Window Cleaning Customer Brags to You about Cheap Price? "Move on & Make Money Elsewhere" No Sweat

[@countrystyle4life]

NEVER be so caught up in your customers so much that you are to afraid to fire them. When you get to the point when you can fire any customer at anytime, is when you will really start to refine who you provide services to and will have only the best most enjoyable accounts. Great job and well handled!

[@harrykanhura4178]

People don't like to be turned down (rejected). That's why exclusivity works so well when pricing luxury items. Just wanted to say, I enjoy your videos, thank you for making them and sharing them with us.

[@xaviersepeda7600]

Great video. I had a lady do that to me. I have a lawn service I went out and she has a corner lot high grass hadn't been cut in at least two months and I quoted her $45 for basically a cleanup. She tells me that she paid $35 to a lawn service last time. I told her that for the state her yard is in my price is $45 and if she wants it for $35 she should call them. And yes I got it and I did a great job. But I won't be going back because I don't need cheap piece of crap customers like that. I do excellent work and all my customers appreciate it. That's what I'm talking about.

[@keith-kalfas]

true story

[@paulnicholson3540]

let those people cut their own grass.

[@IntegrityCleaning]

windows are the gateway from the home to the world

[@billhull6842]

Keith, you forgot the #1 rule in business. The customer is always right. Even when they are full of CRAP!!! lol Because of you I am tightening up my grip on accounts this year and I am not going to give in like years past. I am not going to be mean about it but it is time to start making money.

[@keith-kalfas]

Haha

[@ShieldhouseElectricLLC]

You gave her a ballpark price. If she was interested, she had an opportunity to book an appointment off of the pricing you gave her. She was a time waster my friend, you did well to avoid her. Thanks for sharing, we go through the same struggles.

[@livefree3864]

your prices for window cleaning are spot on!

[@richardbosh4522]

Agree 100 % brother I had customers why so much my window cleaner only changes this much. Believe in yourself and your service

[@GrassDaddy]

I bet the other company has the time but doesn't want to lose money with her anymore lol

[@katieperricone8610]

Funny conversation you handled it great!

[@eileenschuller5309]

I'm not a professional OR amateur window washer but I was recently asked to wash all the windows in a 3200 sq ft house to prepare it for being on the market. She was "willing" to pay me $20 an hour. Being unemployed I REALLY needed the money and I thought, "how hard could that be?" I watched several videos including yours. The house in question is the same as the one I live in so I tried one of our windows. Took me about an hour to get it looking what I considered professional and I was bushed. Then I find out the woman who wants to hire me expects all windows to be done, inside and out, in 2 hours. She further expected me to bring all the tools, soap, rags, etc. My gut told me this wasn't going to work for either of us. I hated backing out but frankly my time is worth more to me. I told her if she bought the tools & supplies, paid me $20/hr and accepted that it might take me 8 - 10 hours to do them all, AND paid for any screens that might get damaged accidentally by me . . . she would be better off hiring a true professional. She wasn't happy but you can't make everyone happy and I usually start with myself in that department. You are correct when you sell your services for less you only get cheap customers and usually worse referrals. Believe your worth it. It's a true talent and not just a simple thing to wash windows. Don't be a squeegee whore!!!!

[@keith-kalfas]

+Eileen Schuller haha. Awesome story.

[@eileenschuller5309]

She responded "I didn't realize it was that complicated. I'll hire a professional." So I think it's true people just don't realize the amount of work, skill, etc involved. Love your video!

[@avadota3972]

#EileenSchuller There are a few suggestions to consider before you start a cleaning business are you likely to have support from you family? Are you self-motivated? Will you carry out the plan? Do you have the money to start? (I discovered these and the reasons they work on Gabs cleaner blueprint website )

[@eileenschuller5309]

Ava - not sure if you meant your comment for me or not. I'm not going into this line of business. Frankly I'm trying to retire and play the rest of my life. Just commenting on how people will do their best to pay the least even when they know they'd have to pay more. I get it all the time when I'm offering animal nanny services and that's usually for "friends."

[@keith-kalfas]

For sure

[@xKiDDiamonDx]

It part of being a business owner. You feel amazing when get hired for a big job but doubt yourself when don't get the job.

[@gwarbaby3024]

spot on man. Every time I lose a job or maybe it wasn't a "good fit" for me - you def feel as if our industry has no value and u start second guessing ur career choice. I've been in biz for almost 20 yrs and I still go thru this - been working on improving this for a long time. Its the anxiety that takes over. awareness is the best tool.good vid

[@keith-kalfas]

+Gwar Baby thank you. I tried to be completely transparent and honest about these topics

[@HGHOUTI]

my friend never be a shame of what you are doing. keep what you are doing, you will never satisfy people in anyway. there is always that guy or that lady wants to make you bad or make question yourself. earning money in a good way, is better than sitting home doing nothing or working under someone who might give you hard time. just keep that positive energy ... GOOOOD LUCK ...

[@keith-kalfas]

Thanks man, means a lot!

[@agree18]

Excellent excellent conclusion about the no value

[@patrickdelaney2925]

i like to ask "is price your only concern", i know then i don't want the job.

[@patugejv]

your gut was absolutely correct! Great job Keith! Opportunity costs of dealing with someone like that are too high

[@keith-kalfas]

+patugejv opportunity cost. Perfect

[@windowcleaningxl6576]

I've been watching a lot of your videos today and they're a massive help in just changing how I will approach my window cleaning business. Really great content.

[@michaeloneil984]

Just had one of these i did an estimate for yesterday. Exactly the same situation. I said the same thing " this isnt going to work for us". He got twisted and I just stepped off, but I know the job would of been such a hassle. Lesson learned.

[@keith-kalfas]

haha. yes

[@michaeloneil984]

i sent you another message on your google + account wonder if you could send me a link to one of your other videos. the gutter dry well video. is there anyway you might be able to send that to me. thanks mike

[@patinocody]

I never sale on price. I sell personality & character. If the customer is soo focused on price then this relationship won't work out.

[@patinocody]

+sean martin Yeah, especially a service. It's not something they just order online like a pair of shoes. They can care less who made them they just want the shoes. But a service it's more personable & hands on. You can have the world's best landscaping & be a jerk & the customer will go with a not so great company just because you made her laugh. It's all about relationships in the service industry. Even if it's a 10 minute relationship it's workable right?

[@ExtensiveGardens]

+CjP true each word

[@loveJessica281]

I had a customer call to discuss project they were thinking about. They were so impressed with my equipment and work they canceled three appointments with other landscapers while I was still there. All about selling your business with communication, not numbers.

[@alankopitko1611]

It took me a couple of years to learn to walk away, how many times have we taken on work and said this is not enough...... lol

[@keithdougherty1584]

Excellent video! Im not into window cleaning right now, but this message in this video can apply to any business.

[@juanitahurt2217]

again he preaches! excellent video

[@unforgivensnake]

I had a potential customer that quoted for gutter cleaning and windows in and out. It was over a $600 job we went to her and broke down why is cost that much and then she said that she has another company that would do her house for less than $400. We told her to keep them, and moved on

[@denayansaneh3523]

Goooodddd video. Thank you

[@kylezarnoff8999]

Too funny ! You crack me up ! Solid food my friend. I'm relatively new to the window cleaning industry. Your videos fill in Alot of the grey areas. The first hand experience is golden !

[@keith-kalfas]

thanks Kyle

[@therockreviews9007]

you are a legent bro

[@707c80]

just say "i apologize we are actually booked out until next summer" . refer them to another window cleaning business.

[@jonathanmcgregor6785]

haha thats awesome! Good for you man, you stood your ground and didn't settle!

[@regie7654]

I know that feeling it makes u feel guilty

[@jesuschristhimself5309]

genious

[@JWW10666]

I am a customer who cares more about quality than price. If someone qoutes me a price 2x higher than the competition I want to know how much value is going to be delivered.

[@stanislavteliatnikov4787]

I had a client that said the same thing. So and so cleaned my windows for X amount last year. I simply stood my ground pricing it as i allways do, and it was 3 times the price. Instead of being on the button about how to price it, price it as you do, and trow the ball back to the client. Take it or leave it. Leave some space for wiggle room with your price, but have to be clear that this is YOUR price.

[@mariosaenzlandscapingservi6786]

tell miko I said hi

[@jaycemid7720]

Telling somebody you got your windows cleaned cheaply is the same as telling somebody their cooking is shit? WHAT THE FUCK

[@keith-kalfas]

+Jayced Up haha

[@hedgeking1821]

I had a similar situation, it's shitty

[@brandonrickbornponyexpress6574]

but at least you stood up to her and spoke your mind about the other company. I would have too.

[@aslawnscapes1253]

you differently did the right thing by letting her know up front on the phone.

[@tobyyeates2429]

The best answer you can give to people who say I used to get it for this price is to say thats why they haven't come back. That price isnt practical and I will lose money if I do it for that.

[@ianhornby8005]

Hi Keith they lied to her obvious they underpriced it last time ... They probably seen your videos and raised their prices !! hence the well come over and give me a price comment from the lady ... sending you a present to help with your window cleaning ... Ian from the UK

[@keith-kalfas]

Hahah yup

[@turnerwindows6110]

I'm running into this. Customer last month told me the guy last year did the exterior (2,600sqft) for $75?!?!?...I found myself saying the same thing. Needless to say I still did the job, for $194...

[@maklov89]

I probably wouldn't have even got wound up about the other company, because it more than likely doesn't exist, it was a big story to make you quote around that price and get a big discount. She had to use an excuse at to why she couldn't use said miraculous company and said they were booked out. I'd say if you just quoted her she would have taken you on anyway.

[@bloodsoakedwhiskers]

ive delt with this..... very common..... a lady tried to tell me she had a bid on her 65' tree for $700!!... little did she know the guy who did the bid was a good friend of mine... behind closed doors we talked about it an he told me he bid the job for $1,300... i ended up doing the same thing... told her doesnt look like were the right fit for this job. sorry an i refered her to my friends company her previous bidder...lmao...

[@keith-kalfas]

+Justin Reed yes. Hahahaha

[@keith-kalfas]

+Justin Reed awesome comment btw

[@reliablewindowcleaning9829]

I had been calling on a possible customer for a few weeks, store manager of the company passed my info to the district manager, I was informed that they had a couple companies that want their window business and the deciding factor would be who will do it the cheapest. I have not gone back, because from that info given to me suggests they do not care about quality service. Here is my thought, if they do not care about the quality of service provided to them, how well is the quality of food they sale to the public.

[@MrFrugalFrank]

It's all about making money.. Never a good way to say NO... Can't let your self feel bad.. Cause when you do something too cheap work hard (and something goes horribly wrong ) that can haunt you for the rest of your life...

[@keith-kalfas]

Totally

[@patrickdelaney2925]

most ppl appreciate, many tip us, but there are a few ppl that just need to be told no.

[@vegasviewwindowcleaningmor9409]

You were being very kind at $180 IMO. I feel like these type of customers are almost always exaggerating what they really paid previously. She probably paid more like $150 not $80 but still you did the right thing. Even with the 2 homes if your servicing 80+ panes in and out w/screens, that job should never be done for under for less than $250-$300 at the very least. Plus she would have been the type to also nit pick every little detail. It's OK to give up or pass on something of lesser value to make room for something of greater value.

[@keith-kalfas]

+Summerlin Window Cleaning true. I Walked the property. Was 42 windows. Blah

[@MidGAOutdoor]

I understand completely. it aggravates me when I see these other ads from alleged lawn professionals on facebook and craigslist cutting yards for $25. My business is just a 2 man show and we have liability ins. My MINIMUM to cut a yard is $50. Period. with fuel for mowers and trucks, blades, line, insurance, etc it is impossible to cut a yard for $25. Just saying..... Rant over.

[@garygallardo2036]

Dude, I'm not even a landscaper and I have no interest in ever doing it but your video's are pretty motivational because you're a genuinely honest guy. Some people would see making $6,554 not a big deal but when it comes from someone who is passionate and truly cares, it makes me excited to pursue my own business in video for real estate. I found you because I was curious into investing into Signpost and for whatever reason one of your videos came up to where you mention it, I haven't stopped watching your videos since. You're a true entrepreneur. Even the video where you show you and your wife getting your little condo, some people are like eh, because they have higher expectation of you but to me, that was mad dope. You we're getting a new place because of your skills and if that's not living the life, I don't know what is. I wish all people that were trying to be successful in owning their own business would watch your videos. Your videos aren't only for landscapers and window cleaning, it's for everyone who is passionate in what thy're good at. Kudos to you man, I look forward to watching your new videos in the future. Ps I want to buy one of your Kalfas hats lol, they're fucking dope.

[@keith-kalfas]

+Gary Gallardo very kind words man. Thanks

[@toddmatthews436]

The lady was " fishing'" seeing if she could get u to do it for a lower price. She probably knew that she wouldn't be able to get it that low, but it is very rude for her to do that and it was a good idea to just turn her down!

[@harpjason208]

Or next time tell her, " Maybe if you called them back and offered to pay them more than last time, they would find a way to move your house up on the calendar... "

[@johnfarmer4612]

The best you can do on a situation like that is stop by when you're in the area and then talk her up to your price. (and usually when people meet someone in person they can tell by your professionalism and your knowledgeable experience of the trade they've got someone who'll give them the best value for their $$) from there you can book the job or if they still want to get other estimates I'll tell them to look in the Pennysaver circular.. (emphasis on the word penny!) Either way it's a win-win. 😂

[@leeh3568]

But my old cleaner only charged xx ... (5 yrs ago).

[@archiemegel1013]

Dude I just made $120 today. in 26 minutes lol

[@thelawngod9093]

thats when you go use that as practice go out and give her a quote exactly what you "want" to make and not your lowest. and who knows maybe you'll get it anyway! you did say that before in a vid. just came to mind. thanks good vid. I know what you mean though when you know they are tire kickers. g Packard has a bunch of vids on tire kickers. a warning sign is when they give you an example of past company for a cheap price as you stated. so feel justified, but still think you should have went out and gave them the price YOU wanted to get!

[@steffenmoberg2907]

i wouldnd Charge 80$ eather. for a whole House i charge 150€ up to 800€.

[@livefree3864]

I give them the price and they will either go with me or not but i do not cut my prices for no one! I am a Professional......Let it go let it go!

[@beverlyharrold718]

i like this is not gonne be a good fit... its better than what i've been saying

[@johnmal5975]

Me and my wife own a cleaning company you did the right thing that lady is a con artist! I remember one lady who wanted us to clean her 3000 square foot house for 40 dollars and she was serious. She said the same thing to us. The cleaning company I had last year did it for 40 dollars. So my wife says to her call them again because you are not riping us off. I was never so proud of her we laugh about it till this day. We are kind considerate to our customers but you have to stand your ground. Sorry but 80 dollars to clean the widows of a 3500 sq ft, house is retarded! I am sorry but I ain't working for 2 dollars an hour just to get a job! Some people think because they got a big fancy house somehow that means we owe them something! I run for the hills with those types of people. We had an estimate a month ago same thing 3200 sq ft she wanted us to do it for 45 so we walked right out. Don't even give them the time of day.

[@toddmatthews436]

Rich people can be the worst!

[@unforgivensnake]

Why do you charge by the square foot? Houses in my area can have one house with 4 windows on the front and the one next you can have 15 on the front alone.

[@patinocody]

And Keith i thought you would have known. And maybe you do but just to say it. I would say the reason she brought up the other companies price is she wanted you to match it.

[@keith-kalfas]

$200 per house

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

do you do 4-6 dollar per window because of the wfp? I thought you were a bit higher

[@keith-kalfas]

+Luke The Window Cleaner Yes. $4-6 per window, then $2 per screen $10 to wipe out tracks too. I agree with your case. at least here in my city. my prices are the same or higher than the leading large scale companies. I've seen national franchise quotes with my own eyes. $115 to do a ranch that I wouldn't touch for under $140. But in the ritzy areas. $325 up to $550 all day. We have a couple houses that are $650, $850, $900, $750. our average house is $220-$325 it's all relative. haha.

[@keith-kalfas]

+Luke The Window Cleaner No. I don't charge less because of WFP. Unless it's a "walk up" and a no brainer, quick hit.

[@LukeTheWindowCleaner]

Ok . I was just curious. we raised our prices.. we are at about $8.00 a window on first story and $9.00 on second. $10.00 for picture windows and $16.00 - $20.00 for storms. We are a bit higher than other companies but in my opinion much more detailed and efficient. We quoted a job the other day at $500 something.. when I gave her the quote i could tell we didnt get it. A few weeks later I was cleaning the home next to it and she had hired a guy .. not a company to clean her windows. He came over to talk to me, asked me how to clean some difficult windows inside the home. Straight pulls and streaks all over the place. That day we did gutter cleaning , window cleaning and the fans and chandeliers in the time it took him to clean that home inside and out with another guy. You get what you pay for I suppose. Kieth do you read you messages on youtube? Or do you have an email?

[@773creyes]

Bidded a floor job for $1800. Customer got back to me saying she was quoted $500.. it was a marble floor that needed a full restore. 500 sq ft with hand machine work. Plus it was a condo building with a small bathroom n small working quarters can be a real pain. I know what I can do. Cheapest id do the job for is $1600. Someone willing to do it for 500?? Go ahead.. I prey to god they f her floor up

[@keith-kalfas]

Yep

[@BlackHawkDown2]

But she offered you to come over at your asking price and have a look. You still rejected. I am confused.

[@waterheaterservices]

We did not go into business to remain or become broke, desperate, poor.

[@msandtone8933]

80- windows should be 800.00 to 1,000.00 all day long

[@ays2013boss]

hey buddy I got a question man because I haven't been scoring these bigger jobs like I have in the past I was just curious if your pricing was around what I charge. we were doing a 10 by 16 half circle pavestone patio with a 2 & a half foot retainer wall along the back side and 2 pillars on each side with electrical run to them and lights on the top. behind the wall on the patio we were going to do like a 20-inch rock band all around the outside so it looks nice for the Landscaping with materials and everything and came to $4,000 so I charge $9,000 $5,000 profit.

[@keith-kalfas]

Nice

[@Tom_Prendiville]

not every job is a good fit...its not the job that got away its more thank goodness you dont have to put up with another crank.

[@williamwelch1513]

This is a great video. I deal with this all the time. Just like a lot of service industries, there's always plenty of low ballers who have minimal to no costs. On another note, how do you do you Google advertising? I tried Google AdWords for a while and spent a lot of money and got zero return. What route do you take to get on Google?

[@powerinnumbers6159]

you are dead right you know. Problem is it's so hard to not get rude yourself on those phone calls.

[@paulnicholson3540]

I would have told her 650 per house.

[@desonn2233]

keith what type of polos do you get from ea graphics?

[@ItzViccc]

im just starting a window cleaning buisness out in Atl.. Any Suggestions?

[@keith-kalfas]

+Victor Muriili yes learn everything you can haha

[@ItzViccc]

Definetly.. ive worked for a company cleaning post construction windows but now starting residential window cleaning instead! Ive learned alot from your videos man!

[@wesnile8972]

I say sorry its not a "compatible price"

[@JRAD80847]

Too funny! The woman would have said you were unprofessional after she knew you weren't coming out to waste your time on a job you're sure to lose money on no matter what. You should have told her the company she was dealing with is "permanently booked up" for her because that was their professional way of saying they didn't want her as a customer. Good call on the "not a good fit line" because as a heavy equipment business owner here's what would have likely happened if you went there. You would have showed up, she would have used any one of her bs tactics on you and maybe convinced you to do the job. But guess what, after the job was done she would be looking for any excuse not to pay you unless you had an iron clad contract and in the window cleaning business I doubt that's often the case. She would have said you damaged something that was more expensive than the job, or the other guys did a better job or any other BS. Good Call! It is for that exact reason I prefer commercial and industrial work hands down. More money, less BS. I will do residential but almost only for commercial and industrial contacts in my customer network because those people get it.

[@davidangel3769]

Joshua Dykstra l)

[@keith-kalfas]

100

[@DarkRaptor99]

Just be honest and say you lucked out on someone what was willing to do the job for peanuts the first time. I can't as a legit business compete with that you won't be happy with my lowest price I can do it, so it's not worth either of our time to come out and do an estimate.

[@25tolifeinSimiValley]

She was still on your hook after you told her $180 and she wanted you to come out and take a look. Sounds to me like she wasn't all that hung up on the $80. And how do you go from $4-6 per window down to $2.20 per window? You knocked 55-64% off the job without even seeing it. Why would anyone take your prices seriously if you're willing to undercut yourself like that? I understand a volume discount due to the proximity of the houses but what's the point of cleaning 1 whole house for free?!

[@keith-kalfas]

Makes sense

[@Metalhead82to11]

I get where you're coming from but I would have just came out there quickly and give them your regular rate and if they said it was too much apologize and move on. But I think you may have insulted her by not even being willing to give them a quote. it's just bad press and it may have taken only 30 minutes of your time. Like you said they were wealthy people in a wealthy neighborhood. now they will talk s*** about you. Not sure how big the city is that you operate out of. Mine is about 120000 people but everyone knows everyone especially the upper class so we have to be careful how we come across in all situations

[@pw70]

Keith, like all great salespeople, successfully qualified a deadend prospect. Completing that task over the phone was a bonus for him. As frustrating as it was for the lady a polite rejection is not an insult. That lady should have thanked Keith for providing the reason behind his decision but she displayed her true character. Sometimes people, especially the wealthy, simply need to be told that their price expectation is below fair. Set a price and stick to it!

[@keith-kalfas]

I agree

[@LukeCreates.]

What's up Keith it sounds like the potential customer was full of crap she was lying about the price that's why she insisted for you to go in give her an estimate I've learned about this customers making up stories to try to have you give real low prices there's a lot of blasphemers don't sweat that there's more money around every corner

[@keith-kalfas]

+Lucas Calderon very true

[@harpjason208]

" Our services are not a fit with your budget, but we appreciate the opportunity...." Click.

[@ridethepace6005]

Metalhead82to11. Here is why he won't suffer from turning her down. I had a pretty successful, if small ( 40 lawns a week ) lawn business about 15 years ago. I figured that when I encountered this type of person, I was safe in turning them down politely because " most " of the people they were likely to badmouth me to would know what a cheap, or manipulative person they were and discount their version of events for that reason. In that case, you get the benefit of the doubt. On the other hand, if they believed what they heard about you, likely they were made in the same mold as the cheapskate customer and in that case, you don't want them anyway. The law of natural customer selection. lol. I always reasoned that by turning down, again politely, these type of people, I was actually turning them loose on my competitor and that could only be a positive thing in the end.

[@paulnicholson3540]

they are liar's

[@ktcpools]

Yeah sure. The last guy was so cheap and that's why he's no where to be seen.

[@archiemegel1013]

$180 per house ? Lol cleaning 82 windows? Keith your nuts lol I wouldnt clean 6 windows for $100 lol stick with your lawn care your making crazy money Get rid of the window cleaning

[@casonwilliams4553]

HAHA 69 Comments