It’s been raining all day here, but still cleaning the windows. As I cleaned a picture window and patio door, some scratches became visible. I didn’t do any scraping or steel wool, just mop and squeegee, so I know it wasn’t from me. How do I bring it up to the customer without her blaming it on me? She is really nice, but if I could still get some advice please. Thank you in advance.
1 Like
If this is a first time job stop and show her and explain you didn’t scrub the window so they can be left over from the past cleaning. You wanted to bring it to her attention so she knows. Most times they will take that but you will get that blame the new guy person. What you can also do is start another window and stop the sec you see the start of a scratch call her over and show her its not you and its more then one window.
I know most of that is just common knowledge but if you don’t tell her ( I’ve seen companies do this and that’s why I’m the new account holder) then it will look like either you’re hiding something or not that good as to not see them. Either way is worse.
God luck
2 Likes
Sometimes it takes cleaning the dirt and grime off of the window to expose imperfections like scratches, chips from the lawn guys weedeater tossing pebbles, scratches from when the painters sanded the frame before painting.
So, like Rob says, stop and point it out right away, or at the very least after you finish and find more scratches that are inconsistent with how you clean windows.
3 Likes
Prior to informing the customer if possible go check another patio door, entry, kitchen window or bathroom window anything that might be tempered that you have not cleaned yet. Check for scratches there before you even touch it. Usually the same method was used and likely each will be svratched. This way you can show it was pre-existing and covers you. Every first clean pay attention to those areas.
1 Like
The problem is, she left to go to work, so I was not able to show her. I go back probably Wednesday when the rain is supposed to stop to finish the upper windows. I will be showing her then.
1 Like
When I’m bidding, wether it be commercial or residential, I do look for any damaged or scratched panes that I can bring to the customers attention right away. It’s a good insurance policy to adopt. I’ve actually landed accounts worth thousands of dollars just by pointing out scratches done by previous “cleaners.” It shows you know the trade well. Potentials like that…
4 Likes
I have to get better at doing pre inspection. I rush through it because I want to get started on the cleaning, because I am so slow at cleaning windows. The house is only 2700 Sq ft, and it took me 9 hours to do what I’ve done so far. I still have to finish the exterior 2nd floor, and the outside lighting fixtures. It’s so frustrating and embarrassing how slow I am. I’m so nervous about the scratches, it makes me feel like I did it. A clean squeegee can’t scratch glass, right?
1 Like
One option to show it wasnt you is to use the exact same cleaning method and when no more scratches are produced that can ease your mind 
…well, unless it scratches more haha jk
1 Like
