To knock or not

[That Mower Man]

I've been wondering about this for some time now. Do you guys knock and let the homeowner know you're there or do you just get out and start mowing, trimming and edging?

[JB1]

they usually hear us coming since the muffler fell off the truck.

[STIHL GUY]

i just start

[tiggazee]

I always call my customers the the day before the first two cuts and let them know that I will be coming by the next day. Then I tell them that I will just start coming and set up a payment plan.

[KrayzKajun]

just get out and start!

[corey4671]

gosh I have some customers that I try to get done and get gone before they know I'm there..Old ladies and they LOVE to talk. Mail them a bill and they mail me a check.

there are these two old ladies I mow for. they are sisters. I know that everyday they leave about 10am to go out riding and they get back around 3PM. I make it a POINT to make sure I mow their yards between 10 and 3.

[That Mower Man]

they usually hear us coming since the muffler fell off the truck.

LMAO. Note to self. Kick muffler off truck. :)

[Jason Rose]

The only time I'll go to the door is if it's a new customer estimate. Once in a while a customer that asked for somethign extra but wants to show me in person. Other than that, the equipment is just as good as a door bell. Now, I don't think it's good practice to pull up and quietly walk around back, especially a gated yard, but unless the homeowner is really paranoid it usually never matters. I'm generally there the same day, and nearly the same time every week. People that are home all the time know when to expect me. people that work full time I rarely ever see.

[That Mower Man]

The only time I'll go to the door is if it's a new customer estimate. Once in a while a customer that asked for somethign extra but wants to show me in person. Other than that, the equipment is just as good as a door bell. Now, I don't think it's good practice to pull up and quietly walk around back, especially a gated yard, but unless the homeowner is really paranoid it usually never matters. I'm generally there the same day, and nearly the same time every week. People that are home all the time know when to expect me. people that work full time I rarely ever see.

Thanks for all the replies. Great advice from all. I figured the industry protocol was to just start. I need to get passed the idea that everyone is as anal about stuff as I am. :rolleyes:

[wagzzz]

I only knock to collect $ if they want to pay every visit. Would rather send a bill, I waste too much time talking about stupid things. Every other time I try to sell an add on and it works a lot of times. "Hey Mrs. ? you could really use and edging for $35" Okay

[bohiaa]

WOW, thanks for posting this Question.

Very diffrent results. we never inform the customer were there. and as far as calling. that would take all day for me. Like some one else said. I try to get there get it done and get the heck outta there. I could spend all day just talking to custoemrs however this doesn't pay the bills.

[Weedas_Lawn_Care]

LMAO. Note to self. Kick muffler off truck. :)

thats a good one but i have a customer that is retired and there always home but i have to get them to move thier cars so i can get into the back what if you have like a train horn or something that you hit when you get there then they would know

[LouisianaLawnboy]

Start cutting as soon as I drive up. With putting down the gate, starting mowers, and talking they usually know I'm there. If they need something special they will usually walk out and ask.

[Hell on Blades]

I've NEVER mailed a bill. I send all my bills as a PDF attachemnt to email with a "due Immediately" note. I've only had one problem (ongoing) and it was a buddy that asked for help. I should've never taken the job...