Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: sam peafield on March 05, 2009, 08:25:19 am
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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
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Sam,
What's your experience of canvassing; door knocking; so far? Have you done this before?
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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
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Ive put 40-60 in the poll
Thats probably about the average my canvassers get
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What area are you in Sam?
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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.
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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
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Yes mate employ others to do it.
They prob do about 3-5 hours a day
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100 No probs.
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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).
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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
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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?
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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?
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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..
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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Redcaddy,
I am in Nottinghamshire.
Thanks
Sam
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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
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For what it's worth I honestly reckon you'd pick up just as much new work knocking from say 6pm - 8pm, when people are actually at home ;).
To be honest I'd knock one week and on the second week work during the day and knock in the evenings for the following week. Keep doing this 'til you've built yourself a full round. This way you're earning as well as canvassing; and you'll probably pick up more work whilst you're out cleaning; neighbours, friends, etc.
Honestly mate, knocking during the day isn't that good; the type of customers you want will usually be at work.
Just my opinion, based on almost twenty years experience.
Good luck; unless you're working in Plymouth ;D ;D ;D
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come on guy's theres lots of you on here not giving me a comment, it won't hurt you honestly.
P.s i am no newbie if that's what's putting you off talking to me, i may be a newbie on this forum but i have been cleaning windows for 5 years now mainly at weekends admitedly but still it counts surely ??
Sam
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Thanks keep them votes coming please, plus comments.
Anyone give me an idea of which option i should use when canvassing, in your experience of course ?
Maybe i should slightly rethink the full 8 hour thing, that seems to be what you are all saying, i just wanted to see what its actually possible to acheive fulltime doorknocking for one month no other commitments to complicate things. ????
Sam
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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
Mix it up a bit mate yeah, dont try go through solid 8 hrs though as its alot and you wont keep the enthusiasm up long enough, try rest every 3 hours for a bit, and knock at the most productive times ie evenings, weekends, so as to not waste time!!
But you will work out what is best after a week! Try something different every day or 2 for a week and decide what works best, and alot will depend on the area, if they have a good cleaner or not, try to deduce quickly where rounds are and are not and focus there!!
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Thanks keep them votes coming please, plus comments.
Anyone give me an idea of which option i should use when canvassing, in your experience of course ?
Maybe i should slightly rethink the full 8 hour thing, that seems to be what you are all saying, i just wanted to see what its actually possible to acheive fulltime doorknocking for one month no other commitments to complicate things. ????
Sam
If you can afford it mate go for it!! Then after one month work 8 - 3 or whatever, and canvass 6-8 every evening, you got the right ideas, just get out and do them though! And you will work it out while your there, and good luck, you get of this business what you put in!!
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thanks for your thoughts
sam
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got everything ready and itchy feet so i think i may start sat instead of mon .
sam
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got any ideas of what your companys called yet?
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Sorry to repeat myself, but could i just ask if anybody is canvassing at the moment how are you finding it cos looking through the forum it seems as though theres never been so much competition, is that a fair analysis or not ?
Would love to hear about your experiences canvassing in these difficult times or maybe thats just hogwash and you don't really see much difference to a few years back please tell me ??
The poll's now settled down a bit and with 30ish votes it seems 60-80 is about what you all excpect, i could live with that i think, human nature say's i want a bit more though.
sam
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Ewan,
Interesting, do you find commercial or domestic easier to get ?
And what kind of return do you think i should aim for when doorknocking (8 hours domestic)
Thanks
Sam
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I would say don't canvas with the promise of coming back in a month. I get alot of work off of people seeing me cleaning.
if someone is giving you work get back on it asap. if they say yes on a monday, have the windows done on tuesday, then get back to canvasing for the rest of tuesday.
if you batter into it, £100 a day is very achievable.
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Stan the man,
how did you build your business then ?
Sam
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never done it myself but if you doorknocked perhaps 5pm to 8pm every evening and then actually did the work you got the next day then you would still earn and after a month all the first cleans will have been done and you can start working great , not having lots of first cleans every day.
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never done it myself but if you doorknocked perhaps 5pm to 8pm every evening
It's Friday evening as I type, 7.15 pm. I've had a tiring week of window cleaning.
If someone knocked on my door trying to sell me something, they'd be sent away with a flea in their ear.
Honest!
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I agree with Karygate. Don't leave it a month before you go back and clean. Whatever you pick up one day clean the next and then spend the rest of the day canvassing. Otherwise you will have too much to do at the end and they will have gone cold on you.
keep canvassing and cleaning till you have no more time to canvas. The game is about a sustained build up rather than trying to build a round totally from scratch. Also you need to build up your WFP skills as you go.
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not a sun tan anyway. ;D
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with a well established round on your own you should be 150 plus a day
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Not if you spend half your time drinking coffee or chatting.
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Sorry to repeat myself, but could i just ask if anybody is canvassing at the moment how are you finding it cos looking through the forum it seems as though theres never been so much competition, is that a fair analysis or not ?
Would love to hear about your experiences canvassing in these difficult times or maybe thats just hogwash and you don't really see much difference to a few years back please tell me ??
The poll's now settled down a bit and with 30ish votes it seems 60-80 is about what you all excpect, i could live with that i think, human nature say's i want a bit more though.
sam
Been out with the mrs this week, done about 6 hours canvassing and averaged £10 per hour but having said that the areas we canvassed had several very good window cleaners allready plus the £5 brigade had leafleted the week before, over all i think it was okish not brilliant but not bad either, im hoping for better results from other areas that i intend to canvass, i done this 20 odd years ago so im quite experienced and would say its a numbers game, the more houses and areas you knock the wider the picture grows. If only we all knew the areas without window cleaners life would be a lot simpler, stick at it mate you will get there in the end. Im at the same level as you mate im having to build from scratch for the second time in my life, gave up the windows 10 years ago for the building trade, now im back to the beginning again as i was in 1985 as a stary eyed 19 year
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Sorry to repeat myself, but could i just ask if anybody is canvassing at the moment how are you finding it cos looking through the forum it seems as though theres never been so much competition, is that a fair analysis or not ?
Would love to hear about your experiences canvassing in these difficult times or maybe thats just hogwash and you don't really see much difference to a few years back please tell me ??
The poll's now settled down a bit and with 30ish votes it seems 60-80 is about what you all excpect, i could live with that i think, human nature say's i want a bit more though.
sam
Been out with the mrs this week, done about 6 hours canvassing and averaged £10 per hour but having said that the areas we canvassed had several very good window cleaners allready plus the £5 brigade had leafleted the week before, over all i think it was okish not brilliant but not bad either, im hoping for better results from other areas that i intend to canvass, i done this 20 odd years ago so im quite experienced and would say its a numbers game, the more houses and areas you knock the wider the picture grows. If only we all knew the areas without window cleaners life would be a lot simpler, stick at it mate you will get there in the end. Im at the same level as you mate im having to build from scratch for the second time in my life, gave up the windows 10 years ago for the building trade, now im back to the beginning again as i was in 1985 as a stary eyed 19 year
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I think it would better if you knocked one day and arranged to clean them the next day.
Apart from anything else it would give your body chance to adjust to full time window cleaning.....its in for a shock.
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Hi Sam,
How did the 1st week of canvassing go?Did you manage to pick up any new business?
Regards,
John.
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Hi Sam Im a huge fan of door knocking
Hopefully by now you have realised that knocking before 6pm on weekdays is a waste of your time.
I have a team of door knockers and i still do alot myself, im out tomorrow in fact.
The best time (people in) is week days 6pm - 7.30pm Sat 4-7pm outside of these times you dont get many people in.
Good luck I cant waite to hear how its going!
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I think it would better if you knocked one day and arranged to clean them the next day.
Apart from anything else it would give your body chance to adjust to full time window cleaning.....its in for a shock.
Very true
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Ok everyone, update time.
First of all most of last week simply did not happen, lots of complications with various things mainly personal so decided to put it off a few day's. ("breaking up sure is hard to do" as the song goes) especially with two beautiful daughters involved.
Anyway back to the job in hand:
Finally got out canvassing last Fri, i took everyones views into account and the two main points made were clearly 8 hours is to long continually canvassing and don't leave the first cleans for one month its also to long for customer to wait. So although i have experience in sales and doorknocking, it is not from window cleaning so i think it wise to listen to you guy's who have "been there done that" therefore with your points in mind i have modified my approach somewhat and decided to canvass for no more than 3 hours in any one spell and also to begin my first cleans next week.
So far i am very happy with the results but also appreciate it may simply be beginners luck,i have basically canvassed a total of 9 hours (3 last Fri and 6 today)and will be continually be doing so for the remainder of this week, then commence first cleans next week and canvass in between cleaning.
For the 9 hours canvassing i have acheived £270 worth of new trade so as i say i am happy with that in fact delighted.
what do you think everyone ?
Thanks
Sam
Will update again after tommorows efforts.
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A quick question. Why did you only work weekends for such a long period? And how many houses did you clean?
Bob
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Bod
Because i ran another business at the time and window cleaning was not my priority.
how many customers ? not sure of the relevance to this thread but at the time only about 25.
hope that helps
Sam
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Nice one mate!! Is it all local to each other too!? Alot of first cleans though! If you haven't window cleaned before don't get upset if they take ages as it takes longer for experienced cleaners too.. So 270 could take a few days but hang in there , it will be half the time next time!
Keep Canvassing!!!
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Seandyer,
thanks for your comments i sure will "hang in there"
sam
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the only reason i ask is cos u will prob get recommendations
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Bod,
fair point thanks.
sam
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come on everyone i wait with baited breath how am i doing ?
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im too jealous to reply, will you come door knock for me!? i will pay you in cups of tea.
i door knocked this morning, got two sets of windows and a set of gutters done today. another woman is to get back to me to do her windows and fascia later in week. and another woman said she will be done next month.
i was pleased enough. added on top of this was another £22 house i had pre arranged.
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Ewan,
All regular 4 weekly cleans starting next week, windows only, 29 customers, 3 fronts only, 26 whole house, mixture of all properties ranging from 2-4 bed, priced from £4.50 for 4 windows front only to £13 for four bed detached.
Sam
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Where are you based/working sam?
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yep definetly too jealous to reply!!
that seems very good, long may your success continue!!
please tell me your technique!!?
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Firstly i am in nottinghamshire.
Ewan,
I take your point on prices but i have took the view it is better to get a foothold in an area with a more competitive price initially and then look to build into said area with slightly higher prices as i become more established after all you can't grow without getting the first few customers on board. Having said that my aim for domestic is minimum turnover of £30 per hour and based on these initial prices i don't think i am a million miles away maybe £22 - £25 ish
Milltown,
I have no magic formula, maybe just beginners luck. I have selected 6 new areas to target mainly new builds, on the door very simple really describe what i offer BEFORE giving any prices and generally it's fairly obvious if they are interested or not, if no "move on" if yes build it up a little then give price, i am generally finding (very early stages i know) that it's a very "soft" sell aproach as people either want there windows cleaning or not after all they are not committing to a mortgage are they ?
Anyway this ain't getting me new customers so it's off out for another stint on the doors.
Thanks
sam
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Well done mate, great start. And I think your pricing is fine, not so low that making a decent living would be hard but set at a level that would make it difficult to undercut.
I'm just glad that you're not working in Plymouth ;D
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Well done Sam,
Where abouts in Nottinghamshire are you canvassing?
Keep at it mate.
Cheers,
John. :)
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Maybe a little reality check today: 3 hours only £45.
But still £315 so far can't complain overall
sam
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Maybe a little reality check today: 3 hours only £45.
But still £315 so far can't complain overall
sam
ok it took 3 hr to get the work, but how long will it take to do the work?
then remember it's not just £45 worth of work, it's £45 every time you clean them. even if it's ten times in the year(allowing for hols and the unexpected), that 3 hr today has really brought £450 worth.
I try to work out what i need for the year then break it down from there, for monthly/ weekly targets. with each new job i tell myself how much the job cuts from that yearly total :D
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hi sam,
just read all your up dates, how you doing now?
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Its not realistic, so dont work any figures out on the poll. ;)
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gazza,
not sure what you meant, could you elaborate please ?
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You been out canvassing again sam? picked up any new ones?
i think gazz ment its all hit and miss some days good some days bad.
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Zano,
Yeah canvassing going well, pretty much on target also been doing quite a few first cleans this week.
Decided not to wait a month before commencing first cleans good advice folks thanks, seems i am clearly not the only one out there canvassing at mo so not a good idea to lose em before i start.
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Good, Yeah thats true, Iv been doing abit of Canvassing myself recently, Hardest bit of the job for me, very hard to get motivated for rejection!
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with good prices you should be able to acheive £150-£350 a day easy
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£350 a day easy ?
I presume you are not refering to domestics
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Well done mate, great start. And I think your pricing is fine, not so low that making a decent living would be hard but set at a level that would make it difficult to undercut.
I'm just glad that you're not working in Plymouth ;D
Ditto, well said.
Well done sam, you seem a sensible chap, don't let braggarts steer you off your line. some will take any oppertunity on here to "big themselves up" ;)
Tony