I would have thought that the 2% - 3% is the possible response for a typical leaflet drop. However, out of that % you still have to make the sale!
As regards the post from Clifford above, if the success rate from 8000 leaflets was 60 jobs per week......we would all be far too busy working to be on the Cleanitup forum.....
The only way leaflets would work, would be to keep your 8000 leaflets, go to a smaller area and drop 1000 leaflets. Month later do the same 1000 leaflets in the same homes. Next month the same and so on.....The client gets to know your company, and while one month they are not interested in your services and the leaflet is thrown into the bin....a couple of months later their circumstances may have changed and your leaflet comes through the door again.
Calling over and over each month gets your name around.
Never tried this myself, but a sales guy recommended this method and said the 2% - 3% margin moves up to around 5%+ because of dropping the same leaflet month after month. It reminds the customer every month of your services.
Besides, i would rather walk round with a 1000 leaflets.....than face walking round trying to get rid of 8000+ leaflets!!
Regards
Tim
P.S Does the above make any sense? Too tired to check what i have written.