[gaz1984mcc]

Hi guys ordered my uniform last week and ive got my leaflets at the ready so as soon as my uniform arrives next week i plan to hit the road and do some canvassing. I know its kinda frowned upon but i think its the quickest way to get customers i have done a bit when i first left school 11 years ago selling pvc windows and its tough and can be soul destroying at times.
I just wanted to ask some advice on a spiel on what to say to potential customers when i go door knocking from some of you guys who have done canvassing for you carpet cleaning business. And nothing like "awight love fancy having ya carpets cleaned" wink wink lol

Thanks

[Colin Day]

I wouldn't do it myself because I hate canvassers... But you'll know yourself that some people are prepared to listen to sales patter.

I would probably [if pushed to canvas] start off with "Hello, I'm your local professional carpet and upholstery cleaner, could I interest you in a leaflet? I am also carrying out free, no obligation quotes and could either carry one out now, or call back at a more convenient time for you"

I hate canvassers because they don't get to the point and they have slimy way with them.

Let us know how you get on.....

[Steve Chapman]

The secret is to appear to be not selling anything directly at all,

I would normally just knock and ask if they have received one of our leaflets recently as we are just checking on deliveries etc, when they say no then offer them one and by that time you've made face to face contact with them, they know who you are, that you are friendly & local and if they have any inclination of getting a carpet cleaned or know some one who is they are going to tell you soon enough and ask for a quote.

You can accomplish all that with out directly selling anything at all.

The crucial thing is, they have asked you and not the other way round.


Ive found in the past, the minute you ask if they need their carpets cleaned they're saying goodbye.

Steve

[gaz1984mcc]

Thanks for the reply colin i understand people hate canvassers im not a big fan myself especially gas and electric canvassers. However having done it my self in the past im more tolerant towards them its a bloody tough job and il be honest i did joinery for 8 years with my old man and even working on an old barn roof when it was snowing  it was freezing wimdy as hell ya i couldnt feel my fingers or toes it was that cold. I found that easier than door knocking by far. Im definately gonna give it a go and i will post my results back on the forum.

Anyone else got any advice?

[Jim_77]

Yep.

Always make sure your feet are sticking out further than your face.  Avoids nose bleeds from slamming doors

[Steve. Taylor]

What steve said make them feel there helping you out and not selling them a service.

[gaz1984mcc]

Have any of you actually tested that method it sounds good but in theory what if they say you should know if i recieved a bloody flyer cause i saw you posting the damn things the other day you'd look a right tit lol

[Jim_77]

I think the idea is that you haven't actually delivered the leaflet, therefore giving you the impetus to strike up the conversation

[Steve Chapman]

 

[Steve. Taylor]

What jim said this time

[Ian Gourlay]

There is nothing to be afraid off people do it all day long

My advise 1 to  2 hours a  day tops do it for three months if it does not work then quit

Remember the The Secret of the Door>

You will not know what is on the other side until you go through it.

Stop trying to guess what they will say

The No Leaflet Strategy is a good one 

There are another 110 doorstep stratergies

[Ricky M]

yes tried and tested various pitch's with  differing results depending on which season you plan to knock.

you will find that as long as your opener isnt cold ( drop leaflet twice ( 2 days apart ) then pitch) you should be fine, they take to it much better than utilities windows etc etc.

but dont go for a fast close let them close them selfs with the idea of possibly using 1 of your services in the future, depending on the structure and content to your pro active campaign you should be fine.

if you want to have a private chat about this subject give me a bell 07932 706390 Ricky

There will be always that are anti canvas/sales and that's fine 

The world would be boring if everybody agreed with you and seen it from you point of view !!

Mind you, if the cana is a seasoned pro they always agree/ come around to your way of thinking     

[Ian Gourlay]

That the leaflet Stratergy

 

I used to like phone the boss but thats old hat now

[John Kelly]

Phone the boss, thats a goodun.  Driveway guy did it to me, "I'll just phone the boss and see if we can get a better deal". I threw him out.
He'd already come down from 13k to 8k why can't they just give you an honest price.

[Ian Gourlay]

When I was in Replacement Windows the Computer was programmed to Give a 25% higher price in first place.

This is where I found the statement on Fastrack that people trust Computer Price.

John I think the answer to your question is people expect a discount . I know I have this problem in the business I am not allowed to mention. When i give a price that is my price as that is me I play it straight.

Phone The boss was 25 years ago we did actually have someone on the other end of the phone.

Gas should say only about 2% of the population have the correct  psychological  profile to consistently canvas.

Use it to build a pot to pay for other marketing

[gaz1984mcc]

Thanks everyone for the advice i will take it all on board. Im curios as to what sort of hit ratio you would expect from canvassing. From youre experience if i did a couple of hours canvassing a day how many custies would you expect per  day. I know its hard to tell but if any of you have used canvassing what sort of return would you expect on an average day.

Thanks

[jim mca]

Gaz

If youve sold before you know the game I sold gas and electricity for two years and dont wont to knock a door again but if needs must I would make up a market research sheet and ask 2 or 3 questions

Have you used a carpet or upholstery cleaner before?
 If you were looking for a carpet or upholstery cleaner where would look?
 How much would you expect to pay?

Then offer them a discount voucher for taking part in your survey even if you dont get work you will get the info you need for your marketing

Jim