[marshy69]

Hi
Im doing really well for my first couple of weeks at the job! Have had to chuck myself in the deep end with regards to technique etc, but it was probably the best thing to do. Ive learnt how to stop smears etc, and feel quite proud when I can feel myself getting quicker on each house.
What I was wondering was, Ive knocked a few doors to gain new business, but have got the answer "oh no Mr razzle dazzle (or whoever) does it for us".
Only cos of you guys in here I know its unacceptable to quote lower and try to steal the guys customers, but would it be okay to contact them and see if they have any areas they dont cover? I know all the local guys around here (somerset) are mostly one man band people, and cant physically do all the area between them. Ive heard a lot of people say that their window cleaner hasnt been back for ages. So Im left with a potential customer who hasnt seen their window cleaner for a month or two, and wont change "incase" he turns up again.
You guys got any tips on contacting local people on the same area, doing the same as I am?? Any help would be good, as the last thing I need is to annoy my competition!

Ta
Marshy

[tatman]

the people who havent seen a window cleaner for ages give them your card and tell them to ring if they don't come back. Most people want a regular cleaner. As for areas no-one owns areas you don't need to ask other cleaners permission but as you said never under quote. If you see a window cleaner have a chat get to know them. They might if there half decent point you to some areas without a cleaner. Theres work for everyone.

[KarlJones]

Marshey as you probably know I am also new.

Well, I do not contact em as such but I am a brave little boy and always tell em "I am just starting up" if I see any around.  They never have much time to talk hehehe, too busy see.  Two window cleaners now have my business cards, I have their contact details too.  I would not contact em, nowt wrong with saying hello though. 

Are you a bit worried?

[craig jwc]

Don't bother contacting other w/c's just go out & find your work.

Once you get a few customers & aslong as you do a good job you will find work will start coming to you.

I don't know any w/c that has the whole street they work in. Some streets by me there are about 4 or 5 of us. Some will say "Hello" some will ignore you.

If they are doing a good job they won't worry about you looking for work in the areas they work.

I've only had 1 w/c threaten me about looking for work in his patch - it made me go out and try and get more just too pee him off.

Just don't under price yourself, everyone does when they 1st start. I'm still getting rid of work from when i 1st started if i can't get the price up.

The work i have taken off other w/c's in my area have been from the customer phoning me saying they aren't happy with their w/c. I know on a few jobs i have quoted double what the customer was already paying & still got the work.

Just go fot it mate & don't worry.

Good Luck


Craig

[WavieDavie]

So Im left with a potential customer who hasnt seen their window cleaner for a month or two, and wont change "incase" he turns up again.

Why not ask them for his phone number? Two reasons for that. One, you can find out if he's over-booked and maybe he'll sell you some work - or better still, give it away.

Two, if she doesn't know how to contact him, you just raise an eyebrow, give her your card and say "You can always contact me!" "In case" sounds like he goes walkabout every so often.