[ryanst1982]

Hi All.

First may I say how great it is that even established people in this industry are still willing to take time to offer advice and guidance to others. Top Blokes

I sam in a more fortunate position than most new posters on here in that I have a job as a London Firefighter and so am looking to have this job as a second income as wife has had to give up work and We need to cover the loss. So although I know there are lot of people on this site who need the advice for a much more serious make or break means, I still would very much appreciate some help, as I really want and now need to start earning some extra cash.

Obviously given my job I am comfortable with ladders and I have been practising on my own windows using different techniques I have read about, but my main concern is about how to start. The idea of knocking on doors is a very daunting one and I was hoping that leafleting would get enough business to make a start, although after reading lots of threads on here I am now not so sure. Is leafleting say200 doors still a feasable way to generate a starting round.

I also dont want to step on any toes so dont wamt to appear as if i am touting for other peoples business by door knocking. I live in the Nirth Kent area and there are a lot of little villages dotted around here, as well as larger towns so my hope is that I can still find people who are without a window cleaner.

I guess my main concerns are, how to start generating business?, Best places to get leaflets made up? and best places to get equipment?

ANy help on this matters or just advice on how other people started and things to know or look out for would be greatly appreciated and once again, well done for all the help and advice you guys dish out on here, priceless to those getting it.

Cheers

Ryan

[stephen s]

Hi Ryan.

Welcome to the forum mate.

firstly mate I haven't a clue where nirth Kent is so I think you may mean north Kent 

Anyway being a Fireman believe it or not gives you a great edge as you are looked upon as a pillar of salt to the community so my advice mate is cash in on that.

Go knocking on doors and explain to customers what you have explained on here, would help if you had your badge or even your fire brigade jumper on cos we all know the ladies love it,  especially if they see your big chopper 

But seriously mate go for it,  my cousin in Liverpool is a fireman and is always doing extra jobs and he says he gets them because of this very reason.

Good luck mate and keep us all posted how your getting on,   oh and tell that lazy wife of yours to get back to work as well 


Steve

[cozy]

Steephen s is right there, it takes bottle to knock on doors but is very very efective for getting work faster than anything like leafleting and waiting. Use the fireman angle all you can, I would.

Don't be suprised if a few ladies want to see your helmet now and then

[ftp]

Do you intend paying tax?

[ryanst1982]

Cheers fellas,

I wish the job had that much sway with the ladies but believe me it doesnt, and your right the wife needs to pull her finger out.

Yeah, I do intend paying tax and doing things properly, what is the code in terms of other window cleaners and stepping on toes and such?

And yeah Steven S I think I must mean North Kent. 26 and still cant type, lets hope im better cleaning windows

[ryanst1982]

Sorry to go on, but also is there a recommended site to get equipment needed and flyers made up. Cheaper the better obviously but good quality important

Cheers Guys

[p1w1]

hello mate

you could try http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/shop/  or www.cleaningspot.co.uk for all your gear they provide a great service.
I use www.cheapleaflets.net for all my flyers never had a problem with them and very reasonable (think the guys called mark, very helpful I believe he can design them for you too at no extra cost. There is also vista print never used them myself but i know others have.
As for ladders not sure where the best place is but i would def get a decent set and avoid the type you get from b&q etc.

good luck
paul

[R W C]

hello mate

you could try http://www.windowcleaningwarehouse.co.uk/shop/  or www.cleaningspot.co.uk for all your gear they provide a great service.
I use www.cheapleaflets.net for all my flyers never had a problem with them and very reasonable (think the guys called mark, very helpful I believe he can design them for you too at no extra cost. There is also vista print never used them myself but i know others have.
As for ladders not sure where the best place is but i would def get a decent set and avoid the type you get from b&q etc.

good luck
paul

Mark does now charge as he was getting a lot of people getting them designed and then changing there mind and not wanting leaflets.

[ryanst1982]

I shall give them a try.

Once again thanks for all your help and advice. Just up to me to get out there an do it now. Thats the hardest part im sure, just cracking on

[mci services]

mate i started my round with leaflets 2 years ago i hardly knocked a door and now have just took on a lad to help me, so yes door knocking works quicker but leaflets will work too. albeit slower. what i found was after an intitial leaflet drop you pick up between 1% to 3% customers so 200 leaflets equals between 2 and 6 customers then the rest came with recommendations etc, been seen doing the job, and any free web listing you can find.
and dont forget you will need public liability insurance

[jonnyald]

buy a swivel squeegee  or better still a Wagtail orbital squeegee , thisll stand u in good stead. and a piece of scrim cloth .   when you go door knocking,if they say theyv already got a cleaner,then just thank them and go on your way (dont go giving a price at these doors) , theres PLENTY  of other windows out there,  believe me , and no need to upset any other cleaners

[Window Washers]

mate i started my round with leaflets 2 years ago i hardly knocked a door and now have just took on a lad to help me, so yes door knocking works quicker but leaflets will work too. albeit slower. what i found was after an intitial leaflet drop you pick up between 1% to 3% customers so 200 leaflets equals between 2 and 6 customers then the rest came with recommendations etc, been seen doing the job, and any free web listing you can find.
and dont forget you will need should have public liability insurance

Leaflets work for me, as does door knocking, recommendations are also good. what will work for you depends on your needs, leaflets are ok but some times slow.

[mci services]

mate i started my round with leaflets 2 years ago i hardly knocked a door and now have just took on a lad to help me, so yes door knocking works quicker but leaflets will work too. albeit slower. what i found was after an intitial leaflet drop you pick up between 1% to 3% customers so 200 leaflets equals between 2 and 6 customers then the rest came with recommendations etc, been seen doing the job, and any free web listing you can find.
and dont forget you will need should have public liability insurance

Leaflets work for me, as does door knocking, recommendations are also good. what will work for you depends on your needs, leaflets are ok but some times slow.

thanks for the edit forgot in england you dont need a license and we need p/l to get one