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Hey Thanks Scott,

I agree, a bit on the shady side. Great idea about the demo! I just need about 2 more jobs a week to make this good.


thank you very much.

Ha Haaa!!! Bob,

I know what you are saying.

Canvassing works but I find that it's best to offer a free estimate. Don't give the the estimate then, tell them you have to measure the roof etc etc. Then always call to confirm the appt before you go. Show up with a presentaion of some sort that looks professional and a "buy today discount" by telliing them you need a "showcase" house in the neighborhood and of they sign up they will receive a discount and maybe even a few bucs on every other roof you do as a part of the program. Also offer a price good for 60 days that is $250.00 higher than the showcase home discount. If they hesitate tell them you have three other appts that day in the area and you only set up one showcase home in each neighborhood so the first person who takes advantage of discount is the only one offered, all others get the 60 day price so it's now or never. No need for a demonstration if you look proffesional and have decent literature etc. The kicker is it's easier to sell a free estimate at the door for the first time tha to make them go to their wallet, when you return for the estimate they are expecting you and have had time to think about spending their money, it's not a fight or flight issue as if you are asking them to sign the first time you met them. I run a contracting firm and for the first 5 years we did 1 million a year in biz all from canvass. It can be done! Good luck!

Make sure there arent any soliciting laws in the ares you plan on trying it out.Ive had great sucsess with this type of marketing especially when i first started out many years ago.Walking next door or across the street when your doing a job and its looking great and folks are noticing what your doing and theres needs it just as bad.Got a lot of jobs that way.But on the other hand I have heard of students and even bible salesman geting hefty fines for soliciting door to door.

I would think that door hangers would be great. Also great looking fliers in placed around local businesses would help as well. However, do not forget the free routes as well--the internet. Craigslist for example will let you post for free.

Too many lies in some of these pitches. I walk up and tell them I can make their roof look new. No need to say you have extra or need etc.... They can see you need business and are selling a service. Verizon comes to my door and they don't have any made up excuses to be there. Just walk around and talk to people with honesty, this will sell more jobs faster. All the excuses for why you are selling are just made up for yourself so you do not feel as guilty or shady, but really now you are shady if your lying. You are walking up to people to sell jobs, that's all, and theirs nothing wrong with that. That's the most American traditional way to prove a point or do sales. Half this country's politicians are voted in from door to door work. Red bull does door to door, Avon, Comcast, etc... Of course some people will never buy from a door to door guy and some people will never read a newspaper, there is always a reason not to buy, and there is always a way to sell that person. These are low end sales, not cars or houses. The best thing for any salesman to do is go out with a routine, turn off your brain, keep it simple and stay positive. I usually walk around smiling and nodding telling myself no over and over. Every no is a dollar leading to the yes.

Canvassing a neighborhood is okay if you have no work.  You have to meet the customers face to face.  I have had poor luck with leaving flyers on their doors.  If you advertise in print you have to do it for the long hall to get good results, and you will eventually.  Most people ignore ads until the 8th or 9th time that they have seen it.  Then they think that you are not a newbie experimenting on their roof.

I have been experimenting with the same kind of idea. I am not completely set up yet, but getting close. I drive to different neighborhoods and park my car. I walkabout 2 to 3 miles through these areas and note addresses and potential prospects. I also price the roof as I walk by. Once I am set up I will return and approach the home owner. Many of the homes that I have noted spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on landscaping to make their house look prestine. I do not think that 400 to 600 dollars for a roof cleaning will be that hard of a sell for some of these.

I do this about 3 to 4 days a week
 

Do what you feel is ethical, but from experience, always be honest.

Dan, that is too shady for me. no offense, I have a fairly large pair, just no need to peddle business.

Everyone else, shake their hand, look them in the eyes, and sell yourself.

Remember, you are not selling roof cleaning. You are selling yourself.

To the Original Poster: You won't need any of these tactics once you are established. Your referrals, web traffic, etc. will keep you so busy you won't have time to drive around looking for things to do. Keep up the good work.