[sam peafield]

hi all,

I have been window cleaning weekends mainly for a few years extra cash etc, but recently lost a few customers due to undercutting/newbies etc so not got much work left at all now.  Anyway rather than throw the towel in i have decided to fight back "big time".
As of now i am going full time got van and wfp (second hand) set up ready just need some work and fast.

From next Monday i intend to canvass/doorknock every day for one month (30 days) i will knock all day everyday (11am - 7pm)  aiming to pick up as many new customers as possible, i do not intend to be the cheapest nor the most expensive, about £10 for average 3 bed detached. I will explain that cleaning will commence after the 30 day campaign for new customers, hopefully this should allow me to totally focus on generating business before "getting my hands dirty" so to speak. With this in mind i would be most grateful if all you experienced doorknockers could give me your best estimate of what can be realistically acheived in the time frame i have set myself and in today's current climate.

I am not sure what to expect really but given the fact i will knock 8 hours per day for 30 days solid i would be dissapointed if i did not get a decent return, i do have a rough daily figure in mind but would love to hear your comments predictions first. Go on give it a go what do you all think i will generate per day taking all variables into account such as: people not at home, some areas saturated/some not hopefully, i'm not paying that much to have my windows cleaned when mrs such and such at no.26 only pays £3.50 etc etc.

How are you that are currently doorknocking finding it, is the current climate making it harder or not ?

Thanks
Sam

[Tosh]

Sam,

What's your experience of canvassing; door knocking; so far?  Have you done this before?

[sam peafield]

Tosh,

yes a few years back now double glazing and some for window cleaning, got flyers proffesionally printed ready to go Monday 11am

What do you think is acheivable ?

sam

[DaveG]

Ive put 40-60 in the poll

Thats probably about the average my canvassers get

[AuRavelling79]

What area are you in Sam?

[Tosh]

Sam,

I haven't a clue to be honest; but I do know it's a game of numbers; and if you put the time and effort in you'll do it.  Hopefully - given the Winter we've had - you'll find all those 'B Jobs' that window cleaners have dumped in favour of better work; at least; at best you might find areas where the window cleaner has stopped altogether.

I've canvassed, but not for prolonged periods; anymore than two hours at a stretch and I'd had enough.  That's why I wanted to know if you'd done it before; I didn't find it easy, and doing it for 8 hours a day would've drove me to the pits of despair.  But that's me.

Anyway, it's the right time of year, but beware of the old, 'desperate for work and pricing too cheaply' syndrome.  That's a killer.

Take your time when pricing jobs; identify any access problems and state your terms and conditions clearly including payment instructions.

Expect to find a lot of 'bad customers' when you first start; they'll be the ones other window cleaners have dumped.

Good luck; but I've got to get out to work now.

[sam peafield]

H2ose, Can i ask you how many hours canvassing you do for the 40-60 return, do you employ others then to do it for you ?
Malc, I am in Nottinghamshire

Sam

[DaveG]

Yes mate employ others to do it.

They prob do about 3-5 hours a day

[ZaNo]

100 No probs.

[AuRavelling79]

Some days nowt, some days a plum job. Or a few.

I wouldn't do eight hours unless you're a really good "rejection handler" - go for six actually on the knocker to keep sharp. Write down "not homes" meticulously and call back on them later in the day.

Sometimes you meet people who chat but don't commit - a bit nervous or wary. Elderly perhaps. Jot them down and when you clean nearby pop along with a note/comp slip saying something like:-

Hello, about (X) weeks ago I called at your home about window cleaning - you'll notice that I now do numbers. (X,X and X) in your road. In fact I've just cleaned them - if you want to see the standard of my work have a look when you're next out and about.

I'm around next month, I drive a (pink van, whatever) give me a call or approach me if you'd like yours done (or want that quote I offered).

[sam peafield]

Hi all,

Don't know if you would all be interested or not but i am more than happy to post some kind of daily blog/report on my progress (good or bad) all i know is i have totally made my mind up to see this 30 day campaign through "AND I WILL", besides just coming through marriage break up. She buggered off with someone else after 15 years together, bless her, so i need to get my teeth into something new, been feeling sorry for myself for months now. Time to move on !

Please keep the votes/comments coming i hope to gain inspiration or maybe perspiration from them !

Thanks
Sam

[Oakley Windows]

I put £80-£100

You said you'll be canvassing full-time for a month prior to cleaning, I cant see a problem in picking up half a dozen 3-4 bed semis in that amount of time per day, that'll equate to something close to what I reckon.

Matt


Saying that----------why arent you out canvassing?

[Milltown Cleaning]

i will be recommencing my door knocking spree very shortly.

Just out of interest, what way do you guys approach your sales pitch? what do you usually say?

[ZaNo]

Just to let you know 8 hours would be a waste, you need only do a few hours of the day but at the right times of the day, ie - not too early - not too late - not when people pick there kids up from school etc..

[MSTAV]

Ive put 40-60 in the poll

Thats probably about the average my canvassers get

Id have thought a lot more for 3-5 hours work. thats a terrible average. if charging a tenner min then thats only 1-2 an hour. I used to canvass regular for people and would defo get a lot more in 3-5 hours.

[seandyer2003]

Some days nowt, some days a plum job. Or a few.

I wouldn't do eight hours unless you're a really good "rejection handler" - go for six actually on the knocker to keep sharp. Write down "not homes" meticulously and call back on them later in the day.

Sometimes you meet people who chat but don't commit - a bit nervous or wary. Elderly perhaps. Jot them down and when you clean nearby pop along with a note/comp slip saying something like:-

Hello, about (X) weeks ago I called at your home about window cleaning - you'll notice that I now do numbers. (X,X and X) in your road. In fact I've just cleaned them - if you want to see the standard of my work have a look when you're next out and about.

I'm around next month, I drive a (pink van, whatever) give me a call or approach me if you'd like yours done (or want that quote I offered).

Good post, do be thorough, call back even if they umm and aah, when you quote go on high and come down!

On the hours, if i was you i wouldnt knock 11-8 id start leafletting at 11-2 look out for dirty windows etc, have a break, and begin knocking from 3ish - 8 if you can, i did canvassing for a living and after 3 - 4 hours most days is enough, you will speak to so many people that if you get alot of No's its hard to not get negative and people smell it then and dont respond, best to go home and start again tomorrow when you might hit a good area... To save time walk down the street knocking where lights are on, cars are on drive etc, note the numbers then go back to the one that werent in later in the day

[sam peafield]

Thanks everyone,

I hear what you are saying about 8 hours  being a long maybe intense time, but rejection really doesn,t bother me to much i have been involved in sales in some form or another for many years now it's all about your state of mind "glass half full etc".  I have set my stall out to do this and when i do so i like to see things through. One thing i will not be doing is "underpricing" i know what a slippery slope can ensue from that old chesnut.

Please keep your comments/votes coming. I would be especially keen to hear of peoples experiences who are actually doorknocking currently

P.s i have ticked the 60-80 box my overall target being £2000 from the 30 days "only time will tell "

Thanks
Sam

Thanks
Sam

[sam peafield]

Hi,

seandyer2003,  Interesting thoughts thanks for your input. I suppose what i am not totally sure on is how to break the 8 hours up,
Would you all recommend:
a) doorknock cold with flyer and pitch ready
b) leaflet drop morning then doorknock same properties afternoon/evening
c) leaflet drop one day then doorknock following day
d) alternative method

Thanks
Sam

[sam peafield]

Redcaddy,

I am in Nottinghamshire.

Thanks
Sam

[sam peafield]

Come on guy's waiting with baited breath here give me your opinions please.

Must say early indications on the poll not great, although some say above 100 per day looks acheivable the majority at this stage reckon under 40 ?? although i appreciate this is not exactly scientific it would be very dissapointing to say the least if out of 8 hours canvassing i only managed £40, but hey ho rome not built in a day as they say, onwards and upwards.

Sam