[andy east sussex]

we have a lot of clients who we current do different cleaning for and have asked how they feel about someone knocking on door about having their windows cleaned mind you they already have window cleaners im not going to take someone elses work but surely must be a way of getting better responses from leaflets was thinking of building a leaflet same as postman parcel note thing they leave saying "something for you"

[Cookie]

If I were you I would just get knocking on doors - they will soon tell you if they already have a window cleaner. I only use leaflets for those doors where there is a notice saying 'no cold callers'.

[andy east sussex]

in our area &98% of doors have that and had a lot of bogus callers over last year people are weary im not surprised and don't blame them for not wanting people to knock on doors but because theres bad people out there it knocks us professionals out

[Cookie]

OK fair enough. Looks like you may have to rely on leaflets to start of with & hopefully get some walk ups & referrals as you go along.

[Gerald Ash]

Knock doors! Keep a record of houses knocked and the result.
 Here`s what I do.
 Knock door and stand well back from door, Important for me as I`m huge and might scare some people.
 When the door is answered, smile the same as you do when you meet someone you care deeply about as this will make your smile genuine.
Say "Sorry to disturb you, Do you have a window cleaner?" If windows are obviously dirty change this to want a window cleaner.
 If they say yes or no but we don`t want one then say "Sorry I won`t bother you any further"
If you get a "no we don`t" then start your pitch. The pitch is up to you.
Use leaflets for No Cold Callers and those who don`t answer or who aren`t home. Again keep a record of all results. You can return to the street a month or so later and knock the ones who weren`t home and leaflet the NCC`s
I have found it the most efficient as you don`t have to drop leaflets through every door every time plus so many householders will want to use you but will forget to call. If you ask them there and then far greater chance of getting the customer.
 Remember smile unless, of course, you`re Gordon Brown.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf-IatBcpqg

[dazmond]

Knock doors! Keep a record of houses knocked and the result.
 Here`s what I do.
 Knock door and stand well back from door, Important for me as I`m huge and might scare some people.
 When the door is answered, smile the same as you do when you meet someone you care deeply about as this will make your smile genuine.
Say "Sorry to disturb you, Do you have a window cleaner?" If windows are obviously dirty change this to want a window cleaner.
 If they say yes or no but we don`t want one then say "Sorry I won`t bother you any further"
If you get a "no we don`t" then start your pitch. The pitch is up to you.
Use leaflets for No Cold Callers and those who don`t answer or who aren`t home. Again keep a record of all results. You can return to the street a month or so later and knock the ones who weren`t home and leaflet the NCC`s
I have found it the most efficient as you don`t have to drop leaflets through every door every time plus so many householders will want to use you but will forget to call. If you ask them there and then far greater chance of getting the customer.
 Remember smile unless, of course, you`re Gordon Brown.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vf-IatBcpqg

i knock the door even if it has "no cold callers etc" stuck to their door.

i never open with "sorry to disturb you.do you have a window cleaner" either.

usually its "hi i was wondering whether you d like a good window cleaning service" and take it from there.

[pdale]

Most of those 'no cold calling' signs are just standard ones people put up. Just knock them ... if it's in an obvious position (right by the bell) then just apologise for knocking and ask them if they want a window cleaner, 'Sorry, I didn't even notice your sign when I knocked the door' (silly me). If it isn't in an obvious position just ignore it, 9 times out of ten they don't even mention it.

The only ones I tend to avoid are the ones that have been hand made, or printed from the computer themselves and it's in a prominent position, as it's obvious they've made the effort to put a sign up, but then if the windows are dirty I'll still knock them. When you get talking to most people with those signs they'll tell you that they put them up to stop people like double glazing salesman knocking, they don't put window cleaners in the same bracket as most door to door sales.

I can count on one hand the amount of people who have been funny about me knocking the door who have don't call signs.

[Gerald Ash]

I don`t knock Ncc`s because it`s there for a reason but if you get away with it then that`s fine. If they are wanting a window cleaner the leaflet will do it`s job. The only reason I knock the doors instead of just pushing flyers through is you know the feel of the area.
If someone has a windie then that house is covered. it`s rare you get nothing in a street so they`ll look out for you if they change their mind.
   It`s all about getting into there head and making an impression. Be polite warm and friendly you`ll be remembered. I`m too lazy to  leaflet every house in a street every month or so.
It`s a lot slower but more accurate afterall leaflets aren`t free.
The absolute best way to get work is recommendations as it`s a sign you`re doing it right.