[Perfect Windows]

Have any people on here employed canvassers?  I'm not talking specifically about people actually on the payroll, I'm including people employed on a contract base but only by you (i.e. they are not a canvassing company)

If so, how did you pay them and how effective were they?  Were you happy with how they worked based on how you paid them (flat v commission): if they have stopped, is it something you'd do again?  Were there any major drawbacks or unexpected benefits?

Thanks.

[Katy]

There are several companies around that will do that for you.  But alot of chaps prefer to do themselves, I believe at the moment, its about  3 x value of jobs, hope that helps.  Some people dont feel confident to knock themselves, so I suppose its easier for them to pay somebody else, from what Ive heard if you get the right company it can work

[NWH]

3x the job lol cleaners up north are paying £30 for £10pounder are they,I think not

[Mick Kent]

Canvassing doesnt work! 

[Perfect Windows]

As per the title, the question is about people who employ canvassers, not people who pay canvassing companies to work on their behalf.

[Katy]

Its the same in any business, if your not confident you outsource sales.  Some companies, or small businesses prefer that..... We cant all be masters off all trades, I was a rep, I hated seeing people face to face - got the company car and all that, but telephone work is my forte.... different things for different people

[Perfect Windows]

Very interesting.  The question is about EMPLOYED canvassers.  People who work for you.  NOT outsourced.

[Katy]

Ok yep, so how would you employ them? would it work on commission, or hours worked? part time? basic plus commission? your meaning paying somebody PAYE? yea? Could possibly work, but I think you would have to allocate time etc, maybe part time or something?

[Don Kee]

You'll go through a few until you find someone half decent but you will find someone

Thing is (i'd imagine with sales as a whole) that you'll get a fair turnover of staff with a canvassing 'team' due to the nature of the job & pay

Its unsociable hours and the pay isnt 'top end' and so you'll tend to find that the people you have applying will be younger (which isnt a problem) with less responsibilties (especially if you pay on a commision/paye basis)

The hard part is getting 'decent' people to apply, that fit your criteria & then keeping them happy with the job. (Paying well tends to help with the latter though)

[Perfect Windows]

Ok yep, so how would you employ them? would it work on commission, or hours worked? part time? basic plus commission? your meaning paying somebody PAYE? yea? Could possibly work, but I think you would have to allocate time etc, maybe part time or something?

Has it occurred to you that those kinds of questions might be why I'm asking?

[8weekly]

Can I ask why you are thinking of going down that road as opposed to solely leafleting?

[Mick Kent]

I have had loads who worked for me over the years!
Pay them 100% of what they gain, thats the most simple and logical way to do it.
Just use the search button Vinny, you know there is loads on canvassing questions on here regarding how much and the whats and if's etc.

[Katy]

Sure ok, as a salesperson myself - from my perspective, I would never go for commission only jobs - its all about risk.  It depends also on what budget you have to throw at this.  I think maybe somebody part time would be cool and see how it progresses, dip the toe in the water,  you know also, that retired people are brilliant with customers and canvassing - you don't often need a young gun.  Quite often people feel more comfortable with an older generation person........ keep your options open.

[Perfect Windows]

8-weekly - Why? I'm prepared to try anything if it works.  Leaflets work well for us but if we can get customers of the same quality for a similar or lower amount by canvassing I'd be happy.  Additionally there is a limit to how many leaflets we can get out reliably at any one time.  Having someone (or two) canvassing would add to the rate at which we can grow.

[Perfect Windows]

Sure ok, as a salesperson myself - from my perspective, I would never go for commission only jobs - its all about risk.  It depends also on what budget you have to throw at this.  I think maybe somebody part time would be cool and see how it progresses, dip the toe in the water,  you know also, that retired people are brilliant with customers and canvassing - you don't often need a young gun.  Quite often people feel more comfortable with an older generation person........ keep your options open.

The age point is a very good one - one that I hadn't really thought about. Thanks.

[Katy]

Down to budget Perfect, look at the finances, what are you prepare to throw at somebody canvassing for you?

[Katy]

Thats alright perfect, but theres alot of retirees, that would like something to keep themselves occupied, probably love talking to people etc.  We tend to not tap into that generation.  When I think they are more likely to gain business, because they like chatting about life.  It has a distinct advantage

[8weekly]

8-weekly - Why? I'm prepared to try anything if it works.  Leaflets work well for us but if we can get customers of the same quality for a similar or lower amount by canvassing I'd be happy.  Additionally there is a limit to how many leaflets we can get out reliably at any one time.  Having someone (or two) canvassing would add to the rate at which we can grow.

I tried to have someone leafleting for me at all times. It's actually very difficult to retain them. I think Smudger recently employed a canvasser in addition to leafleters.

[Ian Lancaster]

I'm prepared to try anything if it works.  Leaflets work well for us but if we can get customers of the same quality for a similar or lower amount by canvassing I'd be happy. 

You can guess what my take is on this, Vin

I stopped canvassing for my man on the 9th October (he has to have another operation, hopefully only minor with a couple of weeks recuperation)  Between end of August and 9th October I got him up to £500 per week and the majority of those were 8-weekly jobs.  I canvassed for an hour and a half max each day in the early evening.

Unless you're going to price your time the same as you would for cleaning (and why should you? - you're not canvassing during cleaning hours) this is by far the most cost effective way to do it.  Plus you choose the area you want to work, you present your company in the best possible light and you are the best person to sell your service.

With all that energy you've got it should be a doddle

[Katy]

Its not easy for everybody, your a worker, y our a salesman, or you deliver the job.  I understand how it works - (only after 23 years) some people do not have the confidence at all to face people - lucky if you have, its good for business, but if you havent you look for alternatives (great if you have the confidence) but not all of us do.  So it boils down to outsourcing,  some people are great at knocking and being bold, some people aren't .  Great if were an all confident singing band............