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DE3P

  • Posts: 4
I don't want to step on anyones toes
« on: November 25, 2008, 10:39:12 am »
Hey all, ok so i'm out again this weekend knocking on doors but how do you go in to a new area you aren't sure about who may already have a w/c. I really don't want to be taking business off anyone so what's the rule of thumb here?

cybersye

Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #1 on: November 25, 2008, 11:00:40 am »
This time of year I look out for otherwise well maintained properties but with dirty windows in daylight hours, sorry that sounds obvious not meaning to take the mick, but what I mean is with a bit of observation you can save youself time and wasted leaflets etc. if there are regular rounds in that area you'll notice.
But as for stepping on others toes, I would'nt worry too much
In this economic climate if it has'nt happened to you already, it soon will.
As for intentionally undercutting, well lets not get into that one :-X ;D

good luck

RSWindows

  • Posts: 286
Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #2 on: November 25, 2008, 11:52:38 am »
Im sure if you asked someone after giving them your sales pitch, "is there a window cleaner operating in this area?" they will let u know. Ask the first 10 people that you visit to guage the answer

mark dew

  • Posts: 2901
Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #3 on: November 25, 2008, 12:05:40 pm »
Im sure if you asked someone after giving them your sales pitch, "is there a window cleaner operating in this area?" they will let u know. Ask the first 10 people that you visit to guage the answer

Trouble with that is they all say yes. And some have even told me that "he does them all."  ::)
All you can do is canvass everything. Have your price that you will work for and don't haggle.
I found the hardest thing was to avoid taking on jobs that should have had a premium cos they were really awkward or the windows were much bigger or non standard.
For my 1st 6 months i had an 'all windows were equal' mentality. This resulted in me underpricing larger jobs which were then harder to put up at a later date.

RSWindows

  • Posts: 286
Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #4 on: November 25, 2008, 12:14:59 pm »
fair statement.

Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #5 on: November 25, 2008, 01:18:36 pm »
Price them up which is a good price for you to do them, if you are cheaper than another wc without you realising then thats business. But dont undercut just to get jobs n the cheap, you will do them rubbish, regret taking it on, and actually give you a bad name when you disappear! Not only that but cause bad report with other wc in the area.

If you know on someone's house who already has a window cleaner if they ask you for a quote they are inviting you to do so, so give them a quote, if they decide to take you on its their choice.

Not everyone who has a window cleaner actually like's their window cleaner for whatever reason but they dont know who else is about so will stick with them. If your a different option, more professional in your job, appearance etc then you may be given that chance.

When handing out flyers i always say, If you already have a window cleaner keep hold of my flyer encase your current wc disappears, if you dont have one feel free to call me when you feel the need. I dont pressurise people and put them on the spot. They will always say No thanks and probably not even fully comprehend what you just said to them...

Just like in the town, someone comes up and asks you something, you reply - No Thanks without even given them a chance whilst walking by..

If you offer more services than just window cleaning, offer those too! they may need something else done, but not the window cleaning, then in time after you have done the work, they liked you approach and manner and give you a call to do the windows perhaps... Ive had that a number of times.

Paul Coleman

Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #6 on: November 25, 2008, 04:35:03 pm »
Im sure if you asked someone after giving them your sales pitch, "is there a window cleaner operating in this area?" they will let u know. Ask the first 10 people that you visit to guage the answer

Trouble with that is they all say yes. And some have even told me that "he does them all."  ::)
All you can do is canvass everything. Have your price that you will work for and don't haggle.
I found the hardest thing was to avoid taking on jobs that should have had a premium cos they were really awkward or the windows were much bigger or non standard.
For my 1st 6 months i had an 'all windows were equal' mentality. This resulted in me underpricing larger jobs which were then harder to put up at a later date.


But some windows are more equal than others.

daniel horne

  • Posts: 49
Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #7 on: November 25, 2008, 04:53:49 pm »
sometimes if you ask the window cleaners in the area they can help and may point you in the right direction..good luck ;) ;)

Llaaww

  • Posts: 2260
Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #8 on: November 25, 2008, 07:18:20 pm »
stick your pin in the map and decide exactly where you want to work, and systematically knock on each and every door, with your price. repeat as and when more work is needed.

We still have a free market, something to fight for and defend.




Blimey i am on a roll tonight. :D
if it is dirty it is fair game

mr D

  • Posts: 913
Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #9 on: November 25, 2008, 07:43:57 pm »
dont be daft just get your self out there. if the wc in the area is doing a good job you wont pick any up. it there pants/over priced your be full asap

gordonswindows

  • Posts: 563
Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #10 on: November 25, 2008, 07:56:50 pm »
Well said Mr D good honest true advice
Don't Give Up
@askforthemoney

peter holley

Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #11 on: November 25, 2008, 09:14:26 pm »
this patch thingy is a load of nonsense....i am probably the longest standing wc in my area,loads have started up over the years and i havnt lost any to undercutting. i know some of the other wc get my rejects......i pulled into a cul-de-sac that i do the other day,and there was another wc canvassing my customers, he wasnt to know that they were my customers.
i introduced myself and we got talking, he was amazed that i was doing them £3 less than he would have quoted.... i explained that if i only had 1 or 2 houses that my price would be tha same as his , but i had several houses all together.....

i have spent hours canvassing sometimes with not much response...why is this? its coz they had a wc already ...you have to knock to find out...

Rob.Hall

  • Posts: 1095
Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #12 on: November 26, 2008, 08:34:11 am »
The other thing is that some areas want to bin there w/c.
I have had this happen because the other w/c was not very good. Smears/streaks using the same dirty cloth all day etc etc. (Slight exageration). :P

Its better to say I did than, I wish I had, 6 months down the line!

Ian Lancaster

  • Posts: 2811
Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #13 on: November 26, 2008, 05:34:12 pm »
Im sure if you asked someone after giving them your sales pitch, "is there a window cleaner operating in this area?" they will let u know. Ask the first 10 people that you visit to guage the answer

Trouble with that is they all say yes. And some have even told me that "he does them all."  ::)
All you can do is canvass everything. Have your price that you will work for and don't haggle.
I found the hardest thing was to avoid taking on jobs that should have had a premium cos they were really awkward or the windows were much bigger or non standard.
For my 1st 6 months i had an 'all windows were equal' mentality. This resulted in me underpricing larger jobs which were then harder to put up at a later date.


But some windows are more equal than others.

Four panes good, two panes bad ;)

We had the question: "In which book does the slogan 'four legs good, two legs bad' appear?" in our quiz last night.  I couldn't remember, but kicked myself when we were told the answer ::)

Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #14 on: November 26, 2008, 07:20:04 pm »
Just go out & canvass mate, mine get it all the time & i'm not bothered. Cant remember the last time i lost 1 & if i did i cant see it's down to quality of work.

Go for it.

David Slater

Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #15 on: November 26, 2008, 07:29:05 pm »
I have a credit card with VISA  :)

...it doesnt stop Mastercard, Goldfish, MBNA, Abbey, HSBC, Tesco, M&S, etc etc etc offering me their services.

I have Virgin Media Broadband  :)

...It doesnt stop BT, SKY, Tiscali, Carphone Warehouse, etc etc etc offering me their services.

I have British Gas supplying my gas and electric  :)

....It doesnt stop Southern, Norweb, E-on, Scottish Power etc etc etc offering me their services.



WHY should YOU be any different?   

simbo

  • Posts: 609
Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #16 on: November 26, 2008, 08:54:04 pm »
well said! spot on,

Re: I don't want to step on anyones toes
« Reply #17 on: November 26, 2008, 08:56:03 pm »
Im sure if you asked someone after giving them your sales pitch, "is there a window cleaner operating in this area?" they will let u know. Ask the first 10 people that you visit to guage the answer

Trouble with that is they all say yes. And some have even told me that "he does them all."  ::)
All you can do is canvass everything. Have your price that you will work for and don't haggle.
I found the hardest thing was to avoid taking on jobs that should have had a premium cos they were really awkward or the windows were much bigger or non standard.
For my 1st 6 months i had an 'all windows were equal' mentality. This resulted in me underpricing larger jobs which were then harder to put up at a later date.


But some windows are more equal than others.

Four panes good, two panes bad ;)

We had the question: "In which book does the slogan 'four legs good, two legs bad' appear?" in our quiz last night.  I couldn't remember, but kicked myself when we were told the answer ::)

Animal Farm, by Orwel. Did it at GCSE..