A Case Study: Nick Ballard from Nicks Windows

Back in July, we had the pleasure of speaking with Nick Ballard, CEO and founder of Nicks Windows, to gain insight into how Spotless Water ensures he can guarantee a streak-free finish on all the windows he cleans. Nick is a huge fan of Spotless Water and recalls when he first started using Spotless Water and why he has not looked back since. He also shares his experience switching from traditional window cleaning methods to a water-fed pole system.

About Nicks Windows

Nick is the founder and CEO of Nick Windows. He provides window cleaning and external cleaning services. His work is mainly based in Frimley.

Using Spotless Water:

How often do you use Spotless Water and which stations do you use?

I use Frimley (Spotless Water HQ) as it is central to my work. I use Camberley if needed. In the beginning, 6-7 years ago, my closest one was Basingstoke. Then Guildford opened, then Camberley, then Frimley.

I rarely queue. It feels like my own personal filling station at Frimley! I have a 400-litre tank and I reckon I fill up 3 to 4 times a week. I fill up more in summer because you have to turn the water flow up and use more water as the windows dry quicker.

Is it helpful to have multiple filling stations nearby?

Absolutely. I always have a water supply. I tend to use the Frimley one, and sometimes Aldershot or Camberley.

What are the benefits of using Spotless Water?

There are many benefits to using Spotless Water. The reliability and the quality of the water is always spot on. And the ease, just pull up and fill up. The stations are so easy to use.

I like that you send out alerts if one of your filling stations is down for maintenance and you always give plenty of warning and then send another email when it is back online. So very good communication. The alerts are great.

Are your customers satisfied with the results of Spotless Water? Tell us more about the relationship you have with your customers.

Yes, it leaves a spot-free, streak-free finish.

I am a very amiable and social person, and it is important for me to chat to my customers and build a relationship. The nice people will offer me tea/coffee. I would say about 80% of my customers at the start are still my customers today. I form a bond with my customers, and this is really important to me. I believe people buy people – not just a product. It is about being human.

Also, I am an honest person. I haven’t put my prices up for a long time. Window cleaning has given me a living for over 25 years now.

Did you use to make your own pure water? If so, what is the benefit of using Spotless Water rather than making your own?

I did make my own in the early days of window cleaning with water fed poles, but it was a hassle. The water quality was so bad. The cost was expensive, with all the buying of resins, salts, and stuff. The hassle was a big thing for me. I was very conscious of the amount of water waste also. I would lose more than 50% of my water. This is not cost efficient and I’m also sympathetic for those that struggle to get even have fresh drinking water. But switching across to you, I don’t have any concerns.

With Spotless Water I have no concerns of water quality. I used to test the quality on every vehicle. I used to test it on my own van screen while I was doing a job, but I stopped now as there are always no smears and spots.

Switching from traditional window cleaning:

Why did you switch from the traditional window cleaning methods and what impact did this have?

I switched mainly due to safety and practicalities. Nearly 15 years of climbing up and down ladders, I am lucky I only slipped once. I definitely switched because of safety and tiredness. Carrying a ladder from one house to another and climbing up and down is very tiring. Perhaps if I was a young lad, I would be fine, but not now.

Every customer visit was double the length of time with traditional window cleaning. I can do a house in half the time now with a water-fed pole system.

Most people are happy with the new system as it leaves a far better clean, especially on the white frames. Also, because there is no soapy residue on the glass, so dust in the air won’t collect on the window. But in the early days when I switched to the water-fed pole system, people couldn’t get their head around it. They would ask why I hadn’t dried the windows. Back in early days switching from traditional.

I wouldn’t be window cleaning still if it wasn’t for the water-fed pole system and Spotless Water. The water-fed pole is so much quicker. I get more customers and earn more money.

Can you tell us about a particular customer you served where the switch from traditional to water fed pole had an impact?

My first customer with a water-fed pole system was in August 2015. Her windows are leaded windows (standard size with the lead strips). With traditional window cleaning I would have to buff them excessively then dry them, which took a while. Her whole house used to take me an hour, now with a water fed pole it takes about 15 minutes. She is still a customer of mine today.

To summarise, how important is Spotless Water to your day-to-day operations?

From my perspective, I wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t for your filling stations. They’re so easy-to-use and straightforward. The service you provide is brilliant. Again, the offline alerts are great too.

Thanks to your company supplying the water you do, I can rely on you, and my customers can rely on me.

Where are you off to now?

I’ve just filled up at your Frimley station and now I’m going to clean a customer’s windows in Chobham. They have a big house. It’ll take about an hour because I usually have a chat and cup of tea with them too! I don’t share much about myself, but it’s great to just have a catch up and see how they are.

For more information about Spotless Water…

To learn how Spotless Water can support your business’s growth and efficiency, contact us at 0800 357676 or email customerservices@spotlesswater.co.uk.

Sign up for your free trade account on our website.