I have heard lots of horror stories about canvassing companies too, but i have used round builders for 2 years now, quality of the work and prices is better than what i would get. I dont like the £5.00 jobs, terraced houses ect, i go for the bigger places. I tried leaflets when i started out, it got me a few good jobs to start off with, but i have since sold those on. I also tried the door knocking myself, hated it, got some good jobs though. So now i employ canvassers and have built up a good relationship with them. I ask for the quality and not the quantity, i now set my price at £25.00 plus for a house and that is what i get. Im in Cambridge so i tend to get away with those sort of prices. I do get the odd £15-£20 houses as it is difficult to see what windows are at the back of most places, and also the odd one offs which i dont turn down as i do these at weekends and can be good money and also repeat custom. Its all work in the same area. All i would say is if you are going to use a company to gain new work, do your homework like you would if you are buying anything and speak to them, get a trail day if need be. Also i think all of them charge travel and accomodation costs, mine do, so that would be on top of your price for the work gained. Im quite lucky as round builders are based quite local to me, but its an added expense.