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Original poster

WWYD? Window cleaner begging for money

29 replies

Cantseethewindows · 29/05/2022 18:58

We've had a guy clean our windows every six weeks for about a year. He does other flats in the area as well. We pay him cash in hand, £15 each session. Once or twice he's asked for payment the day before (offering a discount so it's:£12.50) he will send messages asking for payment in the early evening if he's been in the morning and I haven't paid yet (often because I'm in work or at home on my own with the kids). I've previously paid him a day early and paid £15. However, tonight he's sent me a message asking if I could pay him now for a clean that isn't due for another three weeks almost. WWYD? I think he thinks I'm a soft touch because I've previously given in. I totally understand he might be desperately short of money and even going hungry, but at the same time I feel the requests are just going to get bigger each time...

OP posts:
IncompleteSenten · 29/05/2022 19:00

I would say no to that. And I would stop paying him early. You're right that this is likely to get worse.

if he is arsy about it - look for a different window cleaner.

Bopahula · 29/05/2022 19:00

simply reply with "unfortunately that's not possible. Please let me know when you've cleaned the windows and I'll transfer payment then, have a great weekend/bank holiday" whatever.

done. Don't entertain anything different.

OurChristmasMiracle · 29/05/2022 19:00

I would message back and say that whilst you are happy to pay the day before the cleaning takes place or on the same day you are not willing or able to pay weeks in advance.

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Bopahula · 29/05/2022 19:01

Breezy, say no, be clear when you will pay in future. All sorted in one message. :)

Hugasauras · 29/05/2022 19:01

Oh dear, sounds like he's really struggling but obviously it's not your job to front him money. I'd just say you're unable to do that and will see him in three weeks or whenever.

DogWithMyOwnRoom · 29/05/2022 19:02

No, far too cheeky
IMO even paying the day before is too much to ask… but 3 weeks?! He’s having a laugh…

custardbear · 29/05/2022 19:03

I had a builder like that, small jobs, but he started asking for £30 for petrol so he could get to us, turned out he was on cocaine - we only paid him early once, and he didn't turn up for a week, got rid of him quickly after that and finding out about the Coke habit

Mol1628 · 29/05/2022 19:03

I would say no and ask him not to clean your windows anymore. Not acceptable.

Original poster
Cantseethewindows · 29/05/2022 19:08

I wasn't expecting replies so quickly! I've paid him and told him to do the windows tomorrow or Tuesday and I'll pay him in full tomorrow. Should've just held firm, reading your messages, but it's done now... Will be clearer in future.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cantseethewindows · 29/05/2022 19:08

Cantseethewindows · 29/05/2022 19:08

I wasn't expecting replies so quickly! I've paid him and told him to do the windows tomorrow or Tuesday and I'll pay him in full tomorrow. Should've just held firm, reading your messages, but it's done now... Will be clearer in future.

I've messaged him, not I've paid him!!!

OP posts:
User3568975431146 · 29/05/2022 19:12

I'd do it without a sr one though. The man sounds as though he's struggling and as long as it's not going to break the bank for you then I wouldn't hesitate.

User3568975431146 · 29/05/2022 19:14

Mol1628 · 29/05/2022 19:03

I would say no and ask him not to clean your windows anymore. Not acceptable.

Wow, that's awful! Heaven forbid you or any of yours fall on hard times or struggle in any way.

I definitely wouldn't want you holding the rope!! 😕

LetHimHaveIt · 29/05/2022 19:24

User3568975431146 · 29/05/2022 19:12

I'd do it without a sr one though. The man sounds as though he's struggling and as long as it's not going to break the bank for you then I wouldn't hesitate.

Didn't understand the first sentence, but broadly agree with this. Poor bloke.

Crazykatie · 29/05/2022 19:30

Best to pay cash on the day you have no idea what he is spending it on, it could be food, rent or weed, not your business

Mamamia7962 · 29/05/2022 19:36

Why would a window cleaner have your phone number anyway? I have never had a window cleaner ask for a phone number.

beststepforward · 29/05/2022 19:56

Mamamia7962 · 29/05/2022 19:36

Why would a window cleaner have your phone number anyway? I have never had a window cleaner ask for a phone number.

We always communicate with ours via text. He messages to let us know when he's been as we aren't always home. Then I know to pay him. Bank transfer here

DoctorManhattan · 29/05/2022 19:57

Deffo wouldn’t pay him in advance, but equally I wouldn’t be lambasting him. Sounds like he’s finding it tough financially.

Our window cleaner has a team of guys and does a number of developments locally, including ours - he seems to be rolling in it. Cracking new car and just back from 3rd holiday this year, Dubai this time.

Triotriotrio · 29/05/2022 19:59

I know a lot of addict window cleaners. This sounds straight out of their book. Pay him or don't it's up to you

Ginger1982 · 29/05/2022 20:01

I wouldn't pay in advance at all.

ellebelli · 29/05/2022 20:14

Nah you pay for the job done-Not weeks or days in advance

WhereYouLeftIt · 29/05/2022 20:33

"I totally understand he might be desperately short of money and even going hungry, but at the same time I feel the requests are just going to get bigger each time..."

Or - he might want to go out on the lash, he might be a gambler, he might just regard you as an ATM. And the requests have already got bigger. They've gone from a discount if paid the day before, to no discount, to 3 weeks early!

I'd consider getting another window-cleaner.

soootiredddd · 29/05/2022 20:35

I’d text back again and say “sorry just to be clear, I’m not able to pay in advance. If you want to do an extra clean tomorrow or Tuesday then I will pay straight away after. But otherwise will have to wait until it’s next done sorry”

soootiredddd · 29/05/2022 20:36

And I also actually agree this is pretty unprofessional. If he keeps doing it I’d find another window cleaner. Not fair to keep putting you in an awkward position and his financial well-being is not your responsibility

ChairCareOh · 29/05/2022 20:43

This reply has been deleted

Withdrawn at the user's request

ChazzaGirl · 29/05/2022 21:22

Our window cleaner does our windows every 3 weeks. He will often offer us a deal where he’ll charge £12 for 2 cleans paid upfront (usual price is £8 per clean) when he’s short of money. I don’t mind paying it, and if it helps him out, then fine.