wear the same or similar clothing all the time. It’s a subtle way of advertising.
I wouldn’t ask anyone what time they prefer, or what day they prefer. Especially if your just starting to build a route , Becusee the day you do it now might not be the day you want to do it 3 -6 months from now
Just start in a day , or week ,an stay with that same pattern till you have to change it.
Common sense to be at all eating establishments before they start service.
Anything else doesn’t matter for the most part, so don’t ask just go. If they have a problem with it they’ll let you know.
