Overheard a customer ask for 'self-cleaning glass' on a skyscraper job

I was grabbing coffee near a big commercial site in Seattle and heard the project manager explaining it to the client. The client thought it was like an oven, where the glass would just clean itself with heat. The manager had to break it down, saying the coating just makes water sheet off easier, it doesn't remove dirt or bird droppings on its own. It made me realize how much we assume people know about the products we install every day. How do you guys explain the limits of special coatings to customers without sounding like you're talking down to them?

3 comments

3 Comments

maxb463mo ago

Oh man, that's a classic! I usually just say it's like a really good raincoat, not a magic car wash. It helps with water, but the bird poop still needs the old fashioned elbow grease.

johnh821mo ago

Is it really that big of a deal though? I just hit it with a pressure washer and call it a day.

victorcoleman3mo ago

Read a forum post that said the same thing.