The Green Industry's Resource Center

soloscaperman · #1 11-09-2012, 02:01 PM

My friend drives a Beer truck and recommended me to a 11PM -7AM night job Monday - Thursday. It pays from $15HR-$19HR and some nights you have to work 15 hrs loading the trucks up with cases of beer&wine. (Talked to the recruiter today)

I love the 90% of my business but not snow plowing anymore. I am afraid if I leave the plowing part I may end up hurting my business future with my customers. I may have a friend that I will transfer my plowing accounts to and not be threaten with him doing the mowing, mulch, cleanups because he owns a transmission shop.

What hurts me is I have a few customers that would be hurt. I have this one old lady about 95 years old that no one can stand because of her way of dealing with people and her pricing is based from the 1960's. I live about 1/4 mile from her and I don't mind and she is getting bad where she can't really walk. idk what I am trying to say but I need some opinions. I do like snow plowing but not when we get more then 5 inches of snow and the crazy cold hours and the money is like beer money compared to the overhead WHICH MY OVERHEAD IS NOT AS HIGH AS MOST GUYS! The lady asked me but you own a business are you looking at seasonal or full time? I told her that I am getting out of the plowing business and if I like this job I will sell my business or give it to another landscaper.

larryinalabama · #2 11-09-2012, 02:26 PM

You and your beer truck are alaways welcome at my home.

Cant you keep a small lawn route part time?

GMLC · #3 11-09-2012, 02:40 PM

I will be honest, my business is always for sale for the right price. If the right career and money were to be offered to me I could take it. It hasnt yet but Im always ready. Its part of business ownership.

I have a friend that has a bread route and loves it.

Oh and I also hate snow plowing.
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larryinalabama · #4 11-09-2012, 02:42 PM

I never want to go back working for the"MAN".

Durabird02 · #5 11-09-2012, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryinalabama

I never want to go back working for the"MAN".

Amen to that!

KrayzKajun · #6 11-09-2012, 03:20 PM

Isnt this the 3rd or 4th thread you have started about giving up the business? Personally it seems ths industry isnt for u. Everybody u talk to seems to have a cool job offer for ya.
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KrayzKajun · #7 11-09-2012, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryinalabama

I never want to go back working for the"MAN".

Ditto.
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grandview (2006) · #8 11-09-2012, 03:30 PM

Dump the snowplowing,your customers will understand that your not plowing anymore,just don't say you got a job.

soloscaperman · #9 11-09-2012, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandview (2006)

Dump the snowplowing,your customers will understand that your not plowing anymore,just don't say you got a job.

This might be the answer. If I say I got another job they will think I will be leaving the normal landscaping maintenance at some point. I know Krazy cajun I hate working for the man they make you work harder for less and you get the blame from the people higher up. I have already seen 10 more wanna be landscapers after this Hurricane Sandy. I could always date a slam pig and have her help with my business but I am not like most guys. I will make sure that if I get the job I will put 90% of my income into my business. I am going to build a business savings that will last me a year or two if things go wrong. I will then put part of the money also into buying a second mower and truck. I will tell my customers that I will not be snow plowing this season for personal reason's I guess. Hopefully they will realize how much better I am versus the other guy.

32vld · #10 11-09-2012, 06:37 PM

By your screen name it appears you are working your route solo. Is that correct?

How many customers, days of the week you work your route, and how many hours a week does it take to do your landscape route?

Are you married? Kids?

As grandview said give up the plowing or a second option is to find someone to sub out your plow route to cover the route for 16 hours a day and you still plow your accounts for the other 8 hours.

You now have your plow route kept in your business name and it will be there as a back up in case your beer case moving job goes south on you.