[marc al]

 Am I wasting my cash or would an advert in a local free delivery paper be worth my while in a couple of weeks?

[Tussin]

Yep have a go. But if your gonna do it, do it properly. Decent size to catch the eye and good word structure that sounds pro.

[Philip Hanson]

I know of window cleaners who have done this, and have got some work from it, especially residential.

The problem you'll have is that you will get calls from all over town, and really that's not ideal.  When building a round, you need houses that are as close together as possible, as of course you don't get paid for travelling and set-up time.

The best way to get this is (you know what I'm going to say!) CANVASSING.

Most people hate doing it, but choose the right area, be friendly and dress smartly, and you'll probably be suprised just how quickly you get work.

You'll develop an eye for houses that need a window cleaner, pay special attention to the top 4 or 5 inches of glass on the windows.  This is where dirt will collect, and it takes about 4 or 5 months to build up.  So, if you notice it, you can be almost certian that they dont have a window cleaner, try knocking.

I know the thought of it makes us cringe a little bit, but canvassing really is the best way in my opinion.

Failing that, if you prefer to drop leaflets than canvass, make a methodical and planned strategy about it, and you could even follow it up with canvassing afterward.

I know a few window cleaners, (Justin is one) that have built up a very good round using only leaflets, though it does take determination and a little more time than canvassing.

-Philip

[Chris Gillespie]

Yep have a go. But if your gonna do it, do it properly. Decent size to catch the eye and good word structure that sounds pro.

In my experiences i believe a smaller ad actually works better. It fools the customer. They call the smaller add believing that they are to be cheaper ( which of course they are not ).

Chris

[Ian_Giles]

Philip says it all really, canvassing if the most effective way.
Leaflet first and follow up a day or two later with a knock on the door. I thank god I no longer have to do that!
I do it with commercial accounts, complete waste of time popping a leaflet through the door of a new shop or office, the direct approach is the only way.

Ian

[Grafters Cleaning Services]

i tried an ad in a free paper once, did not get 1 call from it and it cost me £24, stick to canvassing as i do, best way to get new work and don't cost anything

[easycleanwindows]

Never used paper only leaflets and now need another van.
I think if you were to put it into a newspaper i think it must depend on how your advert looks.
If people alllready  have a window cleaner they wont call you but if you do conservatory cleaning etc then thats probablly where you will get the calls especially if you do the roofs.

[bill_sykes]

Originally when i first started out i canvassed door to door leaving a business card , response was pretty good.After finding my feet placed an ad in the yellow pages the response was very good especially
the commercial side.Small ad is about £240 onwards the ad should pay for itself with the extra work you get.
you'll also find that start of spring is a great time for canvassing  & getting extra work.