getting commercial jobs

[bamafan192069]

when your trying to get commercial jobs, how do you go about being able to bid on jobs. do you call the apartment complex first and find out if they are taking bids or do you go in person and talk to someone? and who is it that you would talk to in most cases? just wondering how you guys go about it. thanks for the help.

[Carolina Cuts]

I have found that calling and inquiring... is almost like telemarketing.... and we all know how we feel about telemarketers. Of course, you may get lucky and actually speak to someone about bidding.
We've recently contacted several smaller commercial 'type' projects.... ie. Hotels, motels, Offices, and banks....
20 haven't returned the call yet....
10 said they're happy with their current LCO (properties look horrible)
3 said "give a bid"

I have also noticed and maybe it's the economy, but that my bids have been way too high, but not because of my pricing... but rather, because other LCO's are ONLY bidding on the 'mowing' and later, upselling mulch, pine straw, shrubs....
My proposals INCLUDE, mowing, flowers, mulch/pine straw, shrub pruning, irrigation... all throughout the season..... but for whatever reason, HOA's are NOT looking @ the big picture and are going with the lowest "mowing" bids and dealing with the rest later.
So of course, my proposals have been WELL above competitors bids.

[bohiaa]

I hve found that a "in Person" visitis the best. simply walk in and ask. are yall accepting bids for landscaping?

If NOT ask when the are? ar they happy with there current services?

What would they like to see diffrent?

Who is currently serviceing them?

I try to get all th infomatin I can.

and Bring them a persent.... I pass out pens with our co. name and number.
also there i NOTHING wrong with askng, Do you know anyone in the area that might be in need of our services?

dont be phoney, Just be your self. and dont try to act or be a larger co than you are.
Peole will and a see right through this...

Best of luck to you

[bamafan192069]

thanks for the help guys!

[topsites]

I have also noticed and maybe it's the economy, but that my bids have been way too high, but not because of my pricing... but rather, because other LCO's are ONLY bidding on the 'mowing' and later, upselling mulch, pine straw, shrubs....
My proposals INCLUDE, mowing, flowers, mulch/pine straw, shrub pruning, irrigation... all throughout the season..... but for whatever reason, HOA's are NOT looking @ the big picture and are going with the lowest "mowing" bids and dealing with the rest later.
So of course, my proposals have been WELL above competitors bids.

No it ain't the economy, they're too cheap and these customers exist regardless,
keep doing what you do or sooner or later you'll get burned, them other Lco's think
they're so smart that crap of upselling whatever later can and will backfire.

Way I look at things, if something needs to be in the bid then it is included
because I am NOT arguing with those people over it later.

On another note, if when I pull up the property looks like crap?
That's usually my first warning. :p