Welcome to this article, I saw one Shoe shine guy in America do an article in Esquire and thought id do something similar, he had 13 points but he is American.
I started The Manchester Shoe Shine co in July last year and I have enjoyed every minute of it. It’s very nice to wake up each morning looking forward to the day’s work and the new people that I will meet. I have shined the shoes of the Homeless and the Millionaires, from Barristers to Strippers and everything in-between. Some weeks it brings me more happiness than cash and I find that that is ok with me, you just never know who will be the next person to sit in my chair and that makes my job exciting! And if they leave my chair with a smile then my work has been done. It’s as simple as that.
So here we go with my top ten reasons to be nice to your Shoe shine guy. I hope you the reader takes it in the same light heartedness that I’m writing it!
- 1. DO NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT THE PRICE.
My prices are way too low, this is because you will be so surprised you can get this quality service at this price you will feel too guilty not to give me a tip.
2. DON’T BE PATRONIZING.
Asking me if I do this for a living is water of a ducks back to me now, please don’t patronize me if you’re sitting in a chair that cost more than your suit.
3. PLEASE DON’T TELL ME ABOUT THE BEST SHINE YOU EVER HAD.
You know the story, how you were in Istanbul or Delhi and a street urchin polished your shoes for 10p. We are in England so please act accordingly. I have shined the shoes of British military officers, I know my job.
4. DON’T ASK ME TO JOIN YOUR NETWORKING GROUP.
For the love of God, no more please.
5. DOG MESS.
You’d be surprised.
6. TIPS?
(see number 1) I once did an event where I just asked to be paid what the client thought it was worth, some guy gave me 86p, lesson learnt. My service is a professional one, if your happy with the shine then you’re happy with the service.
7. HAVE REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS.
I have no problem with putting in some elbow grease, but please be aware if your shoes are on the way out you may be better off binning them.
8. IN A HURRY?
I have on more than one occasion polished the shoes of a speaker at an event, before they were due to address the audience. You can guess the rest. Just let me know you are in a rush, the job might not be as good but hey.
9. NO BIG EGOS PLEASE.
I’m always glad to meet new people, but I might not move in your world. So please don’t expect me to know who you are. I once asked the Shadow Minister of Defence what he was doing at political conference.
10. BOOKINGS
Please on no circumstances leave my chair without asking for a business card or making another appointment.