Partial Cuts?

[MOturkey]

With all the talk about drought conditions throughout much of the country, I was just wondering how many are willing to do partial cuts on their client's properties? We are down to mowing a few accounts every 2 to 4 weeks, and many don't need mowing over the whole property. I mowed 9 places yesterday, and did partial mowings on 6 of them, charging according to the time required.

I'm sure there are going to be those who say to charge the full price, but I can't justify doing so if I'm only doing half the work. For example, one account is a small apartment complex, probably a little over an acre total area. All that needed mowing was the grassy area between the sidewalks and the apartments on the shady side, and a small area between parking spaces. The rest of the place was crispy, and I spent only 20 minutes or so servicing the property and only charged about 40% of my normal price.

[Get Some...]

Mowed today, at one home I only needed to mow 1/4 of the yard.

Woman walks out and hands me my check, I went to the truck and gave her back half the amount in cash.

[DA Quality Lawn & YS]

I do em. But not just a random section of yard, if only the backyard, front yard, etc needs cut then I will divide that way.

[lawnkingforever]

Originally Posted by MOturkey

With all the talk about drought conditions throughout much of the country, I was just wondering how many are willing to do partial cuts on their client's properties? We are down to mowing a few accounts every 2 to 4 weeks, and many don't need mowing over the whole property. I mowed 9 places yesterday, and did partial mowings on 6 of them, charging according to the time required.

I'm sure there are going to be those who say to charge the full price, but I can't justify doing so if I'm only doing half the work. For example, one account is a small apartment complex, probably a little over an acre total area. All that needed mowing was the grassy area between the sidewalks and the apartments on the shady side, and a small area between parking spaces. The rest of the place was crispy, and I spent only 20 minutes or so servicing the property and only charged about 40% of my normal price.

Ditto. I do exactly as you do, good business practice during these dry conditions.

1. Keeps the customer happy.
2. Extra income.
3. Keeps the property looking good.

Most of my yards are clustered together in the same neighborhoods. Not a big deal, since I am already there anyway. July's billing is looking very weak, maybe the worst month in recent history. I will take whatever income I can get.
Posted via Mobile Device

[herler]

These are hard times for sure.

[yardguy28]

Originally Posted by MOturkey

With all the talk about drought conditions throughout much of the country, I was just wondering how many are willing to do partial cuts on their client's properties? We are down to mowing a few accounts every 2 to 4 weeks, and many don't need mowing over the whole property. I mowed 9 places yesterday, and did partial mowings on 6 of them, charging according to the time required.

I'm sure there are going to be those who say to charge the full price, but I can't justify doing so if I'm only doing half the work. For example, one account is a small apartment complex, probably a little over an acre total area. All that needed mowing was the grassy area between the sidewalks and the apartments on the shady side, and a small area between parking spaces. The rest of the place was crispy, and I spent only 20 minutes or so servicing the property and only charged about 40% of my normal price.

I'm with you on the charging to a degree. I have a min no matter how small it is.

but I take it a step further. I charge my min IF I use the trimmer, mower and blower. but if all I need is a trimmer to hit a few areas I charge appropriately.

the drought in my area is so bad all that really needs done now even after skipping prop for 4 weeks is the trimmer around the perimeter and maybe a few spot weeds here and there.

[MOW ED]

I have to say its a on a case by case basis. I still have time invested to load up, unload and cut. Sure I am not there for the "full amount" of time but I feel its a wash. I do not charge extra in the spring when I am there for more than the average amount of time because of the lush spring growth so I charge the same regardless. My insurance company does not "credit" me because I am not working or driving around with my trailer. If someone really complains about me charging full price on a what you call a partial mowing I certainly will talk with them. I have invested a large amount of money to cut their grass. If they don't water in a drought and want the lawn cut to make it look better I charge full price for 10 minutes or 30 minutes. If your situation is different and you charge less I am not condemning you because its your business but I don't do it that way. Pray for rain. We are finally getting it.

[Groomer]

I'm down to solo for now, the "work" consists more of stopping by and touching base with people, letting them know I'm keeping an eye on things and will be back when the drought eases up. Got a call today for a "front only" cut, no problem. I'll price accordingly. I will say it sure was beautiful to stand in the garage and watch and smell the rain we finally got yesterday!

[edensgate7]

I guess I am fortunate to have a great set of customers. Mine have tried to come up with landscape projects for me to do. I even had a HOA tell me to charge the full price for a cut that took me only 20 min to touch up instead of the usual full mowing at 2 hrs. They said that they see that I double cut in the spring (which I already have priced in to my usual price) and that I deserve an easy mowing since I am saving them so much money by not cutting every week when it doesn't need it. I tied to talk the treasurer out of it but she insisted. So, I guess the moral is charge a fair price for fair work wether it is a full cut or not and you may get a break once in awhile. I thank God for understanding customers.

[chagh2.0]

We will only mow what is needed but our price is for the year.