Can't stand the "competition"?

[Cut-Rite2]

I've been at this for 6 weeks and have 7 customers. I started working a subdivison today by handing out doorhangers. As I was going around, I noticed another LCO cutting lawns........so at the house he was at, I didn't put a doorhanger there. A couple of hours later, I get a call from someone I initially thought was a customer, but then realized it was the LCO calling, pissed at me for doing doorhangers in his "territory" and that it was wrong to advertise to "his" customers. I couldn't get over the brass balls of this guy, pissing and moaning about some petty competition from me. You would think if his prices are fair and the service is reliable, he wouldn't have to be concerned about it. I replied by saying there was no law against free enterprise, and that I couldn't possibly know who "his" customers are.

Has anyone else here had this experience, and how did you respond?

[pagefault]

I've seen some guys working when I am handing out fliers. I stay a few houses away, in either direction. I'm paranoid that they will have one of their guys go door to door, pulling down my hangers and replacing them with his.

I don't know what I would have told him, honestly. I think I would have apologized (even though I did nothing wrong) and left it at that.

[kc2006]

i'd say pretty much what you said, basicly get bent. Theres nothing wrong with advertising around there, because people probably advertise around your clients. I didn't know we all had territories, I guess I claim the nice expensive homes that profit big money as my territory, stay the heck away! haha

[derek1]

You know sometimes you have to put out a fire with a fire. Instead of telling this azz you are sorry, tell him that you did not know that he was working this neighborhood and maybe if he is overextended this summer you can subcut for him. If you are looking for work and your equipment not to sit maybe this will work? JMO

[pagefault]

You know sometimes you have to put out a fire with a fire. Instead of telling this azz you are sorry, tell him that you did not know that he was working this neighborhood and maybe if he is overextended this summer you can subcut for him. If you are looking for work and your equipment not to sit maybe this will work? JMO

I would just try not to start a confrontation. As the new guy in town, I have very little fire with which to fight. The last thing I need is him sending one of his guys to replace all of my hangers with his when I leave. If he's pissed, let him think that he has won. If you want to try to pick up his extra work, that's great.

[Team Gopher]

Hi Cut-Rite2,

All you can do, is keep moving forwards. You can't make everyone happy all the time. Don't give up.

[Houston's]

i hate it when they see your lawn stuff out in the drive and still put a flyer just to be an ass :angry:

[Dixie Pro Lawn Care]

If I come across a situation like that I'll try to stay friendly (pop more friendly medication pills lol). Heck, take it as a possible network situation and offer to take his overflow. Maybe work together and make more money.

[Cut-Rite2]

I got a second call from an LCO in that subdivision all worked up about me putting doorhangers where he was working. As I explained to the first LCO, I skipped the house where he was working, and I can't possibly keep track of every property they do in one area. Hell, I'm just one person, and they act like I'm going to take all their business by putting out some doorhangers. I wonder why they feel so threatened. They act like they own a franchise on lawn cutting in there. Does Burger King tell McDonalds they can't sell burgers in their town?.....I doubt it! They can whine all they want, but I'm not going to let these people intimidate me. By the way, I put out some doorhangers in there today and already got one call for an estimate

[marko]

If you do good work, you should not have to worry. Try to stay friendly, but dont waste a lot of time on these guys. If they keep hasseling you, pay a neighborhood kid to advertise every month in these neighborhoods. Add a service or find a nitch that these guys dont do and promote it. It's a free world and if you are in this neighborhood already, it's in your best interest to keep your route tight and get several on each street. Don't ever, ever ever bad mouth anyone to a potential customer. Just expand on the benifits of the customer going with you over anyone else.

[bowhunter1432]

dont give up!

[ndunn]

"I'm sorry sir, I didn't realize these homes were professionally maintained. I try to target the ones that look like they need a little professional work."

[Ron's Lawncare]

"I'm sorry sir, I didn't realize these homes were professionally maintained. I try to target the ones that look like they need a little professional work."


that is a great line.... i will rember that one....i know just the LCO to use it on the next time they call me... :D



Ron

[l1011100]

I had someone leave a flyer on my mailbox yesturday while I was in the driveway cleaning my mowers. I guess he didnt see the lettering on the truck or my sign in the front yard. If he cant see that well, I would hate to see a property after he is done. :dizzy:

[Carolina Cutter]

I would tell him to GET BENT and then ask him if he was done mowing there and tell him I was going to go back and quote "his" customer a five dollar savings.....HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I am in a frisky mood tonight!

[Watkinslawnservice]

I would ignore him. Then I would be resolved to get every property I could in that area. If he kept his mouth shut and I didn't get many calls from the area because they are happy with him then I would have moved on. But not now. Now I would lowball him just to piss him off.

[Sweetwater]

Smoe guys are so fragile...last month I found that I had too much work and saw a guy in my area doing a good job, but obviously starting out. I wrote number of his sign and called him up for an "interview". Told him my situation, having a few "basic" accounts that did fit into our routes and he was thrilled. Called customer and told them to expect call from this guy. Bam! He's got 7 new jobs this season.

I just think this is kool. I got rid of jobs that were out of my way and he is going to be able to grow.

[d&t]

this is just buis yes it's kinda uncool we had that already but hey man everyone is trying to make a dollar i agree with keeping friendly with the competition it may serve u well later :cool2:

[sheshovel]

Yes and keeping friendly helps out in alot of other ways too.Like not having stuff stolen,or equiptment sabatoged or bad things said to people about you behind your back that they just make up and say.Competition can get very backstabbing and underhand,and cause unneccesary problems.I am territorial,I think it's only natural.It's not cool to canvas a neighborhood when somebodys mowing.Not good form and not cool at all.Go back later when they aren't out mowing.Otherwize it's concidered a slap in the face,an insult.

[Commonwealth LC]

make your competition your friend. when they call just appologize. you look more like an ******* if you try to be a badass, and the chances are, these other guys know more people and have a bigger influence on those people. all they would have to do is spread a little rumor of you and then you get no business. (although I believe if that happened it would come back to them )

Anyways... to make a story short, make friends with these enemies. Start convo, ask if they know where possible clients are. use this to your advantage and get in good with your competition, chances are it may help you in the long run! :)

[memow]

I am in Nashville. Lots of work some where out here. Lots of LCOs too. Its kind of slow starting from scratch here w/no contacts. I must admit though I am not a super social person. It seems that we LCOs get along great here on lawnsite w/some miles between us. But I can't say I have had a ...well lets just say a warm welcome here in Nashvagas. Forced waves. Seems kind of counter-productive. I mean I need work. I 'd give a LCO A kickback, percentage or whatever for accounts they can't handle. Although I am sure that this too takes time and the longer you are in the business the more you become an accepted fixture and the more likely you will make friends in the local LCO community. Time will tell.
Green, growing and lovin it from gate down to gate up. Bill w/Me Mow Professional Lawn Care Services.