[Big Darren]

Well yesterday was the first time out canvassing for me, a very daunting prospect it seemed to be driving around my local area most houses had very clean windows and as it was during the day most people were out or at work. So I just started to pop my fliers through letter boxes. I only spoke to 2 people who said they have a window cleaner or that there are a few around but find that they are'nt reliable
So I came home dejected and no messages on my answer phone..
I'm starting to think is it worth it, am I going to find customers...

[Paul Coleman]

Well yesterday was the first time out canvassing for me, a very daunting prospect it seemed to be driving around my local area most houses had very clean windows and as it was during the day most people were out or at work. So I just started to pop my fliers through letter boxes. I only spoke to 2 people who said they have a window cleaner or that there are a few around but find that they are'nt reliable
So I came home dejected and no messages on my answer phone..
I'm starting to think is it worth it, am I going to find customers...

Well that's pretty much how I started - same time of year too.  It took a while to build it up but, once I started to clean regularly, I found that I got most of my work from referrals and people seeing me working.  Eventually, it became far too large and unwieldy and very underpriced.  I could not keep up with the workload.
TIP:  Don't let the initial slow response cramp your style with pricing.
TIP:  Persist.  It will happen if you want it to.

[AuRavelling79]

Call Sat mornings between 9 am and Noon
Call Evenings from 4pm to 8pm (or dusk if earlier)

[Big Darren]

Thanks guys, I seemed to have lost my spirit & self confidence has taken a knock recently too, so it seems harder to go canvassing.
I really need to get my head round this and perhaps the first customer I find will boost my confidence level..
Anyway, I appreciate all your advice so far..Cheers
Big Darren

[craig jwc]

I've just done my first month window cleaning fulltime and know exactly how you are feeling.
It was just the same for me when i first started looking.
There are around 8 or 9 local w/c's in my town which i thought after a few evenings knocking on doors is it really worth it.
But if you want this to work keep going, it will come. I'm not making thousands but just enough to pay the bills etc. I haven't canvassed or put leaflets out since i started fulltime but have people phoning through recomendation.
Some of these people already have a w/c but aren't happy with them.
Never undercut on price just put in what you think is a reasonably price.
I have found out that i have quoted more than there present w/c and they still want me. I gave a price the otherday which was double what they were already paying but because they had seen a neighbours windows and frames after i had been they wanted to change to me.
I still have days where the phone doesn't ring or have a quote turned down, but i know more will come.
Keep at it matey don't give up. Handing my notice in at my old job and doing this was the best thing i could have done. It makes you feel good

Craig

[Andrew McCann]

Hiya Darren

Refine your canvassing and you WILL get results.

If you have the time try this method for a start.

Select an area..  say a few streets 2 to 300 houses.  Leaflet drop during the day.

Then 2 to 3 days later knock these doors in the evening when they are in. Say something like " Hello I left a leaflet with you regarding window cleaning and I am  calling to see if you need a good, reliable window cleaning service? They will either say yes or no ..  in so many words ..  If they do need you as stated above NEVER undersell. You will live to regret it very quickly.  Calmly and confidently state your price...  then.. shut up.  Say nothing.. nadda!!!!  If your price is realistic.. by that I mean one that you can make a good living at you should get 60 to 70% of yesses..  if no..  "thats farrrrr too expensive for ( mere ) window cleaning" just say thank you for your time and move on. You can refine it even further by recording the ones that you got no answer at the door and then go back to these.  This way you will end up with a far more compact round than otherwise.

I don't bother leafletting because I haven't got the time. If I want to "knock" an area I just go do it.

Don't get downhearted mate..  refine it and keep at it. You WILL get there if you follow the mountains of great advice on this and other forums.

Andrew

[ian davison]

Hi Daz,

Weve all been there mate,walked down streets where every window is clean.
Go further a feild and dont give up,as soon as you pick one up you will soon get your confidence back and it will be all worth while.
Remember theirs a massive shortage of window cleaners its just a case of finding the right area.

              Regards Ewen

[simbo]

been in the same situation since starting fulltime in april. i chose to get 10,000 leaflets for 88 pound and deliver 500 a week, could have done more and i get a steady stream of work from these. I must add that i get a few upvc cleans which really make up the money, everyone is right work comes in spits and starts but week on week it comes 1 have just counted up my customer cards and did not realize i have 152 now lowest price £8 highest £220 and a call today 20 miles away in a village large house with friends wanting a cleaner. Remember we all have different goals, set them and then go get and before you know it you will be too busy just always go for best priced work not just any old rubbish that you will just end up dumping. On the subject of dumping , anybody mucks you about dump them instantly or you will regret it
cheers all the best paul

[AuRavelling79]

And when you canvass don't forget to jot down the numbers of the houses that were not in and call back on these "not homes" at a different time.

[Happy Jack]

been in the same situation since starting fulltime in april. i chose to get 10,000 leaflets for 88 pound and deliver 500 a week, could have done more and i get a steady stream of work from these. I must add that i get a few upvc cleans which really make up the money, everyone is right work comes in spits and starts but week on week it comes 1 have just counted up my customer cards and did not realize i have 152 now lowest price £8 highest £220 and a call today 20 miles away in a village large house with friends wanting a cleaner. Remember we all have different goals, set them and then go get and before you know it you will be too busy just always go for best priced work not just any old rubbish that you will just end up dumping. On the subject of dumping , anybody mucks you about dump them instantly or you will regret it
cheers all the best paul

Please excuse my lack of knowledge but...what are upvc cleans? Are they the white double glazed plastic framed windows I've seen?. Do you charge more for them or are they just easier to clean? Most houses in my area seem to be fitted with this kind of window.