Canvassing mastery for MPP business owners.

Why we start with door canvassing.

As a franchisee, you are a business owner first. We train you in door canvassing at the very beginning because you must understand how your business generates work at street level.

This isn't because you'll always be the one knocking doors. It's because you need to:

• Understand exactly how leads are created
• Experience real customer conversations
• Know what good looks like
• Set realistic performance expectations
• Accurately judge return on investment

If you've never done it yourself, you cannot confidently recruit, train or manage someone else to do it. Even if you do not plan to canvass personally long term, it is essential that you fully read and understand this manual. You are responsible for the results.

What is canvassing?

Canvassing is the easiest marketing lever to turn up or down. If you need work, knock more doors. If you're busy, pause instantly.

It allows you to get business exactly where you want it, rather than relying on algorithms or chance.

Unlike leaflet drops — where 10,000 leaflets may take months or sometimes years to generate a response — canvassing delivers instant feedback and immediate results.

General canvassing principles.

1. Every door knocked is an opportunity to raise brand awareness for My Property Pros.
2. Always park the branded van nearby where possible.
3. We are not hard selling. We are simply connecting people who need a service with a solution.
4. Follow your rota: each week, canvass the areas you will be working in the following week. For larger jobs like roof cleans, canvass a few weeks in advance.
5. Scarcity sells — busy is always better. "We're fully booked until…"

Why franchisees should canvass themselves first.

You cannot effectively manage what you have never done. It becomes far more challenging to set standards, expectations, and accountability.

We recommend franchisees canvass themselves initially to set realistic benchmarks — even if confidence is low.

Building density in condensed areas.

In condensed or densely populated areas, canvassing is an excellent way to create density in your client base.

Localised marketing

By focusing on specific areas, you establish a reputation within them. Word of mouth spreads faster when you're regularly in the same areas and providing consistent services.

Cost-effective

Canvassing in dense areas lets you reach many homes quickly, lowering your cost per lead. You're targeting an area where people likely need cleaning services — a more efficient use of time and resources.

Increased visibility

By canvassing regularly in one area, you build visibility and become a known presence — which leads to more repeat business and referrals.

When is the best time to canvass?

We historically canvassed 5–8pm on weekdays with excellent results. There is no "wrong" time — only what works best for your business, lifestyle, and economics.

• Daylight hours: Canvass between 9am and 6pm. People are more likely to be at home, especially on weekends. Avoid very early mornings or late evenings.
• Weekends: Historically we successfully canvassed 10am–3/4pm.
• Avoid peak hours: Skip early morning and dinner hours. Mid-morning to mid-afternoon is often the sweet spot.
• Seasons: Avoid extreme weather like rain or snow, which makes canvassing less effective.
• Back in the day: Best results were 5–8.30pm when people were home after work. Even with home-office workers, most people are still not home in the day.

Time-of-day playbook

Note: Timings might not work for business owners with commitments like children.

A reality check: daytime vs early evening

Pros & cons summary

Best days for canvassing?

It depends on the local area, your target demographic, and the general flow of people in your community. Here are some general guidelines.

Weekends (Saturday & Sunday)

• More people at home and off work — higher chance people are available to talk.
• Relaxed atmosphere — people are more receptive when not rushing to work.
• Potential for larger projects — weekends are when people plan home improvements or have time to consider services.

Weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday)

• People are home — especially if they work from home, are retired, or have flexible schedules.
• Focused attention — more open to talking on weekdays without weekend distractions.

Why not Mondays

• People are typically busy catching up on work or running errands — not open to unsolicited visits.
• After the weekend, they're less receptive to conversations about home improvement.

Why not Fridays

• Many people are focused on weekend plans or winding down — less likely to engage.
• People might be in a hurry to wrap up the week — less available for a meaningful conversation.

What to wear when canvassing.

You want to look professional but also approachable.

Branded clothing

Wear company branded clothing — T-shirt or jacket with the MPP logo. Have your ID badge on and visible; show it to the client as you introduce yourself. This builds trust and shows professionalism. Dave Prewer can order this for you if you don't have one — just send a headshot with your branded top including your shoulders in the shot.

What you need

A clipboard/document folder, a pen and spare pens, a rucksack, leaflets, details of current customers in the area, new customer sheets. Documents can be found in Gloria (MARKETING → Door-to-door canvassing).

Comfortable clothing

You'll be walking a lot. Wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothing, especially in warm weather.

Be prepared for the weather

In cooler months, wear a branded jacket. In warmer months, light, breathable clothing is important — a light shell jacket is recommended.

Be prepared for canvassing.

Ideally you'd canvass for week 2 in week 1 when expanding.

Track where you've been

• Use maps and highlighters — green for leaflet-dropped, yellow for canvassed.
• Use a spreadsheet to list areas, dates etc.
• It's easy to forget where you've leafleted and canvassed, so it's vital to keep track.
• Use the canvass sheets in Gloria to track doors opened, people in etc. Write down door numbers not answered for re-knocking.
• Expect lower conversions during Easter, school holidays, bank holidays, and just before Christmas.
• Use a tracking app — for safety, accountability, and support.

On the day

• Have before-and-after images ready for each service.
• Have YouTube videos available to show real transformations.
• Drone available (if possible) for a roof survey.
• Clean, branded van visible and close to where you're canvassing.
• Use the toilet before, and know where one is.
• Bring drinks and food for breaks.
• Canvass for 2–2.5 hours max (no more than 3 hours).
• Close gates when leaving — important.

Before knocking, and respecting signs.

Assessing the area

Drop leaflets 2–5 days before canvassing whenever possible. If they call you after the leaflet, the ball is in your court. If you knock first, the ball is in theirs.

Before knocking, observe the property to see what external cleaning services might be needed:

• Windows are clean: If the windows sparkle but the patio or driveway looks dirty, focus your pitch on pressure washing. Moss or dirt on the roof? Offer roof cleaning. Staining or discolouration on render? Soft washing.
• Gutters are full: Dirty gutters worth mentioning. Check the roof — moss can be causing blocked gutters.
• General property condition: Clean windows, nice garden, freshly decorated etc. — more likely to opt for exterior services to maintain appearance.

Dealing with "No Cold Caller" & "No Junk Mail" signs

These signs are common in certain areas, and it's important to respect them.

• "No Cold Caller" — don't knock, but drop a leaflet.
• "No Junk Mail" — knock, but if no answer, don't leave a leaflet.
• Both signs — walk away.

Safety considerations.

• Stay safe: Always tell someone (a partner or friend) where you're going, especially in unfamiliar areas.
• Life360 app: Apps like Life360 help someone you trust track your location for peace of mind. It also helps you keep track of where you've been.
• Dog precautions: Be aware of dogs on the property. Don't knock if you see a dog in the garden unless you're certain it's safe.
• Personal safety: Carry a phone for emergencies. If canvassing alone, be aware of your surroundings.

Customer invites you inside

"Thanks for the offer, but I only need to assess the outside for today's services. I can give an estimate based on what I see here."

Asked to go around back, or feel uneasy

If asked to go around the back (especially in isolated areas), decline politely.

"I can take your details and arrange a full quote later, including the back of the property."

Safety tips

• Trust your instincts — if anything feels off, leave politely.
• Work with a partner whenever possible.
• Check in regularly — if working alone, update a colleague or friend on your location and schedule.

Effective canvassing techniques.

A great method: leaflet first

Although not always easy to organise, leaflet 2–5 days in advance. You can then hold/show the leaflet and start with "We dropped leaflets recently…" — they may recall seeing it and might have been meaning to get in touch.

Confidence

Approach each home with confidence. Be clear about who you are and what services you offer.

Respect boundaries

Always respect homeowners' time. If they're not interested, politely thank them and move on.

Referral incentives

Offer incentives — a discount for anyone who refers you to a friend or neighbour. For roof cleaning on terraces, mention: "If your neighbour also wants the roof cleaned, we can offer a discount if cleaned at the same time." Or, mention 1st in road discount for roof.

Follow-up

Leave a business card or flyer for those who may need you later. Ideally, get their contact information and add them to the system so they receive emails.

How to start the conversation.

The following pages provide starting points and tips for handling common questions or objections.

• Be yourself. Stay calm, confident, and natural. Don't overthink the pitch — you're simply having a chat and offering services that could benefit the customer.
• Read the customer. Not every conversation will go as planned. Stay professional, remain calm, and pay attention to the customer's cues.
• Offer value, not pressure. You're there to inform and provide a solution, not force a sale.

Should I leaflet before?

In an ideal world, you or a leaflet company would drop leaflets 2–5 days before canvassing. This is a big lever.

Why it works

• Instant recognition at the door — "Oh yes, I've seen your leaflet" lowers resistance. They may have been meaning to get in touch and know what they want already.
• Warms the conversation before you speak — "We recently dropped a leaflet through your door and just wanted to check whether you'd like a quote for any of our services."

Example opener

Why it works: It's clear, friendly, and shows you're already trusted in the area. You're not just offering a service — you're part of the neighbourhood's trusted network, which adds credibility.

Tip: Direct the quote to what needs cleaning. Show your ID.

If they say "maybe" or "not right now"

• "No problem at all, I can leave you with a leaflet and some info. We're working nearby this week, so let us know if you want us to pop back."
• "No problem, would you like me to give you a quick quote anyway, so you have it for later?" — This turns hesitation into a soft yes without pushing.

Common responses & how to handle them.

Typical conversion rates.

Conversion rates typically range between 1–5% of the doors you knock on.

• For every 100 doors you knock, you might convert between 1 and 5 customers.
• For every 200 doors, expect 2 to 10 customers.

Real-world hypothetical: 100 doors

• 10 people may not answer or say "no thanks"
• 20 people might ask questions but aren't interested immediately
• 50 people might listen to your pitch and take a leaflet
• 5–10 people might request a free quote on the spot or agree to a follow-up call

Of those 5–10, you might convert 1–2 into paying customers after following up and completing the quotes.

Financials & return on investment (roof canvassing).

Factors influencing conversion rates.

• Pitch quality. A well-prepared, clear, and engaging pitch significantly increases your conversion rate. A strong opening line — introducing yourself as a local business with great reviews — builds trust quickly.
• Objection handling. Your ability to handle objections (price concerns, "I'm not interested" etc.) influences how many people engage. This is not rejection. People either need the service now or they don't. It's that simple.
• Offer / discounts. A limited-time discount or free quote can incentivise action sooner.
• Social proof and trust. Emphasise that you're a trusted, local business with 600+ five-star reviews on Trustpilot — people trust a company with a proven track record.
• Referral and word of mouth. If you've already done work in an area or have a happy customer who refers you, conversion rates are much higher.
• Canvassing keeps you fit — helps you learn your territory and earns respect when managing others.

Best practices to improve conversion

• Canvass areas where you've already done work, or where houses look like they need cleaning (patios with moss, dirty windows etc.).
• Target densely populated areas with many homes close together for window cleaning.
• Mention that you clean some of their neighbours' houses — creates familiarity and trust.
• Tailor your offer. Clean windows but dirty gutters? Offer gutter cleaning or pressure washing.
• Offer a free, no-obligation quote on the spot.
• Give them a leaflet to help them remember you.
• Always introduce yourself and your company clearly.
• Track conversion rates and learn from the data. If certain areas or times yield better results, target those more.

Challenges of canvassing.

• Rejection. Not everyone will be interested. It can be hard to face rejection repeatedly when you're putting in the effort.
• Time and energy. Canvassing takes time and is physically demanding. Take breaks and keep sessions short.
• Handling objections. "I already have a cleaner", "I'm not interested", "I don't trust cold callers." Be prepared to handle objections quickly and professionally without getting discouraged.
• Loneliness. Canvassing can feel like a solo job, especially in quiet areas. Hard to stay motivated alone.
• No Soliciting / No Cold Caller signs. Respect these boundaries — but it can feel like an obstacle.

Rewards from canvassing.

• Direct contact with potential clients. Face-to-face builds personal connection. People trust you more after direct interaction than after just seeing an ad or leaflet.
• Immediate feedback. If a customer is quoting, they can decide there and then. Hot leads = higher conversions.
• Rewarding conversions. The feeling when someone says yes is incredibly rewarding. It's not just about the sale — it's about trust built and a problem solved. A win-win.
• High conversion potential. Done correctly, canvassing converts higher than many other marketing methods because you're offering a personal, no-obligation quote.
• Feeling of achievement. When you convert a customer after a long day, the sense of achievement is huge. You've grown your business one door at a time.

How to stay motivated whilst canvassing.

• Focus on the goal. Remind yourself why you're canvassing: to grow your business, build relationships, and offer a valuable service. Each rejection brings you closer to a "yes".
• Celebrate small wins. A positive response, a quote request, or just a good conversation — celebrate them.
• Track your progress. Keep tabs on doors knocked, leads generated, customers converted. Watching the numbers grow reminds you that the effort pays off.
• Take breaks. If it starts to feel draining, take short breaks. A quick rest and snack helps you recharge.
• Stay positive and resilient. The best canvassers don't take rejection personally. Each "no" brings you one step closer to a "yes".
• Support from peers. Canvassing with a friend or colleague makes it more enjoyable and gives you someone to share tips with.

Mindset for success.

• Persistence pays off. Canvassing is a numbers game. The more you knock, the higher your chances. Don't be discouraged early — persistence is key.
• Build relationships, not just sales. Think long-term relationship with the community rather than one-time sale. This shifts your attitude toward providing value.
• It's a marathon, not a sprint. Even if you don't get a customer first time, exposure and trust pay dividends over time.
• Canvassing can be tough — but it's one of the most direct and personal ways to build your business. Persistence, positivity, and consistency compound into loyal customers, referrals, and a strong community presence.

Training & ramp-up.

It takes 3–4 months to properly mould a good canvasser.

Training, feedback, and fine-tuning are essential. The most important factor is the quality of information and data gathered.

Other manuals available

• Employing a canvasser
• Canvassing training guide for an employed canvasser

Success stories.

Real examples from the field — what worked, why, and what could easily have been missed.

Final thoughts & considerations.

• Canvassing is the best way to get new customers — although costly if not doing the work yourself.
• If you're new to canvassing, begin in an area with no pressure to secure work, so you can focus on practising and growing your confidence.
• If you don't have time or don't want to canvass, it can take months to find a decent canvasser. Canvassing can be costly if employing someone — but cost is irrelevant without ROI. Focus on output, capacity, and consistency, not expense.
• Door-to-door canvassing means we tie up the majority of people who need our services there and then.
• An employed canvasser might not have exterior cleaning experience, so may not always get the quote right. An easy fix: have the canvasser work in roads where houses are uniform and quotes the same. Or just get contact details and quote later.