Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: jeff1 on December 26, 2006, 11:52:15 pm
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Guy's can you give me your opinions, on the words I was going to put on my flyers. good or bad welcome.
Professional Window Cleaner (Reflections)
Fully Insured
Do you need a reliable, courteous & Professional window cleaner? Who uses the latest Technology?
No
Then that’s fine - Thank you for your time
BUT Wait
1 in 4 window cleaners will give up between now and next march
So Please, put me somewhere safe, so when you need a reliable window cleaner you can contact me on
Mobile all day 077*********
Home Evenings 01**********
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43 views and no opinions, is it that good ;D ;D ;D ;D ???
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Bit of an odd flyer.
I would have stopped reading it at the word NO.
You dont seem to be selling yourself.
What is your source for 1 in 4 window cleaners giving up by March?
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Line 1 : Always in avertising Company name first.
Line 2 : Too 60's. I would rephrase to something like: " Courteous and reliable window cleaning using latest technology" (You've already used the word "professional" in line 1 so no need to repeat.)
Line 3 : Scrap this negative line completely....it's almost as if you don't expect people to call you!!
Line 4 : "But wait"....again too 60's.
Line 5 : Few people are interested in window cleaning statistics.
Line 6 : I'm sorry but I don't see the need for this line either. People either want a w/c or they don't. Those who do (but maybe not just yet) will put the flyer in a drawer for later use. Those who don't will bin it. Also by using line 6 you can hardly follow up the fliers with a door knocking session.
Lines 7&8 are fine.
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I really do not like the "NO" and "But wait" bits, it sounds a bit like those adds your get on screenshop or something. I would focus more on name building. So...
ReflectionsProfessional Window Cleaning Service
- Fully Insured
- Latest Technology
- Extremely Reliable
- Very Courteous
[/size]
Telephone: 01xxx xxxxxxx
Mobile: 07xxx xxxxxxx
www.mywebsite.com
Please keep this flyer safe
Should you need a window cleaner in the future it is worth a 10% discount on your first clean
To me that just feels better, but I am not an expert on such things.
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All I have on my cards is:
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Southern Cleaning Services
WINDOW CLEANING
Domestic & Commercial
For a reliable service contact us on:
Telephone Number
Mobile Number
Email Address
Web Address
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It seems to work OK for me.
Andy
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Thanks guy's,
I Have never had the need to Produce a leaflet and still won't need it for a few weeks/months, but I like to be prepared for when I speed up on my wfp, all the points made will be taken into account and acted on.
Any more ideas will be welcome.
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what about somthing simple
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Include your name and address, it makes a big difference. Otherwise you might be anybody. Customers need to feel you are trustworthy, after all you will be coming round their house - often when they are on their own, peering through their windows etc etc.
Other than that,just keep it simple.
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Hi Jeff
Just to say that there is an other guy using that type of flyer in and around the somerset area and to be honest he isn't the most reliable chap
Would you want to be mistaken for him ???
Enough Said !
Andy ;)
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Hi Jeff
Just to say that there is an other guy using that type of flyer in and around the somerset area and to be honest he isn't the most reliable chap
Would you want to be mistaken for him ???
Enough Said !
Andy ;)
Hi Andy its not Marcus is it, He's trying to get work in my area, and he's from Wellington., and thats about 30 miles from me, I know he has a couple of commercials here, that I would like to get my hands on?
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Hi jeff
Yes ,He has resently dropped about 2000 leaflet in and around the area .
But only had four or so replys ,
Ive dropped around 10.000 in minehead/ Bridgwater /cotford and Taunton Also Burnham on Sea and only Had a few replys.
I did that through the local paper and it cost about 800 quid Plus the Printing,
In my opinion not a good way of advertizing???
Where Are you in Somerset?
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Hi Andy I'm in Yeovil.
I met him a few weeks back, and he was the one that showed me the wfp system, apart from all the chat about wfp on the forums, to see it in action convinced me to get my own.
I think I'll stick to word of mouth then, and other methods rather than leaflets, if thats the return from them.
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Hi Jeff
And now I'm reading your leaflet CIU thread. Again I am finding this thread very interesting because it is also something that I am working on. Like you rather than go to the downloads I prefer to come up with my own version to start with and then see if anyone can better it.
I liked your leaflet idea, the best criticism was from Simon Knight who I have noticed is very bright, and ordered in his thinking. The 60's stuff was crap though, some great tunes and advertising slogans were about in the sixties, and if you intended to stylise it in this way that's fine.
Andy of Southern seemed to be saying that he used a business card instead. I've had a stab at this too, using both sides with bullet points of my benefits on the back, and a bit more pizzazz including laminating. ( Although Andy's other point was simple is best). I would have liked to have known if his point was that a business card was better and no more expensive than a leaflet.
Something else I've been working on is what I call a walk sheet door knocking prompt. In other words a script of all my perceived benefits for use on the doorstep. I don't mean like a parrot, I mean going through it briefly with the customer able to read it as well so if they do want a more in depth discussion- about say methods of payment SAE's- periods between cleans- what is meant by no ladders,etc. I hate walking away having missed or forgotten points.
My only moan Jeff is that you start a great thread, then by saying things like 'thanks chaps I'll take all your points on board' you more or less close it down again. This started as an email, but I thought I might as well post it
Clive
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Hi Clive
I really wanted the reactions of the guy's who have had the experience of posting flyers, the words I used were not of importance to me, as the guy's will put you right on the words that would sell you best, and we had a few good one's.
I have read a lot of imformation on posting leaflets and some guy's, maybe the next day do a follow up call, that is probably the best method, rather than give them a leaflet and as they try to read it, your explaining to them, and what of the ones that are not at home?
I learnet what I needed from the last posts and that is why I basically closed the post, but I'm more than happy to read 100's of posts on leaflet creation and posting.
look at Andy £800 for the posting of 10.000 leaflets with a return of only a few, then there was a Guy me and Andy know of, with 2000 leaflets posted and a return of 4, in my mind, I don't know if it will work in my own Area's, but may just give it a try.
One thing for sure by Taking Andy's advice he has saved me £800, and I will print off a couple of hundred of my own leaflets and post in the area's I already work.
Most best work comes from word of mouth, My boss works in Tesco's and was forever turning down requests from staff to do there windows, so this is another option open to me,
I have also read advertising in your local supermarket notice board is another way to get custom, but How many times do you read them? or how many people do you see reading them?
What I am really after is the cheapest form of advertising, and the best way I found in the past were the magnetic signs I had on my car, until I had so much work I had to remove them, Maybe time for some new ones.
I promise in future never to close any more topics down ;D
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Hi Jeff,
Now that you've went WFP and can sell the service on the safety aspects, why not do some direct mailshots to offices, shops etc.. or mail all the cleaning companies in your area and see if they would be interested in your services.
Arthur
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Hi Jeff,
Now that you've went WFP and can sell the service on the safety aspects, why not do some direct mailshots to offices, shops etc.. or mail all the cleaning companies in your area and see if they would be interested in your services.
Arthur
Good idea Arth
Another idea to the list, I Will have to wait a while as I'm still a little green with the wfp, I'll give that one ago in a couple of months with more experience under my Belt,
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Good point Art, yet another avenue.
I wasn't talking about a leaflet I could explain as I went along. A national manager of an energy provider (sales ie doorknocking) told me that they have walk sheets. Name of street at top nos to 50 covers most streets, for my uses I have four options,no, not in, follow up, and yes.
They then use mans, morning, afternoon,night, saturday, and sweep each street three times for time of call. Morning is 9 to 11 etc.
Having done some knocking most just say no thankyou, I've already got one etc. But for the few that want to mention it to their husband etc my prompt sheet contains most of the information in a succinct manner. If they want me i give them my card, if they are not in when I call my plan would be an as yet prototype only leaflet.
The main differences to what has already been posted being, that I have a strap line, and I go long on the local angle.
The most impressive marketing I have seen on here, is that chap with the Jellyfish van wrap. I put that in the genius class, but most of us will just have to get by on effort.
The other thing is it probably helps to have a trustworthy face.
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Good point Art, yet another avenue.
I wasn't talking about a leaflet I could explain as I went along. A national manager of an energy provider (sales ie doorknocking) told me that they have walk sheets. Name of street at top nos to 50 covers most streets, for my uses I have four options,no, not in, follow up, and yes.
They then use mans, morning, afternoon,night, saturday, and sweep each street three times for time of call. Morning is 9 to 11 etc.
Having done some knocking most just say no thankyou, I've already got one etc. But for the few that want to mention it to their husband etc my prompt sheet contains most of the information in a succinct manner. If they want me i give them my card, if they are not in when I call my plan would be an as yet prototype only leaflet.
The main differences to what has already been posted being, that I have a strap line, and I go long on the local angle.
The most impressive marketing I have seen on here, is that chap with the Jellyfish van wrap. I put that in the genius class, but most of us will just have to get by on effort.
The other thing is it probably helps to have a trustworthy face.
Ah I see now what you mean clive, a friend of mine stood out side the gates of schools and handed leaflets to mums and dads,and explained and answered any questions put to him.
he had a good return, but no way would I go down that avenue, might get locked up as a perv.
There are so many ways to look for new potential work, and a few good idea's have already been mentioned here, but sometimes what works for one doesn't mean it works for another, but with so many idea's put to us from the guy's on here there has to be one for everyone.
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Jeff as you can see from my tag line....I have delivered aprox 12k leaftlets and currently have 77 customers...I plan on delivering that amount again in the coming months....I am at the point that I am not starting to re-leaflet my area's
I have also used supermarket notice boards and these do not seem to have been too fruitfull but I continue to post these as it is free and any new business is good.
Leaflets combined with doorknocking has got to be the way to go, however I am just leafleting at the moment...for various reasons.
Cheers
Dave.
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Thats a lot of leaflets Dave, for such little return, I hope the next batch is more fruitfull for you.
Your tag line give some good estamates, or they don't like clean windows in holland ;D
I do think the follow up Idea is the best way to go, if you post so many leaflets, and I hope you get some help, or you won't have anytime left to clean there windows.
Keep your tag line updated, it does make good reading.
cheers
Jeff
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Hi Jeff,
Now that you've went WFP and can sell the service on the safety aspects, why not do some direct mailshots to offices, shops etc.. or mail all the cleaning companies in your area and see if they would be interested in your services.
Arthur
The safety aspect can work OK on commercial jobs but the average domestic customer does not appear interested in that I have found.
Commercial are interested in not being sued. Domestic are interested in clean windows. Over simplified maybe but that seems to be at the core of it.
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Jeff as you can see from my tag line....I have delivered aprox 12k leaftlets and currently have 77 customers...I plan on delivering that amount again in the coming months....I am at the point that I am not starting to re-leaflet my area's
I have also used supermarket notice boards and these do not seem to have been too fruitfull but I continue to post these as it is free and any new business is good.
Leaflets combined with doorknocking has got to be the way to go, however I am just leafleting at the moment...for various reasons.
Cheers
Dave.
I used to have a job going around maintaining and updating supermarket notice boards for a company. The first thing they told me was to remove all unpaid commercial advertising :) . The second thing they told me was to send any cards in that had a commercial ad so they could make contact and sell ad space on the board to the attempted advertiser. Things have probably changed. This was back in 1990 (a job I was made redundant from which led me into window cleaning).
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Yes Jeff 12k of leaflets is alot but my circumstances dictate that leaflets are my main avenue of getting the word out.
I am now starting to see more word of mouth customers coming along....I anticipate further growth in the spring and have set my target for a additional 100 customers by the end of 2007 (hopefully at the average rate I have at present).
I target semi's and larger type properties, I do have about 4 terraced house's and will bump these when I am in a position to do so.
It is slow and I would dearly love to have the 100's and 100's that other w/c have but I also appreciate that this does take time and lets face it....customers come and go for various reasons...so I presume that most w/c continually seek additional customers...so it seems that it nevers ends.
Cheers
Dave.
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Am I right in thinking Dave, that you haven't been in Schijndel- Nederland long? I hope you do really well out there and make your fortune, keep us updated on your progress if not keep your Tag line updated, it really does make interesting reading.
Word of mouth is the best form of advertising, the more customers you get, the better your chances of customers talking.
Good Luck Dave!
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Yes Jeff I have not been in Holland that long and my Dutch is coming along but not enough to canvass...so at the moment I make do with the leaflets.
Will keep the tag line updated.
Cheers
Dave.
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That is an excellent way of doing it then Dave, make's a change for the brits to invade another country ;D
Best of luck with it all then dave. hope the words are right on your flyers ;D ;D
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Yes Jeff I have not been in Holland that long and my Dutch is coming along but not enough to canvass...so at the moment I make do with the leaflets.
Will keep the tag line updated.
Cheers
Dave.
I shouldn't let not being fluent in Dutch stop you canvassing. All the Dutch people I've ever met are pretty much fluent in English...and French...and German...and Italian...
Apparently Dutch is one of the hardest languages to master so hardly anybody tries. So for the Dutch to communicate with the outside world they have to learn languages. Good luck Dave...are you wearing clogs yet? ;D
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Plyform
What about a Dutch prompt sheet? you could canvass, usiing an ID with your photo and window cleaner on it, apologise in English for your poor command of the Dutch language, although you are trying and then using the prompt sheet which is written in dutch to go through the percieved benefits with your potential customer.
No one likes canvassing, even if you happen to be good at it and in your own language. I find that the more props I have indicating my proffesssionalism the better. Some photo's of you in action cleaning windows would also be good, as of course would having a business card handy.
Just an idea.
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I have two major methods of generating new work:
1: Yellow pages. Works 24/7. I advertise in two directories as the border between them is a mile to the east of me, and it costs me about £450 a year for both. I get a steady trickle of enquiries and the adverts have usually paid for themselves by February/March (the directory comes out in November)
2: Leaflets FOLLOWED BY A VISIT WITHIN 2-3DAYS. Return is about 15-20%. Leaflets without follow up the return is 0.5-1%
People are LAZY. They will look at your leaflet and say to themselves: "That's good idea, I'll give him a call" and never do anything about it. Knock on their door and they'll say: "Oh, I saw your leaflet, I was going to call you". - Bingo!! You've made a sale.
It depends how much you want to expand your business. Sit back and wait for it to come in and you'll wait forever, get off your a**e and go out to get it and the world's your oyster.
Cheers,
Ian
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Of those that are actually in I get about 8%. I couldn't agree more with Ian Lancasters comments. I'm sure that Ian gets slapped down and knocked back too, as we all do, but the point is even if he has already got a good business, he still, like the rest of us needs the courage to step outside his comfort zone in order to achieve anything.