Helping the newbies build there round!!!

[Eviestevie]

Seems there a few newbies on here of late trying to build rounds and struggling(Adamangler)etc etc so thought some of the more seasoned pros

Green,tenchy,tuffers,jake and everyone else lol and myself of course and lets not forget cheapy!could put some tips up etc of what we've done to gain more work

So I'll start

1.the van!stand out.mine is wrapped in red,alloys,kept mint with matching powder coated ladders on top!always get comments,o them in the red van so it works

2.uniform!look smart but not over dressed,we were modern tops etc vests,with are ocd clean logo bold across the bottom on back and chest.

3.have a theme! Ours is red,red tops,red brodex system with red hoses and brushes red bucket on belts you get the theme.Red red and more red

Right now more about actually getting the work!!things we've used

4.tickets!are windows cleaned today tickets also list the other services we offer,this alone has got us loads of jobs,pressure washing,gutters conservators etc

5.pick up a house in a area use it to knock on the road stating that you've been recommended to clean a house in the area so trying to get a few more to make it worth while traveling,it's a good canvassing line

6.when new housing estates were being built and industrial estates we leave the van outside the show home or on the entrance to the industrial estate with the back doors open pressure washer etc equipment all on show for new homeowners businesses to see.this alone has got us more work and offices then anything!

Il leave the rest to you lot coz me thumbs hurt:thumbsup:

 

[cheapncheerful]

think you covered it all eviestevie

mind you ...you do need the cheapy chat...

getting to know people and show an interest in what they are talking about.....always let them lead! even if you dont really agree..

I limit my chats to when I get caught as time is money but its surprising how many people will pass on your name if they like you.

and of course if you dont do the above mentioned:thumbsup: put your other services on your card...you mention it as in....oh yes ...mrs j has me painting fences at the moment...etc..

me too old to look for work these days...cleaned too many windows....just want to get back to my beloved chair...

and of course...read the great posts on here.../emoticons/biggrin.png

JUST LIKE MONOPOLY WINDOWCLEANING.! We all want park lane and mayfair...but cheapy ends up with old kent road:rofl:

 

[TolishAPurd]

Very good. Did you actually have your ladders powdercoated?

 

[Tuffers]

Make a note of for sale boards, make a note of when that for sale turns to SOLD, look for a different car on the drive or different curtains and knock the door. When a customer moves ask them if they want a window cleaner at their new house (this happened to me this week and it worked, bigger house too!) knock on the door to keep the house they have just moved out of (this happened to me tonight and I upped the price, not defo got it yet but he asked if I could clean the conny roof, of course I can I said, that should be the deal breaker)

Be cheerful every time you talk to a custy and make out you are really enjoying cleaning the windows even if you're having a :turd: day.

 

[cheapncheerful]

I just read it again and yep he did tolish...

must get my paint brush out on mine now..

got to be ...banana yellow for me.../emoticons/biggrin.png

they will see me coming for sure...

 

[TolishAPurd]

Spread your round out. Don't do a whole week in one area, only for that to be it until next month. Do 1 day in that area each week so if a new customer calls from there you can tag them on easily as you will be in the area already.

 

[Jake]

I think you covered it all very well @Eviestevie !

Only thing I would add is getting a good stand out website, and making it a priority to get it ranking 1st on Google, that was the single most effective marketing I ever did, essential in my book!

 

[Eviestevie]

Some good ideas in there for the newbies!

Jake Ive never had a website but I'm bit old school and got into window cleaning at the right time

If I was setting up now I'd def have a website and pay for advertising marketing etc as I think the small cost would pay for itself very quickly

 

[spruce]

Seems there a few newbies on here of late trying to build rounds and struggling(Adamangler)etc etc so thought some of the more seasoned prosGreen,tenchy,tuffers,jake and everyone else lol and myself of course and lets not forget cheapy!could put some tips up etc of what we've done to gain more work

So I'll start

1.the van!stand out.mine is wrapped in red,alloys,kept mint with matching powder coated ladders on top!always get comments,o them in the red van so it works

2.uniform!look smart but not over dressed,we were modern tops etc vests,with are ocd clean logo bold across the bottom on back and chest.

3.have a theme! Ours is red,red tops,red brodex system with red hoses and brushes red bucket on belts you get the theme.Red red and more red

Right now more about actually getting the work!!things we've used

4.tickets!are windows cleaned today tickets also list the other services we offer,this alone has got us loads of jobs,pressure washing,gutters conservators etc

5.pick up a house in a area use it to knock on the road stating that you've been recommended to clean a house in the area so trying to get a few more to make it worth while traveling,it's a good canvassing line

6.when new housing estates were being built and industrial estates we leave the van outside the show home or on the entrance to the industrial estate with the back doors open pressure washer etc equipment all on show for new homeowners businesses to see.this alone has got us more work and offices then anything!

Il leave the rest to you lot coz me thumbs hurt:thumbsup:

7. do a good job and pay attention to detail. After you have done the job a few times and the customer has got to know you, ask for a referral. The vast majority of our growth has come from referrals.

8. A twist to your point No4. Note any add-ons that you can do and verbally offer those services to your customer. Prepare a price in your head for them before offering them. We often used to clean a patch of the fascia to show them the difference - usually on the front corner nearest the driveway. We found that the best time to offer those additional services is when we went back to collect money on a Friday evening. Then book the job in when the next clean is due.

 

[Dave B]

@Eviestevie got a pic of your van and ladders??

Right how i went from a driving job with just a handfull of loyal customers from the past to working full time for myself in just a few months (200+ customers)

Tell existing custys I'm expanding and do they know anyone and give some cards to them

Get on facebook and find every possible community site..swap and sell site..small business site etc possible in your area..make a business page from your personal one and post the link daily on them

Knock doors every possible moment starting with your own neighbours and working outwards until you have enough work to be out doing some jobs every day..then knock at least 1 road per evening

Offer to do local chippie and offie for free every few weeks if they will put your card in the window

Once you are a bit busier so you are working some full days leaflet a road after work every day as it is quicker than canvassing and people keep your leaflets for months it seems with the random calls 4 months after posting it and the days you are quiet canvass once the days work is done

If you get a new custy leaflet that road while you are there

It takes dedication and as boarcity says obsession but you can have a couple hundred customers in as many months if you put your heart and soul into it

Then leaflett whenever you have time off due to weather etc and you're laughing

Oh and every new custy give a couple of business cards to for them to give to friends etc..they always seem happy enough to refer you if you do a good job

 

[Green Pro Clean Ltd]

Ask, ask and ask again!

As granny would say 'If you don't ask you wont get'

No point telling people you're a window cleaner with out asking if they need a window cleaner.

Biggest secret to cracking this game is understanding there are hard times ahead, you will have objections, dejection even rejection - just remember these aren't your new best friend they're just someone you asked for work so if they said no don't take it personally.

Money: A tough day canvassing? Only 2 new customers at £8 each? Well that's a good day in my book as you just got a £192 per year pay rise! That's how I look at it.

Oh... what's that? You got 10 customers at £8 today? Well that's a £960 per year raise!

In this game you must have the Python philosophy - Always look on the bright side of life....

 

[Duncs]

when customers give you red card

dont take it personal, dont do your head in thinking what you have done wrong,when they come out with silly excuses just move on some customers will never be happy

 

[steve garwood]

Agree with you there duncs. I'm at saturation point with work yet still get bothered when I lose a customer. I know I can pick up loads more than I lose, but just cannot stop myself

 

[Pickingpaul]

Especially when u get new customers, theres a high chance you have picked up 1,2 or 3 bad customers, they are ticking time bombs, they didnt really want you cleaning the windows every month cause they cant afford it being the most likely reason nothing to do with your work, this is assuming you clean all the houses properly otherwise this figure may increase.

However u will get a good 75%+ of great customers and these themselves will most likely lead to others

 

[Green Pro Clean Ltd]

I do like the color coded Stevie mobile.

WE WANT PICS! WE WANT PICS!

 

[Eviestevie]

Coming soon very soon

 

[Gavin]

Some real food tips there for newbies. Thanks guys this is all useful to new members /emoticons/wink.png

 

[BigFoot]

Any tips for commercial jobs?

 

[Jake]

Any tips for commercial jobs?

What would you like to know?

 

[Eviestevie]

If you have a van any new trading estate or retail park leave the van parked up specially near the site office or entrance needs to be signed and smart

 

[boarcity]

View attachment 5198 park it near Tesco main door entrance might be best place , with you sitting in it of course , smiling face ,window rolled down , biz cards at the ready