Well, I’m in a bit of a bind, job laid me off. I needed / need to come up with $1000 by the 29th. I decided to try the window cleaning business. Going door to door. I made 250 business cards and passed out almost all of them, and everyone I talked to it’s either a no, we have somebody, maybe next year, my dog needs to be walked cya. Or just go away, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with my pitch Ive been in sales since I was 15, and I just can’t get a job. I even went down to $20 with a two story house with a bunch of fucking windows. The dude still said no, lol put on very nice clothes khakis and a polo fixed my hair. I don’t sound desperate in my pitch. What gives. I knocked on one door and this is how the conversation went
“ hi my name is Chris. I was in the area. We’re doing window cleaning services. Actually have a really good discount for this coming Memorial Day weekend. If you want I can go check out how many windows you have and give you a free quote. “
The jackass. “ yeah sure. “
Me “ really like your pool table outback. Anyways usually for this job it’s $300 but like I mentioned. We’re having a deal. $149 for all the windows and also the siding I’ll even throw in the garage door windows too. I noticed it needs a bit of cleaning. “
Jackass “ dude sounds a bit expensive. I can do it myself. “
Me “ well yeah you can, but I’ll save you the soreness and time I’ll knock off $30 bucks and have it done within a hour? How’s that sound “
Jackass “ dude. I told you it sounds expensive just go away. “
Me “ alright no problem take my card and if you change ur mind give me a call any time. “
Jackass “ hesitantly takes card and throws it in my direction. Like I said I don’t need it I just don’t understand what’s so hard to understand. Please go away I don’t need you or ur business. It’s not a big deal. Just leave “
Me “ okay. “ and as I’m walking away the guy has the fucking audacity to say don’t come back and I don’t want to see you driving around my neighborhood. Like what the actual fuck is ur problem, oh and then how does half of California Not speak English like 20 houses I asked. Literally didn’t speak a speck of English.
I don’t know, I have a feeling I’m fucked. Any other ideas ?
My experience of doing window cleaning or at least trying..
byu/Letsbehonestdah inEntrepreneur
Posted by Letsbehonestdah
7 Comments
Print out flyers with a 30% discount coupon. Then go door to door with your pitch. People don’t like to be put on the spot. If you sell it like you’re just passing out flyers you’ll be much more successful
When i lived in the burbs, there was no way I was going to reward someone knocking on my door to sell me something. It’s nothing personal, I treat telemarketing the same.
You might do better with businesses.
Post this in /sales
As someone who has worked in sales for a long time, you definitely do sound desperate (mostly because you are) and people are picking up on it.
“It’s too expensive” is something people say to make you go away. It’s not actually about the money. Sometimes it can be, and thats when a one time discount can work, but you will get buying signals when that happens. You either arent building enough trust or the problem that you are trying to solve is a non issue for that person.
Here is my 2c:
– Act like a company, not like one guy who needs $1000. Have you ever been shopping at a legit store and the sales rep knocks 80% off of the original price? It is an instant red flag. You can discount a little to get the deal done but be prepared to walk away if they dont bite
– Find a way to solve a problem. Find 2 dirty ass buildings that will pay you $500. This is a real lead
– These people dont owe you anything. You are knocking on their door. Dont take it personally. Dont feel entitled. Its a numbers game
Tough breaks, Chris. Maybe try targeting businesses or apartments instead of residential areas?
They speak English. Just not to broke gringo with squeegee.
Are you a member of any group in your community? Do you know anyone who is a member of a group like a church group or volunteer group? People are more likely to hire you if were REFERRED. Work those connections.
Even if the connection is ONLINE/VIRTUAL, work those
Remember: we’re all connected by 6 degrees