Collections

Hello window cleaning world,

Is everyone enjoying the weather? It's a bit cold for me and we are almost due for some real snow here.. Times like this I wish I lived on a tropical island and am very grateful that I work indoors.
Anyway today I want to shed some light on the daily frustrations of our very own "Money Bags" We all give her a hard time about being harsh and brutal at times with customers but let's look at it from her point of view for a minute. How many times can you call the same person looking for payment and keep a smile on your face when each time you call they act like it's the first time they have talked to you?! I consider myself a patient person although everyone here thinks I'm a spaz. I manage to keep a cool head when it comes to customers. "Money Bags" on the other hand consistently gets the ones that haven't paid in like 6 months who either dodge the calls or again act like it's the first time they have talked to us, you know the type. "Umm Oh really I thought that was paid, Could you send me a copy of that bill, I sent payment to you already" Now you are sitting here looking at all your notes on this customer which shows 1. It was never paid, 2. You already faxed, mailed and emailed the bill to them and 3. The last bill paid was the service before the one you are trying to collect on.
Believe me I understand the bind everyone is put in especially with the way the economy is right now. We are in a bind as well... my personal theory is that if you don't have the money then don't order the service but at the same time if people don't order the service then we don't have jobs but again if people keep booking appts. and not paying we won't have jobs either.
"Money Bags" handles collections the best way she can. I know she tries to work with customers at times working out payment deals, arranging for us to go in person to pick up payment and even waiving bills at times due to a late complaint on service. There are some instances where customers just flat out refuse to pay us or just keep avoiding us leaving her no choice but to send off to our legal collections guy.
I apologize to any customer who has felt that they were treated in a mean manner that is never our intention. To avoid conflict please find a way to pay us. We are not horrible people we will work with you if you work with us. Window Cleaners I would suggest the same for you always be willing to work with a customer who is willing to work with you. Remember anyone can end up in a bad situation at any time.

Have a great week,
The Appointed One