[ringo1968]

 The ones used to clean leaded windows on sloping roofs ? They look as if you clamp a wrung out cloth on first and then your dry cloth to finish the job off- not sure how effective they are ?

       And i have started canvassing to try and get a round- but have had no luck yet. Most folk answer with "We don't need a window cleaner". I have asked a few if they know of any already in the area but they don't seem to know !!!

[Ian Lancaster]

The ones used to clean leaded windows on sloping roofs ? They look as if you clamp a wrung out cloth on first and then your dry cloth to finish the job off- not sure how effective they are ?

Not sure what you mean by "windows on sloping roofs", but I wouldn't think cleaning leaded glass with any sort of pole and clamp is going to be very effective.  You need to get up close and use lots of elbow grease, or get a WFP.


       And i have started canvassing to try and get a round- but have had no luck yet. Most folk answer with "We don't need a window cleaner". I have asked a few if they know of any already in the area but they don't seem to know !!!

It's a numbers game, and it takes practice.  The first thing you have to master is the confidence side of things.  You need to have your "patter" fluent and effective and to approach every mark as though you don't expect rejection. "I was wondering if you needed a window cleaner" is about the worst possible approach - you are almost inviting them to say "no".  Be positive, confident, polite and firm without being "pushy" - make sure you get your message across before they have a chance to stop you in mid flow.

And knock on as many doors as you possibly can, at least 60-80 a day.

If you want it, it's there, but nobody's going to hand it to you on a plate.  Not unless you join my organisation, of course

[peekeclean]

hi ian tell us how you do it then, as i use the "I was wondering if you needed a window cleaner" when i have gone canvassing.
not had much luck so i think your right,plus i do a lack a bit of confidence.

cheers joe

[mtswindows]

I use the applicator and squeegee as normal. Then I use the unger fixi clamp with a microfibre cloth wrapped round a roll of binliners. If you look on youtube there's a wc called mywagga and he uses a seatbelt pad. I got the idea from him. He's got loads of videos on trad pole work

[Ian Lancaster]

hi ian tell us how you do it then, as i use the "I was wondering if you needed a window cleaner" when i have gone canvassing.
not had much luck so i think your right,plus i do a lack a bit of confidence.

cheers joe

Hi Joe,

First thing, get some good quality leaflets printed (never mind all the threads on here about how cheap you can get them done - they are your first approach to a custy and they need to be right.  Think very carefully about what you want them to say.)

Then choose your area to canvass and put out about 200.  No more. You can only knock on so many doors.  Follow up 2-3 days later and have a leaflet pasted on the front cover of a folding clipboard.  Knock on the door, hold up the clipboard with the leaflet showing and say:

"Good afternoon (morning, evening or whatever)  My name is Joe Peake and I put one of these through your door a couple of days ago."

If the leaflet is any good, they've read it and will remember you. 

Now:  You need to have what is known as the "elevator pitch" ready, fluent and practised.

Imagine you are in a lift.  A person gets in who is the ONE person you need to grab to get a chance of giving your sales pitch.  You have 30 seconds to get their attention and make them want to hear more about what you have to say. Then the lift arrives at their floor, they get out and you've either made an impression, you give them your card and the take it and call you later, or you've blown it and they couldn't care less.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO SAY?

I can't tell you, you are the best person in the world to talk about your business.  Work out a 30 second spiel which will tell the mark why they should want you to spend a few minutes giving them a quote.

Be positive.  Don't use any words which give them the opportunity to say no.  Every question should invite the answer "yes"

All you need to do is get them to agree that they ought to give you five minutes to show them what you do and how much you charge.

After that it's up to you.

Best of luck

Ian

[dazmond]

i use a trad pole with a clamp for detailing after ive squeegyed the window,but i dont use it for leaded windows!i have scrimmed the odd frosted glass bathroom window and used a damp microfibre on little openers before now!

[Ian Mason]

Hi Ringo,

I am just starting out aswell, & lacking confidence, but with regards to sales pitch, the advice given is spot on! I have heard this exact same advice on business courses!

Best of luck.

[Window Washers]

hi ian tell us how you do it then, as i use the "I was wondering if you needed a window cleaner" when i have gone canvassing.
not had much luck so i think your right,plus i do a lack a bit of confidence.

cheers joe

Hi Joe,

First thing, get some good quality leaflets printed (never mind all the threads on here about how cheap you can get them done - they are your first approach to a custy and they need to be right.  Think very carefully about what you want them to say.)

Then choose your area to canvass and put out about 200.  No more. You can only knock on so many doors.  Follow up 2-3 days later and have a leaflet pasted on the front cover of a folding clipboard.  Knock on the door, hold up the clipboard with the leaflet showing and say:

"Good afternoon (morning, evening or whatever)  My name is Joe Peake and I put one of these through your door a couple of days ago."

If the leaflet is any good, they've read it and will remember you. 

Now:  You need to have what is known as the "elevator pitch" ready, fluent and practised.

Imagine you are in a lift.  A person gets in who is the ONE person you need to grab to get a chance of giving your sales pitch.  You have 30 seconds to get their attention and make them want to hear more about what you have to say. Then the lift arrives at their floor, they get out and you've either made an impression, you give them your card and the take it and call you later, or you've blown it and they couldn't care less.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO SAY?

I can't tell you, you are the best person in the world to talk about your business.  Work out a 30 second spiel which will tell the mark why they should want you to spend a few minutes giving them a quote.

Be positive.  Don't use any words which give them the opportunity to say no.  Every question should invite the answer "yes"

All you need to do is get them to agree that they ought to give you five minutes to show them what you do and how much you charge.

After that it's up to you.

Best of luck

Ian

What book did that come from Ian ?

[sgibsoncleaning]

Ian's book. called i already have a sucessfull business.
when the door opens, thats your hit or miss moment , you could have the best leaflet in the world but if you stand there slouched head down and mumbling "do you want a window cleaner" be upright and positive. be smart and polite.
work out your patter at home, your family will think you gone nuts but its worth it. so when the door opens you can sell your self, firstly with appearance secondly with your spiel.
never haggle have a price and stick to it, dont let customers tell you your job, if its a 10 quid job dont let the customer tell you they will give you 8. if you slow weakness they will bite you  . i had a tradesman apologize for the price he quoted, so i bid him down and he accepted.
have confidence and faith in what you do.

[ringo1968]

Hi Ringo,

I am just starting out aswell, & lacking confidence, but with regards to sales pitch, the advice given is spot on! I have heard this exact same advice on business courses!

Best of luck.

        Pretty much all of the people i speak to say they already have a window cleaner- but i am prepared to put in the hard yards....

[dai]

It's been many a year since I went canvassing, but as others have said it's all about confidence.

Knock!knock!"Hi, good evening, I'm Dave Hutton the window cleaner,"

 I look into their eyes long enough for them to look into mine, it's no good looking down shuffling your feet. Eye contact is important, you will almost always be judged by the look in your eye.
Using the words " the window cleaner" implies that you are well known in the area even if your not, and that's what you are, a window cleaner.

"We are expanding our round in this area and would be happy to give you a quote"[ eye contact point]

Note the we, actually it's the royal we, and it implies that your part of something bigger, not a wanaby one man band window cleaner.
Never ask if they already have a window cleaner, if they have and are happy with him, they will tell you soon enough. This is a business your embarking on, no room for sentiment, this code of honour amongst widow cleaner thing is with few exceptions total myth.

"How much do you charge? Do you mind if I look round the back to see how many windows you have? [ eye contact point] No go ahead."

At this point the old adrenaline starts to kick in. Walk around calmly whilst you work out the price. All kinds of doubt is fighting to get into your brain, kick it out, it's your worst enemy right now. Price according to your formula, and stick with it. believe me it's just so easy to think £15 and £12. 50 comes out of your mouth at the vital moment.

"Would you want them doing regularly on a four weekly basis? Yes
"Well, in that case  you have nice windows with good access, I can do them for £15.00. [ eye contact point] Fine when can you come".
 By telling them that they have nice windows with easy access, and that you can do them for that price, makes the customer think they are getting a bargain, or at least think they would have to pay more if they didn't have nice windows and access.
Once the first one is in the bag it gets easier, you can now name drop in your opening Gambit.

"Hi, good evening I'm Dave Hutton the window cleaner. Mrs Phillips from number 10 has asked me to clean her windows, and as I am now working this area could I interest you in a quotation"?.
People are like sheep, where one goes others tend to follow.
And above all remember, YOU NEVER FAIL UNTIL YOU QUIT

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

Well said Dai. couldn't be any closer to the truth.




Matt