Gary: if the glass manufactures all say DO NOT USE SCRAPERS on our glass because it may scratch, why are we talking about scraping their glass with razors?
Maybe they have a credibility problem.
Anyway, do you still own a scraper - or is this hypothetical?
You can read all the juicy details here. Let me know what you think.
http://windowcleaner.com/vBulletin/construction-window-cleaning/16613-walked-off-job.html
I do own a six inch scraper. I try not to use it much. I’ve been using wool more and more and the razor less.
Nice thread Michael. I found the part where even the bronze wool scratched the glass very disturbing. I thought bronze wool scratching glass was just a theory or an urban legend.
Steel wool, actually, if I remember correctly…
You mentioned the builder complimenting you for your professionalism.
It does sound like you gave them a sound education on tempered glass quality.
You mentioned that he asked you to do another job
Did you end up doing the next job for the builder who signs waivers for window cleaners and screws homeowners to get out of them?
I wouldn’t - I couldn’t trust him after that.
Also - I get a kick out of where you said, "…if you’re poor and/or unsuspecting, that probably means you’re not on WCR."
Sorry, but I talk about this a lot, and I’m totally convinced that wherever you go, window cleaners who understand this problem are vastly outnumbered by people who don’t.
Even here.
Gary, i may have missed it somewhere in the mass of posts, but do you use a razor? And if so, what are your perimeters for doing so?
I don’t remember anyone asking, but yes.
6 inch wide scrapers most of the time, I’m using 4 inch for some of the pole work I’m doing now, because I can’t exert as much force up there.
It’s in all my contracts, to be used for stubborn debris on uncoated glass.
I don’t portray myself as a scraping expert, and I don’t offer myself as able to protect a client from other scraper users.
Ever.
I look to other issues when trying to set myself apart from the competition - but when it comes to scrapers, I always stand with my people.
I just reread that and I see where you wanted to avoid upsetting the homeowner, “And if I DID get the homeowner to sign a waiver, then they would be left with trashed windows, and be so ****ed that I “tied their hands” with my waiver, that they would tell everyone in their gated community “Mole Window Cleaning will destroy your windows.” So better to walk.”
Do you still get waivers signed? Still only builders?
I used to always feel that when a builder contacted me about doing windows for THEIR client I probably had no right to bypass the builder and educate the homeowner about roller side fabricating debris defects on poor quality tempered glass.
Maybe you’ve provided a new rationale for getting homeowners involved from the beginning - give them the same education, present them both with the same waiver, let them figure out what they really want, and make a joint decision about waivers and blame.
I think I like that - but I dunno if most builders would.
I did indeed do another job for him, which turned out great. And actually, the homeowner of the CCU I walked away from, called me recently for a quote for window cleaning at their home. I gave her the quote…haven’t heard back yet.
I do have waivers signed on all jobs. On CCU by builders only. Only regular cleans, by owner. I do give educational/promotional material to the builders FOR the homeowner. I do that for two reasons… 1) to educate them on the possible imperfections of their windows, 2) (more importantly for me) in order to acquire the new homeowner as a regular recurring customer before they go looking for someone else.
Do you feel builders are indeed passing your tempered glass defect info along to their clients?
Its in a packet/envelope. I give the builders basically the same thing. Also talks about only using insured companies, employees vs. subs, and a few other topics I use to differentiate myself.
Any mention of honey buns in that packet, MichaelMole?
Is there anything at all in that info packet that informs the homeowner that the builder signed your waiver?
Or any reference to a waiver?
And if so, does the builder know it’s in there?
Yes and also neck hair.
No there is not. I want to keep relationships with my builders and protecting those relationships is the best and most professional thing to do. Because of that, I don’t really talk much about the ccu.
The packet is very marketing/differentiation focused, and being a true professional in the window cleaning world involves understanding the FD issue to some extent…but it also involves many other things.
Of course - but the part where you “educate them on the possible imperfections of their windows” - have you found a way to do that without suggesting their builder may be using defective materials?
I believe so.
