Offering Packages

[Green Acres]

I was thinking of offering different packages next year. Like a gold silver bronze package. With gold having the most services and so on. Does anyone do anything like that now and if so how do you like it? What services do you include in the different stages? Thanks

[Currier]

We offered package deals last year(basic, deluxe, complete). I think it was more of a pain to keep track of than anything. Next year I'll send out a checklist where the customers checkmark what services they want. I'll make a copy and give them back the original. I'm also going to "preplot" service dates for customers on a large wall calendar. It always amazes me how busy and crazy it can get!

Where in Kansas are you. I'm in Colorado but have relatives in Mcpherson. I noticed a Green Acres in the phone book...is that you?

[stick9]

I'm just curious, but if you implemented this type of plan, what would the differences be between the different packages? I mean, in the GOLD package, you would do what? Cut, trim, edge, blow? Or, incorporate lawn fertilization, aereation, etc? OR, would it be different grades of doing the same job .. for instance, in the bronze package, you trim, but don't really do it well .. just go as fast as you can and get the high stuff .. whereas, in the gold package, you take the time to be complete and thorough? I'm not sure that I understand completely.

Thanks!

StICk-niNE

[Green Acres]

I live around Kansas City and no that's someone else in the phone book. The difference between the gold silver bronze packages would be the services offered. For instance you might get overseeding in the gold but not in the bronze. Or get aerating in the spring and fall in the gold but just in the fall for the silver. I don't do any packages now just toying with the idea.

[GroundKprs]

Green Acres, I prefer to sell each client with the services they wish. To have "packaged services" would seem to lose the individuality a residential or small business customer will appreciate. You will usually wind up with roughly 3 different classes anyway, but each customer will know the service is tailored to him, rather than having to select a programmed choice.

[Premo Services]

I also have thought about this but it seems like a whole lot more work keeping track of what plan everyone is on. Instead I will offer quality work,and do different prices for adding aeraton,etc ,and thanks to posts on yearly contracts, same amount every month,and I get paid in winter months,I will be implementing this into my lineup for 2001.

[MOW ED]

I tried it with my fertilizer last year and it was a pain. Too much info to explain. If people want a "premium fertilizer" (Par-Ex, Scotts Pro)then they can ask. Most dont care and just want it green. BTW no one wanted a premium fertilizer which is fine with me. Stay simple.

[JVS]

I have found offering packages great. We give 5% discounts on a limited time pre-pay and 10% off on a prepay to upgrade to OUR RECCOMENDED PACKAGES.
Here's what I do. I offer :
Basic Plan:Spring C/U Weekly Mowings (30 visits) Fall C/U
Spring Clean-up Only
Weekly Mowings and Fall Clean-up
Fall Clean-up Only.

Then we have all the options
5 types of Chemical/Ferilization Turf Mnagement Programs
Silver Turf -4 Fertilizers 1 Pellet Lime Applications
Silver Plus 4 Ferts 1 Pellet Lime AND Core Aeration
Gold 5 Ferts and 2 weed controls
Platinum Turf 10 Services 2 weed controls 1 surface insect control 4 ferts, 1 pre emerg and Power Raking and Core Aeration.

Every thing else we do is option like shrub trimming, mulching a fungicide control, weeding,seeding , gutter cleaning, irrigation etc...

So if a basic maintenance program costs our client $2000 we offer him $100 off if he PRE-PAYS US $1900 (plus tax) in one lump payment. Lets say he wants to upgrade to a Gold Turf Program costing an other $350. $235 off of $2350 or a fulll check of $2115 (plus tax).Do not forget to add your profit prior to the discount or you will lose money-- We are then able to have a little cash flow . I only offer this discount for a short period of time every October to early November, this way we have never run into a problem of our clients being tapped at Holiday Time

ANY comments or suggestions ??
Joe
JVS Landscaping, Co. Inc--Westwood NJ

[lawrence stone]

You guys are making this too complicated for todays soccer mom for they have no clue. That's why they are calling you for help.

The only choice I will give a residential account is if the want the turf mowed every 7 days no matter what or a 7-14 day mowing cycle based on the weather and growth conditons. My residential service area is about 25 sq. miles.

Then I also include spring/fall clean up, aerating, dethatch (power rake), fertiliziation, weed and insect control during the season as "needed".

Landcape bed maint. is optional.

Bill installments at the end of the month for services already provided net 15=no discount.

Customer plays installments at the begining of the month
before any services are provided=5% discount

Customer prepays the entire season=10% discount

[JVS]

Originally posted by lawrence stone
You guys are making this too complicated for todays soccer mom for they have no clue. That's why they are calling you for help.

The only choice I will give a residential account is if the want the turf mowed every 7 days no matter what or a 7-14 day mowing cycle based on the weather and growth conditons. My residential service area is about 25 sq. miles.

Then I also include spring/fall clean up, aerating, dethatch (power rake), fertiliziation, weed and insect control during the season as "needed".

Landcape bed maint. is optional.

Bill installments at the end of the month for services already provided net 15=no discount.

Customer plays installments at the begining of the month
before any services are provided=5% discount

Customer prepays the entire season=10% discount

[sunrise]

More programs more trouble
Keep it simple, do the best on all lawns and you will get all the other as a gift at a good price with no discount

[greenlawncare]

Stone,

Why do you offer such a high monthly prepay? 5% is huge. I thought I remembered you saying that you had no problems with collections for your clients?

If it is cash flow, it would be better to take out a loan for a floating cash balance.

I'm not attacking....just wondering if you really need such a big discount?

[65hoss]

On a $150 a month account, thats just $7.50. Thats not very much, and only some customers will do that. Just would create some cash flow. Not bad idea Lawerance Stone, I like it. hummmm

[lawrence stone]

Green five % gets you your money 45 days early and you only have to do paperwork on that account once a year by just providing 8 invoices and 8 SASE in the start of the season.

This is a option I give new residential prospects.

This is also a way to help you to make payroll better every week.

[JVS]

No no you are missing the point. I am saying avoid all the montly stuff, sase etc..When I do renewals I do them in OCt/Nov. I do not wait for the new year. My reason is I get $$$$ now for next year in -all in advance I give off 5%
no 5% for a 30 day prepay, 5 % off if they prepay 4 months in advance. if that was the case I would only ofer 1% off. No I have money thier money for a seasons woth of FUTURE work.

Joe