[k.diver]

im wondering how many calls/follow ups do you get?  after someone asks for your card on the street

 i usually dish out a couple of cards each week to someone who is passing by and walks up asks "have u got a card"

yeh sure , 
this is while im cleaning windows

  but then never call up .  i cant think of one instance where iv been contacted later over the years,hundreds of different cards

[paul alan]

They pretty much are useless mate!
Always insist on taking theyre number, if theyre serious theyll give it.
Most people are genuine but you have to spoon feed them, you have to take theyre number.
Call them, go round and quote and set everything up for them. Or 99x out of 100 they forget/dont bother.
Im the same i get so busy i cant get everything done in one day so the unimportant stuff (windows cleaned)gets left out.
But if someone is there to set it all up for me, now i cant forget.
Be proactive never reactive.

[Don Simon]

I put one into a house we used to clean and the owner died.     A few weeks later I was asked for a quote for roof cleaning, window cleaning, and soffits gutters etc etc.    Had new owner who was gutting the place.

[Stoots]

That's why canvassing is more effective than leaflets.

Essential by knocking or posting a leaflet you are asking them the same question but  a lot of people need almost pushing into it to accept the offer because probably they are not that bothered but ok if you insist..

[dazmond]

im wondering how many calls/follow ups do you get?  after someone asks for your card on the street

 i usually dish out a couple of cards each week to someone who is passing by and walks up asks "have u got a card"

yeh sure , 
this is while im cleaning windows

  but then never call up .  i cant think of one instance where iv been contacted later over the years,hundreds of different cards

lots of times i get a text or phone call to come and quote their properties for them.also existing customers ask for cards sometimes and pass my number onto a friend/family members etc.

well worth it for me.i always have some on me while working.

[dazmond]

They pretty much are useless mate!
Always insist on taking theyre number, if theyre serious theyll give it.
Most people are genuine but you have to spoon feed them, you have to take theyre number.
Call them, go round and quote and set everything up for them. Or 99x out of 100 they forget/dont bother.
Im the same i get so busy i cant get everything done in one day so the unimportant stuff (windows cleaned)gets left out.
But if someone is there to set it all up for me, now i cant forget.
Be proactive never reactive.

i never take their number until the jobs in the bag mate.if they really want your services they will ring!when im out and about working its much easier to just pass them a card and leave it to them(im not chasing them as im usually already busy).

[Don Simon]

Business cards are ten times more effective than flyers when looking for business.    A lot of people will be confused when they see a business card and think you have cleaned and ring you in panic

[Dry Clean]

They don't need to be that expensive as all your doing is handing over your contact details, keep them cheap and simple.

[Don Simon]

They don't need to be that expensive as all your doing is handing over your contact details, keep them cheap and simple.

strongly disagree, you are representing you're business so a cheap business card tells potential customer you are  . . . . . .

[Splash & dash]

Totally agree with dazmond if they are Messers about phoning to have a quote they will be messers about leaving the gate unlocked, paying etc  I find I have about a 60% take up from walk ups asking for a card , again quality cards  are important as it shows you take your business seriously cheap , creased or dirty cards are not a good advert for a person offering any cleaning service as far as Ime concerned

[paul alan]

They pretty much are useless mate!
Always insist on taking theyre number, if theyre serious theyll give it.
Most people are genuine but you have to spoon feed them, you have to take theyre number.
Call them, go round and quote and set everything up for them. Or 99x out of 100 they forget/dont bother.
Im the same i get so busy i cant get everything done in one day so the unimportant stuff (windows cleaned)gets left out.
But if someone is there to set it all up for me, now i cant forget.
Be proactive never reactive.

i never take their number until the jobs in the bag mate.if they really want your services they will ring!when im out and about working its much easier to just pass them a card and leave it to them(im not chasing them as im usually already busy).

i see your point but i guess im just that sort of person, dont leave anything up to someone else me.
Some times you have to herd the sheep! There will be messers along the way but its all good cos you always end with some good uns at the end of the day.

[dazmond]

if i wanted more work then id  take their number as well  and pursue them but (im just being honest here).I DONT CARE WHETHER I GET A NEW JOB OR NOT!

seriously ive been in the game a long time im not bothered.ive got plenty of work.it doesnt bother me either way.if they ring/text then of course ill go round and quote(if its not miles away).

[Dry Clean]

They don't need to be that expensive as all your doing is handing over your contact details, keep them cheap and simple.

strongly disagree, you are representing you're business so a cheap business card tells potential customer you are  . . . . . .

No a business card is only a piece of contact info to give to somebody that's already been attracted to your services, beats having to write them  out in front of the potential customer, they have nothing to do with attracting work or advertising.
If your looking to attract custom and tell the customer what you do then hand out a leaflet.

That said I wouldn't recommend handing over a dirty, homemade or creased card.

[Marc Stock]

I find that the simple leaflets are the ones that work the best. Black and white, laser printed clear and to the point.

[Don Simon]

They don't need to be that expensive as all your doing is handing over your contact details, keep them cheap and simple.

strongly disagree, you are representing you're business so a cheap business card tells potential customer you are  . . . . . .

No a business card is only a piece of contact info to give to somebody that's already been attracted to your services, beats having to write them  out in front of the potential customer, they have nothing to do with attracting work or advertising.
If your looking to attract custom and tell the customer what you do then hand out a leaflet.

That said I wouldn't recommend handing over a dirty, homemade or creased card.

We used 400gsm cards, they are the dogs.

[k.diver]

thanks for the replies ,seems for some of you biz cards are essential

over the years iv had cheapo cards, mid range  and even plastic cards [quite pricey]

   not one call has come in from someone who says " you gave me your card last week , im interested in arranging the window cleaning..."

as it happens it doesnt bother me,my diary is chock full,  which is just as well!  if i was relying on the cards id be broke by now

[paul alan]

thanks for the replies ,seems for some of you biz cards are essential

over the years iv had cheapo cards, mid range  and even plastic cards [quite pricey]

   not one call has come in from someone who says " you gave me your card last week , im interested in arranging the window cleaning..."

as it happens it doesnt bother me,my diary is chock full,  which is just as well!  if i was relying on the cards id be broke by now

why ask?

[k.diver]

i just wondered 

 i mean it used to bother me [in the early days]  why nobody was getting back to me [after asking for a card] at the time i needed the work and every job counted

  seems its a mystery! 

[andyM]

If you want to track where your enquiries are coming from then:
Why not just casually drop the question into the conversation "Oh by the way, where did you get my number from?"



 

[no way Jose]

When asked for my business card or my number I just don't give it any more. I ask for their address and phone number and say when I'm next around I'll have a look at their house and give them a quote. They always agree and either ask me if I could do it on the day or tell me when they'll be in ( or occasionally I text them a quote). You're very unlikely to hear from them again  if you Just give them your business card . You want to be the one in the driving seat!