making a schedule for customers

[buttaluv]

I am in Missouri, and am going to take my test in March for app's. I've been studying the books, but they really don't give a good idea of what to put down and when, and when I go to my clients I want to have some kind of idea of what I should try to sell them. What are some good chemicals? What equipment do I need to start out? I appreciate any help....

[qps]

I am in Missouri, and am going to take my test in March for app's. I've been studying the books, but they really don't give a good idea of what to put down and when, and when I go to my clients I want to have some kind of idea of what I should try to sell them. What are some good chemicals? What equipment do I need to start out? I appreciate any help....


Let me check with my attorney and get back to you on that :dizzy:

[James Cormier]

Let me check with my attorney and get back to you on that :dizzy:

OMG, GPS, ICSL
( o my god GPS(( dont know what that means)) I cant stop laughing)

[qps]

OMG, GPS, ICSL
( o my god GPS(( dont know what that means)) I cant stop laughing)

It's actually QPS, the initials of my company :waving:

[Hamons]

This is the second person asking a ridiculous post from Kansas City this week -- cannot be a coincidence.

Maybe though.

[qps]

This is the second idiot from Kansas City this week -- cannot be a coincidence.

Maybe though.

Hey...Hey....didn't you read rule 89 paragraph 3 ????.. No name calling will be tolerated....unless your a sponsor. :)

[Hamons]

I had edited my thought while you were typing -- decide dmy words were too strong :) Caught me!

[buttaluv]

I really don't know what to say...I think you guys are A**holes. I just wanted some good Ideas, some help. Hell I thought that is what Lawnsite is all about..Thanks for the bruised ego, I'll just take my ridiculous question and go back to Kansas City.

[buttaluv]

I really don't know what to say...I think you guys are A**holes. I just wanted some good Ideas, some help. Hell I thought that is what Lawnsite is all about..Thanks for the bruised ego, I'll just take my ridiculous question and go back to Kansas City.



I don't even want to get this crap started..If the moderator would just remove my silly post I would appreciate it.

Thank you

[KCLandscape]

What were you thinking asking such a open question?
No one dogs on anybody unless the question is so immature that we cant help it. Do you have your credentials in hand??
What have you done on your end, other than hoping your "buddies at Lawnsite" will fill in the blanks.

NEED MORE INFO.

[KCLandscape]

Also, just because you didnt get the info you are needing, does not mean you should turn around and start flinging mud. That is the quick way out the door. Have some respect and learn to ask the right questions.

[buttaluv]

Hey Kclandscape, what do you mean turn around and start flinging mud, I was defending myself, those jerks could have said nothing, instead they attack me. Why should I take their crap? As far as an open question, how hard is it to recommend good products, that you've had luck with, or good equipment, spreaders, sprayers, etc. Damn....

I started on mowing on my own, I've never worked for anyone else, so the only way I learn is to ask questions, read, and do the damn work. I am simply trying to make a better life for myself.

Once again, sorry for posting what seems to be such a ridiculous question.
I certaintly won't depend on my so called "buddies at lawnsite" as you put it.

[Victor]

You asked a very broad question buddy, so it will be hard to give you exactly what you're looking for. The first thing about doing apps you need to know is, while there are some tried and true rules to this business, there are also a lot of different ways to go about accomplishing the same goal. As you read through the threads on here, that highlight how different members make their applications, you'll see that some of them use very different methods to accomplish the same goal (giving their customers great looking lawns). Some members on here use spray rigs to make all of their apps. Some use granular fertilizer, but use liquid herbicides to control weeds. I think I've seen a few post on here that said they use nothing, but granular products (even for weed control). Since you have so many options available to you, I'm just going to tell you one way you could do it.

You could go to your nearest Lesco and get one of their stainless steel walk-behind (push) spreaders. You can use this for all of your fertilizer applications. For weed control purposes, you could get one of their 4-gallon backpack sprayers. The backpack sprayer won't hold a ton of product (therefore blanket apps won't be overly easy), but it will hold enough to make spot-spraying your normal-sized lawns relatively easy.

As far as a program goes. Your local Lesco will have a program they can give you that will be designed for the type of grass you have growing in your area. From what I've read on here, a lot of these guys started doing apps using a Lesco recommended program and altered it as they gained experience in the field. The program they give you will more than likely contain 5 steps (or apps). If you ask whatever salesperson you run into for help, because you're just starting out, they'll probably go over the basics with you and answer any questions you might have to get you started.

You're already on your way to securing the most important piece of equipment you'll need (your pesticide applicator's license). The rest of your questions can probably be answered for you, if you do a search for specific topics on this forum ("programs" for example). Between doing searches on here, reading past posts and talking to your local sales reps, you should be off to a great start. I hope I helped you and good luck.

Vic

[2 man crew]

There is more to it than just asking questions about products. Many of these people on this site have degrees in turf management or horticulture. And the majority have many years of on the job experience. So you your broad question is like trying to answer: I'd like to start a glue and tape co. Whats the best way to become like 3M?

[buttaluv]

Victor,

Thank you very much for your help, in the future I will try to ask better, well though out questions...

[buttaluv]

Victor,

Thank you very much for your help, in the future I will ask better, well thought out questions...


damn't...a double post, I'm just on a roll...GEEZ!!

[KCLandscape]

Good reply Vic. Butt... Didnt mean to sound so critical, but it seems this place runs amuck with people who want the quick and easy answers to start making $$$ with out the customer service and satisfaction that goes hand in hand with keeping clients happy and running a sucessful business. You need to focus on all of these areas or you wont be around as long as your license lasts
I started on my own as well, have never worked for anyone else (in this industry) and learned some things the hard way. When are we gonna have lunch ( maybe w/ hamons?hint....) and talk shop?

And - welcome to lawnsite

[westwind]

I really don't know what to say...I think you guys are A**holes. I just wanted some good Ideas, some help. Hell I thought that is what Lawnsite is all about..Thanks for the bruised ego, I'll just take my ridiculous question and go back to Kansas City.


what's with all the name calling?!! :angry: :angry:

[GrazerZ]

Yea I don't like name calling either. By the way I never curse, hurts my ears...

[GrazerZ]

With that being said, you should go down to your local Lesco, they will help you alot. Also, try the search function on top, use it alot. there have been many similiar threads, which may be part of the reason why some don't want to respond to such a broad question. Also, sign up for some trade magazines and look online for books that will give you a more in depth understanding to this field of work.

[crawdad]

I really don't know what to say...I think you guys are A**holes. I just wanted some good Ideas, some help. Hell I thought that is what Lawnsite is all about..Thanks for the bruised ego, I'll just take my ridiculous question and go back to Kansas City.

Welcome to the A**hole club. Seems like you'll fit right in. :waving:
Mind if I call ya "Butt?"

[mike48114]

Wow! what ever happend to this being a place people could use to reserch things they dont know "everything" about. All the people who answer questions now are a** h**es!!! Oh wait I forgot, you guys were born with all the knowledge you have, no one answered your stupid questions. Maybe time to start a new site with out all the seasoned vet's who take time to come online but dont want to talk to anyone who doesnt already know everything there is to know! Oh ya, a couple of us vet's who arn't a**'s looked into a couple of you guys' co's and you shouldn't be so cocky! you have a lot to learn your self!

[jasonnau]

You are definitely not the only one out there with questions like these. I stumbled onto this thread searching relatively the same question you asked. I'm glad you took the brunt and I didn't post any questions. I started my company last spring, and this year I'm doing the same thing as you, I'm in the process of getting my applicator's license, spring is knocking at the door, and I too need to get the ball rolling with my customers before i actually completely know what the hell I'm selling. I know it sounds bad, and you guys probably love picking on the new guy. But, just because we don't know fertilizer, doesn't mean we don't know a damn thing. I was a site supervisor for the company I previously worked with (Large facility maintenance company). Problem with that is, we had a seperate division that took care of fertilization and pest control. I never had to deal with it, just maintenance and install work. Now as the owner of my own company, there are a hell of a lot of other situations that I need to take care of for my customers that I didn't have experience with. So far so good. I've learned a lot since last season, and I want to be the best I can. Also, I don't think it looks to good when you're customers ask you about turf grass or plant diseases and you have to tell them you don't know the answer. So, don't always judge someone just because they ask a stupid question. We're all stupid until we figure out what the hell were doing. Even the guy with a masters degree was probably stoned his first day of class.
Thanks,
Oh yeah, and umm, can anyone tell me what I need to start a lawn mowing company?

[2 man crew]

Oh yeah, and umm, can anyone tell me what I need to start a lawn mowing company?

A pair of scissors, a broom, and some carbon invoices. Good luck.

[SOMM]

There's a U. S. Turf facility store in Grandview, MO could help get your questions answered.
Mr. Pat Farrell is the store owner there. Very hospitable.

This is a good time of year to check with his team about scheduling, application rates, and effectiveness of various products with what you'll be facing out in the field. They have pallets of fertilizers and cases of chemicals of every kind. Lots of trade manuals for identification purposes.

BTW, don't worry about some of these Appicator guys, here. They're well learned, and like a good teacher want you to ask better questions. Their methods for doing so kinda remind you of that knucklehead brother or cuz that you used to fight with when you were kids. Now that they're a little older they're all staunch and crotchety and it takes 'em awhile to really get revved up and goin'. But you'll learn to love 'em though, like we all learned to do and listen'n to 'em preach !!!
Lawnsite's Owner even takes exception with them now and then.
:D

Best regards in your new business, Vic.

[Victor]

With a name like yours, you must be a good man! :)

Vic