[greenchoppers]

Hello forum,

We are in a bit of a slump right now. We had one good day about two saturdays ago when we got about six calls for new jobs. I was thinking, "oh great, all the money I am spending on yellow page advertisement is finally working for me".

Well that was short lived. Since then we have not had many calls to speak of for new work. I was wandering how is business around the country. Are you guys and gals getting busy yet or is it still too early?

I am in South Louisiana and we have had an unusually cold winter. The weather here is in 40's and 50's at night and 60-70's during the day.

Maybe I am just getting anxious or nervous or whatever but figured I better ask around.

Thanks for your replies.

 

[mike174]

We've only had 12 new customer calls in the last week 2 weeks. Mostly spring cleanup, pruning & mulch jobs. They seem willing to spend a little money, but want an itemized menu so they can pick and choose jobs to get done. I think it's a positive sign & next year will be better. People are spending money, just selectively. Mulch & spring cleanup jobs are the main sellers. Most are holding off on pruning (DIY)...and you can tell the job was DIY last season :laugh:

 

[Woody82986]

Things are picking up but not as quickly as I would like. It's been a little cooler here for a little longer than we thought to start the spring out. April should be slammed!

 

[GrassIsGreenerLawnCare]

same with virginia, had a few more calls this week compared to last, but i am nervous as well. i was hoping to start full bore into cuts next week but has been raining here

 

[93Chevy]

I'm super busy with all kinds of stuff lined up, but once June hits, I don't think I'm gonna be working more than 60 hours a week.

 

[mowerbrad]

Not that I'm a big company or anything (since I do this part time), but it has been abnormally slow for me. Usually I get several calls around this time from people scheduling spring cleanups and dethatching. So far, I've only had a couple calls. Every year I usually get people coming up to me while I'm working and ask for quotes, so I still have plenty of opportunities.

 

[rjh4758]

Been advertising in the paper and craigslist with out a one call. Ordered 3000 doorhangers on Monday. Should be here any day and I plan on getting as many out next week as I can. Things are starting to green up here so people are not thinking about their lawns yet.

 

[LwnmwrMan22]

We're booked solid through the summer, about 70 hours / week.

Still about a month before we get going full time though.

 

[slawn]

Weather permitting I will run the full schedule for the first time this year next week.

 

[lawncareboise]

We have had some calls and added a few new customers. Sent out some postcards and had zero response...hopefully the cold weather is the reason why.

 

[Scagguy]

3 crews, booked solid through April on landscape projects. Mowing is going full bore.

 

[ALLPro Landscaping]

busy with previous customers, but in regards to new work, its slow, im advertising with the local paper, I average 2-4 calls per day, and not all of them sign

 

[topsites]

Yes and no, that is...

In terms of being flat out busy, no.
But considering that it's only March which is early for Virginia, I've been working
almost every day for the past 2-3 weeks, not that it's been super busy but
then I'm usually dead this time of year, it started the 1st or 2nd week of this month...

 

[grassman177]

we have good repsonse so far being so early to our ads etc, but we are already busy as we work by contract, so yup, we are busy and have been for weeks

 

[TimsLawnCareVA]

Things have been very busy and picked up 2 big accounts yesterday. Have to go look at several jobs this weekend for mulch and spring cleanup. Plus I got a call on Thursday to price 5 shopping centers and a distribution center in Richmond.

 

[clydebusa]

Getting busy here in the Tulsa area. But it is wet so can't do some of the work. Chance of rain today (saturday) this really sucks.

 

[Darryl G]

I'm really just getting started...plenty to do but not in frantic mode yet. The phone has been pretty quiet so far but looks like most of my customers from last season are back and couple new ones.

 

[ALC-GregH]

I lost one customer due to her losing her job. All the rest have signed up again this year, got 4 new customers signed up already and just got off the phone with another potential customer that has a 4 acre estate that they want maintained. I feel confident that I'll get it. Next week all hell will break loose for me.

 

[hackitdown]

I am booked for April, but just the typical cleanups and mulch stuff. Almost all repeat customers, but several new ones. I picked up 5 new mowing accounts so far, but they are referrals from a friend getting out of the business. Most of the old mowing customers seem to be renewing, which is a relief.

Slow and steady wins the race.

 

[MikeKle]

I too thought Id be mowing by now. We had a warm snap last week, but it has been really cold here this week, like mid 20s at night!! So that put a halt to the growth for now, hopefully this upcoming week or definitely by the week after I would think?