[PJUK]

Hi there, can anyone tell me if they have had success cold calling on domestic customers, if so what chat works, i am thinking of doing this while delivering my leaflets, just the odd house here and there where i get a gut feeling that i might get lucky.  Your views on this subject would welcome :

[Ian Rochester]

When I first set up I did a lot of cold calling and got a good response from it.

I'd basically go out in uniform with a pile of flyers, business cards, diary, pen and tape measure and knock on doors, if they were in I'd introduce myself as a new carpet cleaner in the area, give them one of the flyers and ask if they were interested in getting a quote.  If they were interested I'd go in and view the carpet/upholstery, give them a quote and quite often book an appointment.

If they weren't interested, at least they still had my flyer and a face to go with it.  If they weren't in I simply stuck the flyer through the letter box.

I did 10000 flyer drops in the first 6 month of setting up and got very little from the ones that were simply pushed through the door.

As I've said before somewhere, people are generally idle and a lot are scared of making the phone call to some strange carpet cleaner who they no idea of.

Present them with an easy solution to the problem, look smart and professional, give them a realistic estimate and expectation and it will be you thats back next week to clean their carpet rather than some unknown who's got a big advert in yellow pages.

Best of luck

[PJUK]

Thanks that has given me the confidence to try , ive got the sign written van, smart uniform, trustworthy face (so ive been told) flyers and business cards.

[PJUK]

all comments on subject appreciated what do you all think about cold calling

[howgood]

Hi PJUK, I've done lots of effective cold calling and the advice above is pure gold. I would venture some additional tips to you if I may.
You say your van's written and thats good. Uniform,, even better.

ID? I use a business size card ID with a photo (and smile!!) that clips on my breast pocket. Ring or knock the door and take a good sized step backwards, give the client space.. Good morning I am (full name) from (company) point to ID and remove from jacket shirt etc and with your photo facing offer at just below neck height and to one side so when they look at photo and then you, perspectively your about the same. If they take the ID even better, thats a contact point. When they give you back your ID replace it with a business card. Thats the second contact. I usually say I'm trying to expand my client base and this is why I've called on you.. etc.. Don't ever say "I was in the area" people who hang around school gates are 'in the area'.. I find this non-offensive almost submissive stance very effective at gaining peoples confidence. If you can make people trust you and you'r worthy of that trust you will never be out of work. Good luck to you.

[PJUK]

your tips greatly appreciated i had in my mind to take one step back so not to make them feel pressured, great tip about client base, i agree in the area sounds pushy and cowboyish, i thought of saying that i was local, my flyers have my address on, so customers know where to find me!!! lol  thanks again.

[howgood]

I know I'm a bit of a Prochem fan and I won't hide that, but,,, Ive been in business for 33 years and only recently (2 years ago) purchased an 18 year old cleaning business. However,, I still went on Prochems' one day sales course given by Ron Tulley the 75 year old owner of Prochem. What a day that was,, In truth I probably only learned an additinal 10% but was 'made' to remember stuff I 'd forgotten years ago. If your un-like me i.e. young!.. or new to business you might consider getting on that course. I guarantee it will pay for itself.

Incidentally the reason I like Prochem is because they take their business every bit as serious as I take mine. I only deal with professionals.

[howgood]

Those ID cards I mentioned, you can get self laminating ones. They are a bit expensive... about £25.00 for 25. I bought a box cos I emply staff and get through a lot. If you just want one for your self I'd be happy to put one in the post to save you wasting £24.00.. new to this site so don't know if i'm allowed to do that - perhaps you can tell me.

[Fintan_Coll]

I have said it before, I built up my business in the first year by knocking on doors, if I had to do it again I would have no hesitation, in fact I enjoyed meeting the people and most of them have done business with me at some time or other in the following years.

[PJUK]

message fo howgood im also new to site so not sure of rules would be very grateful for id badge my email address is philhuth@yahoo.com if u contact me there i will give my address. thanks for help

[paulchambers]

Cold calling hasnt worked for me had a few coffees thats all.   Paul

[George-Reid]

All good info i only have a couple of things to add.
Do not second guess your potential customer base.
OK choose an area but then knock every house in that area if they are not in leaflet then call back at different time if not in leaflet and then call back a third time. Three leaflets are better than one and your response on the re-knocks will be better than initial.

You can have the best script best uniform best leaflet etc. but at the end of the day its a numbers game , don't waste time on someone you can see is going to say know drinking coffee Paul you could have knocked another 20 houses in that time.

Get out their and do it hour after hour day after day and when you start getting busy do it more when you cant cope with the work hire someone to do the work and keep knocking.

Hope this helps

Cheers

George

[Ian Gourlay]

Paul,

Dont take this the wrong way.

If you want to improve your canvassing skills go and work with a window company for a couple of weeks. 


Or find a friend to go knocking with you.  And set a target each day,

George would be best for setting target.