Phone Ringing, Happy Customers, Business Grows

[Sean Adams]

LawnSite Members,

I don't know if everyone got a chance to read the information about the 20 direct mail letter templates for the green industry. This manual has been created for you, lawn and landscape business owners. Each one of these letters accomplishes something that is not always easy to do - it keeps your phone ringing with the kind of clients you want, it keeps your current clients happy, and it will help grow your business. It really is that simple. It is the most effective way to get the message you want heard right in front of the people you want it to be heard by.

The best part is, all you have to do is recopy the letters onto your own letterhead, change a few names and the date, and send it. I have read hundreds of posts on this forum and it is obvious that everyone (or almost everyone) is always looking to land more commercial accounts. Letter #19 in this manual is written in a way that almost guarantees you will always get a call back from the comercial property manager. You will be amazed.

All of the letters are well written, simple, effective, and time-tested. At the top of this forum there is information about these 20 direct mail templates - take a second and check it out. It's one of the best investments you can make in your business.

Sean Adams

[Sean Adams]

If anyone has any questions about this manual, just post your questions. I'm sure either myself or Chuck will respond. I know that everyone at this forum values Eric's opinion, so I am going to make sure Chuck sends one to Eric so that you can see what he thinks as well.

[GreenStar]

what was the address for this company?

[Administrator]

Address? Send $27.95 which includes the $3 shipping to:

Sean Adams
147 Center Avenue #2
Pittsburgh, PA 15202

Make sure on the memo line you put from lawnsite.

Chuck Keough

[Sean Adams]

I offer this manual at my site, LawnCareSuccess.com, but I am partnering with Chuck and LawnSite to offer this to the members here. Maybe that is why you asked about the address. If there are members of LawnSite who do not wish to purchase this manual with a credit card, and pay by check via mail, just send me an e-mail at LawnCareSuccess@aol.com, but make sure you let me know that you saw the manual at LawnSite so that Chuck gets proper credit.

[Sean Adams]

Several people have e-mailed me asking me specific questions about this manual. I asked them to go back and post the questions on LawnSite, and I would respond so everyone could see the question and answer.

One of the questions asked was how effective are these letters? I used letter #1 "Getting New Clinets" and practically built my entire business with it. I sent about 2000 of these letters to targeted people and received over 450 phone calls (that's 22.5%), turning 90 of those calls into regular service accounts. If the letters are presented to the right audience in the right format - they work.

[Sean Adams]

Someone just sent me another e-mail asking if there is a copyright on these letters. The answer is that the letters cannot be reproduced, given away or sold. But you as a business owner can use them word for word. You do not have to paraphrase the letters. Of course you can change anything you want in the letter, but it has to be for your own business use.

[Sean Adams]

Eric will be getting a copy of the manual this week and he will give everyone his opinion. Thanks for taking the time to read over things Eric.

Sean Adams

[Eric ELM]

As dry as it is, I should have plenty of time to read. I'll be looking forward to getting it. :)

[Island Lawn]

I'm interested in your opinion Eric!

Personally, I'm sold.

BTW, I was wondering why there hasn't been reviews on this yet.
I didn't realize it was because no one has read it.

The post offering the letters lists "Administrator as it's author.
But it comes off more as Sean than Chuck.

I have visited lawncaresuccess.com and rank it high. There is good info there!

BUT, Is Chuck offering this stuff to his beloved fellow LawnSiters before reviewing it himself?

Why didn't Sean just post the offering under his screen name?

Does it matter who we send the check to?


Did I mention that I was sold?
I want these letters.


Please take into consideration that I'm simple minded, and easily confused....

[Eric ELM]

I can answer some of your questions. :)

Originally posted by Island Lawn
I'm interested in your opinion Eric! I'm glad you have confidence in my opinion

Personally, I'm sold. This is great :)


BTW, I was wondering why there hasn't been reviews on this yet.
I didn't realize it was because no one has read it. There is one review posted in the announcement


The post offering the letters lists "Administrator as it's author.
But it comes off more as Sean than Chuck. At the present, Pierre, Chuck, and I are the only ones that can post an announcement


I have visited lawncaresuccess.com and rank it high. There is good info there! I think so too


BUT, Is Chuck offering this stuff to his beloved fellow LawnSiters before reviewing it himself?

Why didn't Sean just post the offering under his screen name? At the present, Pierre, Chuck, and I are the only ones that can post an announcement and when an annoucement is posted, it is on the top of all forums and stays there for a set time


Does it matter who we send the check to? No, but mention you are a Lawnsite Member



Did I mention that I was sold? yes you did :D
I want these letters.


Please take into consideration that I'm simple minded, and easily confused....

[Administrator]

Of course I endorse this product. I would not offer a product to the community if I did not think it was beneficial to your company.

It is exactaly as described.... they are easy to read, can be used easily, and they are effective.

Chuck Keough
LawnSite.com

[Island Lawn]

EGGSSSCELENT!!!

[Sean Adams]

Wow...I got a bunch of questions via e-mail about the 20 templates, but I want everyone to post them here so everyone can see them. Anyway, a question asked by 4 different people was...does the 20 templates include a sample contract. The answer is no, but...We are actually in the process of putting together something very nice with a lot of different kinds of sample contracts...for mowing, yearly maintenance, fert and weed control, commercial, snow, etc...I'll let everyone know more about that when we are finished. In the mean time, thanks to the bunch of you that have ordered...I'm sure you will be pleased.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com

[Administrator]

Bump

[Lawn-Scapes]

Okay... I confess. I could use a few more customers and struggle with wording at times.

I'll give it a whirl...

Just send payment to the aforementioned address?

[Administrator]

Yep, Send $27.95 which includes the $3 shipping to:

Sean Adams
147 Center Avenue #2
Pittsburgh, PA 152022

W/ payment put you came from LawnSite :)

Thanks

[Sean Adams]

Like Chuck said, don't forget to place somewhere on the check in the memo or on a note that you are from lawnsite....giving credit where credit is due...Thanks for ordering...enjoy!

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com

[LawnMowPro]

Wanted to let everyone know I purchased the letters from Sean over 2 weeks ago....I feel priveleged since I got it before it was offered here. Anyway, I will tell everyone for sure that in the 3 years I have been in business, this has been the most helpful tool purchased to date. My area is competitive, almost to the point where I've considered partnering or moving elsewhere. I sent 2 of the letters so far - the commercial letter was sent to 40 places (condos, apt plexes, offices, etc...) and I got 30 phone calls. Three of those calls have already turned into accounts, one being 25k annual. The other letter was to my customers. Three days after I sent it my voice mail was filled up with people thanking me. I sent it to all 120 residentials we have. It even got me more work without asking for it. If you get a chance snag these letters...unless you are a competitor of mine...ha ha

[Sean Adams]

I'm glad they helped....if the weather is drying up there...try the "Don't forget..." letter...it is a great letter to get more work to supplement mowing if that is the bulk of your business. When the grass isn't growing, you can still make the money, just have to know how to approach them.

[Jay ALC]

Ordered them, hopefully they will help grow the business the way I am hoping. Thanks

[solaras]

Would you please email some info about the letter templates.

byachts@hotmail.com

[Eric ELM]

Solaras, have you read this post? This might help. ;)

http://www.lawnsite.com/announcement.php?s=&forumid=1

[Sean Adams]

Thanks Eric.

[Sean Adams]

I've gotten more e-mails from lawnsite members asking questions about the manual. One of the questions asked several times was whether or not we are going to produce a similar manual for contracts. I have discussed this with Chuck and I am in the process of creating a manual with a variety of sample contracts, including mowing, installation, snow removal, residential and commercial. And of course we will make it as inexpensive as possible. If anyone else has input or ideas about this, post it here. the manual should be completed in the next week or so. Thanks everyone.

[Eric ELM]

I received my folder with the 20 templates in it today. After reading them all, I find that they would be very useful for any member that has a hard time writing a letter to customers. Just the wording alone will make you look more professional. I do know that my wording isn't the greatest as many of you probably have discovered in my posts. :)

Some of you may be experts at wording letters correctly, but these 20 templates might give you some better ideas at writing letters to customers.

I have a customer that gets sort of slack in his payments at times, so I'll try the letter out for sure on collecting money, the next time he gets behind. :)

The templates for getting new customers and also to get Commercial lawns will pay for the whole pack if it just gets you one extra customer. This could give you an edge on your competition, so I give it 2 thumbs up Sean. ;)

[Sean Adams]

Thanks for giving your opinion Eric. I know it is important to others on the site. As soon as I finish discussing the contract manual with a few attorneys (to get things the way they need to be worded) and Chuck, I will send you a copy to review. Thanks again, and thanks to everyone who has ordered the manual.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com

[Sean Adams]

We are working on the contract sample manual now. I am gathering excellent examples from contractors in different areas that they have used successfully. I wanted input from the members here about the kinds of sample contracts they would want to see in this manual...snow removal, commercial maintenance, commercial installation, residential maintenance, residential installation, irrigation, fertilization/weed control, sub contract, tree removal/trimming contract....what else? The attorneys I am working with are making sure things are going to be worded so that everyone is protected, but things are simplified and easy to understand....

[solaras]

What is the turnaround time with the shipment. I ordered two days ago and I am very anxious. I hope it's not 6-8 weeks.

[Sean Adams]

If you order the manuals from here at lawnsite.com, as soon as Chuck sends me the order, I process it and send it within 48 hours. If anyone has paid via check, the day we receive the check we send the manual. There is not a long waiting-period. Those ordering from outside the continental US, it may take a few more days but that's about it.

[Jay ALC]

Sean,
I was just reading the other thread entitled direct mail templates which poses a good idea. I ordered the templates, but it would be a good idea to provied a CD or diskette along with each manual that had the letters in say two common formats such as .txt and .doc in other words, provide the letters on disk so they could be easily edited and put to use. Just an idea.

[Sean Adams]

That is a very good idea. Let me look into it. If it is something we end up doing, I will try and make sure everyone who has ordered up to this point gets one free of charge. Thank you for your input. I'll get back to you on this one.

[Jay ALC]

Sean,
Sounds great to me! Thanks for listening.

[Sean Adams]

Jay,

I'm waiting on finding out what it would cost to put the letters on a CD so that people ordering can have the option - printed, disk, or CD. I will let you know when I find out.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com

[lawrence stone]

Originally posted by Sean Adams
Jay,

I'm waiting on finding out what it would cost to put the letters on a CD so that people ordering can have the option - printed, disk, or CD. I will let you know when I find out.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com

I can produce that product for you in house. I have two desktop computers both with cd burners.

I can textbridge the letters then make files readable by all windows 9x machines.

Let me know what initial quanity you want and if you want jewel cases and printed inserts in color or b&W.

Respond by e-mail please.

[crazygator]

OK. my turn. Please email me when you get the contract letters all done. Also will you offer a special for those of us who get both templates??? I am very interested in the 2 for 1 deal, or something like that. Thanks for all your help for those of us who can speak but cannot write! LOL.

[Guido]

ordered them as the paper manual, and since it was my idea in the other thread to make them in some kind of meida, I should get the CD or diskette free!

Here's an idea. It shoudln't take much room to hold 20 letters. The small CD's that they sell for people to use as business cards would probobly hold the info and their cheaper than wasting a full CD with only the 20 letters.

If you don't go through with it, let me know, I'll type them all up and burn them and we can split the profit.

[Sean Adams]

crazygator -

As soon as the contract manual is complete I will post it here for everyone to see. If someone buys both manuals at the same time, there will be a discount. If you have already purchased the direct mail letter template and end up purchasing the contract manual when it is complete, I will make sure some sort of discount is provided.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[Sean Adams]

Guido,

I'm not sure what we are going to do yet in regards to the manuals as far as disks, CD's, etc... As soon as I know I will post it. However, the letters cannot be reproduced, copied, distributed, given away, or sold in any format.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[Sean Adams]

Just received an e-mail from a guy in Wisconsin who bought the manuals. He is not a member of lawnsite, so I'm getting him to sign up. Said he sent the commercial property manager letter and got 2 new clients already, one being a $400 cut and one being a $250 cut. I'm going to see if I can get him to post his info herefor everyone to see.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[Nick]

How long for delievery? Order them early last week and hope it isn't going to take a month.
Thanks

[Administrator]

Should not take to long... I got a little backed up last week cuz I drove all the way to KY and had to turn right around and drive back.

[Sean Adams]

First of all I want to thank everyone that has purchased the direct mail letter templates. I hope that you get similar results that others have had. I do want to bring to the surface a few points about the manuals that everyone should know.

1. The manuals are packaged very simply. They are on plain white paper placed in a manilla folder. Chuck and I discussed the most effective way to package the letters and we felt by being packaged this way it would be easy for everyone to remove the letter they wanted to use.

2. Remember - these letters are TEMPLATES. They are examples. They are written in a way that they can practically be copied directly to your letterhead. However, each letter in the way it is written may not exactly fit your company or your situation. If you need to modify the letter to fit your situation, it won't be much work to do so.

3. The concept of each letter is just as important as the letter itself. Use the ideas as much as the written word. Being in contact with your clients is part of owning and operating a successful business. Marketing your business to potential clients is what will allow you to grow.

4. All sales are final. Chuck and I asumed this was obvious, but I wanted to post it here. Because of the way we have packaged the letters, it would be very easy for anyone to pull the letters from the folder, photocopy them, and then claim they are not satisfied and ask for their money back. I am not in any way assuming that anyone at this site would do something like this, but we all know that there are people who like to try and beat the system any way they can. I'm easy to work with. If you have a problem with the manuals, e-mail me any time and we can discuss it - lawncaresuccess@aol.com.

5. There is not a business that these letters can't help. I consulted different green idustry business owners when writing these letters - a business that has been around for 22 years, 29 employees and $6.5 million annual as well as 2 guys starting out with 19 customers, and lots in between. You may have to make it fit, but again its the idea as much as the written word. Every company is different - from the types of clients they have as well as the number of clients they have.

If there are any questions or comments post it here or e-mail me and I will respond as soon as I am able. Thanks again to everyone who has purchased the manuals.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[Sean Adams]

The contract examples should be finished this week hopefully. I will fill everyone in by posting. I will have to send it to Chuck first probably so he can look at some examples and probably a opy to Eric. I'll let you know.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[Guido]

Guys, I just got my package today. Great proffesional letters and they do raise some great ideas for ANYONE in ANY of the service industries.

One question I did have was that when I was reading I made just a few little notes in pencil on things I would add or do differently in or with the letter. I was hoping it would be okay to start a thread called Direct Mail Templates modifications or something like that to share with others different ideas that we can add to make this package even better for us all that bought them.

Hope I hear from you guys that your okay with this, and then I'll start the thread.

Thanks again, and you have my 2 thumbs up for your product!

[1MajorTom]

Guido,

Sounds like a good idea, but by posting modifications, won't that in a way be giving away "free" tips to lawnsite members that didn't purchase the papers?

On the other hand, another thread on these templates might spark some more attention and increase sales.

Guess there are two ways to look at it.

[Sean Adams]

Guido...

You have a very good idea. I would prefer the letters are not actually reproduced in the forum because that would kind of eliminate the point like Jodi mentioned. However, and I know Chuck feels the same, the point is to help everyone. If discussing the letters will help those that own it, I'm all for it. I guess we can try it out and see how it goes. I do not claim to be some all-mighty....I love advice....I learn something new here from LawnSite.com members everyday. Thanks again.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[Guido]

I'll start the thread, and of course I'm not going to post the letter's here, just suggestions and changes I made.

Check it out!

Its called: Direct Mail Templates modifications

[Sean Adams]

Guido...the thread you started has already paid off. We are going to probably start offering the letters in 3 1/2 floppy format instead of in print. Good idea. I know it makes sense, but on paper is how it was always sold. Thanks again everyone for ordering and everyone who has provided input.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[Eric ELM]

Why don't you just email the templates as an attachment after you have received payment for them. It would save postage and lots of time. ;)

[Sean Adams]

I think that's a great idea too. I'm not sure....what does everyone think of that...it would be easier and everyone would get the letters instantly.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.protufequipment.com

[Guido]

And I already bought mine, so do I still get an e-mail so I don't have to type them all in myself?

PLEASE!! ;)

[Sean Adams]

I think what we are going to do is anyone who has bought them so far on paper and would like them e-mailed, we will do that for them. For now, anyone ordering as of today will be getting the letters sent to them via disk in the mail or e-mailed to them - their choice. Once payment is received and processed, we will be sending things out within a day or two. Anyone who has received them on paper who wants them e-mailed to them should contact me via e-mail at lawncaresuccess@aol.com.

See Guido...your idea paid off...I want to make it as easy and as affordable as possible for everyone. Thanks for your input.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[Island Lawn]

Good Idea!

I am very much looking foward to my email!

MUCH BETTER than waiting for my disgruntled mailman!

[Sean Adams]

I want everyone to know that if they have already purchased the letters and it has been sent to them on paper, they can e-mail me at lawncaresuccess@aol.com, and I will e-mail the letters to them in Word format. However, I do not recognize everyone simply by their lawnsite handle...

When you e-mail me I will need your full name and address and your order number as proof of purchase.

Those ordering the letters will have the option of receiving the letters on a 3.5 floppy in the mail or via e-mail after payment is received and processed. Ordering is the same - either here at lawnsite via credit card or by sending check or money order to me at :

Sean Adams
147 Center Avenue #2
Pittsburgh, PA 15202

* But make certain you place on the check or in a note that you learned of the manuals due to lawnsite so that I can give Chuck proper credit just writing lawnsite in the memo of the check is good.

I was hoping the contract examples would be finished by now...but as many of you may know, something that involves attorneys does not always happen quickly. I will keep everyone posted.

THANKS EVERYONE.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[Island Lawn]

Got mine!

VERY FAST DELIVERY!

At first glance, I picked up a few ideas.
I'm more than happy!

Thanks Sean for helping me communicate better with my customers!

:)

BTW, I would like an email version.

[Sean Adams]

Island...

I'm glad you like them so far. If you or anyone ever has any questions about the letters, post it here or e-mail me any time at lawncaresuccess@aol.com.

Island....I need your name, address, and e-mail address and your order number so I can verify purchase (just to keep the records straight...) and send the templates to you via e-mail. Just e-mail me with that info and I will send it today.

Thanks....

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[chrissd]

Im new to this site, and have found this site very imformative. Heres a question now that i have these templates how do i get more commercial accounts? Im pretty concentrated in a specific area and would like to stay in that area. how do i find out who to send letter #19 to if i want to maintain certain retail centers? thanks

[Island Lawn]

done

[Guido]

Repost your question in this thread so we can discuss it. A lot of people won't see it burried in here.

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18392&highlight=modifications+to+direct+mail+templates

Hope this helps!

[Guido]

I posted and replyed to your question in the other thread.

I figure it will pay off more there, and for more people that need to modify these letters to work for them.

Hope it helps!

[AztlanLC]

I did buy the templates, to be honest I was expecting something better but what really borhers me is that I have to type'em in my computer to be able to use'em "I hope you don't forget about of all the people who bought'em and send us an attached e-mail with the templates.

[Eric ELM]

Sean posted this on another page of this thread for members that have already gotten the printed templates.

His post:
I need your name, address, and e-mail address and your order number so I can verify purchase (just to keep the records straight...) and send the templates to you via e-mail. Just e-mail me with that info and I will send it today.

Thanks....

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[kutnkru]

Yo. Guido.

Congrats on hittin the 1500 mark!:blob2:

Kris

[Guido]

Thats a whooooole lot of BS'ing! ;)

Anyway AztlanLC, I got mine on Saturday or Sunday I think via e-mail. Have you contacted Sean with your concern for the e-mail copy?? I'm sure he'll send it right out to you.

[Sean Adams]

Guido and Eric are right....

If anyone has ordered these manuals from lawnsite, and want them sent to them via e-mail, all they have to do is e-mail me at lawncaresuccess@aol.com and tell me. I will send it to you as soon as I read the e-mail. BUT, I NEED YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, E-MAIL ADDRESS, AND ORDER NUMBER SO I CAN KEEP THINGS STRAIGHT....

I genuinely apologize that some people were disappointed that the letters did not come in a more "user-friendly format". I had sold these letters before but never to an internet site group. My mistake and I will make up for it by sending them via e-mail.

I know this might be nuts, but I welcome anyone expressing dissatisfaction concerning the letters. I know that not everyone always gets what they hope for. I will try my best to work with everyone to find out what they do not like or understand.

Thanks again guys for ordering - can't say it enough. I hope they are working for everyone.

Sean Adams
www.lawncaresuccess.com
www.proturfequipment.com

[Sean Adams]

I am going to start a new post, but I also wanted to post here that the contract example templates should be finished soon. I have been waiting on 2 attorneys who have been assisting in putting this together. Must be second nature for them to drag things out...anyway, I wanted to make it formal here that if anyone already ordered the direct letter template we will be offering some sort of discount. I have to arrange things with Chuck to make sure it will work properly when ordering. If anyone has any suggestions that they think are necessary or would like to see in the contract templates, let me know now so I can add what I can....The templates will have a residential and commercial maintenace contract, installation contract, weed control and fert contract, and snow removal contract. When it's finished it should appear like not only an agreement, but as a proposal as well. Will make things easy for you and for the client. Thanks again guys.

Sean Adams

[Sean Adams]

If you want to receive your letters via e-mail AFTER you order let me know and I can send them to you as soon as I read your e-mail. You can e-mail me at lawncaresuccess@aol.com. Thanks again to all who have ordered.

Sean Adams