estimate, sure for $50

[jbturf]

so i was approached by a woman, while i was finishing a
treatment today. She inquired about my svc and estimate etc...

im pretty over booked right now so i figured id give this a go-

"we charge $50.00 for a personalized estimate, which will include
a property measurement and sketch, lawn analysis and a prof.
soil test."

she said ok when can you

So her response really caught me off gaurd

so shall i request payment payment at time of estimate?
think i will work on a 50 credit to acct if they sign for all
recommended services or something

any thoughts

[LushGreenLawn]

Just out of curiosity, what is the sketch for?

[jbturf]

i make a rough sketch of all properties and areas to be serviced
making notes of fences, pools,markers,poperty lines etc...
i used to give the customer a copy, but stopped doing that a while
back-- but if i start charging for the estimate, i might as well start
giving it to them again- no question of areas to be serviced that way.

i realized a long time ago, when working for others, how frustrating it
was to show up to a job and not know exactly what areas to treat, and
where the property lines were in some cases

[Runner]

Why would you EVER charge someone for an estimate for a potential fert account? EsPECially one right near an existing account?

[Hoots]

Time IS money.

I completely agree with crediting their account if they sign. If they are not willing to pony up $50 or even $20, then I don't think they are a "good" potential client.

I have done plenty of FREE estimates that did nothing but waste my time, fuel, etc.

Even if you are already there, they are still taking your time.

I think I might start using this approach from here forward.

[phasthound]

Why would you EVER charge someone for an estimate for a potential fert account? EsPECially one right near an existing account?

I like the idea as it includes a soil test. It is a great way to separate yourself from the competition as a professional.

[LushGreenLawn]

Everyone can say that in theory, this is a good approach. Now, go do this 99 more times and let us know how many out of 100 actually pays $50 for the soil test and estimate.

I do have to admit though, I like the rough sketch idea, but its something I would do after they sign up, not for existing customers.

BTW, I set myself apart by doing a "free" (built into my program pricing) soil test for every client every year after they sign up.

[phasthound]

Anyway you work in a soil test is a good thing! :)

[heritage]

Anyway you work in a soil test is a good thing! :)

Agree 1000%

Pete

[ICT Bill]

I like the approach, "we will credit your account if you sign a yearly contract" very smart, people like deals its just the way it is

Then you have something (the soil test) that says "yes you need this"

One of the most important things is to set your customer expectations, so when you say this time of year "the lawn needs to be renovated and here is the cost" they are not caught off guard because you have already told it to them 4 times since spring

[LushGreenLawn]

I see where some of you are coming from, but think about it, if 100 people called 5 lawn care companys, 4 offered free estimates, and one offered an estimate for $50 but said they would credit it if you signed up, how many people are going to pay $50 for an estimate on the chance that they might get the money back.

I'm not putting anyone down here, its just my opinion, but its not something I would make a regular business practice. It's nice that one person agreed to it, but your not going to do many estimates working that way. Free estimates are a pain, but the more you do, the more customers you sign up, the bigger your bottom line.

[jbturf]

thanks again pete,

any way, as i stated b4 this certainly isnt an aproach or idea for everyone,
but certainly would seem to suit me and my situation well.

i just dont have the time to waste doing futile estimates, time=$ gas=$
paperwork=$

most of my customers are all referals anyway, so i see it as positive way
to weed out the tire kickers, and also get paid to do a soil test.
i guess i am only really interested in serious lawn lovers and high end accounts
at this point- that will pay whatever the price is for a quality service. its sucks to
consider compromising our own ideas and offerings due to the crazy increase
of material costs.

[ICT Bill]

I see where some of you are coming from, but think about it, if 100 people called 5 lawn care companys, 4 offered free estimates, and one offered an estimate for $50 but said they would credit it if you signed up, how many people are going to pay $50 for an estimate on the chance that they might get the money back.

I'm not putting anyone down here, its just my opinion, but its not something I would make a regular business practice. It's nice that one person agreed to it, but your not going to do many estimates working that way. Free estimates are a pain, but the more you do, the more customers you sign up, the bigger your bottom line.

Maybe I wasn't succinct, everyone wants a deal, everyone wants something for free.

The deal was that you could be given all of the information, the data chart, etc for a very small amount of money and have a professional do it. I do believe that this industry undersells itself constantly.

Not the big boys, this spring I read an article that Brickman got a $500,000,000.00 credit line (the zero's are in the right place, 5 hundred million dollar) think right, think big, think success

think green, whether you like it or not

[heritage]

thanks again pete,

any way, as i stated b4 this certainly isnt an aproach or idea for everyone,
but certainly would seem to suit me and my situation well.

i just dont have the time to waste doing futile estimates, time=$ gas=$
paperwork=$

most of my customers are all referals anyway, so i see it as positive way
to weed out the tire kickers, and also get paid to do a soil test.
i guess i am only really interested in serious lawn lovers and high end accounts
at this point- that will pay whatever the price is for a quality service. its sucks to
consider compromising our own ideas and offerings due to the crazy increase
of material costs.


:)

Very good for you......Don't compete with Big Green.

Keep it a Niche, High Quality and Personalized Service.

You Get what you PAY FOR.

Make a good profit and EXCEED Clients expectations, OR keep trying.......Good Clients know the Difference, and way less headaches and stress for you.

Pete