Customers

[Gatewayuser]

Originally Posted by coolluv

Little Johnny was on summer break and he was mowing it...now its back to school time so now your phone rings.

Cheap @ss customer that doesn't respect you or your business. Dump them.

Dave...

Yep, could be that too.

[jsslawncare]

Originally Posted by Richard Martin

You know something. That has never bothered me. If a homeowner wants to get out there and cut their own grass once in a while I'm fine with that. As long as I know they intend to do that once in a while. And they call me before I get there and see that it's already been cut. I get tired of looking at the same tall grass, week after week. A little break once in a while doesn't hurt me. I'm not nearly in such financial straits that the loss of $35 in one week will kill me. And it keeps the homeowner happy.

That happened to me this week. I knocked on the door and no answer. Walking to truck all excited about finishing early and I hear " Lee, go ahead and cut. My grandson's wanted to play with my lawnmower while they were here visiting." Throwing a little fit in my mind I turn around and say "ok". To be honest they did a great job too.

[MOturkey]

Depends on the situation. Did they actually mow for themselves in the interim, or did they hire someone else cheaper than you who has now quit showing up either because they are not dependable, or they didn't get paid? I'm not saying to just ignore them, but I'd be a bit cautious.

[rkeguy]

Originally Posted by MOW ED

The question is am I leary about the customer calling back and the answer is maybe. Its all on you. Did you have a good relationship when it started? Reasoning was the homeowner would maintain their own yard. If they were a prompt payer with no issues then I would call back to talk. Their personal situation may have changed where they now work an odd schedule or they are not able to do the lawn for good reason. They want to talk about mowing and other maintenance items and that opens the door for you to set your terms. Now if you don't want to be dropped again I would suggest a contract. You can be leary but don't be too leary until you talk with them and get the whole story. Let us know what happens.

Thanks for all the replies. The customer and I had a good line of communication and they paid on time so that was never a problem. We are meeting next week so I'll be interested to see whats going on. This account was on the other side of town from my usual accounts, but I was trying to pick up more on that side of town so it did not effect me that much when I stopped servicing it.

I'm interested to see what the customer needs done. I'll post details.

[Ijustwantausername]

Originally Posted by rkeguy

I had a customer that I picked up at the beginning of the season and mowed in April and May. Then I was told my service would no longer be needed. I did not think much about it, and thought the homeowner would maintain own yard. Got voicemail today from homeowner wanting to discuss mowing and other maintenance items.

Are you leary about customer who drops you then comes back?

I would just ask about it. Since they politely told you they no longer needed you, maybe it was nothing. If it sounds fishy, only accept pre-payment from here on out. Its what I would do.

[Jimslawncareservice]

Originally Posted by rkeguy

I had a customer that I picked up at the beginning of the season and mowed in April and May. Then I was told my service would no longer be needed. I did not think much about it, and thought the homeowner would maintain own yard. Got voicemail today from homeowner wanting to discusys mowing and other maintenance items.

Are you leary about customer who drops you then comes back?

If you need him, make him pay a month in advance. If you don't, you could tell him your booked, or the truth.
Posted via Mobile Device

[rkeguy]

I went out there and all I could say was WOW! Looked like the yard has not been touched in weeks beside where someone tried to mow the backyard, and either stopped or broke the mower after making three passes. I would have to cut down grass with string trimmer then double or triple cut yard while bagging. The backyard is fenced and I was only able to get 21" back there before. If I do give quote, it will be the normal cut price x3 for the yard, then price out the shrubbry removal (remove 3 medium size boxwoods) seperate.

[rkeguy]

I gave estimate to get yard back under control and removal of three boxwoods (including rootball). Total price was $250 and of that was $85 for getting yard back under control. Guess I was to high or they wanted a $35 cut like at beginning of season. My regular truck was in shop and I was using car so I did not think about the camera.

I figured $55 to remove each medium side shrub and backfill with topsoil seemed reasonable. I do have different prices for small/medium/large shrubs.