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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: paul ette on May 26, 2013, 11:13:33 am

Title: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on May 26, 2013, 11:13:33 am
hi all,
would like some advise on canvassing companies. was considering using one as i hate canvassing my self and have very low confidence on the door. The asking price is 2 and a half times monthly income(not price of clean) and if they cancell in first 3 months they will refund or replace customers. Has any one used these sort of people?
If so do you recomend them?
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: Richard iSparkle on May 26, 2013, 01:46:21 pm
Hi Paul,

What is the name of the company you are looking at?
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on May 26, 2013, 02:04:23 pm
sps window cleaning
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: James chapman on May 26, 2013, 02:23:07 pm
There's another topic on this company somewhere....not sure it was positive
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: easy clean on May 27, 2013, 09:54:40 am
I too would be interested to know of people's experience with this company.

Thanks
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on May 27, 2013, 05:35:08 pm
anyone with experience with sps?
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on May 27, 2013, 05:55:18 pm
Yes, didn't go great but they have promised to get me some more work so we shall see. Certainly didn't keep the promises they made and lost interest in helping me as soon as they got the last bit of money.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on May 27, 2013, 06:08:44 pm
did a lot of people cancel within 3 months? and i suppose they didnt want to replace?
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: robbo333 on May 27, 2013, 06:12:11 pm
Paul, why not try to find someone who can show you, and help you, how to canvass properly? I know you hate it, but that's only because you've probably never done it correctly so you don't feel comfortable doing it. I know you think people hate you knocking, but if you do it correctly then actually they don't! If you can canvass yourself, you'll save a mint and also feel really good when the custys start rolling in.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on May 27, 2013, 06:17:41 pm
true :)
hows the best way, i just say hi would you be interested in a window cleaner? short and sweet, think im just gonna try again myself, hired a girl to do it but payed her and been messed around by lots of people and lost out on money, just saw this company (sps) and they say if they cancel in first 3 months they will replace so thought it would be great to get them to canvass where i already have customers to make my round compact.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: Ian Lancaster on May 27, 2013, 06:23:40 pm
It's been said many times on here: do a leaflet drop first, then follow up with door knocking.  All you have to do is show them your leaflet and say "I put one of these through your door a couple of days ago - can I give you a quote for cleaning your windows?

Seemples tck tck ;)
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on May 27, 2013, 06:27:35 pm
The problem was that they put anything on the list, people that just asked for a quote, people that wanted a one off ect and made out they all wanted a monthly clean. The thing is, ive spoke to someone at the company recently and they told me a previous partner in the business was doing it all wrong and had a lot of unhappy customers, me included, but they've got rid of him out of the company and he promised its all going to be done properly now. They are going to finish off my contract this week apparently so if they do i'll be happy, theyve always got me good prices etc. Your best off phoning and having a good chat with them
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on May 27, 2013, 06:35:43 pm
ok thanks for info, does the leaflet first really work? thought it would be wasted legwork
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: Ian Lancaster on May 27, 2013, 06:40:19 pm
ok thanks for info, does the leaflet first really work? thought it would be wasted legwork

Over many years I've built maybe 15-20 rounds using this method.

Never fails.

Why should it be wasted legwork?
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on May 27, 2013, 06:45:20 pm
just thought going to property twice would be a waste of time when you can just knock the first time if that makes sense. im just a beginner so im just looking for advice, will give the leaflet first thing a go as you said, its tried and tested :)
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: HampshireWindowCleaning on May 27, 2013, 06:51:40 pm
Personally I've tried the leaflet first thing and found it a waste of time.
Anyone that REALLY wants a window cleaner is pleased to see you and will be happy to take you on even if you just cold call.
It's the ones that need a bit of persuading that are a pain in the long term
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on May 27, 2013, 07:00:52 pm
ye i get a lot of not this plz but can you call next month, pes me orff
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: George Gardner on May 28, 2013, 12:11:44 pm
Hi Paul I is was one asking originally as a couple of people have said about sps. Hampshire window cleaning very kindly gave me the low down on them, and said very much the above. I'm waiting to hear on how the canvassing that he has been promised goes and then make a decision with them. Seem to be very nice on the phone infact. So it's all on you Hampshire Window Cleaning................ ;)
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: roundbuilder on May 28, 2013, 01:33:34 pm
Whizz bizz seems to knows he's stuff and travels all over the uk canvassing with good reviews.
Failing that if you have space for customers then you must have time on your hands to do it yourself. Anyway good luck and remember canvassing is a win win however you do it.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: robbo333 on May 28, 2013, 05:36:55 pm
true :)
hows the best way, i just say hi would you be interested in a window cleaner? short and sweet, think im just gonna try again myself, hired a girl to do it but payed her and been messed around by lots of people and lost out on money, just saw this company (sps) and they say if they cancel in first 3 months they will replace so thought it would be great to get them to canvass where i already have customers to make my round compact.


Paul, get yourself a printed polo shirt with your name on it and make sure you look smart, shaved etc. Have a leaflet in your hand facing them and knock on the door. Just be friendly "Hi, sorry to trouble you, I'm Paul a local window cleaner, I was just wondering if you would like a quote to have your windows cleaned regularly?"
At this point, they either want a regular window cleaner or not. Just keep going until you get the inevitable 'how much?'
Job done!
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on June 03, 2013, 06:21:28 pm
any news on sps window cleaning?
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: ashbash on June 03, 2013, 09:07:21 pm
2nd this i have been in contact with them but dont like the sounds of above. anyone know who whizzbizz are and if hes any good , what he chares etc thanks
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: easy clean on June 12, 2013, 01:21:52 pm
I've recently had dealings with sps......watch this space!
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: robert mitchell on June 12, 2013, 02:04:02 pm
Me too ...........without realising it !
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: Whizz-Bizz on June 12, 2013, 11:33:11 pm
Yo my ears where burning hahaha whats cooking ?
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: Whizz-Bizz on June 12, 2013, 11:47:03 pm
Ive heard of SPS mixed reports but I do like the fact they charge 2.5x the clean value, in fact I really like that.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: robert mitchell on June 13, 2013, 07:09:31 am
My experience so far ......out of around 440 they sent me I got about 180 .
Some of those will be one offs .
They seem to put anything on the list .
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: dazmond on June 13, 2013, 08:09:36 am
its just the nature of the job.your always gonna get people dropping out,wanting one offs or messers.

i would never pay someone else to get work for me.i built mine up myself.most new work now comes from word of mouth and recommendation although i do some leafleting and canvassing from time to time.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: robert mitchell on June 13, 2013, 09:04:39 am
i get that but not 60% surely?

Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paulgran1234 on June 13, 2013, 12:54:45 pm
i have just spent the last 4 weeks canvassing, as i want to bring my nephew in to the business, and i'm planing on testing the water, here in yorkshire offering my sevices as a canvasser to other window cleaners, or people wanting to bulid a new round

i will be chaging X2 the monthly clean value and will canvass anywhere in yorkshire, give me a call on 07901 958585 and let me know where you want canvassing etc and i will see what i can do for you
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: roundbuilder on June 13, 2013, 01:07:21 pm
Im the same anyone within 60 miles from london and ill be charging x5( there must be some mugs on here somewhere)!!!.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: p1w1 on June 13, 2013, 02:04:45 pm
Im the same anyone within 60 miles from london and ill be charging x5( there must be some mugs on here somewhere)!!!.
Hi Mick
didn't you have a team of canvassers working for you recently? where they your own or someone you hired?

Paul
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: roundbuilder on June 13, 2013, 04:31:13 pm
Im the same anyone within 60 miles from london and ill be charging x5( there must be some mugs on here somewhere)!!!.
Hi Mick
didn't you have a team of canvassers working for you recently? where they your own or someone you hired?

Paul

Yes i found my canvassers myself. Wouldnt pay 2x for canvassed work as these sort of canvassers sign up any old crap for work and leave you in the lurch..
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: p1w1 on June 13, 2013, 04:47:36 pm
Im the same anyone within 60 miles from london and ill be charging x5( there must be some mugs on here somewhere)!!!.
Hi Mick
didn't you have a team of canvassers working for you recently? where they your own or someone you hired?

Paul

Yes i found my canvassers myself. Wouldnt pay 2x for canvassed work as these sort of canvassers sign up any old crap for work and leave you in the lurch..
Do they canvass for others as i would like a couple of canvassers for a few weeks
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on June 14, 2013, 07:42:00 am
i spoke to the guy from sps, reckons they use a quality control service now, they ring every customer to confirm before they pass the work on, dont know if this is true and worth spending/wasting money . they do say they cover cancellations for 3 months ???
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: roundbuilder on June 14, 2013, 08:10:11 am
If they can stick to there word with 3 months then your onto a winner.. Most of the dropouts happen i. The first 4 cleans mainly by the 2nd. Thats a great guarantee for the work as long as your not paying more than 2x you will be ok.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: robert mitchell on June 14, 2013, 07:19:59 pm
They phone them but the list has confirmed , dna (did not answer) on it .
Out of 33 names only 8 were confirmed , just over half have dropped out before first clean .

They are promising to top it up to what it should be though .

Will see what happens .
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: roundbuilder on June 14, 2013, 07:45:20 pm
That sounds a shambles robert. You want to be buying comfirmed work not a list of  any old crap.
Said it time and time again dont use these fools and go and do it yourself or find your own canvassers it is t hard.. Add in shop window, add in paper, add online, add as your facebook status, ask in local pub or where you hang out, so many people out there will be greatfull to canvas for you and earn between £5-10 a customer.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: Crystal-clear on June 14, 2013, 11:57:17 pm
Can you guys please stop parting with your money to people who make everything sound too good to be true ? Why don't you ask them to let you clean some of it first if its a 3 month garentee what's the problem or offer 50% then a other 50% if it all sticks (which it won't)
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: Whizz-Bizz on June 15, 2013, 02:29:29 am
They phone them but the list has confirmed , dna (did not answer) on it .
Out of 33 names only 8 were confirmed , just over half have dropped out before first clean .

They are promising to top it up to what it should be though .

Will see what happens .
In my own personal experience when I do the telesales to have only spoke to 8 people out of 33 means they have literally spent  40minutes to an hour maximum on the phone chasing these people. My belief is there playing at the canvassing. How can anyone have time to run a round, sell franchises and do canvassing. Running a round of any size is a fulltime job on its own something has to give.
On a side note Mick Kent Im a bit more local to you over next few weeks if your up for a beer Essex styleeeeee   
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: robert mitchell on June 15, 2013, 07:10:12 am
I didnt know it was from them , I brought it off a bloke in southampton without realising where the work was coming from .
He has promised to replace and he seems a sound bloke , we will see what happens over next three months.
You are right though , it should be a list of confirmed customers.

When are you coming to southampton  to teach me canvassing ? :)
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: A & J Owen Window Cleaning on June 15, 2013, 06:00:59 pm
the best way to get customers is send the wife canvassing.she   will be better on the door and will net you better customers. I know its hard canvassing but the more you do it the better you become. practice your sales patter. hope this helps a bit.as for thecanvassing  companys its all a load of tosh.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on June 23, 2013, 03:32:33 pm
so have they refunded you or got more work from the people youve lost before you started?
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: robert mitchell on June 23, 2013, 04:36:55 pm
Been given more work but I didnt buy direct from them  but from somebody who has some kind of deal with them .
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: feldon on June 23, 2013, 05:27:42 pm
ok thanks for info, does the leaflet first really work? thought it would be wasted legwork

Over many years I've built maybe 15-20 rounds using this method.

Never fails.

Why should it be wasted legwork?

What sort of return do you get Ian when you leaflet first and then canvass? and how long do you leave between leafleting and canvassing?
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: roundbuilder on June 24, 2013, 12:04:58 pm
It's wasted time leafletting first. Why not just simply leaflet if no one is home while canvassing the door??. Thats how id do it. People either want a cleaner or they dont, leafleting first wont change that fact.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: Crystal-clear on November 07, 2013, 10:48:57 pm
Any update on Sps easyclean you said watch this space not alot has been said since not all roses??
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: easy clean on November 07, 2013, 10:56:01 pm
Give me a contact number and I'll tell you about my experience, both good and bad
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: barry mallett on November 09, 2013, 07:22:46 am
I can't believe anyone would pay for someone in a cheap suit to canvass up some work that's gunna be spread out and more than likely messes . Why not spend the Money on buying a well established compact round .
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on November 09, 2013, 08:23:17 am
why would it be spread out? if there was any rounds for sale near me id buy them, look everyday and theres never anything
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: roundbuilder on November 09, 2013, 08:57:41 am
The thing i find with buying well established work 5/10 years old is that near on all window cleaners fail with price inceases..eg a round near me was for sale in an area i work already but where the prices were all £8 a house and £4 front only where as upto date prices are £15 whole house and fromts at £10.. Id never be able to up the prices to double and it would take 5 years by putting them up a £1 each year to reach what my norm is now but in 5 years my average would be even higher still so it wouldnt have been a good move at all buying the established round...
Normally an established round only comes up for sale if its low priced or something wrong with it or a cleaner selling off his worst uncompact work etc. this is how my experiance has been with looking to buy established work anyway.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: James chapman on November 09, 2013, 05:37:36 pm
Yeah I will second that mick. Although I have bought three rounds only one was poop.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: barry mallett on November 10, 2013, 05:33:49 am
Well if the prices on the round were crap you don't go near it . There's always work comin up for sale round this way you just gotta pick the right round bit . As for paying a canvasser , no way .
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: A & J Owen Window Cleaning on November 10, 2013, 05:57:52 pm
check out pauldale he will explain a bit about it.he posted on  here recently about this.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: pdale on November 12, 2013, 09:51:47 am
Quote
check out pauldale he will explain a bit about it.he posted on  here recently about this.

Thanks Alan ... just set up a new blog for canvassing and willling to offer tips/advice http://www.solutionsforwindowcleaners.co.uk/
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: SB Cleaning on November 12, 2013, 05:16:07 pm
why would it be spread out? if there was any rounds for sale near me id buy them, look everyday and theres never anything
If you want a good canvasser get in touch with PDale  who comes on here mate.

I've used him.a couple if times and will again..
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on November 12, 2013, 05:58:59 pm
whizz bizz is currently doing some canvassing for me as we speak :)
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: crystal.clear on November 12, 2013, 07:14:32 pm
Hi paul ette could u let me know how it goes with whizz bizz im thibking of using him next year thanks
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: paul ette on November 12, 2013, 07:17:37 pm
will do
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: pdale on November 12, 2013, 07:19:39 pm
Quote
If you want a good canvasser get in touch with PDale  who comes on here mate.

I've used him.a couple if times and will again..

Thanks for the recommendation Shaun, speak soon.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: A & J Owen Window Cleaning on November 12, 2013, 08:23:42 pm
no problem mate u ok lad. will have a look at your blogs later.
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: Whizz-Bizz on November 12, 2013, 11:29:11 pm
whizz bizz is currently doing some canvassing for me as we speak :)
No pressure then Paul cheers  ;D
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: daniel b on November 13, 2013, 08:18:23 am
Mark done some canvassing for me last week he done a very good job in a tough area, works very hard, and had good communication with me throughout and still does.

Daniel
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: Whizz-Bizz on November 13, 2013, 08:41:27 am
Great report Dan thanks its appreciated ;D
Title: Re: canvassing companys?
Post by: Tom White on November 13, 2013, 03:35:56 pm
Quote
check out pauldale he will explain a bit about it.he posted on  here recently about this.

Thanks Alan ... just set up a new blog for canvassing and willling to offer tips/advice http://www.solutionsforwindowcleaners.co.uk/

We've had a complaint that this is spam, however I'm going to leave it because I think there's some helpful information that other window cleaners can use; those who just wish to canvass without using your services.

Good blog; I enjoyed reading it.