I'm sensing some offensive attitude there. I really am not trying to make an enemy here but...
You are making a lot of assumptions about me and I really don't think you understand my experience level here. I have a brand.
Not only do I include fuel, I include small tools, marketing, bad debt, supervisor, warranty, and other trailing costs in all my bids. Something everyone should be doing. All hits the job before markup get's applied. Not my idea.
I consider canvassing going into a neighborhood with the sole purpose of knocking on doors. I have done it after storms and had very good luck with it. There is obviously a need for my services. When I was younger, I'd knock on doors at lunch and leave hangers for those that didn't answer.
I'm to the point in my career where I don't need to knock on doors anymore. If I did I would pay people to do that. That is where the cost would come from. My time is far to valuable to spend canvassing neighborhoods.
I'm getting more leads than I can handle right now from the area's I want to work, from sources that take none of my time and costs nothing more than gift card on a
sold referral. I have two very large roofing company's in my area that refer me anyone needing siding for free. I have my supply house's sending me referrals. I have my website. I am in a network of large GC's that will work with me to make it happen. Not just look at my number and pitch it.
I also have no interest in growing any bigger. I have a $376,000 back log right now on signed contracts with deposits. That's all that I want.
I bank on my competitors thinking exactly like you.
So canvassing is more expensive? That's ridiculous. Your not one of those that consider fuel and trip time incidentals and not calculated in the equation? Otherwise we are just comparing time because the same business card you give your customer across town is the same one you'd give a neighbor.
One difference is, in the same amount of time you could have spoken to many neighbors.
You WILL get more jobs by neighbors, and every neighbor you do you create more brand awareness. You WILL NOT get that (brand awareness) from working across town.
The guy knocking your door during dinner had little investment, he just wanted to be paid for your phone number. If I haven't said it already, I will say it now- don't send a hired person. "Hi, I'm (insert your name here) and I own (insert your company name here) we are working on (insert customers address here) and I wanted to give you my card if you are ever in the market" and hand them your card. I wouldn't try to sell them any service, after all your card lists your services.
Short and sweet. No selling. No real time involved. No real cost.