Statement of service suggestions

[M.C.L.C.]

This is a pic of our new statement of service, we decided it was time to upgrade a little, let me know what you think! It will be a 2 part carbon-less. thanks guys

[ampeg76]

looks pretty good, i designed mine using adobe designer, gave it a clean professional look

[M.C.L.C.]

good idea, i just did this one in a word format. I already have the adobe software...thanks for pointing that out

[lawnservice]

i'd reword the line -may take weeds 10-14days to show signs of chemical treatment- (i dont remember it word for word but it is something very simular to this)

i dont know why, something just doesnt read well the way it is worded

[americanlawn]

Looks like you have all the needed info. Nice job! I also like the blank spaces where you can write in new products that come on the market (we use the blank spaces alot). Looks good. I think I would delete the part about MSDS & lables, cuz that can open up a can of worms with some? You never know when you get a "fruitcake customer" in case somebody accuses you of sending them to the hospital, then you could supply the necessary info.

Bottom line: very nice.

[M.C.L.C.]

Thanks alot guys, i appriciate the suggestions.

lawnservice: "i'd reword the line -may take weeds 10-14days to show signs of chemical treatment- (i dont remember it word for word but it is something very simular to this)

i dont know why, something just doesnt read well the way it is worded"

I seriously thought about not adding it at all but man i get sick of people who call the day after my guys have been there to spray and want to know why they still have weeds.....ITS ONLY BEEN 10 HOURS!!!

Any suggestions?

Thanks again guys

[thomsoutdoor]

I may have missed it but don't you need temperature also?

[M.C.L.C.]

Not in kansas, just wind speed and direction, thanx for the concern tho!:usflag:

[rcreech]

I like it. What about a place for the licence # as I don't think I seen it on there?

[M.C.L.C.]

WOW, missed that. I used the wrong company logo...obviously the one without that info. Thank God you caught that before i sent it off to print!!!!

:drinkup:

[ampeg76]

good idea, i just did this one in a word format. I already have the adobe software...thanks for pointing that out

cool, wasn't being negative:)

using adobe will take abit longer, but the lines and text come out smoother and cleaner looking, more of a pro look!

checkboxes are also a option instead of using the "O"

doodle around with it and see what you think!

cheers

[mkroher]

Just my opinion... but I wouldn't list all of the chemicals there. What if you want to change to something else, like Dimension instead of pendi.

[M.C.L.C.]

Well, thats a good point. I usually only get about 500 printed which is just enough to get through one step. There are some blank lines so just in case we have to switch something up mid stream. So you would just leave the lines blank? think that would waste to much time writing it in at every stop....have any suggestions?

[rcreech]

Personally, that is what I liked about your form. I have to fill out every form with the product and EPA number and it sucks. I think next time I print I am going to list the products like you did. I am like you, just leave a couple blanks just in case.

[mkroher]

What about all those rates? Surely they change too. Does Kansas make you specify EVERYTHING like that? I'm going to check my statutes book for my state, I'm may be mistaken, but I don't think I NEED all that extra stuff in there. Does Kansas really want to know which way the wind was blowing? Isn't that a personal note. Do you really measure how fast too?

[rcreech]

Our state does. Plus to me that is very important documentation if you ever have a complaint. It covers your butt!

[M.C.L.C.]

Yes Kansas requires all those things to be on there...wind speed and direction. Like someone stated if a neighbor makes a complaint on you your should be covered, plus usually once a year an inspector from the state stops by and he has records of wind speed and direction. He can pull any day from the last three years, check your SOS and it better match up, otherwise your in trouble. Crazy, but true.

[J.J.]

Any new chemical that I don't have listed on my sos, instead of getting a new sos printed or writing it in, I just print up labels on my computer. It saves time. I hate writing everything in.

[rcreech]

MCLC,

I can't believe that they get that critical. I have never been audited yet, but I would have some good arguments on them second guessing me on my temp and wind. There are times that you can be in a low area, around homes or in a woods that can change the air temp, wind speed and wind direction. That is amazing! I have seen the wind direction and wind speed change dramatically just while in a lawn.

[M.C.L.C.]

Yeah, me too. They usually check about 10-15 dates not just one. Otherwise anyone could argue that, now if your wrong 13 out of 15 times they tend to see a pattern i suppose :)

[rcreech]

I check the air temp temp at about every other stop and always check wind speed, so I guess I don't have anything to be scared of. I think I would fight them on this one though if they were much different.

[M.C.L.C.]

Well us lawn care buisnesses who do it properly have nothing to worry about, but when he stoppend me last year and i had to show him my wind gauge he said normally people just tell him the listen to the radio and find it out that way....lol...not always accurate and the weather is on like what once an hour? He just laughed, anyways....we are covered

[Runner]

Also, don't you need the time of day? We do. On your roduc list, I wouyld re-organize them so all the ferts are together, and all the ones with required epa #'s are together. Personally, I wouldn't put the ferts on there.
On ours, for the rates, we have checkboxes, since we apply at different rates for different things. I also have an area for instructions, and this is done with preprintd lines and checkboxes, as well (watering instructions, entry times, etc.). Of course, there is ample area and lines for comments, as well. Down in the lower right, I have a text box that I put upselling messages in throughout the season.

[M.C.L.C.]

Thanks Joe, there is a Time of Application on there its towards the bottom off to the right. So do you write in the type of fert and all that info at every stop?

[Runner]

No. It IS basically written something like - Todays application is a slow release fertilization, with broadleaf weed control.
This is an example of what I write on the SOS, but when I finish the rest of my conversion, it will be done by the ease of just clicking a dropdown box. I will be clicking and printing right from the truck. All the SOS will be printed in duplicate PLUS I will have a record in the computer. Right now, my SOS are printed in carbonless duplicate and all the blanks are mostly checkboxes. I'll send you a PM.
LOL! I just HAD to make this edit! I just got on your website. BEAUTIFUL website, but DANG,...YOU'RE SCARY lookin'! The reason I say this,...is that you and I could pass for twin brothers! No lie!

[RigglePLC]

Good job Mike. Good comments Runner. We also have a spot for the spreader setting. And for type of equipment used. Spreader, PG, skid sprayer. Also a box for soil moisture level. And number of days since last rain. Next year we will list "Target Pest" alongside the chemical. Michigan requires the chemical name of the active ingredients(s)--we include it. We usually use the same rate so we can print the rate in advance.

However...we have problems--like you--we print out the Product and EPA number in advance--but if we change Dimension suppliers, or change to Pendi, or the dealer runs out of something or we add a new product--we have to write it in by hand--I hate that.

Good idea to print labels on computer to accomodate new products. I have also considered getting a self-ink rubber stamp for that situation. But of course you have to stamp both copies.

[M.C.L.C.]

LOL LOL LOL RUNNER, 1 thing you should know is im not the owner "Michael" who you saw on the website and said was scary looking (ill pass that on to him lol) I'm his best frind and Director of Operations HA!! Thats to funny, however...if you go to the "Our Quality" page that would be me in the black shirt. Girls seem to enjoy my looks just fine :) And before you make fun of the pants im wearing in that pick....they were actually blue jeans, for some reason our computer guy decided Khaki looked better?!? Anywho, thanks for the laugh!!!!

[TLS]

This may sound a bit weird....

I just got licensed this Spring. Unless I'm missing something, nowhere in my packet of info from the PA Dept. of Agriculture does it go into these statements, record keeping, or anything like this. Nor was it on any of the tests.

I keep record of product applied, amount, time, and date. My monthly invoices only indicate the service performed (eg: Broadleaf Weed control & Fertilizer), the EPA #, and their price. Should my invoice include more?

And on another note....do you guys leave all the invoices on the door knob like Chemlawn, or do you bill monthly?

I realize that other states may make these stipulations much clearer, but like I said, unless I totally missed something, they don't make mention of it.

[Runner]

You ay want to get with your DOA and find out exactly what you need. Here in MI, none of that stuff (well,...most) is not covered on the tests, either. there is a WHOLE lot that we have to do, though.

[M.C.L.C.]

TLS, unlike the fancy people who have a computer and printer in their truck!!! Cough Cough runner cough cough :cool2: we have the two part carbon less sheets with us in the truck, at each stop we fill in the times date blah blah and leave that on their door. No invoices, those get billed monthly. We just leave the Statement of Service letting them know when they were serviced and blah blah.

[Runner]

Yeah,...I haven't done the printer in the truck thing, yet...It is still in the works. Did you get my email?

[M.C.L.C.]

Im sure i did, but im at home and even tho our computer guys says i should be able to login to the server from home ive yet to actually be able to, sooooooo no i havent looked at it yet. As soon as i do ill let ya know. Thanks again. Having a computer and printer in the truck would be awesome. Especially like my truck, i just drive around doing inspections a lot, estimates and sales. Would be nice to have that in the truck for sales and estimates too. Gonna try and work on that!

[TLS]

So this SOS isn't their invoice? Is a SOS required by your state then?

I flag after all my treatments with the date and time of application.

[M.C.L.C.]

Yeah, we have to let them know what chemicals we used, how much we used, when they or their pets can go into the lawn, when to water, time, date, wind speed and direction, what fert app was applied, blah blah blah. but this is not the invoice.

[DUSTYCEDAR]

the form looks good

[Rob.C]

Iwould cange 2 things....(1) never use the word chemical use product instead......(2) put weed control controls only 80% of weeds 12-14 days. The reason for this is if u dont, your customers will think that weed-controll kills 100% of the weeds, we both know that is not true. But it looks good, best luck to u.

[sclawndr]

This may sound a bit weird....

I just got licensed this Spring. Unless I'm missing something, nowhere in my packet of info from the PA Dept. of Agriculture does it go into these statements, record keeping, or anything like this. Nor was it on any of the tests.

I keep record of product applied, amount, time, and date. My monthly invoices only indicate the service performed (eg: Broadleaf Weed control & Fertilizer), the EPA #, and their price. Should my invoice include more?

And on another note....do you guys leave all the invoices on the door knob like Chemlawn, or do you bill monthly?

I realize that other states may make these stipulations much clearer, but like I said, unless I totally missed something, they don't make mention of it.

Don't get excited about what these guys in other states are doing. Each state is different and PA may well be the easiest state around in terms of record keeping. In PA you don't have to post the property (though you should for a number of reasons) and you only have to track the completion time, the products and rates used, the EPA numbers and the technician id of the person who did the app. You're supposed to track the amount of pesticide used per site, which is no problem for insect control for example when you're blanketing the lawn, but more difficult when you're spraying less than the whole yard for weeds. We basically only spot spray but still try to estimate the percentage of the lawn we treated. The Ag people I asked seemed okay with that. Don't go overboard explaining what you did on the invoice - "crabgrass control" is sufficient instead of the rate, product, EPA number, etc.

PS - Leave a bill at the time of service. The sooner the customer gets the bill, the sooner you get paid.

[TLS]

Thanks sclawndr.

I do all you said.

However I do bill monthly. It would confuse my mowing customers if I left an invoice at the time of application when they already get a monthly invoice.

This application I'll be waiting....I applied the first week of June. This is the same week I sent out the Invoices for May. I will not invoice for this round until the first week of July. This time of year it's not that big of a deal, but the first round is...especially when I'm coming off a less than stellar winter and I have to go out and buy a few thousand dollars of Dimension and wait at least 30 days to see some checks coming in. I have to hit that one where the invoices go out ASAP.

[Meadowbrook]

This may sound a bit weird....

I just got licensed this Spring. Unless I'm missing something, nowhere in my packet of info from the PA Dept. of Agriculture does it go into these statements, record keeping, or anything like this. Nor was it on any of the tests.

I keep record of product applied, amount, time, and date. My monthly invoices only indicate the service performed (eg: Broadleaf Weed control & Fertilizer), the EPA #, and their price. Should my invoice include more?

And on another note....do you guys leave all the invoices on the door knob like Chemlawn, or do you bill monthly?

I realize that other states may make these stipulations much clearer, but like I said, unless I totally missed something, they don't make mention of it.



I was wondering that myself. I started reading all of this stuff and was wondering if I may have missed something, I don't think that I did though, but nevertheless, I'm going to be making a few changes.

[sclawndr]

Thanks sclawndr.

I do all you said.

However I do bill monthly. It would confuse my mowing customers if I left an invoice at the time of application when they already get a monthly invoice.

This application I'll be waiting....I applied the first week of June. This is the same week I sent out the Invoices for May. I will not invoice for this round until the first week of July. This time of year it's not that big of a deal, but the first round is...especially when I'm coming off a less than stellar winter and I have to go out and buy a few thousand dollars of Dimension and wait at least 30 days to see some checks coming in. I have to hit that one where the invoices go out ASAP.

You may want to consider equal monthly billing installments. A number of landscapers I know do this because it levels out your cash flow and protects you if there's a long drought. We only do weed & feed and have been offering customers this billing option for a long time. Only 1/3 take it but it helps a lot.

[TLS]

I'll think about that. I have it that way for most of my commercial accounts. The application goes on top of their monthly bill though. Next season I'll likely incorporate it monthly for them.

I have several customers for 15-20+ years that don't want change. I tried to sell email billing (customers monthly bill emailed to them) several years ago, not one bite.

Tough to change me....

Tough to change them....


Thanks for the ideas though.

[grasskat1]

Michael's, Your logo is awesome. I noticed by your equipment you do alot of fert apps. I just received my lisence here in ohio, would you be willing to give me some suggestions, I would appreciate it. thanks, Jeff

[M.C.L.C.]

Yeah, of course ill help you out with anything i can. Only thing is things change from state to state but i'll do my best to help ya with anything you need. message me

[rcreech]

Grasskat1,

Where are you located in OH? Are you dry? We are actually getting some rain today so it should help us pull out of our drought for a few days.

[grasskat1]

I am located around the wooster area. Where are you located?. It is very dry here, no rain in site for quite some time.

[Meadowbrook]

Very nice website. Nice & clean.....just out of curiosity, how much did it cost to design it & let it run?

[grasskat1]

Yeah, of course ill help you out with anything i can. Only thing is things change from state to state but i'll do my best to help ya with anything you need. message me

I could use some help with choosing the right chemicals. I have enough client base to get started, I just need guidance with forming a good program.Any help would be MUCH appreciated. Jeff

[Meadowbrook]

First off....do you want to do granular or liquid? We do a combo of both since different weather patterns warrant different methods of application. Such as the hot dry weather we've been having, a liquid is a no-no right now, so I went out with a granular the other day, it'll just sit there until it rains. So what do you want to go with?

Chris

[grasskat1]

First off....do you want to do granular or liquid? We do a combo of both since different weather patterns warrant different methods of application. Such as the hot dry weather we've been having, a liquid is a no-no right now, so I went out with a granular the other day, it'll just sit there until it rains. So what do you want to go with?

Chris

I would like to go with both as well. I think I am going to get a 200 gal. tank, As far as the spreader I have been using one I have had a while, but it's time to upgrade. The chemicals is what gets me. There seems to be so many different ones and different combo's. I am going nuts trying to research this. As far as vegetation control I have been using quick pro 73% and pendulum pre emergent. I haven't treated a lawn yet. I now have my license, but I want to do it right.

[grasskat1]

I have done my own yard and a friends with my old spreader. They have turned out nice.I thought about buying a new spreader soon. which granular do you use. thanks, Jeff

[rcreech]

grasskat1,
I am over around the Eaton area right off of 70. We were very dry but got lucky and got .4 today. Still in a drought but got some relief.
Good luck on getting going. Remember to keep it simple. Lawn Health isn't very complicated as it is just using the correct product at the correct time. Look at OSU's website and you will get a sound program. Below is a quick and dirty of what I and many other do: I will put any of my "4 step" lawns up against the boys doing 6 or 7 apps. Use good product (SCU w 6-8 week feeding) and charge more for each app. Almost the same money and less trips across each lawn. That way you can have more customers which = more income. No lawn in OH needs 6-7 applications per season. Has worked great for my business anyway!

Spring - Pre with Fertilizer w/SCU
Summer - Fertilizer w/SCU and Broadleaf control
Fall - Fertilizer w/SCU and Broadleaf control
Late Fall/Early Winter - Fertilizer NO SCU

Contact your Lesco rep and he can recommend the exact products you will need for each application. Have fun and don't make it hard!

[grasskat1]

Hey thanks alot for the info. I really appreciate it.

[Meadowbrook]

I have a 200 gallon sprayer with Chemlawn gun (works good for lawns & shrubbery...small trees too) I also have a Permagreen Magnum....a very nice investment if you can afford one ($6k) and a regular old Earthway rotary spreader. Most of my chemicals are bought through Lesco. Their pricing is alright, a lil' high on some stuff, but the service you receive is invaluble. They can tell you what to use for your area, plus you should be able to obtain free soil testing from them....make sure that you do soil testing, it makes diagnosing any soil problems a breeze.

[bntt68]

Free Soil Testing??? Lesco charges me $18.00 for each soil sample.

[grasskat1]

I have a 200 gallon sprayer with Chemlawn gun (works good for lawns & shrubbery...small trees too) I also have a Permagreen Magnum....a very nice investment if you can afford one ($6k) and a regular old Earthway rotary spreader. Most of my chemicals are bought through Lesco. Their pricing is alright, a lil' high on some stuff, but the service you receive is invaluble. They can tell you what to use for your area, plus you should be able to obtain free soil testing from them....make sure that you do soil testing, it makes diagnosing any soil problems a breeze.

Thanks for the info. I am going to try tomorrow to find a lesco rep. near me. I can't afford to start big with this unfortunately. I am going to have to start out with just enough and work my way up.Did you start out with the 200 gallon tank?

[Meadowbrook]

When I started, I wasn't licensed, only had a lil' push spreader & bought my fert, weed killer (still need to sometimes), and weed control from garden stores. When I almost got nailed for spraying non-selective, I decided to get my license. Once I got that, I could push my services-legally. I went & got the 200 gal. tank sprayer, and used that for a year then decided to ditch using a million feet of hose that you'll trip over & bought the Permagreen. Two weeks ago I bought a 16' landscape trailer just to haul the spray equip. on, works nice. I use everything I have probably a week or so a month (except the trailer, that proved to be a very wise investment) & I'm happy with that setup so far. Hopefully the end of this year if all goes well, we're gonna pick up a C&S Turf Tracker or the equivilent. Hope this works out as well too....

Chris

[grasskat1]

Thanks again for the info. I wish you well with your new equipment!I have since found a Lesco rep, and he is working up a program for me. I am looking forward to getting this up and running.

[M.C.L.C.]

Glad to see you got with you lesco rep, keep in touch and let me know how things are going for ya~

[grasskat1]

Glad to see you got with you lesco rep, keep in touch and let me know how things are going for ya~

I will keep in touch. I am sure I will have ?'s. I missed a 50gal lesco unit on ebay, so I'm still looking for a sprayer. My rep is going to be very helpful. Thank you again, not many people nowadays will share their knowledge and time like you have!!!!