Retail Rockstars know the #1 way to get rejected when canvassing: walking in and asking, “Is the owner here?”
Wanna know what people actually hear when you ask that?
“Is there someone more important than you I can talk to?”
Whether they’re the cashier, the manager, the owner’s kid—or the owner themselves—you’ve already lost them. You made them feel small. And no one does business with someone who makes them feel disrespected.
Instead, try this:
“Hey, I lease a shopping center nearby. What are your expansion plans?”
That opener shows you’re legit, gets right to the point, and earns respect by respecting their time. If they’re not the owner, chances are high they’ll give you the owner’s name and contact info—if you treated them with value.
Remember, your goal when canvassing isn’t to close a deal on the spot—it’s to start a conversation. And conversations are built on respect, clarity, and confidence.
No fake browsing.
No awkward small talk.
No “Are you the owner?”
Just real connections that move you closer to your next lease.