Different parts of the country seem to get different amounts, but pretty close for the most part.
20 windows for $199 = $9.95 in/out. ($4.97 one side). So I don’t understand the “Wow that’s high” thing if my prices are close to the “national average.”
But one job I did last week was $241 for 24 windows in/out and 1 entryway ($10). That averages to $4.82 in/out. Go figure. Just when the window count gets up so does the dollar figure and people say - “wow, for window cleaning?” Of course I explain ALL of the detail I do that goes into “just window cleaning.”
Maybe we should call it JWC (just window cleaning). HAHA…When I worked in a bike shop we had a standing joke with repairs. A customer would come in and say “I was just riding along and it [U]fill in the blank.[/U]” Always trying to get a warranty repair. We called it JRA.
we charge $11 for a two paned window with tracks and screens included. We seem to be one of the highest if not the highest in my area. I’d say we land around 75% of people who contact us. I think you should charge what you think youre worth and make your service WORTH it to those looking for a top notch service. Price is relative when you are talking about service. From your personality and voice on the phone to the quality check after the work is done it all adds up to how satisfied or blown away the customer is at the end. I cant tell you how many times we’ve given a bid and had the person exclaim that they have sticker shock and that the last guy was half the price. They think about it and then decide to hire us. By the time we’re finished they can clearly see the difference between the last guy and our double the price service.
If you do a damn good job…charge it up. Lets also remember that most service people dont even wear shoe covers or ever show up on time.
Hey, Chris - be careful about negotiating down in a neighborhood… if someone you cleaned for hears about it (and you don’t know who thier friends are) they’ll be wanting some money back and your reputation may take a hit.
Can I save on the shoe covers by going barefoot and just explain away the odor coming from each room I am in? Hey, this is Florida - barefoot is good, right!
I like that… wonder if I can work that into the pricelist as an add-on… we’ll call it, "Free-Breeze, " that fresh ocean smell in every room with a window. You’re to funny…
By doing this, you’ll LOSE ALOT of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Bad Idea
Instead, up sell 'em on other multiple services which you can do while your there cleaning their windows.
Pressure washing, gutter cleaning, awning cleaning, screen cleaning etc. better that you pocket the cash instead of someone else …
They will need these done as well, so why let someone make the monies on these.
Oh shoot, back to being serious… I agree with Mr. Window. In fact, your estimate sheet can contain blank spaces for the additional services you offer. Or, you could have a “suggested services” worksheet that you can give them with your estimate. Personally, I like the second idea best and I don’t like to give them an estimate till they ask. It’s a psychology/sales thing… once they ask, most of your work is done for you… they already know they want it and they will normally ask before you leave their property.
It goes like this: Mr and Mrs Owner, here is the estimate for your windows (you can be much more creative with this). Talk for a minute or two and then, “By the way, I noticed a few other possible issues that I listed here.” Hand them the additional services sheet and point out that you do offer services that will remedy their issues and if they are interested, you offer a discount when they combine services all at once.
If they accept it and give you more money, great. If not, try to lead into something like, “I don’t blame you. By waiting you will have the chance to see how we work and the quality of our services,” Either way, make sure they feel they made an intelligent decission.
Not to hijack this thread but I need to learn some terms as I’m new to this. What do these mean:
Skylight windows
Storm windows
Double pane window
Any others terms I should know would help alot.
Thanks
Oh, one more thought that goes against corporate mind games… the customer is NOT always right! They just aren’t educated enough yet. That is part of your job as well and will increase your sales. It will also make you more valuable than your compeditor - even if you charge more.
I wish a handful of you guys that charge 3, 4, 5, or 6 dollars per pane would come to st george and clean windows you would drive up prices. I charge 1 per pane commercial, 2 per pane residential plus a 10 dollar arrival fee. 2 per track vacuumed, 2 per screen, 3 to dust a blind or shutter, 2 mirror unless its big than up to 5. 5 per pane is my acid scrub price. cobwebs 5 per small area celiing fans 2 per. I think thats all the services besides full on janitorial that we offer. I’m still needing to get a website. But im in the phone book and I roll with uniforms lettered vehicle and insurance. I still make 60 per hour while working because i’m skilled and efficient but i would love to charge LOVE to make 5 a pane. And I’m starting to get busy but I need more monthly and semi monthly accounts as well as janitorial accounts. One day I will though.
Not sure If i would get out of bed for your pricing sir.
If you are a quality WC starting your own biz, there is nothing wrong with charging a premium if you can deliver the proper service.
Also, the beginning stages are rough, especially when your starting to save $ to put back into the company.
Do yourself a favor and charge more now and work less later.
I bounce between 8-10 for a DH and upwards of 25 for picture windows depending on their location.
Storms start at 25 and go up to 45. This is always stated over the phone which eliminates a waste of time to do an on site estimate.
I remember when i was starting out that I was afraid of loosing a job due to price. Honestly just bid you next job 20% higher and see what happens. It’s a difficult move when work isn’t plentiful, but in due time it will be well worth it.
The worst is repeat customers that are 40% less than what I’m charging now…
If I don’t get out of bed I lose my house. Thx for recognizing im a quality wc. Kinda rough beginning yes your right. and yes your right work is starting to be a little more plentiful thanks for the accurate assesment. So I will try to raise it for my next couple jobs and see what happens.
You can get answers from pros. This place is a wealth of information and some great folks to help you along as you progress in this business. But it is up to you to get started with the very basics of education. There are books, youtube videos, different tools used in the industry, etc. that you can find through the library, internet, and here. It’s like learning to be a painter and going to a painter site and asking what a facia, trim mold, or eave is. Not trying to be harsh, just hope to encourage you to expand your knowledge and get bare minimum info first.
