Widows with an hoa letter are simply women who haven’t washed their house. That’s one of the reasons i hate residential much. Everyone has a sad story or wants a discount. Senior discount, you’ve had a lifetime to save up. Fire, ems, military discount, they get paid like everyone else. No one forced them to take the job. Do I respect them? Of course. I was Fire, one brother is police after 6 years Army. One brother is career army. Whole family is military. But, my price is my price. Their career or life choices shouldn’t dictate my prices. I don’t accept credit cards because they charge a fee. No cash accepted because of temptation to not report it. Checks only. No financing.
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I allow them to pay half the balance at thirty days. Half due at completion.
I don’t offer it to everyone. I understand it is hard to write a 600 check.
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I get it. Cant wait to go full commercial. My customers pay the CC fee. 2.99%.
In NC that is illegal. You can raise your prices across the board, but you can’t raise it for a credit card customer or add the surcharge to their invoice.
I just feel in my bones that if someone doesn’t like my 1st price they’re probably not going to like the work at any price.
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Its one of the reasons I like residential. If its legit, and my gut will let me know, its an opportunity to give back more than just great house washing service. I realize this makes a business less profitable in one sense and Im not running a 501c3, but I really enjoy finding that chance to use my abilities for a blessing. I had a mother that was in these tough situations, and these situations shaped my view of what a man should do. It always comes back. Jmo.
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So, I don’t do cards. But I will wash something for folks and let them pay me along. I have a subdivision and the majority are living on a fixed income. They paid their dues to society. I cut them some breaks. Never been stiffed and they refer alot of business to us. I am so small that if they don’t pay me I can live without it. But you guys with several trucks, crazy payrolls and insurance plus taxes for employees I can’t blame you.
A few years ago, I did a lot of old lady jobs. They don’t pay much, but they are easy to find and don’t really have high expectations. They are good practice jobs. And you do kinda feel good about yourself.
But the guys on the forum ripped me apart. They thought I was some crazy left-wing wacko because I like helping people out. I dunno. Maybe money really is evil. Now that I’m able to command a little bit of a higher price, it turns out they were right. I don’t miss doing the old lady jobs.
I certainly dont seek out charity cases. My prices arent geared towards these. Im just saying when i can help i try.
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Didn’t know this. From my understanding is legal.
People that I know do it.
This might help for anyone that has questions
http://www.ncsl.org/research/financial-services-and-commerce/credit-or-debit-card-surcharges-statutes.aspx
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cant in Florida, but i’ve seen companies give discounts for cash
Luckily I have never been asked to finance a job. Knowing myself I would most likely give in to the request out of feeling sorry for them.
I was ripped off once by a guy who asked if I accepted credit card. I told him no it must be cheque or cash only. He never paid. $300 job,not too bad. I was too busy to take him to court.
Most people I work with aren’t home when I’m washing. If its check or cash, I say they can leave it in an envelope under the doormat or flower pot. When I get there if there is no money, no wash. Haven’t had that problem yet though.
I had a customer who I did the job for, lived about 2 hours away (beach house) and let her know. She was going to pay me PayPal which I have done before with no issues. Long story short, she went on a 9 day out-of-the-country cruise without telling me and I waited 11 days for payment. She came thru in the end. Ok the point is, someone told me I could put a lein against her house if she didn’t pay me. Anyone know if that is correct or how that works?
You can. It takes a half day and cost money. You can take them to court and spend all day for the judge to day it is a valid debt and they have 365 days to work out a payment plan. I don’t chase down lost residential money. Not worth it
The laws are different from state to state. Where I am you have to notify the owner before work starts that it could result in a lien. Other states can be much easier.
In MO, your lawn guy can put a lien on your house for $30.
Being on the MO/KS line I had to pay $50 to send a lien letter from zlien to a real jerk in KS to get $300. 999 times out of 1000 I’d just send the lien letter, but I’ve sent only a couple. I send the invoice every two days if they don’t pay right away because in my phone script and contract it’s very explicit. “At the completion of the job we accept credit card, check, or cash.”
The two times I’ve been stiffed the homes were on the market, I had a gut feeling I wasn’t going to get paid, and that’s exactly what happened. My fault both times for not going with my gut.
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