[marc al]

 I bit the bullit this afternoon and went door knocking as I really need to start picking up work alot faster, got 2 doors slammed in my face and told where to go in a very forceful manner, that was in the first 5 houses, decided that I wasright all along and they don't like thier doors being knocked around here, so carried on just putting flyers through letter boxes.

[Stuart Webster]

Shame about that. Was it up or down market area?

I targeted the villages when I started, have you tried that?

What did you look like? Strange question I know, but too scruffy, and people think you are not serious, shirt and tie, and they think you are talking religion!

Keep going, canvass areas you already have work in, or try an area nobody does.

I know it sounds easier to say than to do, but you must persevere

[Grafters Cleaning Services]

don't let it put you off, keep trying and it will come together

[simbag]

Don't know what's going on there Marc?

I've been canvassing properly for the last 10 days, and so far I've accumulated over 30 new accounts, £300+ of work, by doing just that, knocking on doors!!
I've followed advice given on here, and its worked a treat! My patter goes like so:

Me: Hello/ Good evening! Sorry to disturb you. I was just wondering if you had a window cleaner at all?

You will get one of 3 responses:
1. Yes, thanks.
2. No thanks!
3. No I don't.

For each of the above responses I say:
1. Ok, thanks for your time, can I just leave my card with you in case you have a problems with current cleaner? (As you pass them your business card)
2. Ok, thanks anyway. (Walk away)
3. Would you be interested in having one? If so I can give you a quote now.
And the rest will just flow from there.
One thing I always remember, is to smile, the ladies like it especially I find!

For any houses that don't answer, I leave a covering letter, as opposed to a flyer, introducing myself to them, and what services I offer.

Good luck

[marc al]

 I got washed and shaved before I went out to make mtself look tidy and respectable, I also used the exact same opening line as above, may try somewhere else tommorow!

[Stuart Webster]

Dont be put off. Carry on as you are, your doing all the right things

[rosskesava]

Maybe it's just the people in that area.

Last year on a Saturday I decided to door knock one street where we had two jobs already. The properties were semi's in a reasonably well off area. i.e. most of the cars were a) clean b) quite new and c) middle range models.

The responses I got ranged from 'NO' and slam door to 'BU*GER OFF' and one bloke actually got so irate with me that he started following me down the street shouting abuse.

According to the people whose properties we do, it's just one of 'those' roads.

Last Saturday while the other two were finishing off, I decided to leaflet and knock on the rest of the road (about 15 houses) and everyone I spoke to was civil and polite. I got no extra work but everyone I spoke to was fine about me calling.

The way I see it is that there are rude people and there are polite people and loads in between. For every rude person there are countless polite people and every 'no' takes me nearer to a 'yes please'.

I'd stick with it and try a different area. Most on this forum all agree that calling is best.

Hope the above helps.

Ross

[reah]

hi mate dont take it personaly keep at it it will pay off.

[bobjarrett]

keep at it , had doors slammed in my face went canvassing the other wk lady said got window cleaner i said there abit dirty , she went into one slammed door etc , silly me you have to be a bit thicked skinned , never give up before u know it you will have loads of work , keep searching , till u find that nice little cluster most of us have been there ,.

[slendersunfish]

If a potential customer has a window cleaner ill never leave my details as i think this is too insulting to the present window cleaner. ??

[Grafters Cleaning Services]

If a potential customer has a window cleaner ill never leave my details as i think this is too insulting to the present window cleaner. ??

i totally agree, if they say i've already got one, i thank them for there time and move on

[Londoner]

Your appearence sets the scene before you even get a chance to open your mouth.
I always go canvassing in clean overalls. I know it sounds naff but it works.
Have a shave, don't smoke, smile and carry a clipboard. You have to look like you are "the business"

Don't worry about the rude ones. Its their loss