How to cancel window cleaner?

[WhoreDing]

I've been using a window cleaner for five years.

I didn't sign a contract or anything like that.

He comes once a month and texts me the day before to let me know.

We're friendly. I'll stand and have a chat with him for a few minutes if I catch him but not every time.

I want to cancel him. How can I word a text to this effect, please?

Hello x, hope you are well. I’d like to terminate our window cleaning arrangements at xxx property, effective xxx date / immediately. Thank you very much for your services over the last 5 years.

Best regards, @WhoreDing

Just send a message saying you no longer need a window cleaner? I wouldn’t use PP’s suggestion personally as it reads very formally.

Why are you cancelling him? Is it something you can be honest about - e.g. cutting back on expenses, or does he not do a good job, and you need a diplomatic excuse? I’d use cutting back either way, I think. Lots of people are going to be reviewing where they can make savings.

Hey. Window cleaner. Just to let we don't need you to do the windows anymore thank you.

He does a bad job. He uses deionised water and a pole and I hate it. It doesn't actually get windows clean and leaves marks.

When I've raised this in the past, he's come back out and redone the windows a bit better. So I'm reluctant to tell him this because I know he'll be really apologetic and want to come back and make it right. I don't want that. I want to just cancel.

Give him at least a month notice if you can. Eg

Hi, really sorry to say that we are cutting down our costs and need to cancel the window clearing after the March clean . Thanks for doing a great job the last 2 years. All the best,

You don't have to tell him anything don't tie yourself in knots just keep it simple you have put up with streaky windows for 5 years !

Does anyone offer a non extending poles service? It does mean a much better job, but our previous window cleaner fell off his ladder and ended up having his leg amputated, so I can understand why people don't want to do it any more.

Cross post! Leave out the bit about doing a great job!

Just say you no longer need him to come and say thank you.

Honestly, he'll be used to it. You're best just sending a short message and getting it over. Don't waste time ruminating and imagining his thoughts and feelings. He will be used to this.

"Hi, just to let you know that we don't need the windows cleaned any more. Thanks, (name)"

It’s a business transaction - they are not mates. Not sure why you think it reads formally?!

My window cleaner also cleans my windows badly. It's all streaky. He doesn't use any soap any more and so obviously it's not really cleaning. I don't really understand why this has happened with window cleaners. I mean if it worked then that would be great, but the windows are not clean.

Mines like this too. He just messages ‘we’re doing your windows tomorrow’ (very presumptuous) and I always say ‘no thanks, not this time’. That’s it. Who gets their windows done every month!!

If there’s nothing to reply to, I’d just message something like ‘hiya! Unfortunately we’re having to cut back and need to stop the window cleans. Thanks!’

Don't mention why then, just say you no longer need him. If he asks why just repeat that you no longer need him. You don't have to justify yourself!

Well, as someone who runs their own business, I would find it totally bizarre if someone spoke to me like that - it reads like a formal business to business e-mail, not a text.

OP knows and has chatted to the guy, it’s not like they’re strangers and she’s ending a formal business contract 🫣

Just say you're having to make some financial cut backs and you'll be in touch then don't if you're not happy with his work.

I would find it “bizarre”
if a 5 year “contract” was ended with a casual text. Each to their own I guess.

Not sure what you running your own business has to do with anything but ok.

Why say you'll be in touch? That's plainly a lie.

You're not sure why a sentence including the words "terminate/ arrangements/property/effective/immediately" reads formally???

You're saying you'd use any of those words in a text to your mate or partner?

It might be a "business transaction" but most people understand that different contexts need different communication. Would you not think it a bit weird if a cashier scanned your shopping and said "thank you for your patronage of our establishment. Would you like an itemised receipt of the transaction, which you can utilise for proof of purchase in the event you need to return an item in adherence to our statutory requirements?"

Window washing is an informal arrangement, OP would sound like a right weirdo if she sent your message. "Hi Tom, just to let you know we don't need our windows washed from now on, thanks" is fine.

Because I’m speaking as someone in a similar position to the window cleaner?

You seem to be taking my response to your comment very personally - I was just trying to say there’s no need for the formalities and “hope you’re well” stuff - just a “Hi Bob, just to let you know we won’t be needing you services as of (date) - thanks, Jane” is fine.

Exactly! 🫣

I feel like this might be my guy 😆 not a sud or squeegee in sight!!! Waste of money.

One of our neighbours has someone who clambers all over his house to get to the upper windows and I’d hate that! What if he falls off -
is he going to be suing the homeowner? Or what if he does damage the tiles or something?

Because the other method of going up ladders is pretty dangerous and lots of cleaners have permanently injured themselves from falls.