What is this industry lacking?

[Sean Adams]

I know everyone who frequents this site has seen or joined in discussions about "raising the bar" in this industry. The discussions usually revolve around the lack of professionalism, education, knowledge, lack of training, and even the dreaded term of "scrub".

The question I pose is this...

What is this industry lacking? What would make it better?

This is in regard to information, training, and education that currently exists. This is in regard to web sites, magazines, associations, consultants, etc....

Is there not enough of one thing? Is there too much of another? Are there some things seemingly valuable and worthwhile, but too costly?

Is there something that should exist, that does not - an association for beginners, a start-up training guide for beginners, etc....?

Everyone here knows about mowers, and hand held equipment and trucks and trailers. That is definitley part of the mastery of this business. But is there enough out there about insurance, taxes, hiring an attorney, interviewing employees, marketing, routing, scheduling, finances, advertising, etc...?

If you were the "man (or woman)" that had the podium, and you could make any changes or additions to this industry,what would they be?

[crazygator]

Making the entry level higher up, instead of just getting a mower, trimmer and blower, throw them in your trunk and your in business. If you either had to show proof of some training, or proof of registered business, other license's, all insurance that applies, and all taxes being covered would be a great start. Possibly even an audit to make sure the books are right.

Now I know that might seem high to some, but at least every customer would get to compare apples to apples.

Now I also know all the above cannot help a person or person's have skill in this business, but at least they would have to put out a little more in time and money to acheive a legitimate start.

I think we all get beat up by these people that take all the short cuts. Make things where they couldnt, or make it very hard for them to take the easy way.

[DLS1]

I started this year part-time because I was out of work as a contract programmer for 2 months and was just waiting for my next assignment. First time time I was out of work between assigments. I kept up the lawn mowing after going back to work.

I got all my learning from this site or I would have made a few mistakes. Magazines, associations would be good but who really needs it since you can get all or near all of your questions answered by using the search on this site.

Not to get anyone mad, but this is a low cost entry profession that anyone can start with a few bucks. You could work for a existing LCO for maybe a week and get all your basic skills down easily if all you are doing is mowing,trimming. So with such a low cost to enter the field, low training entry, anyone can do it and get all your answers at lawnsite. I really don't see how you will raise the bar.

[jeffex]

The reason I like this business is that it is truly a free market system. Once you let the gov. regulate it to death you'll have a bunch of bureaucrats riding around in AC cars stopping your crews for inspections. Too much BS up front and you'll drive even more lcos underground. They will be doing the same work, they just won't be paying taxes. Surely having insurance and a safe work practice is important. It is my job to prove to my customers my worth over some lowballer.
Supply and demand drive this business and it is different in each area as we have read here on lawnsite. I try to look and act professional. People love a brand name. Try and develope your own name in the business. Chem Lawn is a good example of brand identity. People call them because they know the name. They don't check lisc. or credentials of the guy who shows up to spray. We all have seen the handy work they do but they still are #1. In my area there were more "scrubs" than ever this year but most are gone after the drought. Now there is more work than ever. I talked to several big lcos in the area and they all got swamped after the rain came again.
I protect my business by culling out non profitable customers and trying to give personal service for a price. An industry can be self-regulated but once you let the gov. regulate it they only want to grow to create more jobs for fat cats. I can see a 1000 page regulation manual being typed up now. Your equipment prices will go up to meet stricter standards and many people will go back to letting the undependable kid next door cut the grass because they can't afford you. Supply and demand. Be careful what you wish for!

[Strings]

This industry like most was better off when the people in it were too busy and had too little time to think up new ways to"improve" things now that it has progressed to the point where there's enough money to pay someone to sit around and dream up stuff look out.

[WatkinsLawn]

Well said Jeffex!

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

RAIN!!!! Seriously, I feel there needs to be better regulating at the local and state level in terms of being licensed.

[rodfather]

IMHO, our industry lacks consistency and quality control due to the fact there is little or no government controls or standards.

There are no real "benchmarks" or "guidelines" to follow as there are in other industries. This industry is also very fragmented. 12 year old kids "participate" in it to grown men who have dozens of employees.

Lastly, there is no average type or "this is a normal" LCO. It runs the gamut of going from a 12 year old having their mom or dad throwing a 21" push mower into the back of the family station wagon (SUV these days) to someone showing up with $100,000 worth of equipment to manicure someone's property.

just my 2 cents.

[Strawbridge Lawn]

I think equipment manufacturerers need to focus
more on one stop shopping. Mowers that have more capabilities than just cutting grass. For example: Mini compact loaders: These machines dove into an existing marketplace and offer 30+ attachments. Now John Deere/Kubota mini compacts are coming on strong..
Our industry EM' needs to make our machines more multi-tasking with easy attach/de-tach systems for baggers, aerators, power rakes, seeders, (combo units) spreaders, and so on. There are a host of companies that realize this and they are filling a gap for the moment. The ZTR has come alonmg way in recent years and I think there are many more creative applications for these machines that will not sacrifice cut quality.

[The Yard Man]

One of the benefits of this entry is the ease of entry, but this is also a detriment when you get established. Me and my partner just started this past year and we learned as we went.

We had to do all the leg-work in obtaining insurance, licenses, etc. This information was not readily available in one place. We didn't have any guidlelines to follow either, we just used our common sense.

But we have learned as we are now to the point of hiring workers that sometimes common sense and basic knowledge isn't enough. Our workers do some stupid things that just don't make sense.

From what I have seen in our area training and education for this industry is non-existant. Their just aren't any programs available for this. I see "scrubs" everyday and I see many "professional" companies also they are a dime a dozen, but they are all making a living as new companies pop-up everyday.

Simple guidelines would be great, but do we really want the government involved in our industry? Would it really eliminate "scrubs"? I don't think so.

[JimLewis]

Making the entry level higher up, instead of just getting a mower, trimmer and blower, throw them in your trunk and your in business.Hey, that's one of the things I just LOVE about this business. Yes, it pains me to see the slackers out there in the junky trucks with a rake and a mower in the back calling themselves a landscaper. But I have to also remember that I started out even worse than that! And I was SOOO happy my first few years (and still am) to have found a business that I could actually make good money at, run fairly easily, and was simple to start. I had no idea I could ever make $35 an hour for just yard work! I was making $8 an hour at a shitty desk job doing WAY more work than I do now. And I think it's great that someone can just start a business like this with almost no experience and still make good money. Hopefully, too, they will learn and become more professional as they do.

If you either had to show proof of some training, or proof of registered business, other license's, all insurance that applies, and all taxes being covered would be a great start. Possibly even an audit to make sure the books are right. See, I am not sure I want all of that either. It's pretty basic stuff. A 13 year old kid can cut a lawn. Might not be the best job in the world. But if the customer wants to pay that kid $10 for a basic lawn mow and they are satisfied with what they get, who am I to go tell them they are breaking the law because the kid's not licensed, bonded, and insured? It's a lawn for God's sake! We're not talking about the structural engineering of their house, here.

I think the industry and market regulates itself very well, without hardly any regulations. There are some people who are cheapskates and don't care what credentials or experience or insurance a guy has as long as the guy will cut their lawn for $15 or $20. If the lawn gets cut, they'll pay the money. Then, there are those customers who want a little more professional job and will check the LCO out a little bit more closely and monitor his work more closely. They may not care whether he's licensed or bonded, but they'd like him to at least look professional and do a really good job. And they're willing to pay a few more buck for that. Then there are those who are very picky, want a top notch looking company and top notch service too. They won't take anything but a company who is Licensed, Bonded, and Insured and are happy to pay a premium for that. Each group of people has a corrosponding group of LCOs and they each have their place and purpose.

I say let the buyer beware. If you don't mind having a scrub take care of your lawn in order to save some bucks, so be it. If you want only a pro to maintain your property in tip-top shape, so be it. But I don't think we need more governmenal regulations and bureaucrats to tell us who can and can't mow a lawn and how it should be done.

Landscaping - yes, a little regulation is needed. Most importantly, a bond and insurance.

Irrigation - yes. Even more harm can be done there. At least as far as backflow is concerned. So a little training if your installing backflow should be required as well as inspections afterwards.

Lawn maintenance - no. It's fine as is and I don't think regulations are ever goind to stop the neighborkid or a guy with a mower from mowing other people's lawns for $.

[Fantasy Lawns]

Very true Jim …if the customer wants a kid or what have them …that’s OK

But when one makes the effort to start a business ….legally …..I'd like to know why to get a Drivers License I have to show proof of Insurance

But to get an Occupational License or Business License I DON'T have to show proof of Insurance ...

I don't want more regulation ...I only want an equal play field ....showing proof of insurance to get a business license ...is a no brainer !

Ultimately whatever the industry is lacking ….it is not we as business owners should be lacking …. Creating a professional atmosphere is something we all should be doing fore our own selves …. If that includes dependable reliable service, uniforms, clean equip, training, proper book keeping or what have you ….than so be it …we can only hold the cards on how We are perceived by our local customers

[jeffex]

I agree with jim lewis. when I did commercial work I had to show proof of insurance with my bid. The higher up the chain you go the more professional you have to be to get the work. That includes lisc. for landscape and irrigation work and proof of ins.,as well as fert. app lisc.

[GreenQuest Lawn]

Did someone say bikini super models on ZTR's already???


:blob1: :blob3: :blob4:

[Randy Scott]

Originally posted by Fantasy Lawns


Ultimately whatever the industry is lacking ….it is not we as business owners should be lacking …. Creating a professional atmosphere is something we all should be doing fore our own selves …. If that includes dependable reliable service, uniforms, clean equip, training, proper book keeping or what have you ….than so be it …we can only hold the cards on how We are perceived by our local customers

Exactly! To be honest, let the other companies look like dirtbags and deadbeats. No uniforms, junky trucks, poor service, no insurance, whatever. It's just going to make me look that much better to the clientele that I want as customers anyways. My efforts of professionalism will be that much more received and worth a premium price. I seriously have better things to do than hold the hands of other "alleged" professionals and bringing them up to standard. Let them figure it out or let them fail!

[mklawnman]

I would have to agree with all the above posts. Im only 19 right now with a small business and going to school for Landscape Hort. This industry realy isn't lacking anything, its up to the owners themselves of the business to put as much effort into making their company look good to the community. Their are some scrubs who LAck the quality of workmanship they do or the equipment they drive around in. Anyone can mow and make money, but it is all the other stuff that makes this industry special. Maybe this isnt making sense but i would have to just say one more thing and that is if you present yourself as a open person with customers, doing quality of work and using the right equipment for the job chances are you will succeed. that's how i look at my future of my business as it grows. This industry grows and grows every year by all companies big or small, always thinking of something new to introduce to the industry.
Matt

[jeffex]

Someone could take a step forward and offer training for landscape workers. They could offer to train workers for companies for a fee. In the back of turf mag. there are companies that hire mexican workers for landscapers. I don't think they train them though.
Many guys you hire say, " I cut my own lawn How hard can it be?" If they don't catch on to working together as a team they are not productive. Most workers and lcos learn OTJ though and some have better teachers than others. When I train someone the frst thing you have to do is TRASH thier concept of cutting thier own lawn. There are techniques and methods that make man and equipment productive. Many laborers are on the lower pay scale and there is a point where they show some proficiency at the job.Then it might be worth advancing thier training to a higher paid more skilled position. In my area most commercial workers are mexican. They work like dogs and do a good job. They seem to train each other and the lcos just let them go on thier own. Thats not the working situation I want but they are profitabe.

[lawnworker]

This is good reading material,lots of good post about the industry. Some will rise and some will fall it is the way of us all.

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

There are so many uneducated customers. It seems as if it's a never ending task trying to educate the customer. Case in point. One lady always tells me to cut the grass shorter. Insists that cutting it short will kill the weeds. I try to explain to her that the opposite will happen. Root systems on her exsisting grass will be weakend (sp?) and the weeds will overtake the grass. Every season we have this battle.

[mklawnman]

I would DEFINATLY agree with Lawns and Mower. Their is always little quirks i get from customers asking this and that about their lawn some even telling me how to do my job. But yet we are the people they come to for help cause we are there providing a service, but some questions they have can be dumb. Others on the other hand can be very good questions, and we are the ones to help them with the question.
Matt

[HarryD]

there you go . start a lawn mowing and landscaping school . charge people to come to your school to learn the ins and outs of lawn and landscaping . you would take said students into the feild to practice weekly on customers lawns .
O wait I dont think that would work it would feel more like a job then going to school :rolleyes:

[mklawnman]

Yeah i guess you could, but its called College. Homeowners could just go buy some books at the bookstore on gardening and such, no need for schools, though it would be nice to charge our customers for the education lessions :D
Matt

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

Maybe we could train them to write checks when instructed and keep their mouths shut when asked to!!!!

[Sean Adams]

I agree with lawns and mower about uneducated clients - but that is our job. We need to make them understand. Easy to say.... a lot of work for us. But how....? Any suggestions?

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

Originally posted by Sean Adams
I agree with lawns and mower about uneducated clients - but that is our job. We need to make them understand. Easy to say.... a lot of work for us. But how....? Any suggestions?
I've been throwing around the idea of coming up with an info sheet for new and exsisting clients. Basically it would state what I expect from them and what they can expect from me. First I need to get my Christmas cards off. Can't believe Christmas is less than 2 weeks away.

[bubble boy]

holy i didn't even realize two weeks...
supposed to be well above freezing for a while, weird.

and as for educating customers, i'd rather that they just trusted our judgement.

[yergus]

lawn care/ landscaping companies are suppose to be professionals and by being so they should be licences after taking a test to show that they know what they are doing. i see a lot of companies out there that makes me wonder how they keep customers, their work is so shoddy. a licence will show that you are qualified, now before someone jumps in and says "my God, any idiot can mow a lawn!" i agree with you, but how many people can do a quality job, with professionalism? look around at some of the new guys that decide in a spare of the moment that they want to buy a mower and go into business.
if licences were required, after taking a test it would probably lower our insurance rates as well as the insurance companies would be paying less out on stupid mistakes.

[Strings]

So whats next,are you going to tell customers they cant cut their own grass without a licence or proof of insurance.The fact is i can get who ever i want to cut my grass or i can cut it myself or if someone else wants me to cut their grass i can do it ,its between me and them and nobody else.Customers choose which type or level of service they want no one should force them to use"professionals" you dont have a right to anyone's buisness,you only have the right to make yourself and your company known to the public for them to make their own decision.I wonder just how many of the larger companies who despise competition from the little guys started out with all their ducks in a row.I know for a fact that the one i worked for started out with a kid and a push mower with his father taking him to his lawns and then picking him up.This company was doing about 45 million a year in buisness when i left and yes they pissed and moaned about the little guy,hypocritical to say the least.

[lawnworker]

One thing I would like to add, personally I think regulations on pesticides are to tough. What really bothers me is the fact that joe home owner can go buy anything at lowes and apply it. Whereas, we have to be licensed and billed each year for this privilege. As of yet, I have not entered the chemical aspect of the industry becouse of this over regulation.

Anyhow, the market for chemical application is tough with the giants (true green and chemlawn) in my area. However, applications sold as a package to homeowners who might like the idea of one stop shopping could justify higher prices then the mega sprayers charge.

Education above all is important. It should come above greed. The mega sprayers pump the grass so full of nitrates becouse they want the quick doller. Whereas, the full service man can and should control growth by knowledge of what truly is best for the lawn, not just the bottom line.

Finally, Girls in bikinis on EXmark Lazers with the american flag waving certainly can't do no harm to our industry.:p :p

Go U.S.A.
Rock on

[bubble boy]

yard man, yergus and others who want more regulation: i'm curious to those who want tests what would you have tested??? applicators are already tested. for a mow and go company exactly what are you going to require to pass the test ?

same for licences. exactly what do you want one to have to do to get a licence?

[bilbo7021]

I really hate to be a bug in somebody's craw, but honestly I don't think licenses would do anything. If you look around you've probably come across crappy doctors, accountants, plumbers, realtors, HVAC people etc. They all need some sort of certification, but even then, what's to stop them from performing sub-standard or uneeded work?

And another weird thing that's happened over the last several years, Mail-Order Learn From Home Schools. If you ever go and look at one of their catalogs you'll see everything from Landscaper to Mechanic to Building Contractor. Even that doesn't mean they really know what the heck they're doing.

Nope, the best thing would be to let everyone do the best work they can. The ones who can't keep up, they fall by the wayside and let the rest move on. If that means I eventually wind up closing shop due to I can't compete "quality-wise", then I'm either not trying hard enough, or maybe I shouldn't have been in the business to begin with. But since there's always someone looking around for the best "price" in the market, the dying comes slowly for those it was intended for.

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

Enforcing lco's just to have a business license would scare alot of wanna be's out of the biz. I'm sure other areas are different, but in my town, all that's required for a business license is $25 and filling out a simple form.

[yergus]

most professionals have to have licences to prove they are qualified, well i can't speak for any other company, but we are professionals, and to have a licence would not be a problem, and taking a test to get them would be no problem, after all, i do know what i am doing.
\

[bubble boy]

but what would be on the test ? as in what are the questions?


or is it a practical, with in field testing?

to be honest i can't think of a test that would keep any wanna be's out. (for mowing)

[bilbo7021]

I, myself, wouldn't mind taking a test. I'd have to know what to study for first. But at least I could show people that I know what the heck I was doing out there.

possible test questions........
1. Define the Three Inch Rule, and discuss why it is good or bad.

2. Name and Describe three types of grass that are in your area

3. Give three reasons for bagging or mulching

4. Describe how to properly change a mower blade

5. Define the following
a. Thatch
b. Hard Surface
c. Scrub

6. List five things that you need to own to be in the lawncare business, and discuss why they are important.


Well, those are just examples. But I'd bet the guy riding around on a Sears tractor wouldn't know the answers. And then you'd have the problems of 1) who gives the test; and 2) who scores the test.

Anyone else?

[LAWNS AND MOWER]

What are the answers???j/k #6 would be a good thread by its self

[lawnworker]

Answers to number six: A car with a big trunk, a electric string trimmer, long extention cords, a rake, and a 21 inch mower should be required items all lawn care companies to own.

My point being, america is a free nation, simple tasks like providing low level lawn care should not be regulated beyond insurance requirements.

The high level outfits will by free market forces attract the higher paying customers.

By the way, seventeen years ago, I started out with the equipment listed in paragraph 1. However, in two month I bought my first commercial walk behind mower. back then, commercial walk behinds were rare machines. People would say " is that a mower? I have never seen any mower like that".

If laws were passed, that stated, one can't start a business unless one has certain types of equipment. The industry would only be worse, not better. This is due to customer diversity. There needs to be the (scrub) to service the low paying accounts. If all were forced to carry more overhead with the same existing customer base more outfits would be forced out of business.

[AGG Lawn Maintenance]

The whole scrub thing doesn't bug me too much. In fact most of the time it helps me pick up new accounts. Thank you scrubs. Lols
I myself coming from a poor back round am a big fan of vocational school training. Without it I would have had no chances of getting an education in this business. College was not even an option (no money). Yes they do have grants but they are far and few. I attended vocational school for 4 years and loved it. I think that we need more programs for people who have a love for the business but lack the money or capital. Too many times I have seen guys with a couple of dollars jump into this business and f up. While some people who really have a love for it but lack the money also lack the opportunities. To all those 15 year old guys on this site I support you and feel your pain. I started in this business at 15 years old. The road was a bumpy one but through time I smoothed it out. I am now 30 years old and own a house, landscaping company, clothing company, and I am getting married next year. I never let anyone stop me from living my dream. To all of you keep dreaming and striving to be the best you can but. People will always label you. I happened to me. From the age of 15 I told everyone what I was going to do. People often laughed at me including my own friends. Now everyone sees what I have been seeing for years. Travis

[Clay]

Guys, If you believe in the Free Enterprise system then we need less people telling us what we can and can't do!!! Simply let the results speak for themselves... I have never had a problem with unlicensed lowballers as they just make me look better... and thank goodness they are around to take care of the customers who deserve them! lol... I don't want all the customers, just the good ones... the ones that appreciate a professional....

Clay

[crawdad]

Originally posted by lawnworker
One thing I would like to add, personally I think regulations on pesticides are to tough. What really bothers me is the fact that joe home owner can go buy anything at lowes and apply it. Whereas, we have to be licensed and billed each year for this privilege. As of yet, I have not entered the chemical aspect of the industry becouse of this over regulation.

............

Finally, Girls in bikinis on EXmark Lazers with the american flag waving certainly can't do no harm to our industry.:p :p

Go U.S.A.
Rock on
Girls in bikinis on Lazers? That's terrible of you to say that! :eek:
However, I agree with you about pesticides, why can homeowner do it, but we can't? :confused:
More regulation is NOT what we need. Education of the customer, I like that. But, they already know everything. One of my customers, when told about the fact that lawns should be mowed during a drought, and you really shouldn't let weeds get tall and seed, told me to let her worry about the weeds. Another reason to get away from the "every other week" jobs. They turn into monthly jobs. Especially after a price increase.
One more thing.
Those girls in bikinis should be on velkes. Oh, yeah. ;)
Crawdad

[Andrew S]

Wow- what a concept girls in bikini's on ZTR's

Seriously though education as time goes on is a must wether it be on the job with another contractor or if you are studying for your pesticide license.

All the previous posts have valid suggestions.

[Toroguy]

I think nothing should change.

For all you regulate this, and regulate that people...Communism is in China. This is a free market economy. Note the word "free".

Ask not what your industry can do for you, but what you can do for your industry...JFK revision.

Continue to improve your own business and skills, and you will the change the industry.

[southerngent]

Randy...you're a peach:rolleyes:

[turfman59]

IMO there is nothing lacking in this business. Every individual business owner has the opportunity to evaluate what is lacking in his business ( education, training, capital, man power,) the last thing I would want to see is govt regulation on any area of lawn mntc, that doesnt already exist. There are guys out there refered to as scrubs that are probably working thier *** off trying to do a good job but because of lack of one thing or another just arent excelling in the area of workmanship and profitability. I am sure thier the first ones to know it when they do something less than a good job. When I have hit a wall in raising the bar I go back to the drawing board and evaluate my processes either through suppliers or equipment dealers or educational opportunitys. I just wish I would have had this site a little earlier, There are all kinds of accredidations available to LCO's to raise their level of service and education. There are hundreds of lending institutions that are in the business to review your business plan and provide with the neccesarry capitol to grow your business, and handfulls of associations to develop your companys stature in this business

I have been a Mayor for 3 terms in our town and the last thing we need is more Govt

[turfman59]

Originally posted by bilbo7021
I, myself, wouldn't mind taking a test. I'd have to know what to study for first. But at least I could show people that I know what the heck I was doing out there.

possible test questions........
1. Define the Three Inch Rule, and discuss why it is good or bad.

2. Name and Describe three types of grass that are in your area

3. Give three reasons for bagging or mulching

4. Describe how to properly change a mower blade

5. Define the following
a. Thatch
b. Hard Surface
c. Scrub

6. List five things that you need to own to be in the lawncare business, and discuss why they are important.


Well, those are just examples. But I'd bet the guy riding around on a Sears tractor wouldn't know the answers. And then you'd have the problems of 1) who gives the test; and 2) who scores the test.

Anyone else?
If your going to give a test you most certainly have to provide a study guide, Just like a drivers license. The guy that is riding the craftsmen that you are afraid of ruining the business, now has the same education level as you as far as the customer is concerned. Now what is your competitive adavantage?

[DLCS]

Originally posted by bilbo7021

But I'd bet the guy riding around on a Sears tractor wouldn't know the answers.
Anyone else?


I'm not defending the guys using homeowner equipment but do you really think all the guys using commercial grade equipment are professionals. I've seen guys with 30 grand worth of equipment on a trailer do crappy work. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you are a professional, you shouldn't have to worry about these guys.

Mike

[turfman59]

Originally posted by DLCS
I'm not defending the guys using homeowner equipment but do you really think all the guys using commercial grade equipment are professionals. I've seen guys with 30 grand worth of equipment on a trailer do crappy work. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you are a professional, you shouldn't have to worry about these guys.

Mike could you please define what you mean when you say " crappy work " I would really like to know how you evaluate a job. What are the details you look for that the customer in your opinion see's also.

[DLCS]

Originally posted by turfman59
could you please define what you mean when you say " crappy work " I would really like to know how you evaluate a job. What are the details you look for that the customer in your opinion see's also.


Well, some of the things I look for...

-trash picked up or chopped up

-was was the lawn scalped

-is the walks, driveway, road adjacent to property clear of clippings

-was all areas trimmed

-did someone get lazy and use round-up to lessen the amount of trimming

-was all grass areas mowed

I would say thats the basic things I look for, but we have some LCOs here that can't seem to get it right and it is not always the guys on homeowner equipment. I wish I had some pictures. I think you guys would get a good laugh at some of the things I've seen in my area.

Mike

[cantoo]

Darn, I'm a scrub again. I use round up to save trimming time. This is one of the first questions we ask a new customer before we give a price. This is farm country so most people are fine with it, our cottage properties are usually string trimmed if they pay for it. We have some customers that the only work we do is monthly roundup they do all the cutting themselves. Different strokes for different folks.

[Nebraska]

Sean,

If I tell you will you give me a cut on your next venture?

[Sooners]

I'm not going to be critical of homeowners who hire a teenager to mow their yard for less money.

1. Maybe they can't afford a lot of $$ for lawn care.

2. Maybe that teenager really can do as good a job as some of the $8-10/hr help I read about on this site.

3. I don't call a plumber or electrician if I or a friend can fix it.

4. How many of us fix our own vehicles? (The older I get the more I'm willing to take it to a mechanic.)

5. Do you shop at Wal-mart instead of the small businesses downtown in order to save money?

6. How many of us seek advice from our Nurse friends or Pharmacy instead of going to a Dr.?

7. I see a lot of posts for those looking for the best price on lawn equip. in order to save what? Money.

All I'm getting at is some people almost sound like this business should be regulated like a union. This country is based on free enterprise. Our children need to learn good work ethics. I for one would rather see them mowing a lawn instead of playing video games. I don't consider that a scrub. I think most of us try to do what we can to make our money work for us. And many homeowners would mow their own yard before paying $60/hr to me. And that's ok with me.

[bilbo7021]

Originally posted by turfman59
If your going to give a test you most certainly have to provide a study guide, Just like a drivers license. The guy that is riding the craftsmen that you are afraid of ruining the business, now has the same education level as you as far as the customer is concerned. Now what is your competitive adavantage?

Customer Service!!!

If you give someone the right amount of service, for the right price for their needs, you're already miles ahead of many others. If some guy can give better service with a 21" homeowner mower than the local LCO with say, a Gravley, what's to say that the first guy isn't being competitive? If you have the service, you have the loyalty....and the price just gets accepted (most of the time)

[lsylvain]

I think people get way to worked up over the so called scrubs.

Yes they cut grass and we cut grass, but they cut the grass that we won't touch for the kind of money the client is willing to pay.