Dude Canvassing can be hard at times, the next few weeks are probably the best time too be out there knocking doors.
To get the best results you need to be there when people are at home, as soon as the clocks change get out and systematically knock every door in your chosen area after 5.30pm, you will see your success rate rocket.
Saturday mornings from 10am are the prime time for picking up houses, as is sunday between 10 and 4.
Don't listen to people who say another window cleaner does the whole street they are full of it.
If they say they already have a cleaner give them a card and say if there is a change let me know. I even ask if they want two, it helps raise a smile and they remember it.
Never introduce yourself with " I am sorry to bother you" don't be sorry for offering a service lots of people want.
Remember not everybody wants a window cleaner, so you need to sort out the wheat from the chaff. Basically you need to face a lot of rejection for what at first seems like a little success, but all those little victories add up.
chin up dude, you should go and find the biggest poshest house in your area and ring the door bell, get the job and cheer yourself up. (thats what I do after a few knock backs)
hope this helps 
good luck and don't forget to wipe the sills
Brilliant advice.....
I must say i rarely door knock.... but i do know that it is the quickest way to build anything!
But the post above is really well worded and excellent advice,
it really is hard at the start..
first of all, most people have a window cleaner, so you will find yourself getting customers , who have been dropped by other cleaners for various reasons....
bad/slow payers
bad access
gates locked
not today thank you
under priced.
And lots of other reasons, but take them on.... i did, but i quickly realised why i had got them, and instead of running away, ... i talked to them, got keys for gates, give them more paying options, priced them right (for me)..... if they say not today.... i offer them 2 monthly at a higher price....or drop them lol.... but cheaper for them in the long term.
it would be nice if we could all canvass/leaflet drop... and get whole streets and a compact round instantly...... but it doesnt work like that...
Your round will be scattered (like mine)... but get enough calls to make yourself a wage.... and you are up and running.... then it starts to fall together... people see you cleaninig, see your van.... and before you know it... instead of two calls in one street ..you suddenly have ten...... and on you go...
it takes time and perserverance.... but you will get there!
i have had 3 calls this week from leaflets i dropped a month ago...
keep going.. dont get downhearted when nothing happens.... the next day you may get 10 customers.
by the way,all my round has been built on leaflets..... as i wanted to pick my areas,
and i feel if they ring me...they need a cleaner, and at my price,
whereas door knocking gives better results, i feel like the customer has the upper hand..... i tried it at the start.... and i had a few comments which put me off doorknocking.
1. if you are cheaper than my window cleaner i will set you on.
2.I will give you a go, but not paying you if your rubbish.
3.you must be desperate for work , how much?
But , dont get me wrong, lots and lots of guys here swear by it,
its just not for me.
Good luck, smile every morning. Today is the day.