Since you almost certainly already have a window cleaning contractor, well start here. You will probably be in one of three situations.
You are very happy with your current contractor. You work closely together on a regular basis to ensure that all your objectives are met. They are proactive about suggesting ways in which the contract can be improved. You regularly recommend them to others as a model contractor.
You dont have a particularly good relationship with your window cleaner, but everything is working reasonably well. You occasionally get problems, but these are usually resolved quite satisfactorily. You dont talk to them very often, but that means one less thing to think about. You might recommend them if asked.
You are unhappy with your current contractor. You often get complaints about their work. You are not convinced they are doing a thorough job, even when they do arrive. When you complain, it takes ages to get the issue resolved. You would only recommend them to your worst enemy. As soon as you have time you will be finding someone else to do the work.
Which category you are in will determine what you should do next. If you are in the first category, then you might like to read the chapter on What you should expect just to make sure that you are getting the best available service. If you are under pressure to reduce costs, you should read the chapter on How to reduce the cost.
If you are in the second category, then all of Section One will be useful reading for you. If you are in category three, then first read Section One to see what youre missing, then move swiftly onto Section Two!
So in general terms, what can you do to manage your existing contractor successfully? Here are some suggestions.
Ask your colleagues for feedback on the window cleaners. Get your contractor in and go through the contract with them. Ask them to give you an update on whats happening and what the issues are. Discuss any problems with them and ask what they are going to do to rectify them in future. Ask them to suggest ways of reducing the cost. Ask them to provide a short report on a regular basis, eg Quarterly. This ensures that they pay attention to your contract. Give them feedback on a regular basis. Ensure they are being paid on time. It will help them to keep their costs down. Look ahead at possible changes to your requirements, so they have as much notice as possible - 30244
You are very happy with your current contractor. You work closely together on a regular basis to ensure that all your objectives are met. They are proactive about suggesting ways in which the contract can be improved. You regularly recommend them to others as a model contractor.
You dont have a particularly good relationship with your window cleaner, but everything is working reasonably well. You occasionally get problems, but these are usually resolved quite satisfactorily. You dont talk to them very often, but that means one less thing to think about. You might recommend them if asked.
You are unhappy with your current contractor. You often get complaints about their work. You are not convinced they are doing a thorough job, even when they do arrive. When you complain, it takes ages to get the issue resolved. You would only recommend them to your worst enemy. As soon as you have time you will be finding someone else to do the work.
Which category you are in will determine what you should do next. If you are in the first category, then you might like to read the chapter on What you should expect just to make sure that you are getting the best available service. If you are under pressure to reduce costs, you should read the chapter on How to reduce the cost.
If you are in the second category, then all of Section One will be useful reading for you. If you are in category three, then first read Section One to see what youre missing, then move swiftly onto Section Two!
So in general terms, what can you do to manage your existing contractor successfully? Here are some suggestions.
Ask your colleagues for feedback on the window cleaners. Get your contractor in and go through the contract with them. Ask them to give you an update on whats happening and what the issues are. Discuss any problems with them and ask what they are going to do to rectify them in future. Ask them to suggest ways of reducing the cost. Ask them to provide a short report on a regular basis, eg Quarterly. This ensures that they pay attention to your contract. Give them feedback on a regular basis. Ensure they are being paid on time. It will help them to keep their costs down. Look ahead at possible changes to your requirements, so they have as much notice as possible - 30244
About the Author:
If you are responsible for purchasing commercial window cleaning you should read Marcus P Weeks' good free leaflet called 'Everything you need to know about buying commercial window cleaner services' or visit the MPW website.
