How to sell your services to homeowner already doing a job?

Donte55

New member
This forum has been a big help but was just wondering how people go about this.
On my bike route i have seen a few homeowners either starting a job, giving up, or messing up their property and wanted to know how most go about introducing them selves.

I was thinking about trying a indirect sales approach and introduce my self, give them a card and say if there is anything i can help you with or give you a few tips/pointers on how to clean better give me a call. That way im not really being a high pressure salesman but get my point across.

One guy i saw was pressuring washing his siding from a ladder, and i wanted to at least tell him how unsafe it was. But not being in "uniform" i would feel me telling him could come off as unprofessional telling him and others how to do a job. I went back later to check his work and saw that zorro had found a new home.
 
I talked with a gentleman at a home improvement store who was looking to buy a pressure washer. He looked puzzled so I asked if he needed any help. After talking with him, answering his questions and explaining the parts of a pressure washer, he said to me wow you sure know a lot about these things. I was not in uniform but I give him a business card and told him that if things didn't go as he had planned to give me a call. I didn't try to sell my service, but I did give him a lot of information. He called me before I got out the store and I cleaned his house later that day. Conversation and business cards both help me a lot.
 
I plan on taking a few cards with me if i go into lowes or HD just in case something like that happened to. Dont plan on making it a daily thing as they both have strong no soliciting polices but would be nice to pick up some more jobs that way.
Have you ever talked to someone who already has there washer out cleaning their house or driveway?
 
Have you ever talked to someone who already has there washer out cleaning their house or driveway?
I don't - just for the simple fact that it may not be the homeowner doing the work. It may be the guy with no insurance looking for a quick buck - if that's him then any respectable company doen't have a chance against the un-educated public that think there is no difference in a $50 wash and a $350 wash. Or it could be the homeowner who doesn't like to outsource anything - makes him feel like a man for getting out there and cleaning his driveway.....with a 25 degree tip....with a 2.5gpm machine....having to move the machine to catch the other side of the sidewalk....sorry - got carried away there!!!

My suggestion, and it's just my opinion, just make a mental note of the home, and in 6 months when the zebra stripes start showing up because he didn't clean with a surface cleaner with the proper tips, that's when you drop off the card!!! He will remember how long it took him to do that driveway the last time. Like I said, this is just my opinion - I am sure others on here will tell you to make contact with anyone and everyone - which is great advice as well.
 
If you see this situation again, Take notice of vehicles at the home. If a vehicle in the driveway just doesn't seem to fit the picture, It may be the "Harry" looking for fast money. If you are out of Uniform and "NOT" wearing "Good" casual clothes, Don't approach! You may appear as any other Tom, Dick or Harry who purchased a big box store machine and claims to be a washing pro.

If you frequent past this home and see the same guy multiple times, It most likely is the homeowner... In this case, and in Uniform, stop by and offer your card and leave.

I have landed many accounts on my days off by putting on a clean uniform and with a clean truck, stop by and introduce myself, hand them a card and leave...

Be sure to look out for "No Solicitation" signs. If you see any, Do a direct mailing to their home address.
 
I practically gave a lady a heart attack walking up to her while cleaning the driveway barefooted. Didn't get that one needless to say. Haha
 
I practically gave a lady a heart attack walking up to her while cleaning the driveway barefooted. Didn't get that one needless to say. Haha

Hope you told her to put some shoes on.
I took the advice given and decided to not approach too many people already with their washers out.
I may still do it if i know 100% its the homeowner and they look like they are struggling. I saw one guy who was putting his machine away with only a spot done on his driveway. Wish i would of had a business card on me then, probably could have got that one.
 
And make certain you have a few business cards with you all of the time. I have been asked for a card at some of the most unexpected times. One example, Back in the summer, I stopped at a produce stand on my way home, A lady saw the signs on my truck and asked me for a card. I landed a $700.00 job at a produce stand... You never know!!!!!!!!!!!

Plus, Keep your truck clean on the inside and out! Wear a uniform!!! They scream professional... Some folks may disagree with me however, worn out or bleached out jeans and a nasty looking T-Shirt is a big red flag....
 
All People can say is "No"

Talk to anyone and everyone- just be respectful in your approach

Its never personal when i get a "No"

I ignore No soilcitation signs even No Trespassing signs

Im trying to make money

The only sign that makes me pause a bit is "Beware of Dog"

We canvass most of our job sites whether were painting or pressure washing

everyone is free game
 
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