Clean It Up
UK General Cleaning Forum => General Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: bscleaning on July 20, 2006, 12:03:42 am
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Hi just wanted some feedback on leaflet drops, am about to do a mailshot , and just wondered if any of you kind peaple can give me your feedback if you have done this yourselves, on how well or bad you done, and what is the best way to get your name out there ? many thanks.
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I run leaflets constantly for carpet cleaning, if your going to put them out yourself then good luck!
Its character building work, if you've ever tried walking around houses for 7-8 hours a day you will know what I mean.
Dependant on how many you are looking at putting out its easier to find someone to do the legwork for you, if you can find anybody reliable that is.
Solus is the best way to go as leaflets delivered with others tend to end up in the bin, as do leaflets delivered with newspapers or if they appear on the doormat along with the mail.
I was told that the way to write a leaflet is called A.I.D.A, Attention, Interest, Desire, Action, grab their attention, hold their interest, turn the interest into desire then give them the resaon to act on the desire by making the call, putting a perceived value on the flyer (discount by % or a fixed price discount) could help to encourage the punter to keep hold of it, most of all monitor results carefully to see what works and what doesnt, Andy
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even with full colour pro leaflets response has been earth shatteringly bad for my pressure washing business flyers. maybe half of one percent interest tops. local ad in paper has worked best , then recommendations, then cold calling. may be different for domestic cleaners which is repeat business unlike pressure washing which is one off.
Ged
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Yea Ged I agree, I get pro firm to do my leaflet drops in batches of about 1000 to 4/5000 a time, but the guy is very good and on my wavelength, he does try to post in the right areas.
One estate the best estate yet was where he actually lived, an off the cuff remark led to him doing it. First go in May 1000 drop got me aprox 5 jobs, but off those 5 I was reccomended to another 3.
first week in July my son suggested as a trial he do the same estate again, 1000 drop = 1 job with 1 reccomend off that job
I'm just having my van lettered and photo'd to see if that will help
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Hi,
I’d be extremely disappointed if I had paid for 1000 leaflets to be printed then x amount of my time to post them or x amount of paying someone else to do it, then only getting a few jobs from all that expense/effort.
In fact I would give up and diversify into another area of the incredibly lucrative industry of cleaning services.
Just my thoughts.
Regards
BSF
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Why? It's not in my nature to quit. If youre one of lifes quiters then good luck for whatever you do.
Leaflets is not the only form of marketing I do as I would guess same with Ged. But back to my "disappointing" leaflet drops. If you take my 1000 leaflets on the first drop. They cost £277 for 20,000 to print, £25 to be delivered professionally, that totals £48.85.
The jobs I got all in 5 + 3 recomends = 8 jobs, average price per job £85 so I have taken £680 maybe a little more PLUS possibility of even more reccomends and repeat work if not next year the year after.
As all my set up stands me at well over £8,000 no way will I lie down and roll over, if thats what you expect me to do then youre sadly mistaken. I will stand my corner.
So BSF this is one thread youv'e not killed! Good try
(http://files.tagworld.com/ba164317d0b60328471b8ded616af9761c4e.jpeg)
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;D ;D ;D ;D
Your a bit touchy 2nite, have we met b4?
If I was a big (repeat) customer I'd be a bit put off with the address on your flyer, just a thought ;)
I'm not trying to kill the post drivewasher, but if you can get 20,000 leaflets delivered and printed for £48.95 well done ;D
I see from the flyer youve been doing it for 26 years, at least youve got commitment to your job, if youve been doing it for that long theirs no point in quiting, just carry on leafleting ;D
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Can I ask another question if I may, without you biting my head off?
Why? It's not in my nature to quit. If youre one of lifes quiters then good luck for whatever you do.
Leaflets is not the only form of marketing I do as I would guess same with Ged. But back to my "disappointing" leaflet drops. If you take my 1000 leaflets on the first drop. They cost £277 for 20,000 to print, £25 to be delivered professionally, that totals £48.85.
The jobs I got all in 5 + 3 recomends = 8 jobs, average price per job £85 so I have taken £680 maybe a little more PLUS possibility of even more reccomends and repeat work if not next year the year after.
As all my set up stands me at well over £8,000 no way will I lie down and roll over, if thats what you expect me to do then youre sadly mistaken. I will stand my corner.
So BSF this is one thread youv'e not killed! Good try
(http://files.tagworld.com/ba164317d0b60328471b8ded616af9761c4e.jpeg)
How is a leaflet professionally delivered?
;D
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What I mean is, I don't give em to kids to deliver it's done by a professionsl company who does a check back to verify, records can be viewed by me I et a list of names and addresses that where verified by supervisor, usually 1 or 2 houses in every street
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Hello everyone, i,m very new to this carpet and upholstery cleaning lark. However, i have spent a considerable amount of money on this venture and i will therefore give it my best shot.
I recently purchased 1,000 A5 3 coloured leaflets, they were of good quality and cost 65£.
I delivered all 1,000 of them myself (sucker!). Naturally the temperature was in the high eighties and "helpers" were thin on the ground to say the least!
I did actually secure five jobs from this and have been told since that,that was pretty good going first time out.
Although i can be quite cynical and jaded at times i do indeed appreciate any and all encouragement.
( i think the heat i endured helped to hold sway with five sympathetic souls).
But, hey,Result!
Love and best wishes Mark in Hartlepool.
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Another point to note is repetition.
Apart from the people who reponded to an unsolicited leaflet, there will also be another group of people who actually meant to call you but .............. never quite got around to it for one reason or another. So the next time they see the same leaflet popping through the door they say "O poo, I meant to ring them, must do it now etc
A lot of it also has to do with timing ie if somebody has an immediate need for your service they are likely to ring, if somebody has a need but doesn't currently have the money the MIGHT just stick your leaflet on their kitchen noticeboard for when they can.
We have expiry dates on our leaflets but if somebody has bothered to keep it that long and then call we will still honour the offer.
I would also consider re-writing the phrase "Prices from £35 for a free quotation"!
Mick
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Why? Thats my min charge
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Two of you mention 5 jobs per thousand, thats a really great response in my book
I would assume your average job is around £100?
If so thats £500 a thousand
So if you find a firm to deliver say 5000 a week, thats £2500 a week worth of work, is that bad???
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oh dear.
why argue , it matters not who does what.
tomorrow, today will be yesterday.
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Markmcfarlane
Good luck in your new venture, but let me tell you as someone who has done a lot of cc leaflets 1000 is nowere near enough. you will never take of with such small quantities if you are putting out less than 2500 a week you will struggle, a ideal target is 5000 a week. If you put out a decent leaflet in a decent area 5000 a week you will be fully booked from day one.
Problem is reliable delivery, i have been trying to find someone for nearly a year now
every firm i have tried has stitched me up
the only way i have found is to do them myself over the weekend with a couple of helpers
iv a meeting with one more firm in the morning who reckon they can do it and then thats it, iv tryed everyone near me who does it
apart from royal mail, who i will be trying if this next firm fails
only other option is employ someone on minimum wage, they go out with you in the morning and post leaflets as you work
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Hi Drivewasher.
Nice colourful leaflets, but it's well known that leaflets hardly ever work.
What your saying to the customer is, this is what I do - if you want this service - call me and I will come and clean for you. It doesn't explain anything to me that would make me want to use your service.
It's what's called an institutional ad, and hardly ever works..
I have studied direct marketing techniques and this is the direction you need to go.
You need to think about Direct Marketing, still send out leaflets but re-write them in the form of an A4 letter - White paper/black ink, with a Headline that catches their eye, explain as much as you can about yourself and what you do and try to offer a free demo or free re-sanding on all block paving cleaned in next 2 weeks etc. Give them an incentive to call you.
Call Now ! For a free no obligation demonstration. Tel: ********
People like to receive letters, and they are more likely to read them, rather than a plain leaflet.
email me, if you would like a sample copy of one of mine and see what I mean...
steve.
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Do you think this would work for window cleaning?
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I don't see why not, it should improve any business your in, As the saying goes - the more you tell the more you sell, window cleaning is no different to any other business, you have to think like your customers - What would you like, all any customer wants at the end of the day is value for money.
Did you know that it takes just 4 seconds for a customer to decide on using your service, this is why you need to explain as much as you can in your letter.
steve.
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Steve, could you email me one of your letters, please?
It sounds like a good a idea.
My email address is nick@anyclean.co.uk
Thanks
Nick
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Steve
Yes please
Freddie
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Hi Steve
Would you mind if I could have copy of you letter?
My E-Mail klcleaning@fsmail.net
Thanks Kevin
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hi steve, please could you spare me a copy of your letter? i am in urgent need of insperation.
my e-mail is elaine-matt@blueyonder.co.uk
thanks
matt
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Drivewasher, i see your in Warrington....im doing a drop there in the new year (window cleaning), who do you use?
To those who knock leaflets, and say they dont work.....i started w/c, 2 yrs ago, built only by leaflets, i am now at the stage where i need to employ.
I would recommend leaflets to anyone. Yes you do have to do them in high volumes, however, my business has been built up from leaflets and will carry on using them to build even further.
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hi all, could i have a copy of the letter please. am going to try this.i stuck bits on the back of my leaflets about block paving, inprinted concrert, and tarmac about cleaning and sealing , got some work out of that . mark
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Just had a sale from a leaflet dropped over 18 months ago. Why?
cos is said in bold across the front ' Do not throw this away, you might needs us later'.
Use good quality print We used post cards full colour both sides from Printing.com (10,000 for about £400) and get regular work. we tried cheaper ones but they get chucked. Quality card and they feel they are too good to throw away. Maybed????!!!!
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Hi Drivewasher.
Nice colourful leaflets, but it's well known that leaflets hardly ever work.
What your saying to the customer is, this is what I do - if you want this service - call me and I will come and clean for you. It doesn't explain anything to me that would make me want to use your service.
It's what's called an institutional ad, and hardly ever works..
I have studied direct marketing techniques and this is the direction you need to go.
You need to think about Direct Marketing, still send out leaflets but re-write them in the form of an A4 letter - White paper/black ink, with a Headline that catches their eye, explain as much as you can about yourself and what you do and try to offer a free demo or free re-sanding on all block paving cleaned in next 2 weeks etc. Give them an incentive to call you.
Call Now ! For a free no obligation demonstration. Tel: ********
People like to receive letters, and they are more likely to read them, rather than a plain leaflet.
email me, if you would like a sample copy of one of mine and see what I mean...
steve.
Could you please email me with a copy of your letter, sounds interesting. Email houseproudcleaning@btinternet.com
Thanks
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5 jobs from a 1000 leaflets is very good. One thing we all must remember. The likes of B&Q drop 2 million leaflets per month, and thats from a well established company (NB anyone bought one of those 99p orange buckets yet!!!)
Leaflets should be regular.... similar and hold a message like : YOU MIGHT NEED US ONE DAY :
I have just got a job from a leaflet that was dropped in June 2005. They kept it until Dec 20th when I got a £1600 job. So if you are gonna do it, print 10,000, cherry pick your areas and get students or a company to deliver @ £25 per 1000 (advertise for droppers on Gumtree.com for free) and be prepared to collect them from a central point).
printing.com are hard to beat on there special offers eg 10,000 A5 full colour both sides for £396 + £250 for droppers (and your time which is priceless :)... Imagine doing a shopping centre or market and getting acrosss to 10,000 potential's.... i don't fink so!
Hello everyone, i,m very new to this carpet and upholstery cleaning lark. However, i have spent a considerable amount of money on this venture and i will therefore give it my best shot.
I recently purchased 1,000 A5 3 coloured leaflets, they were of good quality and cost 65£.
I delivered all 1,000 of them myself (sucker!). Naturally the temperature was in the high eighties and "helpers" were thin on the ground to say the least!
I did actually secure five jobs from this and have been told since that,that was pretty good going first time out.
Although i can be quite cynical and jaded at times i do indeed appreciate any and all encouragement.
( i think the heat i endured helped to hold sway with five sympathetic souls).
But, hey,Result!
Love and best wishes Mark in Hartlepool.
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Hi all
It's a while since I've posted on the board but thought I'd take a quick look today to see what's been going on while I've been away and found this thread quite interesting and thought I'd add my experiences to it...
Firstly, I agree with all those who that say that flyers work. There is a big reason why big companies choose to market in this way and all those flyers that fall through the door every week with your free local rag are there because they work! When I did my business course flyers were the cheapest way to get my business off the mark and were highly recommended by the business centre who helped me set up. I had the design done through the graphic designer at the business centre and although it wasn't to my liking they went out anyway. I got 9 calls from the flyer drop, 3 enquiries, a one off job worth £800 and 5 repeat cleans and a weekly basis which was enough to get me started and well worth the money I paid for the flyers and the delivery costs.
Without coming across as I'm touting for business or misleading anyone as to the effectiveness of flyer drops, I've now inadvertently become involved in the design and printing business myself (as many of you already know). It really is down to where you drop your flyers and some delivery companies don't give you much of a choice as to where they're dropped and only allow you to specify postcodes etc which can throw your campaign completely out of the window if you're not careful. Specify street names if possible and your response rate should be better. It also helps not to expect too much either...the response rate for flyer drops is on average 1% (although this depends on what's being advertised) and this is why high numbers are needed in order to achieve the desired response. Design is also important and I strongly suggest getting someone who knows what they're doing to create something strong, professional and eye catching. I've designed many flyers for the people on this board and have had some great feedback regarding the actual designs and their response rates. Take a look at my website- it's still under construction but you can still view flyer prices under the products tab www.premierpds.co.uk.
Good luck
Nickie
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Hi All
Had anyone had any experience with leaflets for office and commercial cleaning?
If so what's the response?
The reason why I'm asking is because I'm trying to start on this side of the business
and just had 1000 leaflets delivered about 5 weeks ago,the person that doing it
I believe is honest and do the thing properly but I had not 1 single enquiry.
Thank's
Jorge Ribeiro
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We have delivered leaflets for office and showroom cleans and had no response whatsover. I have not yet found anyone who I can trust to deliver the leaflets so we have to do this ourselves which is extremely time consuming and to get no response is soul destroying, The conclusion we have come to is that the people responsible for organising these cleans are lazy and dont have very high standards. Therefore they tend to stay with the large companies they already use who will have contacted them a long time ago (NOT BY SENDING FLYERS OUT). They wait of cleaning companies going to them and dont tend to come to us via leaflet drops. We have found the only way to get this business is to visit the premises in person and speak face to face with the decision maker and impress on them what we can offer. Good Luck.
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Hi myvanwi
Thank's for your response.
Probably this is more dificult than I'm thinking,but in one way or other
I will still try.
Jorge Ribeiro
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Hi Jorge
I've done this two ways- firstly by delivering flyers alone for which the response rate was next to none. With the second lot of flyers I wrote a letter introducing myself and my company and put images of the office staff on the A4 flyers so that when we followed them up with calls they would know who they were talking to (assuming they were interested to begin with). The response rate still wasn't great but was much higher than the flyer alone and got us 3 regular office cleans which again was enough to get the ball rolling with office cleans. Once we had these we called into all the local offices surrounding the ones we were already cleaning and started our pitch with 'hi, I'm.... from...We clean the Grenn Henley office over the road etc. Most companies will already have contracts with other companies but it's worth asking them when the contract is due to end and make a note of it and then follow it up with a call about 6-4 weeks before the due end date. Hope this helps.
Nickie
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Hi Nickie
Thank's for your help.
I'll have to follow other ways,not just flyers.
Jorge Ribeiro
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i think leaflets are ok really. :D
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Hi Jorge
I've done this two ways- firstly by delivering flyers alone for which the response rate was next to none. With the second lot of flyers I wrote a letter introducing myself and my company and put images of the office staff on the A4 flyers so that when we followed them up with calls they would know who they were talking to (assuming they were interested to begin with). The response rate still wasn't great but was much higher than the flyer alone and got us 3 regular office cleans which again was enough to get the ball rolling with office cleans. Once we had these we called into all the local offices surrounding the ones we were already cleaning and started our pitch with 'hi, I'm.... from...We clean the Grenn Henley office over the road etc. Most companies will already have contracts with other companies but it's worth asking them when the contract is due to end and make a note of it and then follow it up with a call about 6-4 weeks before the due end date. Hope this helps.
It does help thankyou very much. I assume you print and design this flyer yourself. Could you email me one to houseproudcleaning@btinternet.com as it sounds like it worked really well. it is so difficult to get the wording and photos right.
Nickie
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Hi and from me
I am also new to this site, but I would like to tell you that we have a good respond from the leaflets. Every 1000- 3, 4 jobs, which is great I think. Here is the site where I have done 20 000 simple black and white A5 flyers for carpet cleaning for only £139 with the delivery ;)
http://www.leafletsforyou.co.uk
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We had 5,000 leaflets printed, but we only distributed 1,000 of them, for various reasons. We will resumed distribution in the spring.
We had them done postcard size on good quality card. Our theory was that people would be more inclined to save them if they resembled a postcard, instead of a flyer.
We distributed them in May, and I got an enquiry from someone in November who had saved the card.
Another point to bear in mind - postcards are much easy in shove in letterboxes than a folded flyer.
If you want to have a look at ours, you can download a pdf by clicking here (http://www.wecleanforyou.co.uk/documents/images/artwork/Postcard/A4_Version1.pdf).