About a year ago (March 2012) I canvassed and left a card at a medium sized three floor regional distribution/factory type business (known brand name) in North Bristol.
In March they asked for a quote as per my suggestion for in and out one off plus quarterly outsides. (Lots of internal floor to ceiling office glass panels)
I quoted £350 plus £75 x 3 for the outsides quarterly for a years contract.
Heard nothing and "chased up" by email in May.
Got a reply saying "another cleaner was rather less expensive" but that they hadn't gone with anyone yet.
I replied with "thanks for the opportunity if the other one falls through let me know.
Last month I got asked if I would do the job for £300 plus £60 x 3.
I replied that if they gave me a years contract; promised to pay within seven days of completion then I would do it for £325 plus £70 x 3.
Got the deal; signed purchase order, go in next week early.
So don't write off:
A) Old stuff you've canvassed over a year ago.
B) Stuff where they say you're too expensive.
Mind you I'm allowing 10 man-hours; knowing my luck it'll take twice as long! (Shouldn't do tho' as I walked through the job first.)