Tuff getting started ?

[DannyLot]

So I will be starting up next Aegean part time in a pretty wealthy area. My question or "fear" is there are a lot of big classy company's around. Most people that want landscaping services are prob happy with there company I would thnk? I know I'm good at customer service an a good business man and know it takes time to build up in the beginning. But I guess all It takes is one customer to like you an spread the word? Do people really switch lawn care companies often ?

[Duekster]

In reality, people do not change often as long as the service is good. Customers that do change often are the ones you do not want.

[DannyLot]

Originally Posted by Duekster

In reality, people do not change often as long as the service is good. Customers that do change often are the ones you do not want.

So is there "enough grass to go around" ? Lol. A lot of these company's are huge an its intimidating.. I'm up for the challenge an will do what ever it takes to make it but def seems very difficult when there are all these other company's out there

[Duekster]

Competition is a good sign as that means there is a market.
Just do not fall into the trap of pricing too low just to gain business. Do a good job, do a great job but do not go cheap. It will take a few years to build a reputation but that is your goal then you can command your price above market.

New yards are pretty easy to pick up in growth areas. Older yards will take more marketing. If you get one or two yards then do a great job so people see your work.

You can target market folks but it cost more . I once did a data base purchase, printed personal letter and hand signed them and hand addressed them with a regular stamp. Did not look like junk main at all and everyone is going to open it. It is a personal letter, they will open and read it. That is how you get into high end markets.

[DannyLot]

Originally Posted by Duekster

Competition is a good sign as that means there is a market.
Just do not fall into the trap of pricing too low just to gain business. Do a good job, do a great job but do not go cheap. It will take a few years to build a reputation but that is your goal then you can command your price above market.

New yards are pretty easy to pick up in growth areas. Older yards will take more marketing. If you get one or two yards then do a great job so people see your work.

You can target market folks but it cost more . I once did a data base purchase, printed personal letter and hand signed them and hand addressed them with a regular stamp. Did not look like junk main at all and everyone is going to open it. It is a personal letter, they will open and read it. That is how you get into high end markets.

Yea I already made the decision and told my self I will not under bid. I will charge equally to everyone else in my area an provide excellent customer service. My time is worth money an I will not work for free. Yea I guess I just gotta hope to grab 2 or 3 accounts in the beginning an hope they spread the word !

[Duekster]

Originally Posted by DannyLot

Yea I already made the decision and told my self I will not under bid. I will charge equally to everyone else in my area an provide excellent customer service. My time is worth money an I will not work for free. Yea I guess I just gotta hope to grab 2 or 3 accounts in the beginning an hope they spread the word !

Do not hope for referrals, but after a while you will have to push for a little love.
Website is a must.
Find as many free sites as you can to post your business info.
Bing, google, yelp, Angie's list, so on and so forth and other local list.

Go to INFOUSA to buy a list, it can be short but get a good demographic... send the letters as I said before.


Under promise and over deliver.

[betterlawnsandlandscaping]

You will do fine! Slow and steady will get you loyal customers. When I started, I concentrated on doing the best I could and it built up fast enough. Don't be intimidated by others because the big guys wished they were smaller like yourself.

[DannyLot]

Appreciate the words of advice !