More of an observation really, but I noticed PW fascinates people and they want to watch and get involved. Yesterday I did a job and the homeowner let the kids run around at will, one even ran under dripping housewash before I could say anything.
I told the adults this is bleach being used but they didn’t seem to have much control of the kids.
The other job was for an older homeowner and she was just totally involved with everything I was doing. They are in my neighborhood, not like I can yell at them or anything.
Politely tell them you’re not going to wash unless they stay out of the way and especially the kids. There are too many things they can get hurt by like tripping hazards, bleach, hot exhaust if they climb around your trailer, etc. It wouldn’t bother me if an adult was standing outside watching as long as they stay out of the way. Although I’d prefer they didn’t.
Too many parents want to be friends nowadays instead of actually parenting.
It’s definitely an option. Like @marinegrunt said, you politely ask them to go inside or you refuse to do the job until they do so. Don’t go spraying bleach around peoples kids just because they aren’t smart enough to put them inside.
“I’m sorry Mrs. Jones, but I can’t perform my work safely with your children, pets, etc., in my work area. [Long pause… then if you don’t get the desired reaction:] Please let me know when we can reschedule.”
If you’re finding this to be a recurring problem, it should be mentioned in your pre-service checklist that your work area needs to be free of bystanders, especially children or pets.
Once your expectations/requirements are in writing, you will feel more free to take a stronger approach when someone doesn’t use common sense. Like pack up and leave.
It will be an option ,for you ,when you get sued for putting bleach in a rotten ankle biters eye and are outta business, and sitting down @ your local soup kitchen having a bite, telling your sad story .
My option gets you out of there in 3 minutes with no money. Other option gets you out of there in 20 minutes after dealing with homeowner with no money. If you reschedule you have to go back again for the same price. Roll up, leave, and go to the next hour
It’s not like I was washing as they were walking in and out of the house, but soap was running off when a kid just decided to walk out and ride his bike.
I’ll keep this all in mind next time…along with everything else I have to keep in mind.
I have a pre service routine conversation that I have with everyone. Please close all windows and doors make sure any potted plants are pulled away from the house no children or pets are to be outside while washing. If I show up and the dog is chained outside or kids are running around I tell them right away that cannot work. Never had a problem with a customer not complying. Had a 90 year old get a bleach stain on her shirt when she got nosy.
Not if I want to keep a good reputation in my own personal neighborhood. Word spreads fast. I was responding to IBS where he suggested I pack up and leave.
Ya i wouldnt pack up and leave id just politely ask them to stay away from me while i wash that my mix has bleach in it and couod burn thier eyes and ruin thier clothes. That should be enough. If they dont listen “accidentally” spray yourself when they are looking then fall on the ground rolling in pain. Always works for me.
