Is my yard ready???

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

Don't you love it when you pull up for the first cut of the season and the customer comes out and says " Do you really think it's ready to be mowed? " Why do you think I'm here? To pay you a social call? My actual responses are " The first mowing will stimulate the grass to start growing, kinda like a wake up call" or " I'm just trying to get you on a schedule." We probably all have accounts that don't grow squat until after that first cut, but you need to get the ball rolling sooner or later. To all, hoping for a great season!!!!!

LAWNS AND MOWER

[Twotoros]

What I hear when they speak those words is, " If you mow it now it won't be as hard for you so could you wait, that way I can get more of your time for the same amount of money.":eek:

[TOSLC]

Tell them it's part of the spring clean-up. Mowing helps to get rid of the leaves, and sticks that are slowing the grass from growing!

[bubble boy]

"...services listed in 1. and 2. will begin the week begining April 29, 2002"

straight from my contracts, just tell them to check.

[MuskTurfKing]

I agree with Bubble, put em on a set contract that specifies the date for mowing to begin, then there's no questions about it.

Hank

[Kevin]

I like saying that if I didnt really think it was it was ready to be mowed, I really wouldnt have gotten out the truck.:D

[rodfather]

"to pay a social call?" I love it!

[FatherandSon]

Had a customer several years now, good account. Went by last week to check to see if it needed mowing. Had been mowed already. I had checked it several days earlier and it did not need mowing. Called customer to see what was going on. She said that we did not mow it soon enough so she had the guy that does her tree work mow it and doesn't need us this year.

Unbelievable. We held off mowing it because it didn't need it. Then we get fired because we didn't cut it when it wasn't necessary. We get paid per mow, no contract. Tried to be honest and got dumped. Sometimes it is hard to win in this business.

[Toroguy]

Fatherandson,

That would really tick me off, plus a regular customer for years. I would think they could have called to see if you were still planning to come. Hopefully you can replace them soon.

Spring is an occasionally awkward time for starting, some customers like service the day after the snow melts, some like it after the grass is a foot high. I may hire a psychic to help me for the future.

[BAMARED]

Originally posted by FatherandSon
Had a customer several years now, good account. Went by last week to check to see if it needed mowing. Had been mowed already. I had checked it several days earlier and it did not need mowing. Called customer to see what was going on. She said that we did not mow it soon enough so she had the guy that does her tree work mow it and doesn't need us this year.

Unbelievable. We held off mowing it because it didn't need it. Then we get fired because we didn't cut it when it wasn't necessary. We get paid per mow, no contract. Tried to be honest and got dumped. Sometimes it is hard to win in this business.

FatherSon,

Man, that one would really be a tester! I hope that you told the woman that you had already came by and checked it and it didn't need cutting? Unfortunately, that seems to be the attitude of many of today's folks : nothing seems like it contains any credence with no sense of urgency. But then again, this tree guy might have had the grass cutting as part of his deal with her trees?

However, after this "tree cat' whacks at her grass some, she'll come back to you and I wouldn't blame you for the $ at the time the service is rendered.

Keep your honesty in tact and you will be rewarded. Always treat the customer in the exact manner that you would want them treat you. They can sense this effort and everyone knows that folks do business with people that they like.

Keep you head up!

BAMARED

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

Originally posted by MuskTurfKing
I agree with Bubble, put em on a set contract that specifies the date for mowing to begin, then there's no questions about it.

Hank


Just curious??? What if your set date to begin mowing is say April 15th and there's 10 inches of snow on the ground? I guess you could put a plow on the front of your mower!!! My point is that it's a judgement call as to when to begin mowing and I'll decide when it's time.

LAWNS AND MOWER

[MuskTurfKing]

LOL, I guess your kinda in a rut then, but of course in Oklahoma snow is a rare thing...

Hank

[Commander]

" The first mowing will stimulate the grass to start growing, kinda like a wake up call"

???????????????? Please explain that one. :confused:

" I'm just trying to get you on a schedule." good one. :)

[Brickman]

I feel for you Fatherandson.
I wouldn't loose any sleep over them tho. Atleast for me, I turn so much work down that I could soon make up for them.
As for the first mowing, I don't have too much problem. Not this year any way. YET.
Usual for this area is the last week of April. Altho I saw one cold wet spring that mowing didn't get going much until the end of MAY. This year looks to be a bit nicer. Probably be mowing regular at the end of April. Already mowed a few, and have a few more next week.

[FatherandSon]

Thanks for all your reply's and support. You were right, lost her because we didn't mow when it didn't need it. However, got her neighbors and 2 more besides. Funny how it works out. Sent her a letter telling her if it doesn;t work out, call. Of course it will cost more now.

Mowing regular schedule here in New Jersey now. Hope you all have a great season....