[Mitchellmoxo]

Hello all,

I decided to try and start a window cleaning business so I got a polo printed, business cards and flyers done and went about my business trying to get some work.

I must of knocked on about 100 houses and not 1 wanted their windows cleaned. I read people on here having about 9 out of a 100 and being disappointed with that.

Not really sure what I was doing wrong or just knocking in the wrong area maybe?

Mitch

[roundbuilder]

There's always tomorrow. You was unlucky and ran into a hard area keep ya chin up and keep banging those doors.

[Mitchellmoxo]

Haha your right, cheers mate

theres always tomorrow!

[gavinb]

I would say give up now !!!

Especially with the weather at the moment lol ...

[EandM]

It can be slow at first but if you've got the gumption to knock on a hundred doors today, tomorrow and onward then you'll do fine !

[Cliff perkins]

I feel your pain
Nearly 3 years in and i hate door knocking

[Mitchellmoxo]

Yep its one of them things I would much rather be cleaning windows but I guess one dont come without the other

[gavinb]

You will get there just keep soldiering on .

[robertphil]

look for back alleys,houses up sidestreets ,quiet lanes etc where they dont get many doorknockers

[William McCafferty]

what are you saying on the door

[roundbuilder]

I have had whole weekends without gettin 1 and other weekends getting 40. All depends on areas. Bit of friendly advise,main roads and busy areas are always good. Roads with rows of terraced houses are also very good as people move all the time and you always pick up at least a couple a night on this type of housing. Also to save Time only knock on houses with dirty frames or where you can see the windows havnt been cleaned for ages, otherwise ou wil waste hours and hours of time and 100 no's is a big energy drain. YOu need the yes's to refill your energy levels. Nothing like getting 3/4 in a row you will feel on top of the world.

[Mitchellmoxo]

I just say "hello just seeing if you need a window cleaner at the moment" and if they look busy I just start that with "sorry to interrupt".

I cant wait until I get that 1 house that says yes haha! I can imagine how it feels for the first time

Thanks for all your help,

Mitch

[William McCafferty]

Hi Mitch

A couple of tips for you, first drop some leaflets/flyers 3 or 5 days before you door knock the area.

When you do the door knock, ring the door bell and take a step backwards, standing right on the door will put the defence barrier up.

I also always show my side or back to the door when they open and slowly turn around, this gives them time to access me as not being a threat.

Smile, this also puts them at ease.

Be positive, don't appogise for disturbing them, and don't ask if they want a window cleaner, because most will not have thought about it and the 1st reaction will be to say no.

Instead say, "Hi I dropped these leaflets the other day" (show them the leaflet) " can I give you a quoation on my services".

or even "Hi I dropped these though your door the other day because i am expanding my window cleaning round" "can I give you a quotation?"

[roundbuilder]

I'm lucky other window cleaners leaflet the areas I clean, it makes my canvassing so easy at times. Great advise though leafleting few days before a knock. Set yourself weekly targets and smash them to pieces.

[Mitchellmoxo]

Thanks so much, I never thought putting leaflets through the door first would make a difference!

Will put some leaflets through tomorrow and start knocking on friday maybe? Anything useful I could do with my time between no and then however as im unemployed and getting so bored! This is why im starting to window clean as I need something to do and to bring money in

Thanks
Mitch

[Johnny B]

When canvassing, just remember the 4 P's. Be polite, professional, positive and persistent. You may be nervous, which is natural, but remember the householder may be as well, so the onus is on you to put them at ease. Smile and try to convey the feeling that you are relaxed. Also, try to treat each door as if it is the first.

Whenever I canvass, I try to be all of the above. I say something along the lines of 'Hello, my name is John, and I am offering a window cleaning service in the neighbourhood, and am wondering if you would be interested at all?'

You may get 100 rejections with this approach (I knocked thousands of doors but now have 300 odd customers) but you will have success if you keep trying. Remember that every 'no' that you get is bringing you closer to the next 'yes'.

It is hard going, but if you are determined and self-motivated enough, you will get there in the end.

Best wishes,
John
    

[wightsurf]

Thanks so much, I never thought putting leaflets through the door first would make a difference!

Will put some leaflets through tomorrow and start knocking on friday maybe? Anything useful I could do with my time between no and then however as im unemployed and getting so bored! This is why im starting to window clean as I need something to do and to bring money in

Thanks
Mitch

1. Put more leaflets out.
2. tele canvas comercials, care homes, guest houses, hotels.. so on.
3. Put cheap adds in local shops
hope that helps a little

[robertphil]

i used to go down the cashpoint and draw out 40 quid then go doorknocking /leafletting for at least 2 hours and after  id finished  go pay it back in,over the counter. this felt like i was earning good money for my efforts and boosted my confidence -although it sounds daft  now ,i was "paying in " a few hundred quid a fortnight , in the queue at the bank faking that i was an earner of substance ! You gotta larf ,i always had a wad of notes to show mates from my "earnings".

 what i learned was that if you doorknock n leaflet day in day out you will strike lucky eventually for SURE ,then you will get proper money

[robbo333]

Make sure you look smart and you've had a shave. Get a haircut if need be. Present yourself well and smile. It's just a massive numbers game and you will find them. Good luck.

[Mitchellmoxo]

I have a polo on it what says soleys window cleaning what trousers should I wear?

Mitch