[daniel horne]

im new to the game and seen what people think to door nocking but what do you say to them? as to people that open the door to you???

[chris@c.m.s]

My usual speech would be, Hello I'm expanding my window cleaning business in the area would you be interested in having a regular and reliable window cleaner. It is very rare to get anyone being rude and window cleaners are not the most dreaded of canvassers like energy suppliers or JWs.   
Oops that's torn it 

[stevieg]

hello sorry to bother you ,i just wanted to enquire if you needed a window cleaner or if youve got one.By saying it like that, it invites them to say they already have one and if they ask for a price (ie how much do you charge )you will know not to give a price therefore not stepping on another window cleaners toes.

[CLEANGLASSUK]

Dont bother knocking if your chinesse, because they well expect you to be saying,
wunna by dvd.and they wont even open the door.

[bonsey]

and if they say no i dont want one hand them a leaflet and say if you change you mind here are my details thanks for your time then
you most prob mumble under your breath as walking away get you windows cleaned you dirty !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pristine Clean]

hello sorry to bother you ,i just wanted to enquire if you needed a window cleaner or if youve got one.By saying it like that, it invites them to say they already have one and if they ask for a price (ie how much do you charge )you will know not to give a price therefore not stepping on another window cleaners toes.

Good point, but if they ask for a price and they already have a window cleaner, business is business.. I would price. As if the customer wants a price its their choice who they go with. You dont need to under cut. They might not like the window cleaner, he might be rubbish. And they the customer wants a new window cleaner.

Dave

[suffolkclean]

Hello, sorry to trouble you I just wondered if you needed a window cleaner?

Oh yes I do need a window cleaner - how much do you charge?
No sorry I have a window cleaner
But the most annoying is when they say no sorry Ive got a window cleaner or that they do them themselves and there are huge cobwebs, green algae on the frames and windows are discusting.

If there is no answer at the door then I put a slip through the door with a price and if their at work and do need ur service and are happy with the price they can call, this worked quite well for me.

[Mick (UHPS)]

Also, stand well back from the door once you've knocked so you dont intimidate them when they answer.
Then what he said. 

My usual speech would be, Hello I'm expanding my window cleaning business in the area would you be interested in having a regular and reliable window cleaner. It is very rare to get anyone being rude and window cleaners are not the most dreaded of canvassers like energy suppliers or JWs.   
Oops that's torn it 

[Slash]

Simple answer:
You're windows are filthy,are you not embarrased!

[Klean07]

But the most annoying is when they say no sorry Ive got a window cleaner or that they do them themselves and there are huge cobwebs, green algae on the frames and windows are discusting
I can relate to this. People do tell big orkies sometimes.

[AJ]

the guy who does our house left us a slip with a basic pictures of a window i.e single, double, treble, bay etc with a price under each one, and basically invited us to quote our own house. All the prices were the same, but it saved any confusion.
Just out of curiosity, i walked round the house and priced it, and he does it for that price.
seems like a decent idea, at least the customer knows what he's in for without the feeling of being pressured. Also, you can't be accused of undercutting because nobody has told you what they are already paying.

[mr D]

trick or treat!

just kiddin, i used to say
                                      hello, i'm sorry to bother you i'm a local window cleaner i'm just wondering if its something your intrested in.

thats enough IMO dont sound like a sales person. remember if they say they already have one dont be a plank and try under cutting him because if you get the job it will be under priced and you will regret it.

look smart but dont over do it. if you go round whereing a tie you will look like a sales man. trust me there are some that do. and if like me you have tattos up yor arms its prob best to cover them up.

i shaved my hair off one for charity and i didnt pick up a single job untill i grew back.

[CLEANGLASSUK]

NOT TODAY THANKS 

[AuRavelling79]

I got this one off of Joe Hatton:-


My friend and I are calling ... err, I mean I'm calling with these two magazines - this one is a bible-based magazine that is highlighting this picture of Jesus (who didn't exist according to martin 606 ) with a way too groomed hairstyle and clean clothes for one born in an era without launderettes. This other magazine is more topical and has a lovely article asking whether we are running out of water. As I use a waterfed pole your windows will be shiny and bright and my actions are in no way inconsistent with the magazine I'm leaving with you!

Perhaps I could call back at a more convenient time to discuss the flood of Noah's day (no water shortage there ) and explain it's meaning for you?



J/K Joe!

[suffolkclean]

I found putting a slip through the door with a price on was much more sucessful than just a flyer, if the customer sees a price they think oh Ive been meaning to sort out a window cleaner and the price is Ok and they phone you.

I think putting a general flyer through doors is a waste of time, theres such a tiny percentage of people that call I'd rather not waste the sole of my shoes!!

Barbara

[mr D]

I think putting a general flyer through doors is a waste of time, theres such a tiny percentage of people that call I'd rather not waste the sole of my shoes!!

do it bear foot then!

[Steve CM]

Also, stand well back from the door once you've knocked so you dont intimidate them when they answer.

a very good tip that one. no-one likes to feel threatend. i'm always wary of scaring people by being in there face to much!

[michael papworth]

I always leaflet first and then call a few days later. I carry a clipboard with my name clearly printed on the back and hold it so they can see who I am before I say a word.

Then I say: Hi I'm Wally the Window Washer. How much would you like a regular, reliable window cleaning service?

Asking "would you like ..." will get you the answer yes or no. That's too easy!

Asking "how much would you like ..." invites them to think about things a little more and you're more likely to get a considered answer.

And, yes, stand back from the door.


(Have you noticed that shop assistants ask "how can I help you?" instead of "can I help you?" Now you know the reason!!!)

[Chris Galloway]

(Have you noticed that shop assistants ask "how can I help you?" instead of "can I help you?" Now you know the reason!!!)

I still say no thanks im just looking..

The worst thing you can do it pressurise people - best for shop assistants to say and they are doing this now.. "If you need anything or cant find what your looking for please come and ask", and leave it at that..

[Ian Lancaster]

I always leaflet first and then call a few days later. I carry a clipboard with my name clearly printed on the back and hold it so they can see who I am before I say a word.

Then I say: Hi I'm Wally the Window Washer. How much would you like a regular, reliable window cleaning service?

Asking "would you like ..." will get you the answer yes or no. That's too easy!

Asking "how much would you like ..." invites them to think about things a little more and you're more likely to get a considered answer.

And, yes, stand back from the door.


(Have you noticed that shop assistants ask "how can I help you?" instead of "can I help you?" Now you know the reason!!!)

I do pretty much the same thing, but when they answer the door I hold up a copy of the leaflet and say 'Hi, my name is Ian Lancaster and I put one of these through your door a couple of days ago.' When they say 'Yes?' or whatever, I say 'Did you like it? How do you think it compares with other leaflets you've had?'

That throws them off balance a bit, and they start talking about how good the leaflet is, forgetting to say 'No, thank you!'  If you can keep the conversation going for another few seconds, it's easy to say 'Bear with me just a minute, and I'll give you a proper written quotation.'

Of course, in order to make this work, your leaflet MUST be better than any others they may have had