[nathankaye]

So, we've discussed various ways of advertising our business's on this forum.
I've mentioned that I'm also expanding into new areas where I've not worked before. (also, we've changed our minds on location in Scotland and so taking that route a little slower, esp with the need of a license)
In this area, they are having a gala and various stalls/stands are up for rent. I'm considering using one to promote my business, not only for regular window cleaning work but also my other services. So these pull up canvases seem idea.
Wondered if anyone else has tried this method before

[SB Cleaning]

Couldn't be doing with the hassle myself..

[Slacky]

You are joking arent you?

[Perfect Windows]

So, we've discussed various ways of advertising our business's on this forum.
I've mentioned that I'm also expanding into new areas where I've not worked before. (also, we've changed our minds on location in Scotland and so taking that route a little slower, esp with the need of a license)
In this area, they are having a gala and various stalls/stands are up for rent. I'm considering using one to promote my business, not only for regular window cleaning work but also my other services. So these pull up canvases seem idea.
Wondered if anyone else has tried this method before

I'm sure you could do it and you'd be doing something 99.9% of other window cleaners wouldn't do; always a good idea when you're marketing.

Vin

[KS Cleaning]

You won’t fit all your waffle on to a banner that size, you may want to ask if they do super size banners😜

[Pete Thompson]

Say 50,000 people attend this “gala” which would be an amazing attendance for any event.

Now consider the odds that a person will attend that happens to live in an area you cover. Say it’s 3% so 1,500 people.

Then consider the odds that any of those 1,500 people need a window cleaner. Say that’s 1% (roughly the response rate for flyers) so 15 people.

Then consider the odds that those 15 people will see your exhibit and read your roller banners say 30% - so 5 people.

Then consider the odds that those 5 people will bother to come and ask you for a quote. (Actually talking to someone who is selling something is a big psychological barrier to get over. The level of interest has to be very high. That’s why most respondents email or text). Say that’s 60%, so 3 people.

Now consider the cost of exhibiting, the cost of the design and print for the roller banners, and the cost of your time to be there to speak to people. Add all that up and consider if that amount of money is worth reaching just 3 potential customers.

Compare that with the cost, time and success rate of delivering flyers.

[zesty]

If you do it Nathan, please make sure it’s done professionally and not like your stick on van decal.
Your van advertisement looks awful with the pictures on it. (Being honest)

But this idea may be a good one, you’ll never know till you try it.

I remember some mates of mine who set up a stand at a car boot sale, with signs etc, to sign up new customers. I remember thinking, hmm, fair play, probably beats canvassing.

The result was amazing, they signed up loads of customers. Now yes, I’m not sure how many would have stayed regular, but that’s the same with any form of canvassing.

So go for it, but just make sure it looks professional and not got your mobile phone pictures of you cleaning a conservatory on it! Your van graphic just screams amateur!

[Spruce]

If you do it Nathan, please make sure it’s done professionally and not like your stick on van decal.
Your van advertisement looks awful with the pictures on it. (Being honest)

But this idea may be a good one, you’ll never know till you try it.

I remember some mates of mine who set up a stand at a car boot sale, with signs etc, to sign up new customers. I remember thinking, hmm, fair play, probably beats canvassing.

The result was amazing, they signed up loads of customers. Now yes, I’m not sure how many would have stayed regular, but that’s the same with any form of canvassing.

So go for it, but just make sure it looks professional and not got your mobile phone pictures of you cleaning a conservatory on it! Your van graphic just screams amateur!

I think that's a good one.

[The Jester of Wibbly]

Go for it.  Will be interesting to see the rusults of the experiment either way.

[nathankaye]

Over the years, the amount of people who have approached me whilst I have been parked outside schools picking my kids up or parked near a park and even in supermarket carparks / petrol stations.

I'm sure the majority of one's attending this, will be from within the area I'm trying to target. 

[The Jester of Wibbly]

People who approach you are always more committed than the ones who you approach generally.

[Perfect Windows]

Say 50,000 people attend this “gala” which would be an amazing attendance for any event.

Now consider the odds that a person will attend that happens to live in an area you cover. Say it’s 3% so 1,500 people.

Then consider the odds that any of those 1,500 people need a window cleaner. Say that’s 1% (roughly the response rate for flyers) so 15 people.

Then consider the odds that those 15 people will see your exhibit and read your roller banners say 30% - so 5 people.

Then consider the odds that those 5 people will bother to come and ask you for a quote. (Actually talking to someone who is selling something is a big psychological barrier to get over. The level of interest has to be very high. That’s why most respondents email or text). Say that’s 60%, so 3 people.

Now consider the cost of exhibiting, the cost of the design and print for the roller banners, and the cost of your time to be there to speak to people. Add all that up and consider if that amount of money is worth reaching just 3 potential customers.

Compare that with the cost, time and success rate of delivering flyers.

Say only 5,000 people attend this event and they all come from within 15 miles (your catchment distance). Who's going to drive 50 miles to a gala? They're likely going to be locals.

Then consider the odds that any of those 5,000 people need a window cleaner. Say that’s 10% (roughly the response rate for conversions per door answer when canvassing) so 500 people.

Then consider the odds that those 500 people will see your exhibit and read your roller banners say 30% - so 150 people.

Then consider the odds that those 150 people will bother to come and ask you for a quote. (Actually talking to someone who is selling something is a big psychological barrier to get over. The level of interest has to be very high. That’s why most respondents email or text). Say that’s only 30%, so 45 people.

Now consider the cost of exhibiting, the cost of the design and print for the roller banners, and the cost of your time to be there to speak to people. Add all that up and consider if that amount of money is worth reaching just 45 potential customers.

Vin

[Dry Clean]

Consider a window cleaner who's not actually looking to employ who after 15 years on the glass still needs expand into other areas, if there's faff to be found you can be sure Nathan will find it.
As for an actual shiner looking to expand or build a first round, if you can stand at a stall all day and waffle to the public why not do at their own doors in areas where it makes senses for you to do so.
Remember even if you sign a few up at one of these events you still wont have won the work until you call and price it.

[dazmond]

Why don't you stick A4 size flyers offering FREE FIRST CLEANS  to new customers on telegraph poles?

That's what a local window cleaning company did a few years ago round near where I work.......

[nathankaye]

Say 50,000 people attend this “gala” which would be an amazing attendance for any event.

Now consider the odds that a person will attend that happens to live in an area you cover. Say it’s 3% so 1,500 people.

Then consider the odds that any of those 1,500 people need a window cleaner. Say that’s 1% (roughly the response rate for flyers) so 15 people.

Then consider the odds that those 15 people will see your exhibit and read your roller banners say 30% - so 5 people.

Then consider the odds that those 5 people will bother to come and ask you for a quote. (Actually talking to someone who is selling something is a big psychological barrier to get over. The level of interest has to be very high. That’s why most respondents email or text). Say that’s 60%, so 3 people.

Now consider the cost of exhibiting, the cost of the design and print for the roller banners, and the cost of your time to be there to speak to people. Add all that up and consider if that amount of money is worth reaching just 3 potential customers.

Compare that with the cost, time and success rate of delivering flyers.

Say only 5,000 people attend this event and they all come from within 15 miles (your catchment distance). Who's going to drive 50 miles to a gala? They're likely going to be locals.

Then consider the odds that any of those 5,000 people need a window cleaner. Say that’s 10% (roughly the response rate for conversions per door answer when canvassing) so 500 people.

Then consider the odds that those 500 people will see your exhibit and read your roller banners say 30% - so 150 people.

Then consider the odds that those 150 people will bother to come and ask you for a quote. (Actually talking to someone who is selling something is a big psychological barrier to get over. The level of interest has to be very high. That’s why most respondents email or text). Say that’s only 30%, so 45 people.

Now consider the cost of exhibiting, the cost of the design and print for the roller banners, and the cost of your time to be there to speak to people. Add all that up and consider if that amount of money is worth reaching just 45 potential customers.

Vin

So let's say I gain potentially 20 - 25 customers at £15 min charge every four weeks, in month one, that's £300 or £375 per month which more than covers the cost of the stall and marketing costs.
So  £4125 or £3300 over 11 months for just an extra day, plus sale of an established round and revitalised a window round.
So, potentially we'll worth it.

Obviously the figure we're all throwing around here are questionable at times.  However I will also be advertising pressure washing and soft washingetc as well, so potentially more.

As for approachability,  I have that covered, but that's for me to know.

I do love the pessimism on here, it's always encouraging.  Most of you guys were trad and thought cleaning windows with a pole on a brush was a joke until you tried it and now love it.  😂😂😂

[Dave Willis]

So you sign up a load of unknown potential customers and ditch an established round?

Yep, makes sense 

[dazmond]

You should never ditch an established round that you ve been working for years......just put their prices up a bit if there a bit low.....their the solid base of your business......

[nathankaye]

I've already covered the costs of the round I will be letting go and it's only two days worth of work, geees guys you all sound like I'm dumping the whole foundation of my work 😂😂.

I get that some of you may be scared or think its crazy, but I don't and I don't stick to the mondane either.  However, I wasn't asking opinions on my business structure. Just asked if anyone has tried marketing from a stall or not.

[Smudger]

Yes, I've got several of these banners - they are widely used in the networking community - they look good - but they have to be really professionally done - no waffle.

I have also done events like the ones you are interested in and cleaning shows where you meet buyers for various large corperate companies/councils/etc..

TBH -I think you'll be totally out of your depth - its a sharky environment  - really most are there to promote themselves and will take your details ONLY in the hope you will supply them with work - the other well, I'm afraid as a one man band look at you and dismiss you ( I speak from experience ) if you go for it - you need to be well dressed (suit) - short, concise, no waffle - you need a proper brochure for people to take away with them.

defo - forget the window cleaning - show your best work - roof cleaning - render cleaning - high value stuff.

Remember - anything is worth a try - but this is a hard nut to crack and do correctly - good luck

[nathankaye]

Yes, I've got several of these banners - they are widely used in the networking community - they look good - but they have to be really professionally done - no waffle.

I have also done events like the ones you are interested in and cleaning shows where you meet buyers for various large corperate companies/councils/etc..

TBH -I think you'll be totally out of your depth - its a sharky environment  - really most are there to promote themselves and will take your details ONLY in the hope you will supply them with work - the other well, I'm afraid as a one man band look at you and dismiss you ( I speak from experience ) if you go for it - you need to be well dressed (suit) - short, concise, no waffle - you need a proper brochure for people to take away with them.

defo - forget the window cleaning - show your best work - roof cleaning - render cleaning - high value stuff.

Remember - anything is worth a try - but this is a hard nut to crack and do correctly - good luck

Cheers, appreciate your thoughts n experience.
With this being the first, I can only prepare so much compared to the actual experience of being there.  I look forward to the challenge as I'm planning a couple of these ventures and will greatly benefit from the first experience, be it good or not.

Lol, I've learnt from past experience to have my leaflets/flyers/banners and the like, professionally designed and proofed as well 

Might even take on board Zesty's advice and revamp the van logo's