Benefits of PLANET membership

[Terra-Turf]

I would like to hear from any PLANET (once referred to as “Associated Landscape Contractors of America“ (ALCA) and/or “Professional Lawn Care Association of America” (PLCAA)) members on this board. I’m interested in marketing benefits or other benefits associated with membership. Is the membership worth the investment etc..

[tiedeman]

I feel that there are really no benefits. The major thing is member discounts on certifications. Other than that I feel that it is a waste. I will not be renewing mine when it comes up again. I was a member of PLCAA since 2001, before the merger, and I have been a current member of PLANET since the merger. I personally feel that the PLCAA did a lot more and cared more for the members than PLANET does. Like I said, I will not be renewal my membership when it comes around again

[ohiolawnguy]

PLANET is a newly formed organization, (the merger of plcaa and alca), and may take a little time to gel together in the best interests of themselves. However, with that being said, i feel it is a good organization to join. you will only get as much out of this type of organization as you are willing to invest into it.? in other words, if you dont get involved yourself to find out what resouces are available to you, there will be benefits from joining.

If cost seems to be driving you away, check into the oklahoma nursery and landscape association. I dont know anything about them personally, but ohio has an awesome state association.

[robertsturf]

I was FORMERLY a member of PLCAA all they seemed to do is hit me up for more donations for this and that. There was no benefit as far as marketing. They have a web-site were they post members names etc. It took them 6 mos to even list my company info. Also the former President is a business owner in my city and he always was subbing out mowing to a non member company. So I called the corporate office on it. Well as you can guess I got absolutely no response. So save your $200 + membership fee and take your significant other out for a good dinner and you will get a better return on your advertising dollars!!

[tiedeman]

I was FORMERLY a member of PLCAA all they seemed to do is hit me up for more donations for this and that. There was no benefit as far as marketing. They have a web-site were they post members names etc. It took them 6 mos to even list my company info. Also the former President is a business owner in my city and he always was subbing out mowing to a non member company. So I called the corporate office on it. Well as you can guess I got absolutely no response. So save your $200 + membership fee and take your significant other out for a good dinner and you will get a better return on your advertising dollars!!

yup, I agree. Waste of money. I had a problem with my information on the web site as well and took almost a year to fix. After that they still did not get it right

[YardPro]

we were placca and alca members for years.. the only thing it did was make us less tired at the end of the day from light wallets

[Terra-Turf]

Thanks everyone. I knew that lawnsite would be a good place to ask about this.

I’m attempting to boost my creditability. I am only in my 2nd year of doing landscape work. I am having a difficult time competing with the well established businesses. I was hoping that the certification and membership in a national organization would improve my businesses image.

Ohiolawnguy: Thanks for letting me know about “oklahoma nursery and landscape
association”. I have obviously overlooked my own states opportunities.


Thanks again,

[tiedeman]

Thanks everyone. I knew that lawnsite would be a good place to ask about this.

I’m attempting to boost my creditability. I am only in my 2nd year of doing landscape work. I am having a difficult time competing with the well established businesses. I was hoping that the certification and membership in a national organization would improve my businesses image.

Ohiolawnguy: Thanks for letting me know about “oklahoma nursery and landscape
association”. I have obviously overlooked my own states opportunities.


Thanks again,

if you are looking for additional business perhaps look at joining the local chamber instead

[Terra-Turf]

Tiedeman:

I thought about joining the local “Chamber of Commerce” but I felt that it would primarily put me in touch with commercial customers rather than residential. I would like my business to grow but I am not looking at full time employees and workman’s comp and all those things that go with commercial contracts. I live in a small town and I have had some doubt about the overall reach of the local chamber. I am spread out among 3 or 4 small towns and suburbs. Let me know if you have experience with chambers in your area and their influence on your business.

Thanks,

[jake65]

What about certifications through PLANET. Is it worth considering. Thinking about turf management to start. I will not join the membership though.

Any thoughts

Thanks
Jake:)

[topsites]

I’m attempting to boost my creditability. I am only in my 2nd year of doing landscape work. I am having a difficult time competing with the well established businesses. I was hoping that the certification and membership in a national organization would improve my businesses image.


I believe this is an issue which will resolve itself during your 3rd and 4th year, as most businesses (over half) don't last 5 years, if that helps.
I had that problem too, I just did my time, so to speak :)

And it doesn't happen from one day to the next but it improves a little bit every month, kinda...
One day you will be there, it's not that far down the road anymore, two years under your belt is respectable and far better than nothing.

Some of it never goes away, you always do a little more time, lol...
But with time it gets better.