Whats the best way to get a big account?

[ubirajara83]

Hello im looking to get a community to cut, can anyone help or give me some advice. Also looking for a better proposal if n e one can help out would appreciate it.

[grassmanak]

if your new to the business dont go after big accounts. Generally big accounts wants one of 2 things. Either a reputable company or a low bid. You need to build yourself of, then when its time present lots of bids at the right rate. Ive been doing this for 2 years now and still have not done a commercial job bigger than $50.00 a week. Next year im planning on bidding some apartment complexes and such to start it out.

[Tim Wright]

Price, Price, Price.

Bidding the right price to JUST GET the account is also the easiest way to lose your shirt.

Tim

[Tharrell]

Think twice about big accounts. A big account really hurts when you lose it.
One $1500 account versus 15 $100 accounts? I'd take the 15 anyday.

[nobagger]

Brand new to the industry? Leave it alone, get some freakin experience for God sakes. I've been doing this on my own since 2002 and had 5yrs of experience before that and we're just getting those "big" accounts and some have been good, some have been just ok, and the rest SUCKED! Test the water with a "piggy toe" before jumping both feet first. Most commercial accounts = penny pinching bean counter's,= lowest bidder, = no money for a lot of work!

[mojob]

Hello im looking to get a community to cut, can anyone help or give me some advice. Also looking for a better proposal if n e one can help out would appreciate it.


How's WPB these days? I spent the first forty years of my life there. I moved to Colorado seven years ago and I must say I don't miss south florida one bit. Anyway, to answer your question, what you can try is sending out letters to all the property management companies in your area and ask them if they're accepting bids on any of their properties. Keep what has been said in other posts in mind though, be careful what you wish for. You'll need the equipment and the manpower not to mention the experience. If you think you have all that, don't let anyone get in your way.

[topsites]

The guys are right, you really need several years experience.

Like yourself, I was excited my first year too, but I did wait these years as someone I know gave me similar advice.

This, my 5th year, I took on a SMALL commercial account in spring.
Mind you, it was 4 acres total with around an acre of turf, you'd think it wouldn't take that long, since most was pavement or building.
But there were islands and sidewalks and curbs and bushes and mulch beds and rock beds and cute little flowery areas, and all this was around 100 or 200 offices.
Oh, and in a community, each member agreed to the contract, and they voted yay or nay.
You can thus expect some of them will want to be your boss.
Just to cut the stupid acre of turf used to take 3-4 hours!
Most of the time was spent curb-mounting the mower, trimming and weed control... omg...

And yes I underbid, accidentally.
So it took me for a bit of a ride, I lost a few grand.

Good thing I had 4 years under my belt, thou.
Because without that experience, I would've REALLY underbid!
I thought my bid was too high as it was LOL.
And without that experience, I would not have known when to cut tail and run (which may not sound real couth, but I had to do what I had to do before I righteously lost my shirt).
I lasted 3 months, and I can still feel the arse rashing.
But at least I'm still around to talk about it.
I can even laugh about it a little now, too.

[JJLandscapes]

im about to finish year 3 and have alot of residentials and im not even thinking about commercial for a few more years except maybe the old country club i use to work at in the summer.. They keep asking i keep declining

[fiveoboy01]

I would also say skip a LARGE commercial. If you even have to ask how to acquire the account, it'd be my guess you're not ready to perform the services that they'll want/need.

I think grasmanak hit it on the head. Around here, what you see on a large commercial:

A well-known landscape maintenance contractor, or

Some company you have no clue who they are(so it's probably based on price).

That may not be the complete truth in all cases, but it seems safe to assume this for a good majority of accounts like these.

Try some small condo or apartment complexes first if you're set on acquiring commercial accounts.

[LemkeLawns]

Any opinions on what kind of equitment a person would need to mow a job of 100 acres-70 turf? Most of it is wide open. Few beds one hour max weekly to control weeds. Any thoughts on prices?

[Jpocket]

As you get more experience this will come naturally, customers will find you, and you"ll be prepared to bid. Already have the equipment in place, and the man power.

It comes easier to some than others, but give it alittle time, things will start opening up for you. In the mean time, just market yourself well, invest in the right equipment ( DON"T GO OVERBOARD) and trucks. Get some reliable help. Things ill take off from there.

[Uranus]

Whats the best way to get a big account?
With a big mower

[DuraCutter]

Whats the best way to get a big account?
With a big mower

Are you serious? Have you read the posts. Your question is the same as the original poster.

??:hammerhead:

[Team-Green L&L]

Whats the best way to get a big account?
With a big mower

I think he was joking. The first thing to understand about large accounts is that if you don't understand how to get them, you are probably unprepared. The worst situation a contractor can be in is "over his head". It is easy to sign a big deal, but if you can't deliver for whatever reason, it will most likely cost you your company!

[Mow It All]

Well my 2cents......i bought my buisness this past April. the guy I bought it from was a small residential minded guy. Since i bought it I now do 2 apartment complexs, a few office buildings, and a strip mall. I did very well for myself (LUCK) I want to dump all of my residentails and pick up all commercial, they dont bother you, ask for anything, pay more, and dont complain. I want nothing but commercial..........

[ubirajara83]

I totally agree thats y i want those big accounts.

[stumpslawncare]

Be careful, more so if you are new. I mowed for a Large Hospital last year, you would think they would pay on time and all seeings that they overcharge us for any and everything they do. They were my worst paying customer. I just finally received my money from the October Invoice last week.

[DuraCutter]

Well my 2cents......i bought my buisness this past April. the guy I bought it from was a small residential minded guy. Since i bought it I now do 2 apartment complexs, a few office buildings, and a strip mall. I did very well for myself (LUCK) I want to dump all of my residentails and pick up all commercial, they dont bother you, ask for anything, pay more, and dont complain. I want nothing but commercial..........

Yes. Commercial and don't forget condos pay well too. Some condos can be pitas, but it depends on the management co. that manages them. If the property manager will stand up for you when dumb owners fart from their mouth...lol, you'll be ok. Just choose the manager, the jobs will be good.

Your 2 cents are worth their weight in gold. :waving: