Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Ian101 on March 27, 2010, 09:29:13 am

Title: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: Ian101 on March 27, 2010, 09:29:13 am
Story so far .... fed up with my job (sort of safe, well paid but not my own boss).

Our window cleaner stopped coming ... more than likely because he was charging £6 for a job that I now know because of this forums educational value should have been charged at about £12 - £15.

As a joe public I looked at yellow pages but no W/C local so got my ladders out and did them myself .. the neigbour said half joking "you can do mine next" so I did for free what with being a neighbour ... the Mrs then said again half kidding "could be my new career"  .

Got me thinking along lines of 10 a day @ £10 etc etc then thought yes could be a nice little earner  ;D

Did the sensible thing and joined this forum .... read a lot of posts ... then had the usual trad or WFP decision ... did 2 days training at BWCA .. got my van .. got some basic equipment (unger) from window cleaning warehouse .. will go WFP in 6 months if enough customers.

Now at the stage of do or die ... I need about 100 customers to jack my job in and start window cleaning business .. looked at buying a round but at up to 10x clean way too expensive as most seem to be wanting that sort of money.

So have booked 2 weeks holiday .. got my uniform and leaflets and will spend the next 2 weeks canvassing solid.

Thought it may make for good reading on the forum if I posted my efforts and results on a daily basis .... hence the reason for this post (sorry its a little long)

27th March Day 1 (must be read with geordie big brother accent  ;D )

2 weeks ago I leafleted a 150 house estate with zero phone calls so will start door knocking them this morning .. results to follow later today.

Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: daz1977 on March 27, 2010, 09:33:58 am
good luck
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Window Washers on March 27, 2010, 09:36:54 am
So hope you come back with something today
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Premier Cleaning on March 27, 2010, 12:18:41 pm
Good luck Bud

As other posts have mentioned this is a great time of year,i have noticed a huge influx of people coming up to me...the sun shines and customers start thinking w/c.

Use your leaflets to stick in the door of people not in..this got me a lot of work i otherwise wouldnt have got

It wont take you long mate.....fill your boots..the potential is endless.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on March 27, 2010, 01:14:35 pm
good luck and be resilient.  Dont get put off if you get knock backs.  Remember It's a numbers game
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Smudger on March 27, 2010, 02:46:14 pm
good luck, let us know how you get in, be determined, there will be knock backs, but you sound like you have "bouncebackability" (said in a stuart pearce voice) be positive, deffo knock the evenings as well, and wishing you all the very best!!

You'll hit your targets in no time.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: RO-Sheen on March 27, 2010, 03:21:15 pm
Very important not to underprice a job just so you get it. Remember, if you get the job you will be doing it regularly and you will resent it in a years time if you are being paid peanuts. minimum price of £10 i reckon and an interval of 6 weeks almost guarantees you will get the job (well, it works for me anyway).
WhenI started 4 years ago I was probably quoting a £1 or £2 more than anyone else (accidentally but I still got the jobs) but glad I did as I have never been in the horrible position of having to put my prices up or dropping someone because they were too cheap.

Looking forward to your updates. Good luck
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 27, 2010, 07:49:27 pm
Results Day 1 ...

The 150 house estate I leafleted turned into 78 houses ... in my excitement I didnt notice that half were leaded glass (beginners mistake) so i didnt knock at them ... will keep till I go WFP  :)

So out of 78 doors knocked the result was as follows

51 out
27 were in and canvassed.

22 said no
2 are good possibles

3 said yes !!

jobs priced were £10 ... £10 and an £8 = £28

11% yes rate so far which Im happy at plus may get the other 2.

A few people were offhand and 1 guy in particular made out he was doing me a favour by letting me quote even though he had a W/C that he was happy with already .... told him no thanks not interested ... his face dropped  :)

1 guy I didnt get asked me to quote for 10 windows plus a large conservatory so I said £13 with conny or £10 without he said other bloke does the lot for £9 .. I said carry on with him then ...

Trying to do £10 minimum which I nearly did today and will walk away if they already have a windy already.

Day off tomorrow cos doing the Wirral Egg Run but back to it Monday .... all in all Im happy.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 27, 2010, 07:51:03 pm
forgot to add the ones who were out will get knocked this week ... rekon another 5 or 6 there
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: bobplum on March 27, 2010, 07:56:55 pm
do you live on the wirral ian101
bob
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: mci services on March 27, 2010, 07:57:10 pm
well done thats not bad going ;)

leaded isnt that bad trad i would give them a knock as well but its up to you.

but good going anyway its good to see a positive attitude
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: The Jester of Wibbly on March 27, 2010, 08:03:36 pm
Well done, stay with it !  Out of the ones wnho said no, how many of them said they had a WC already?
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: cleewindows on March 27, 2010, 08:22:42 pm
well done ian,im gonna start knocking soon,not done it yet but gonna start,im picking upo quite a few jobs but spread out at the moment!
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: jonnyald on March 27, 2010, 08:42:47 pm
leaded arent any big deal- they  buff up easy with a scrimcloth  ,add in a quid or 2 to the price
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: ♠Winp®oClean♠ on March 27, 2010, 10:16:59 pm
As said, leaded are a doddle mate, damp microfibre then a dry one, done. ;)
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: paul saunders on March 27, 2010, 10:35:57 pm
As said, leaded are a doddle mate, damp microfibre then a dry one, done. ;)

That's the way I do em, that scrim stuff is hard work.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: lcwalker on March 27, 2010, 11:06:59 pm
As said, leaded are a doddle mate, damp microfibre then a dry one, done. ;)
I always saw lead as daunting but they are no way as bad as i thought, i tend to charge £1 for a normal type window but lead i would try for a bit more mainy because they look more hassle.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: TLC on March 27, 2010, 11:41:34 pm
mr muscle and microfibre. ultimate combo
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: woody1 on March 28, 2010, 08:13:35 am
ian go knock the leaded ones as they are not that hard and other windys will proberley avoid them
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 28, 2010, 09:18:19 am
Well done, stay with it !  Out of the ones wnho said no, how many of them said they had a WC already?

Hi Hermski ... out of 20 NO's .... 11 said got 1 already
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 28, 2010, 09:20:31 am
well done thats not bad going ;)

leaded isnt that bad trad i would give them a knock as well but its up to you.

but good going anyway its good to see a positive attitude

Thanks guys for all the tips on leaded .... didnt realise they were as straight foward as that ... on the estate doing the 3 I got tomorrow so will knock them as well.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 28, 2010, 09:23:00 am
do you live on the wirral ian101
bob

Hi Bob ... yes pretty close to it
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Sapphire Window Cleaning on March 28, 2010, 11:06:14 am
I look forward to reading your accounts.  I've been thinking about doing some canvassing in areas where I've already got work; just to increase the compacticity (there's not enough words in the English language for me, so I've got to make 'em up).

But that's where I go wrong, I end up thinking about it, and never get round to doing it.

This morning I've got to collect, I've then got three small(ish) jobs to do; just to tidy up some loose ends and then I'd like to door knock; maybe I'll do a street I'll be working in?

Anyway, good luck.


Tosh it worked for the President of the US when he was in power lol ;D ;D
I would be interested in how he gets on, I am going to give it a big effort over the easter holidays due to more people being in.


Matt
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: bobplum on March 28, 2010, 06:22:45 pm
do you live on the wirral ian101
bob

Hi Bob ... yes pretty close to it
the reason im asking i may have a small amount for sale in handbridge,chester and if you need some practical help cleaning, for pointers,different tools etc id come and give you a hand
cheers bob
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 28, 2010, 08:06:49 pm
do you live on the wirral ian101
bob

Hi Bob ... yes pretty close to it
the reason im asking i may have a small amount for sale in handbridge,chester and if you need some practical help cleaning, for pointers,different tools etc id come and give you a hand
cheers bob

Hi Bob ..... would be interested in the work in Handbridge only down road from me ... u sound a proper gent too with the offer of help !!
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: bobplum on March 28, 2010, 08:28:40 pm
i will have a word with my son,he does that part of the round,we live in little sutton so he hates the drive to handbridge,bless his only 18 he thinks its long distance,will come back to you on it in the week
the offer of practical help still stands,probably best on a saturday for me

cheers bob
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on March 29, 2010, 12:43:40 am
i will have a word with my son,he does that part of the round,we live in little sutton so he hates the drive to handbridge,bless his only 18 he thinks its long distance,will come back to you on it in the week
the offer of practical help still stands,probably best on a saturday for me

cheers bob
if yr selling bob would be interested as i do bit in Hanbrigde GAV 07870537069
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 29, 2010, 10:40:38 pm

Day off tomorrow cos doing the Wirral Egg Run but back to it Monday .... all in all Im happy.

Well no canvassing today as I massively under estimated how long it woulf take me to 3 first cleans.

however my very first customer asked me to go see her mum who lives on same estate ... her windy stopped coming 3 months ago ... got the job @ £12

Now up to 4 @ £10 average .... 96 to go
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Lee w on March 30, 2010, 09:09:53 pm
Hi,
just wondering how you are getting on, i start door knocking soon, and really interested in how its all going for you.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Stu w on March 30, 2010, 09:14:17 pm
id like to no 2?
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on March 30, 2010, 09:41:08 pm
ows the canvassing going ;D
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 30, 2010, 11:03:10 pm
Long day today walking the streets ... posted about 400 / 450 leaflets .. knocked if they were in (not many in though) ... not got any new customers today  :( .... try again tomorrow ...

found myself pre judging today as to whether the window frames looked clean or dirty i.e. did they have a windy already ... however still knocked / leafleted.

now got loads of follow ups to knocks  ;)

spoted another w/c/ on my travels using a trolley wfp ... i want one ... anyone got 1 for sale or is this a good deal on ebay 250504138760

4 done 96 to go
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: cleewindows on March 30, 2010, 11:20:33 pm
sounds like your struggling,dont give up you will get there in the end,ive not been going long,im gonna do a lot of leaflet delivering over next 7 days.
im picking up 4 or 5 customers a week over the last 2 or 3 weeks,your phone will soon be buzzing.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: lcwalker on March 30, 2010, 11:25:59 pm
Long day today walking the streets ... posted about 400 / 450 leaflets .. knocked if they were in (not many in though) ... not got any new customers today  :( .... try again tomorrow ...

found myself pre judging today as to whether the window frames looked clean or dirty i.e. did they have a windy already ... however still knocked / leafleted.

now got loads of follow ups to knocks  ;)

spoted another w/c/ on my travels using a trolley wfp ... i want one ... anyone got 1 for sale or is this a good deal on ebay 250504138760

4 done 96 to go
Keep up the good canvassing work, ive been doing  a few w/c jobs for a few years now but only lately have i gone more serious about it atm i just do leaflets i tried door knocking hated it but might try it again soon.I posted about a 100 the other week got 4 jobs and thats the best return ive had from leaflets, but i do find if i dont get a call in a 3/4 days i dont usally get any.Are you in a town/city or rural area im rural suffolk ive seen a few w/c about but i do think there are is plenty of work but it's finding it.Id like to get a 100 customers as i only have about 20 at the moment well goodluck.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: lcwalker on March 30, 2010, 11:30:30 pm
sounds like your struggling,dont give up you will get there in the end,ive not been going long,im gonna do a lot of leaflet delivering over next 7 days.
im picking up 4 or 5 customers a week over the last 2 or 3 weeks,your phone will soon be buzzing.
If the weather isn't very good tomorrow ill be out leaflet dropping if the weathers good ill be gardening as i do that to.I find every 100 leaflet dropped i get 2/3 call which seems to be quite good compared to others on here.I dont have fancy shinny leaflet i just print them at home 4 to a A4 page and they seem to be working ok expensive looking leaflets usally mean expensive job well thats how i think it comes across as.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 30, 2010, 11:35:36 pm

i just do leaflets i tried door knocking hated it but might try it again soon.

door knocking is a state of mind ... i think of it as me doing them a favour .. they can only say no ... no one been nasty to me but i am a big lad so that prob helps  ;D
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 30, 2010, 11:37:33 pm
sounds like your struggling,dont give up you will get there in the end,ive not been going long,im gonna do a lot of leaflet delivering over next 7 days.
im picking up 4 or 5 customers a week over the last 2 or 3 weeks,your phone will soon be buzzing.

hi cleewindows thanks for the encouragement ... cant win everyday is how i look at it but will keep going as enjoying it and end result will be worth it  :)
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: cleewindows on March 30, 2010, 11:45:46 pm
it will definately be worth it!
im working full time aswell mate and working around the full time job.aim is to get to 100 custys by july and then go down to a 3 or 4 day week.
250-300 and i will pack my job in!

sounds like your struggling,dont give up you will get there in the end,ive not been going long,im gonna do a lot of leaflet delivering over next 7 days.
im picking up 4 or 5 customers a week over the last 2 or 3 weeks,your phone will soon be buzzing.

hi cleewindows thanks for the encouragement ... cant win everyday is how i look at it but will keep going as enjoying it and end result will be worth it  :)
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 30, 2010, 11:48:50 pm
it will definately be worth it!
im working full time aswell mate and working around the full time job.aim is to get to 100 custys by july and then go down to a 3 or 4 day week.
250-300 and i will pack my job in!

sounds like your struggling,dont give up you will get there in the end,ive not been going long,im gonna do a lot of leaflet delivering over next 7 days.
im picking up 4 or 5 customers a week over the last 2 or 3 weeks,your phone will soon be buzzing.

hi cleewindows thanks for the encouragement ... cant win everyday is how i look at it but will keep going as enjoying it and end result will be worth it  :)

have you been reading my business plan .... exactly same numbers and same plan to jack current job in !!  :D
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: mci services on March 30, 2010, 11:51:03 pm
keep it up lads you will be there in no time, as  well as the leaflets and door knocking get listed on every free web listing you can find ;)
yell.com gumtree thomson local and loads of others
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: stay white n bright window cleaning service on March 30, 2010, 11:57:00 pm
Hi , dont give up ,i remember when i started this time last year ,posted an whole village then only
email i got back was some guys cleaning for £5 per house.But 6 months latter got a call and pick up 1 which ended with picking another 9 ,some people save the leaflets .
I leafleted for the first two months when i started picked up 25+ custys,but picked up the next 100 by
word of mouth,you can leaflet a road get one custy ,then 6 months down the line you are doing 10+
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Smudger on March 31, 2010, 08:29:28 am
stay positive, now with all sales, in order to get a "yes" quickly, you need to be able to speak to someone, try a concerted knocking effort from 5-8pm the difference will be huge for you. Good friday is a good day as more people will be in during the bank holidays.

Try it - I am sure you will see a much bigger hit rate, book the clean in for the next day - don't worry about being slow to start with you will soon speed up and the first clean is always longer (I charge more for clean number one between 20-40% more) Then go home get washed up - look smart and knock from 5-8.

Keep us updated!

Good Luck
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: lcwalker on March 31, 2010, 08:42:32 am
stay positive, now with all sales, in order to get a "yes" quickly, you need to be able to speak to someone, try a concerted knocking effort from 5-8pm the difference will be huge for you. Good friday is a good day as more people will be in during the bank holidays.

Try it - I am sure you will see a much bigger hit rate, book the clean in for the next day - don't worry about being slow to start with you will soon speed up and the first clean is always longer (I charge more for clean number one between 20-40% more) Then go home get washed up - look smart and knock from 5-8.

Keep us updated!

Good Luck

First cleans do take a while but it's worth getting the whole window  glass/frames/sill really clean because next time you go you will speed through them.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: cleewindows on March 31, 2010, 09:16:24 am
my speed is good,done a 26 pound house last week in 40 minutes first clean,and doing tenner ones in less than half hour.

stay positive, now with all sales, in order to get a "yes" quickly, you need to be able to speak to someone, try a concerted knocking effort from 5-8pm the difference will be huge for you. Good friday is a good day as more people will be in during the bank holidays.

Try it - I am sure you will see a much bigger hit rate, book the clean in for the next day - don't worry about being slow to start with you will soon speed up and the first clean is always longer (I charge more for clean number one between 20-40% more) Then go home get washed up - look smart and knock from 5-8.

Keep us updated!

Good Luck

First cleans do take a while but it's worth getting the whole window  glass/frames/sill really clean because next time you go you will speed through them.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: paul rulton on March 31, 2010, 09:24:40 am
clee, u when u get in2 ur stride u will more than double ur speed  ;D
i was trad 4 about 20years m8, & would b on my 5th house  with in the hour.... trust me ;D
u will b the same buddy  ;)
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on March 31, 2010, 09:49:33 am
try richy wilts he may av 1  ;D
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: cleewindows on March 31, 2010, 10:40:08 am
im wfp m8!
I think if im making 30 quid a hour im happy.
clee, u when u get in2 ur stride u will more than double ur speed  ;D
i was trad 4 about 20years m8, & would b on my 5th house  with in the hour.... trust me ;D
u will b the same buddy  ;)

Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: paul rulton on March 31, 2010, 10:45:51 am
oh ::) sorry m8  ;D my miss understanding  ::)
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Platinum on March 31, 2010, 01:13:28 pm
Good luck with the canvassing mate.

I canvassed an estate in st helens yesturday in the rain. Probably knocked on 50 + houses and got 0 customers.

Im pricing @ £5-6 a fortnight. Found out a guy whos just started is charging £2-3 for the full house. Just the way it goes sometimes.

The hardest part is when you arnt getting customers to stick at it.

Best of luck
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Platinum on March 31, 2010, 01:30:14 pm
stay positive, now with all sales, in order to get a "yes" quickly, you need to be able to speak to someone, try a concerted knocking effort from 5-8pm the difference will be huge for you. Good friday is a good day as more people will be in during the bank holidays.

Good Luck


Good advice

I always canvass between 5-8pm.
Weekends are best on a regualr week as many customers are not sitting down to dinner when you knock so they have more time for you.
Also onweekends you can go out earlier and catch more people in during the day.

Set yourself targets to work towards and beat. I always aim for 5 new customers minimum a week.
Last week  i picked up 8 in 30 mins. When you are confident and looking toexpand fast aim for 10 a week and see what results you get. When you have a target you are always more focused.

Out of curiosity how many new customers did everyone else average when canvassing ?
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: paul rulton on March 31, 2010, 01:43:24 pm
8 in 30mins  :o  thats some going  :o  thats 1 every 4mins  :o
bet u thought it was xmas  ;D
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Sean Dyer on March 31, 2010, 01:46:39 pm
8 in 30mins  :o  thats some going  :o  thats 1 every 4mins  :o
bet u thought it was xmas  ;D

if done similar before about 12 in an hour or just over all pretty much next door at £10

but they had no cleaner and i hit the jackpot at right time and place


other days ive had nothing in 6 hours

canvassing is a funny business but the key is to be consistent eventually the average is good
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Jonathan Spencer on March 31, 2010, 01:50:35 pm
keep it up lads you will be there in no time, as  well as the leaflets and door knocking get listed on every free web listing you can find ;)
yell.com gumtree thomson local and loads of others

I never realised you could et yourself added to yell.com for free.  Cheers for the head up.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 31, 2010, 02:09:42 pm
Best laid plans and all that ..... the Mrs tells me this morning that shes booked a suprise weekend away for us over Easter  :o ... well messed up my big canvassing plan for this easter weekend .... not happy but shes gone to a lot of trouble ...

Leafleted a nice big redrow type estate today over 250 leaflets put out but called it a day as blowing a gale / snow / rain / freezing cold .

Now rethinking my door knocking schedule ... not back to my other job until Monday 12th April so still got some time left to canvasss and leaflet.

Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on March 31, 2010, 02:11:49 pm
Good luck with the canvassing mate.

I canvassed an estate in st helens yesturday in the rain. Probably knocked on 50 + houses and got 0 customers.

Im pricing @ £5-6 a fortnight. Found out a guy whos just started is charging £2-3 for the full house. Just the way it goes sometimes.


£2 to £3 quid ... 2 bed house ???
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Jonathan Spencer on March 31, 2010, 02:17:22 pm
Good luck with the canvassing mate.

I canvassed an estate in st helens yesturday in the rain. Probably knocked on 50 + houses and got 0 customers.

Im pricing @ £5-6 a fortnight. Found out a guy whos just started is charging £2-3 for the full house. Just the way it goes sometimes.


£2 to £3 quid ... 2 bed house ???

I would not bother with that estate then if that is all someone is charging.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on March 31, 2010, 02:22:17 pm
Good luck with the canvassing mate.

I canvassed an estate in st helens yesturday in the rain. Probably knocked on 50 + houses and got 0 customers.

Im pricing @ £5-6 a fortnight. Found out a guy whos just started is charging £2-3 for the full house. Just the way it goes sometimes.


£2 to £3 quid ... 2 bed house ???

I would not bother with that estate then if that is all someone is charging.
back in the day that was gud money  ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: cleewindows on March 31, 2010, 03:48:23 pm
just picked up a conservatory in n out  and windows for 52
Also i have picked up 3 more houses.
Delivered about 500 with the mrs.
Seems the local window cleaner has upset a few so will have some more to come.
Also had a rude man saying i dont want a window cleaner in a attitude voice.
I said it doesnt look like,he was well upset,lol
I smiled and said have a nice day!
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian Mason on April 06, 2010, 05:22:16 pm
Hi,

I just thought I would bump this back up & ask how Ian is doing with his canvassing at the moment?

The last I heard his Mrs had dragged him off on holiday, & I wondered if he had got back to knocking doors?
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on April 06, 2010, 06:58:22 pm
yes ian let us no lad  ;)
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on April 06, 2010, 08:29:18 pm
Update .... got home early bank holiday Monday so did a little door knocking in the afternoon but got definate inpression I wasnt welcome .. guess its a little like knocking on a Sunday so to be honest packed in after an hour or so with nowt.

Just finished for the day and lot better today .. knocked on loads and loads between 10.30 and 7 end result another 5 today with ave of a tenner ... so now up to 10 in total which aint bad for a few days leafleting and knocking

Last day knockinging tomorrow as back to "normal" job but has definately shown to as what is possible ... will now have to fit my second cleans in with my other job
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on April 06, 2010, 09:05:11 pm
or giza shout lol :D
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: richard jagger on April 06, 2010, 09:20:38 pm
I went out on a quote today in response to a leaflet I dropped in Feb in the cold my hands froze in my gloves. Never got any response and was spitting spiders after a week, but thought it will teach me to canvise is a developed area were 2 WfPolers live.
Well got   the job to day windows 40 quid gutter fascias and soffits 150 quid, conservatory 60 quid. pvc ceiling on patio 15 quid and conny inside 40 quid.
Never say die there are miricals, I still cannot believe my luck will do job on  Thursday . This will be my biggest job to date its a one off but I will milk it for more in the long-term, just tern on the charm .
Keep going Ian and results come to tryers.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Sean Dyer on April 06, 2010, 10:35:54 pm
I went out on a quote today in response to a leaflet I dropped in Feb in the cold my hands froze in my gloves. Never got any response and was spitting spiders after a week, but thought it will teach me to canvise is a developed area were 2 WfPolers live.
Well got   the job to day windows 40 quid gutter fascias and soffits 150 quid, conservatory 60 quid. pvc ceiling on patio 15 quid and conny inside 40 quid.
Never say die there are miricals, I still cannot believe my luck will do job on  Thursday . This will be my biggest job to date its a one off but I will milk it for more in the long-term, just tern on the charm .
Keep going Ian and results come to tryers.

£305.00 ?

good going
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: TLC on April 06, 2010, 11:20:21 pm
do you mind me asking where you are based ian101?
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on April 07, 2010, 08:01:47 am
do you mind me asking where you are based ian101?

No mate ... based Wirral Meseyside.
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on April 07, 2010, 08:03:32 am
or giza shout lol :D

 ;D ... when I go full time will be giving u a shout for some customers u dont want  :o
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Gav Camm lammy 283 on April 07, 2010, 04:53:10 pm
or giza shout lol :D

 ;D ... when I go full time will be giving u a shout for some customers u dont want  :o
could be getting you a job as richys driver lol ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: newquay2010 on June 25, 2010, 10:59:13 am
How's it going ian101???  had much luck with canvassing?
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on June 25, 2010, 02:36:16 pm
I had forg)otten about this old post  :).   As it so happens just having a break after leaflet dropping this morning .....  So far today 2x 10 quid and 1x 8quid with another to go and price on monday . I normally have a 10 quid min charge but the 8quid is only 5 windows. Now up to 41 customers
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: geefree on June 25, 2010, 06:34:46 pm
is that since march ian ?  ???
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: newquay2010 on June 25, 2010, 09:59:42 pm
keep it up lad!   :)
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates.
Post by: Ian101 on June 26, 2010, 08:37:17 am
is that since march ian ?  ???

Hi Gazza ... yes and no ... yes since march but in reality only 2 weeks worth of canvassing as back in March I was only part time but went full time last week (full time with some other part time jobs)
Title: Re: 2 Weeks of canvassing starts today ... daily updates. **Updated **
Post by: Ian101 on June 26, 2010, 08:42:03 am
Good day yesterday ... 3 hours leaflet dropping resulted in 5 new customers and 1 to go and see Monday so sure it will be 6 ... think I hit an area with a windy who not been for 9 months as a few people told me this  :)
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: bobby p on June 26, 2010, 08:58:51 am
this time nex year u will be swamped  ,waking up  fearing the sheer workload ahead !
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: Jimmy Jon on November 07, 2010, 09:31:02 pm
Just reading through this old post with interest and just wondered how it is going ian101, any chance of an update? How many custys? Is it the best career choice you've made, leaving your previous job? etc

Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: ant french on November 07, 2010, 10:51:56 pm
im scared to bang doors lol i think its confidence and what to say when someone answers i spose. any tips lads for a noob lol
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: darren clarke on November 07, 2010, 10:53:48 pm
knock a door and say

hi sorry to bother you,  i am starting a window cleaning round and was wondering if you would be interested?

Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: Ian101 on November 08, 2010, 12:35:48 am
Just reading through this old post with interest and just wondered how it is going ian101, any chance of an update? How many custys? Is it the best career choice you've made, leaving your previous job? etc

Its going good Terry ... funnyily enough just completed a deal today which involved me buying a transit with 650 litre onboard system and some customers so now got  over 500 customers . .. in fairness I have bought quite a few customers but still canvassed well over half of them ... good career choice defo yes .. looking back at my old postings gave me a smile and still got all the customers I first canvassed.

Has been hard graft getting to this stage in the time plus had to work a few jobs like 3am starts packing frozen food into big freezer trucks, doing multi drop driving jobs as well as the window cleaning ... but happy to work hard if I can see a reward at the end of it.

Had a lot of help from this forum and a couple of local lads Bob Plumb , Gav Camm  and Mike from Liverpool ... cheers lads  :)

Rekon by using the good info off this forum has saved me about 3 years of learning the hard way.

Immediate plans now are to assimulate the new customers into my round and also convert my customers over to wfp which shouldnt be too much off a problem ... hopefully.

Then next year if I can see a profit in it going to expand along lines of Ian Lancasters method rather than employ also going to start chasing selective commercial work ...... also got a few other ideas just starting to formulate in my head  ;)
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: mark mann on November 08, 2010, 08:15:38 am
well done ian thats impressive 500 customers are how many fall within a 4 weekly cycle? still building my round and wonderede how many your able to manage to clean in a month?  :)

what an inspiration this old post was for igniting the canvassing ambition again. i still hold a couple of part time jobs to top my money up but honestly feel at times its a distraaction to building my wc biz.
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: windiewasher on November 08, 2010, 09:08:58 am
 I'm in the same boat.I work 4 nights a week.holds me back loads.if I wasn't doing the 4 nights I think I would have a lot more work and determination.
Im going to start really going for it again.
March April I want to be doing windows full time


well done ian thats impressive 500 customers are how many fall within a 4 weekly cycle? still building my round and wonderede how many your able to manage to clean in a month?  :)

what an inspiration this old post was for igniting the canvassing ambition again. i still hold a couple of part time jobs to top my money up but honestly feel at times its a distraaction to building my wc biz.
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: Ian101 on November 08, 2010, 01:53:44 pm
well done ian thats impressive 500 customers are how many fall within a 4 weekly cycle? still building my round and wonderede how many your able to manage to clean in a month?  :)

what an inspiration this old post was for igniting the canvassing ambition again. i still hold a couple of part time jobs to top my money up but honestly feel at times its a distraaction to building my wc biz.
Rain stopped play ... what a crappy day  :(


Hi Mark ... 85% ish are every month rest 2 monthly ... trad on a good day can now do 20 houses but normal day would be 14 to 18 approx with wfp would expect that to rise to low 20's or even more but not done it yet so will have to see.

yep part time jobs are a hindrence to the window cleaning but if like me you have big bills then you gotta do what you gotta do ... if u have a few p/t jobs then set yourself a target along lines of ... another 40 customers than I can drop 1 of my part time jobs.

My car sales background has definately helped with the canvassing but having a daily goal and monthly goal is the best way to get to where you want / need to be.
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: Ian101 on November 08, 2010, 01:58:35 pm
I'm in the same boat.I work 4 nights a week.holds me back loads.if I wasn't doing the 4 nights I think I would have a lot more work and determination.
Im going to start really going for it again.
March April I want to be doing windows full time


Decide how many customers u want by March / April and work backwards e.g. if u want another say 80 customers by end of April then get a calender and mark it off like this ...APRIL 80 ....MARCH 60 ...... FEB 40........ JAN 20 ...... DEC 10 .....NOV 5

so if by end of Nov u have 5 new customers then u on target if u only on 3 new customers then u know u gotta canvass more  ;) .....
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: chopsie on November 08, 2010, 02:14:58 pm
Do you work with someone Ian?
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: Ian101 on November 08, 2010, 02:27:52 pm
Just taking my first young lad on ... starts Wednesday but until now ....  no all by myself
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: windiewasher on November 08, 2010, 02:34:40 pm
Cheers Ian.time to  get my but in gear and really push it.I have a canvasser but he's a bit busy lately.I'm gonna go knocking with him in the next week.so hoping to get a fair bit of work from that.
To be honest I will set a Target.of 100 more custys by April.
I have got.3 new ones today and one on Saturday through word of mouth.I'm hoping for a big commercial contract that I'm.trying to tie up.but not getting heart set on it but if I.pull it off.it could be worth 1500 plus a month.
I'm in the same boat.I work 4 nights a week.holds me back loads.if I wasn't doing the 4 nights I think I would have a lot more work and determination.
Im going to start really going for it again.
March April I want to be doing windows full time


Decide how many customers u want by March / April and work backwards e.g. if u want another say 80 customers by end of April then get a calender and mark it off like this ...APRIL 80 ....MARCH 60 ...... FEB 40........ JAN 20 ...... DEC 10 .....NOV 5

so if by end of Nov u have 5 new customers then u on target if u only on 3 new customers then u know u gotta canvass more  ;) .....
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: ant french on November 08, 2010, 02:49:06 pm
so how do you go about getting commersial work, is it the same as resedential work, just turning up and asking if they want there windows cleaned ?  :-\
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: Ian101 on November 08, 2010, 02:51:28 pm
so how do you go about getting commersial work, is it the same as resedential work, just turning up and asking if they want there windows cleaned ?  :-\

any commercial work I have has found me so far but no more involved than residential if u go looking for it
Title: Re: Canvassing **Updated **
Post by: windiewasher on November 08, 2010, 03:12:31 pm
I'm the same its found me through my website.
so how do you go about getting commersial work, is it the same as resedential work, just turning up and asking if they want there windows cleaned ?  :-\

any commercial work I have has found me so far but no more involved than residential if u go looking for it