Knocked on about 50 doors today.

PACKORACKDAD

New member
Today I went back to a neighborhood that I did door hangers on about 2-3 weeks ago. This time I knocked on doors. Got one job so far out of today. An obstacle I have is that roof cleaning in Dallas-Ft.Worth is unheard of. Do you remember the siding companies that hit up neighborhoods and claim they will do your house for free? Thats what people view this as. I was able to spend several minutes with about half of the homeowners (those that didn't slam the door) they were very interested in what the streaks were and seemed relieved that they would not have to replace the roof,buuuuuuuttttttt, no commitment on their part. Yet.
*Warning *you do run the risk of hearing several life stories in neighborhoods with older homeowners, as I learned today.Hard to educate the masses. All in all this may pay off in the long run:D . Better than fliers alone. Scott
 
The area I live in is comprised of three seperate cities that almost overlap each other. It is actually called The Tri-Cities. Each city requires a seperate business license in addition to my state Master Business License. In addition to that if I want to go door to door(residential) I have to have a seperate solicitors permit for each city at 65-150 per city, covers police background check fees and subject to approval..all non refundable of course.
With My city business licenses I can approach any business directly but not homes...
Washington state
 
When I started, knocking on doors opened the way! Flyers don't always produce immediate results. If there were no jobs scheduled for the day, we would go to a neighborhood where we wanted to work. We would then proceed to knock on doors until we booked a job for the day.

You have to have a good opening question that gets people interested in what you have to say and qualifies them as a customer that needs your service. Also, keep it simple and short. If you get an angry one, simply walk away. It's not worth your time and energy to argue with them, even if you are right!

We have tried all different types of marketing and nothing produces instant results like door to door. It sure does take some guts, but will get you the jobs when you need the cash flow immediately. I remember every time I was just about to quit and fed up with negative results, one or two more tries would bag a job, every time.
 
hey scott, nice to hear that ppl there are a lil receptive. great that you got a job out of it! what time of day did you knock on the doors? and what was your pitch if you dont mind me asking. again congrats!!

Thanks, I started at around 10:30, probably nap time for some. as far as my pitch, it evolved as the day went on. This was my first go at door to door. I started by asking if they have noticed the streaks on their roof, told them that I have a company that can remove them. I have a few before and after pictures in a folder I carry with me to show. If the door is still open I field any questions regarding the safety of plants, pets etc. Thats it so far. I'm very open to suggestions. Hard sell, its not like lawn service or something that everybody needs. You first have to show them they have the problem if they haven't noticed it then show and or convince them you can do something they have never heard of:eek: .
 
Every basic sales principle applies to door to door. Get the customer to like you and they will buy from you. When you approach the property look for anything that the homeowner values as important or is something that you know about. Golf Clubs, designer concrete, well taken care of flower beds, type of car, basically anything you can talk to them about and relate to. Get them talking about things they like to do or obviously value as important. This sets the mood and they will become more responsive to you. Explain how the roof can look just as good as the driveway, flowers, hedges, lawn, clean vehicle, mailbox, fresh paint, whatever!

Look for houses that are in good shape and are obviously well cared for. These homeowners will see value in your service. Some will stand out as people that do NOT value your service! Skip the houses with neglected lawns, filthy anything, and lots of junk sitting around. You might get one of these once in a while but for the most part they are a waste time.

Before you go out, drink a cup of coffee or have an energy drink. You have to get very excited about what your offering if you ever want anyone to buy your service. Everything you do, say and wear should display 110% confidence in your business. Most importantly... Don't give up! It takes 7 no's to get a yes.
 
Every basic sales principle applies to door to door. Get the customer to like you and they will buy from you. When you approach the property look for anything that the homeowner values as important or is something that you know about. Golf Clubs, designer concrete, well taken care of flower beds, type of car, basically anything you can talk to them about and relate to. Get them talking about things they like to do or obviously value as important. This sets the mood and they will become more responsive to you. Explain how the roof can look just as good as the driveway, flowers, hedges, lawn, clean vehicle, mailbox, fresh paint, whatever!

Look for houses that are in good shape and are obviously well cared for. These homeowners will see value in your service. Some will stand out as people that do NOT value your service! Skip the houses with neglected lawns, filthy anything, and lots of junk sitting around. You might get one of these once in a while but for the most part they are a waste time.

Before you go out, drink a cup of coffee or have an energy drink. You have to get very excited about what your offering if you ever want anyone to buy your service. Everything you do, say and wear should display 110% confidence in your business. Most importantly... Don't give up! It takes 7 no's to get a yes.

Thanks for the advice:D
 
:) "I am offering FREE, no obligation demonstrations"
Then spray the center of their roof from the ground.
Works every time :D

And if they don't, they will have a constant reminder staring at them everyday!
 
And if they don't, they will have a constant reminder staring at them everyday!
EVERY single time I have ever gave a demo, not only did I get a sale, but they THANKED me, and referred me to friends/neighbors.
Show and Tell, and ya sell.
Many people are in APATHY, and even if their roof is filthy, they have no idea their roof can be brought back to like NEW condition.
ONLY when you SHOW them, on their OWN roof, do they believe it is possible.

I suggest every aspiring roof cleaner do free demo's.
It should be in your advertising, on your web site, on your cards, and IN your vocabulary.

A free demo SHOWS even those looking for roof cleaning you have confidence in your service.

Try it risk free for 30 days, and if not absolutely delighted, I will refund your empty bank account ;)
 
Hey Scott,
Keep at it. Keep marketing your service and the customers will come. I used to live in Frisco, about 25 miles north of Dallas. I never heard of roof cleaning until I moved back to Connecticut and decided to start my own PW company. The problem is, I am in the same boat here. Not too many people have ever heard of roof cleaning. People have been very gracious for the most part, and they listen to my description and answer questions. But, be it the economy or the fact they have never heard of this before, I have only done 2 roofs this season. Maybe it's the fact that I have only been in business a very short time. This is my second year.
At any rate, keep the faith and keep up the marketing efforts. I'm in this for the long haul, I'm sure you are as well. A slow start is disappointing, but it's OK. Good Luck!!
 
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