Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Blackadder on February 12, 2015, 09:11:19 pm

Title: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Blackadder on February 12, 2015, 09:11:19 pm
Only been cleaning since September but have a couple of weeks solid work and have been using the spare time doing add on jobs, gutters etc. had a quiet end to the week, so thought I would get back out canvassing, 4 hours, 1 customer, a bit soul destroying! Is there a knack of picking the right area, and please don't say 'look for dirty windows' lol. Got a bit sick today of hearing 'no, we have a window cleaner and he does everyone in this road....really?!
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Spruce on February 12, 2015, 09:31:35 pm
Try another estate and then another. Its a numbers game - number of knocks to number in to a potential customer. If it takes 50 knocks to get a potential customer then this will motivate you to accept the no's as a yes will be along shortly.

Get a street map and record the numbers of each house you call on. If they have a window cleaner then acknowledge that but before moving on, ask his name.

What I believe you want is a list of people who have window cleaners as well as who the window cleaner is.

If in the future you hear that John has stopped cleaning etc, then you have a list of people to knock, albeit a little old.

When you clean Mrs Gibson's house, knock on the neighbours and offer your services. Ask Mrs Gibson if she knows any of her friends nearby who may also need the services of a good window cleaner.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: alfie11 on February 12, 2015, 09:38:08 pm
Look at it like this. Your target is one new crusty a day for the next 6mths, after the 6mths your round will be full and you will have a nice round. But for now its head up shoulders back and crack on.

good luck
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Andrew Griffiths on February 12, 2015, 09:43:21 pm
Hi Mark,
Have you tried placing a couple of adverts in various village parish magazines.
We have found that these have been very productive and each magazine usually covers many of the surrounding villages in one magazine so you get good coverage.
A copy of the magazines can usually be found at the church or village shop, if not at these places just do a bit of footwork in a village promoting your work and ask a friendly villager if they might have a copy of there church/parish magazine you could have.
In the magazine is usually all the contacts you will need to place your advert and you will see if there is another cleaner already advertising but don't worry about that.
Once you are in with one villager word spreads both good and bad so be careful and do a good job.

Hope this helps.
Andrew.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Blackadder on February 12, 2015, 09:52:20 pm
Thanks for the encouraging words guys, I will take it all on board.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: SeanK on February 12, 2015, 10:27:02 pm
Don't look at it as getting one customer look at it as getting a chance to prove yourself in that street/area.
Trust me there will be people watching and talking and waiting for you to prove yourself and then it will be
...excuse me I watched you clean my neighbours property and was wondering would you do mine also.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Walter Mitty on February 12, 2015, 11:58:56 pm
had a quiet end to the week, so thought I would get back out canvassing, 4 hours, 1 customer, a bit soul destroying!

Don't let it put you off.  Sometimes a canvassing session doesn't work so well.  Another time you'll pick up two per hour maybe.  There is some pot luck involved but knocking with a positive manner and at a time when people are more likely to be in helps.  No-one home?  Drop a leaflet through.  You may find enquiries trickling through in the coming weeks if you do that.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Mick Kent on February 13, 2015, 12:40:36 am
Mod Note:  If you wish to advertise - contact admin. 
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Stoots on February 13, 2015, 07:40:39 am
I would try diff areas for an hour and ask if theres a windy about, you will eventually drop on an area.

I was scared shotless of canvassing for ages, last week i bit the bullet

first area got 1 in 2 hours, thought the same as you

next day 30 mins 4 custies on one cul de sac,  turns out theres another windy on there but only does a couple of houses, any way ive now picked up 8 on there, theres about 50 houses on this street, ive only spoke to 18 custies and got 8 so evertime im down there im gonna knock the rest till ive spoke to everyone

Just spend 30 mins or so in an area, move to another area,, once you pick up a few do it more methodically write everything down whos in whos not etc and re canvass
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: SB Cleaning on February 13, 2015, 09:48:09 am
Everyone wants to be a window cleaner at the moment...that's the problem
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: john stracey on February 13, 2015, 01:12:23 pm
Can recommend getting Mick Kent in to canvass you up some work if you don't enjoy door knocking yourself Mick got me 16 new customers on a Saturday knock with his team a couple of weeks ago ,just cleaned them this week, and got another 5 walk ups in these new areas   ;D
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Andrew JP on February 13, 2015, 02:06:52 pm
Can recommend getting Mick Kent in to canvass you up some work if you don't enjoy door knocking yourself Mick got me 16 new customers on a Saturday knock with his team a couple of weeks ago ,just cleaned them this week, and got another 5 walk ups in these new areas   ;D

How much does it cost to pay a canvasser ? How does it work , financially ?
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: john stracey on February 13, 2015, 02:26:45 pm
£250 of monthly work cost me £500 which is the going rate for canvassing
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Blackadder on February 13, 2015, 03:07:01 pm

Where in kent are you. Check my link out on profile.

I'm in the Medway area but it's pretty saturated with window cleaners around here, so anywhere within a 15-20 mile radius is ok
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Ian101 on February 13, 2015, 04:51:15 pm
Only been cleaning since September but have a couple of weeks solid work and have been using the spare time doing add on jobs, gutters etc. had a quiet end to the week, so thought I would get back out canvassing, 4 hours, 1 customer, a bit soul destroying! Is there a knack of picking the right area, and please don't say 'look for dirty windows' lol. Got a bit sick today of hearing 'no, we have a window cleaner and he does everyone in this road....really?!

don't be offended by this ...................... but ALL OF 4 HOURS !!!!!!  ;D ;D AND you got 1 as well

Ive been canvassing this month done about 10 hours (2 x 4 hours on Saturdays and 2 hours mid week)  and got 3 customers which is very bad for me.

You just have to keep going .... im doing tomorrow 10.30 till 2.30 and expect to get 0 but hope to get 4 to 6 customers ... I will also be canvassing the Sat after and the Sat after and the Sat after etc etc etc for rest of year till September then from Feb to Sept 2016.

Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Blackadder on February 13, 2015, 05:05:09 pm
Haha, don't get me wrong Ian, that was an example, it's not the first time I've spent 4 hours for less than 1 custy, I just wondered if there is a particular knack as I'm a pleasant guy and can string a sentence together, I think closing a deal at the door is my downfall!
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Blackadder on February 13, 2015, 05:06:24 pm
And of course, having a nose for the right area.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Johnny B on February 13, 2015, 05:15:03 pm

Where in kent are you. Check my link out on profile.

I'm in the Medway area but it's pretty saturated with window cleaners around here, so anywhere within a 15-20 mile radius is ok

My old run was in the Medway Towns. I only sold up just under 4 years ago, when I moved to Ireland, so I wouldn't think that things would have changed that much. Have you tried Frindsbury or Strood? If you would like some ideas on specific areas where I know there were loads of excellent customers in a compact area, let me know and I will tell you where they are.

Best wishes,
John.

Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Ian101 on February 13, 2015, 05:17:39 pm
Haha, don't get me wrong Ian, that was an example, it's not the first time I've spent 4 hours for less than 1 custy, I just wondered if there is a particular knack as I'm a pleasant guy and can string a sentence together, I think closing a deal at the door is my downfall!

have you tried the either or close (ex car salesman here) sometimes when you've done your chat and gave price they need  little nudge to say yes ... I now always quote monthly or bimonthly and close them if they need it by saying "so do you want the monthly or every other then Mr Jones ................ alternatively if you only quote monthly you can close them by saying "Is Tuesday ok to do the first clean" look em in the eyes and shut up till they speak .. cant beat a bit of silence.

watch this clip from a great movie 7mins 56 seconds in the relevant part  ;D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2wLlrfU89E



Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Mick Kent on February 13, 2015, 05:21:09 pm
Mod Note: If you wish to advertise, contact admin.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Blackadder on February 13, 2015, 06:11:15 pm

Where in kent are you. Check my link out on profile.

I'm in the Medway area but it's pretty saturated with window cleaners around here, so anywhere within a 15-20 mile radius is ok

My old run was in the Medway Towns. I only sold up just under 4 years ago, when I moved to Ireland, so I wouldn't think that things would have changed that much. Have you tried Frindsbury or Strood? If you would like some ideas on specific areas where I know there were loads of excellent customers in a compact area, let me know and I will tell you where they are.

Best wishes,
John.


that would be great John, my email address is dilleys@icloud.com
Thanks.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Blackadder on February 13, 2015, 06:12:12 pm
you must know shine time in Medway then, I used to be a part owner in that company, Medway is an ok area to hit. id happily do a session for you. i always hit good results and have decent canvassers working with me so will be a win win for you. chuck me an email

info@windowcleaningcanvassing.com
thanks Mick, I'll drop you a mail
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Mick Kent on February 13, 2015, 06:19:33 pm
Can recommend getting Mick Kent in to canvass you up some work if you don't enjoy door knocking yourself Mick got me 16 new customers on a Saturday knock with his team a couple of weeks ago ,just cleaned them this week, and got another 5 walk ups in these new areas   ;D

Ahh good feedback. Cheers mate, glad was good.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Jamie Thomas on February 13, 2015, 07:56:18 pm
Hi mick how much do you charge to canvas
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: hasti on February 13, 2015, 08:06:20 pm
you must know shine time in Medway then, I used to be a part owner in that company, Medway is an ok area to hit. id happily do a session for you. i always hit good results and have decent canvassers working with me so will be a win win for you. chuck me an email

info@windowcleaningcanvassing.com

Chuck me an email  ;D i like that
I just did  ;)
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: C o z y on February 13, 2015, 08:26:55 pm
4 hours and you still kept going while getting all those "no's" ? That takes bottle. It's people that do that, that are going to be the movers and shakers in this sort of game. Well done mate, keep doing what you're doing. Good days and bad days. Total respect.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Blackadder on February 13, 2015, 08:50:35 pm
Are you mocking me Cozy..... :)
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Johnny B on February 13, 2015, 09:19:47 pm
Are you mocking me Cozy..... :)

I know Cozy has a sense of humour! In this case, though, I know he means what he is saying, and I echo what he is saying.  :)

Oh, by the way Mark, can I contact by you any other means than email, re my earlier post in this thread, as I no longer have an email address?

John
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: PoleKing on February 13, 2015, 09:37:57 pm
Are you mocking me Cozy..... :)

I dont think so mate.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Blackadder on February 14, 2015, 05:36:06 am
4 hours and you still kept going while getting all those "no's" ? That takes bottle. It's people that do that, that are going to be the movers and shakers in this sort of game. Well done mate, keep doing what you're doing. Good days and bad days. Total respect.
cheers then Cozy, and I massively appreciate all the input received.

Jonny, you can text or ring if you like on 07968775724. Thanks.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Walter Mitty on February 14, 2015, 06:15:36 am
Back in '91 I kickstarted my business with just canvassing.  It was hard going as it was eary winter and interest rates were very high historically.  I kept plugging away though and got a reasonable round in the end.  I was out for about 3 evenings per week for a minimum of two hours (usually three) and some at the weekend too.  I found that daytime weekday canvassing was mostly a waste but still a chance to get leaflets through doors.
Not so easy back then.  I had no mentor, no internet, no WFP and had to keep practising squeegee technique on my own windows.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: FRESHER on February 14, 2015, 08:32:56 am
Canvassing is all a state of mind.  It's about perseverance. There is a phrase in door to door that is widly known, "go for no's!"  Basically try and get as many no's as possible.  Set a target and try and reach that target every time.  In going for no's you will get the odd yes which is the bonus you are really looking for.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Mick Kent on February 14, 2015, 10:45:15 am
Mod Note: If you wish to advertise, contact admin.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Jim Waugh(Albright & Shiny) on February 14, 2015, 05:41:40 pm
Keep plugging away. Don't take a NO as a failure Its just an inconvenience  Its discouraging when you get a long run of them . But occasionally the same happens with YES.. I had it a few weeks back.. Went into an area I though would be over run with cleaners.. Got 14 out of 112 houses..  did the clean and had another two walkups.. Apparently the last windae had just bugged out 6 months previous... They are out there you just gotta keep on knocking.
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: robbo333 on February 14, 2015, 05:51:20 pm
Absolutely keep going. Got a walk up last week where the windy has gone away. Quoted 3 houses plus gave leaflets for 2 more. All to one guy. Also, exactly the same in a separate area. I'll 'shotgun' both areas with leaflet drops and see what comes of it. If I had the time, I'd be knocking, smiling and talking the talk!  ;D
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: C o z y on February 14, 2015, 06:26:49 pm
Are you mocking me Cozy..... :)

Just seen this. No mate. It's a pack of cards, you keep turning one card after another, looking for the aces. The point I'm making earlier about respect is, that most of the people on this planet are scared of rejection. When we're born, we are automatically scared of loud noises, and falling. As we develop, (well some of us don't, like Hector hasn't) we develop other fears. One of these is rejection, or in this case "no's". So you have a gift of "bottle". A lot of the canvassers on here like Wizz, or Mick Kent have it and earn by using it.

I don't like rejection, but when it comes to knocking doors, I'm not scared, so because I have no fear, I find it easy. So I'm not "brave". People like you are disappointed with a crap result, but kept going for 4 hours!! That's the difference between you and some others.

When you get past this episode, you may want to take up canvassing. Just a thought.

HTH
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Blackadder on February 14, 2015, 11:35:54 pm
Are you mocking me Cozy..... :)

Just seen this. No mate. It's a pack of cards, you keep turning one card after another, looking for the aces. The point I'm making earlier about respect is, that most of the people on this planet are scared of rejection. When we're born, we are automatically scared of loud noises, and falling. As we develop, (well some of us don't, like Hector hasn't) we develop other fears. One of these is rejection, or in this case "no's". So you have a gift of "bottle". A lot of the canvassers on here like Wizz, or Mick Kent have it and earn by using it.

I don't like rejection, but when it comes to knocking doors, I'm not scared, so because I have no fear, I find it easy. So I'm not "brave". People like you are disappointed with a crap result, but kept going for 4 hours!! That's the difference between you and some others.

When you get past this episode, you may want to take up canvassing. Just a thought.

HTH
cheers, must say, you all inspired me to keep going and it paid off, canvassed for two and a half hours today and got 4 on (inc a gutter clean and moss removal from a roof!), it certainly makes you feel better about the whole thing  :D
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: 8weekly on February 15, 2015, 06:53:46 am
Canvassing doesn't work.  ;D
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Frankybadboy on February 15, 2015, 08:44:07 am
Canvassing doesn't work.  ;D
its all about putting them flyers out ask vin ;D ;D ;D ;) ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: Mick Kent on February 15, 2015, 04:01:12 pm
Admin i have contacted you and am waiting for you to send me the invoice to pay. I have even sent a reminder email.
Cheers
Title: Re: Disappointing canvassing.
Post by: pdale on February 15, 2015, 07:55:49 pm
Aim for houses that have a bit of a complication to them. When i first meet a window cleaner i can more or less guarantee he wants me to knock housing estates that have been built in the last 20 or so years, you know the easy to do ones with flat upvc windows. Everybody wants them, hence those estates get saturated with window cleaners. I do knock them and get work, but you have to be confident in what you are saying to get them, whereas the complicated houses are easier to pick up.

If you go for estates with bays, especially five sided bays, some maybe leaded windows, they may look a bit complicated, those type of estates don't get canvassed as much. Most window cleaners try to get houses that have flat windows with no complication, if you are a little different and keep plodding through the abundance of "no's"  you'll pick up work.