[craig jwc]

Just want to say HI to everyone as i have just signed up tonight.
There seems to be alot of good info posted.
I am just starting up and looking to make it my full time job. At present i work part time for a big company but want to do something for myself and free up some time for my kids as i am a single parent.
I have started posting flyers and had a couple of responses but would be gratefull for any advice. 

[s.hughes]

Welcome to the forum Graig. You'll find all the help and best advice you could ever want here. No need to buy information like they sell on ebay. Its all good advice and also gives you that needed inspiration.

Steveyboy

[dennis buller]

Craig, welcome this is my second month in window cleaning and I am loving it. All the best for your future
Has the advice i have been given and the Q's i have thought to be daft, has all been beneficial for me
DENNIS

[craig jwc]

thanks for that dennis. Only been putting flyers out for about a week got a around 5 or 6 so far but only small ones. I know it takes time  to get things going just hope i can stick it out till it happens. I'm in two minds about getting about a weeks work then leaving my part time job as i think i can put more time and effort into finding new customers etc.
craig

[pjulk]

Craig

How long did to put out leaflets to get them 5-6 customers.

I can get them in a couple of hours.

What you need to do if you have a day free is go out door knocking, I don't do this myself i have my son doing it for me.

you would pick up at least 2 an hour and they would be fairly close together.
The one's that are not in leaflet as leaflets do work but can take some time.

If you knock doors from say 10am till 4pm you should have at least 12 customers although knocking during the day you will get a lot out but you will still pick up work.
And clean them the next day.
The following day do the same and do this for a month the following month you would have already stated to pick up extra work from referals and people seeing cleaning. so just canvass for a few hours to fill in the gaps.
The work is out there you just need to go and get it.

This is what you could say that works when you knock the doors.

Hand them a card and say
Hello my name is Craig
I am a local window cleaner
Do you have a window cleaner.

They reply yes or no

If they say yes thank them for the time and say if they know of anyone who needs a window cleaner i would be grateful if they could pass your card to them.

If they say no we don't have a window cleaner say.
Would you like your windows cleaned on a regular basis if so i could give you a quote now.

Some will still say no and tell them to pass you card on as above.

If they say yes i would like a quote give them a quote some you still wont get but a lot you will.

Hope this helps

Paul

[craig jwc]

Thanks for that Paul.
I went calling on the houses i posted a leaflet beggining of the week then went and posted some more later on in a different area.
I must admit there was a lot of people out today and that was around 6.30pm when i thought i would catch them in.
I might try just knocking tomorrow.
I have been leaving leaflets (with the help of my two kids) then going back 3 or 4 days later knocking on the doors.
The only thing i have been thinking about is that people might be put off if they see the kids coming round with me. At the moment i have no choice in this, but if can get it going they will be at school while i am working.
Craig

[Grafters Cleaning Services]

hi graig & welcome, give the flyers time to work, i used to put them out and 1 day had a call from a lady saying "you put a leaflet through my door the other day"........ etc-etc
yes i did but that was 3 months ago, be patient and keep working at it and it will come together.
jay

[gaza]

GRAIG HI:Two kids in tow may think your a J,W.

You will get sound advice on here just keep going ,a good window cleaner is a rarety,[sorry to everyone on this forum but you know what I mean]

PUT IT LIKE THIS  A GOOD WINDOW CLEANER WILL NEVER BE OUT OF WORK,it just takes time to get a round together.
Just keep going and follow the new guidelines from hse use of ladders and you wont go far wrong.

 GOOD LUCK

GAZA

[pjulk]

Gaza in god mode said -

A GOOD WINDOW CLEANER WILL NEVER BE OUT OF WORK

Cant agree more do a crap job and expect to lose customers as quick as you pick them up.
Do a good job and you will have an ever growing business for life.
A lot of customers like quality and reliability over price.
There is some that would change for a cheaper price but to honest these are not the customers you want anyway.

Put leaflets out in bulk not hundreds but thousands and you will see the rewards also keep leafleting the same area's each month as the more people see you are here to stay the more chance you have of getting work from them.

Paul