Any first timers get nervous?

Went out Friday to a neighborhood not far from my house. Planned on putting out atleast 100 door hangers. After bing hit with fenced in front yards and no trespassing signs. I got only 25 put out. 2 dogs ran up to me and was barking at me. Me being a huge dog lover i let them jump all over me getting me dirty lol. Some old lady in a neck brace was yelling at them to stop. I picked pug up and brought him to her and handed her my door hanger. She was very interested so she invited me in and I listened to her never ending stories for at least a hour​:joy::joy: finally she said she wants her house cleaned. It is 1600 square foot. Gutters need paint but covered with mold house has a good bit to on the north side. My goals right now are mainly to build more experience and confidence for next spring when I’m going to push for customers hard. I also have a soft spot for the elderly. I told her $120. Well that was dumb. I went back today to talk to her daughter and there is also 2 sheds then I noticed about every window wasn’t sealed good. Looked ok the first day but when I got to looking closer After walking the daughter around I told the daughter how this would normally be atleast a $180 job she said I’ll pay you $175 after seeing what all you will do. I tried to refuse and say no I already gave a price. I told her I would also get all the sticks off the tops of her sheds(looked like a beaver made a damn up there). She said I’m giving you $200 and referring you to everyone she knows.

7 Likes

When she said that I got so nervous. Felt like I got in over my head. I actually came fully prepared to wash her house but I told her I would be by wensday to wash it. Should have pulled a IBS and just walked away. Headed to wash my sister’s and a friend’s house tomorrow to get my confidence back.

1 Like

@Grizz You may want to start bumping your house wash prices up. Sounds like you’ve got some work on the way though :+1:

2 Likes

I figure 10cent a square foot was pretty fair considering I’m not experienced at all. I really only said that because she literally just finished telling the story of how she broke her neck trying sweep her front porch. I also told her to call me if she needs help with anything that I was only down the street

2 Likes

Don’t feel sorry for people and lower your prices. Either charge full price or nothing. Charging her nothing makes you feel fuzzy inside and she doesn’t tell all her neighbors you washed the house for $120. Never give discounts. It cheapens the person or profession you offer it to.

10 Likes

Ya I’m kind of a humble person with older people, handicapped or veterans. Last thing I want to do is hurt the business for others and myself. I think whats makes me so nervous is it beening a older house and the daughter who already likes me so much and a haven’t even washed the house yet. If this was a newer house I’d already have it done and be ordering me a hose reel.

Went to a sub division earlier today put out atleast 70 door hangers. This sub division needs it bad I’m 100% certain I’ll get some jobs inbit and I’m confident in doing these newer vynal houses.

2 Likes

I’m not saying don’t be humble. Military get a paycheck just like everyone else. Seniors have lived long enough to know what things cost. Free or full price. My senior, army vet Dad told me that long ago.

9 Likes

Come wensday I’ll learn my lesson the hard way. I usaully dont make the same mistake twice. Still young and dumb. I’ll be alot more confident and have a better grasp on pricing once I get some more houses under my belt like with any job. Pricing is something I struggle with on here nobody has the same price it seems.

1 Like

So what’s the problem. Wash the darn house and sheds. Collect money and referrals. $200 you don’t have now.

15 Likes

Keep in mind that neighnorhoods that have mildew and algae on almost every house…many don’t want to have it cleaned. It’s either a rental neighborhood or no HOA so the people don’t care. Those are the neighborhoods where the $79 guy might get some work…might. You’re thinking that wow all these people need to have their house cleaned but they might not want it cleaned

3 Likes

Thats what I’m going to do. I guess I’ll just not spray the windows and. Get what I dont get with PW with a pump up. Windows and flakey paint on gutters just making me doubt myself lol.

I agree with @Racer just do the house and sheds, pocket the money and keep going with referrals. A lot of your money will come from referrals and it helps that you’re a likable guy. You’ll get a pattern down where that house even with sheds with your machine can be done in an hour - 1 hr 15min

2 Likes

Maybe, but no way to know if he doesn’t try. Can’t get any hits if you never take a swing. All he’s got to do is get a couple and do a good job and soon everybody in there will want, or at least some of them.

8 Likes

Dont hit with pressure… same tip you soap with should be fine.

2 Likes

I definitely agree…you have to try. And I hope it works for him. I canvassed a lot of those type neighborhoods in the beginning and struck out but never actually talked to someone like he did…once you’re foot is in the door with 1 person then you could have a nice string of referrals to keep you busy. Hope it works out for you @Grizz!!

1 Like

Ya I guess it’s just a little stage fright. When I came today it was to talk with the daughter who I guess handles the money. I had actually planned to wash today because I was certain I got the job. I kind freaked out because she has such confidence in me and not to mention it was their grand daughters birthday there was atleast 8 people who I introduced myself to and was listening to me explain my process lol. I feel alot better about it now. After venting I’m sure after washing some houses tomorrow I’ll be confident again. Last time I washed was with you Rick. Been alittle while lol.

Thats my hope. I already left my info after seeing me there and my work it will definitely get in their head

Really leaning towards this sub division I went to dirty houses and concrete if I can get in there I’ll set.

Just take your time, do a good job and look professional. Take a lot of pics, before during and after to use on your facebook page. If you have a surface cleaner, do the walkway free and it may lead to the up sale of the drive. If she’s pleased with your service, her neighbors will be calling.

10 Likes