A new client asked that I take before and after photos each visit. Would anyone do this? I'm not good at remembering things and I don't think I'd want to add this to my list. Am I being too lazy or too picky?
Before and After Photos for Client
cutman2000
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28,287 Posts
That's funny and you know little to nothing about those companies that hire third parties. They do and will not allow you to charge more for you to abide by their procedures. They just expect it. They are the ultimate lowballers and no one should work for them.
Not so ironically, I never receive calls from them anymore. Must be they read these forums and know what I say about them.
Absolutely! While I don't mow I do everything else. Even the smallest job gets a before and after picture. It's easy to do, gives a visual account of what was done, and if needed also gives a timestamp of rough time in and time out.
My client contracts specify that I take before and after pictures and use them on my website/social media.
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60 Posts
What is the client's reason for the pictures? With any photo, the devil is in the details so what exactly are your photos expected to show?
I've taken photos of lawns that we mowed that looked awesome with the intent to send to the customer, but the photos of the entire lawn failed to show anything remarkable including that the lawn had been cut. However, I've told my clients that I will always send them a photo of any property damage that I cause or if I find something out of the ordinary while mowing/trimming their property that I think they should be alerted to. It's all about trust. My advice would be to politely decline their request and tell them that if they are displeased with the work, they should immediately bring it to your attention to be addressed. and a suitable resolution found.
If a potential client starts out the relationship by indicating that you as a 'professional' may be untrustworthy, just say No.
Huge difference here. YOU are using those pictures for your business. It is YOU who wants the photos, not the client. Trust is not a factor in your example.
In my area, I average about 26 cuts a year. I wouldn't take pictures 26 times to prove I did the work. I have no problem with others doing it, if it floats their boat. But it sinks mine.
Not really a huge difference. Yes, I am using the pictures. But it happens once in awhile that a client wants proof that I was there. Knowing that I take a picture at every site means I have the proof sitting in the cloud.
Not really trying to split hairs with you here. You said it happens "once in awhile that a client wants proof." In this example, I'm under the impression that we're talking about every time that client wants proof. Keep in mind this is a regular maintenance type of deal (mowing weekly). I'd call it a huge difference but I respect your thoughts as well.
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194 Posts
I agree ,these are leaver accounts , leaver right alone!!🤣🤣
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37 Posts
Do it. I do it every day. I work for a large corporation that buys and remodels houses before they resell them. I take before pics and after pics. This is for everything from projects to regular summer maintenance. I work directly for the corporation directly and I make top dollar. $65 bucks for 1/4 acre or less yards. We average 3 of them an hour on average. Corporate office verify all pics. I also have a camera app that puts time, date and address on pics so there is no question. Once work is approved Im able to send bills in.
Now if you make $30 or $35 a yard i wouldn't do it. Althought I did it thru a company once I first started out full time. But I built myself up to were I pick my on customers.
Now if you make $30 or $35 a yard i wouldn't do it. Althought I did it thru a company once I first started out full time. But I built myself up to were I pick my on customers.
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37 Posts
I do this for every day mowing, which is regular lawn maintenance on my invoices. Sorry for the confusion.
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188 Posts
I consider it "positive client management" to provide start/end (before/after) photos with every invoice as a standard practice. It makes no difference to me what kind of job was performed.
...just my .02 worth.
How does it "manage" the client ?
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12,722 Posts
Speak for yourself, mister.
Captured Beauty - Jobsite Images
How often do you rush through your day, only "looking" at what's next on the schedule? For the most part, we are incredibly fortunate to work outdoors rather than being stuck inside, looking at the same four walls every day. There is something new, something different, at every job we work, and...
www.lawnsite.com
These are the kind of pics I send to my customers...
Next to loving on their dogs, this is a very good way to connect with your clients and end up getting automatic pay raises.
They LOVE this stuff - especially when they are out of town and can't be home to see their flowers.
I'm not sending them pics of the grass being cut though. No thank you.
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115 Posts
You obviously don’t know how to barter with the third party companies then. I have always told them a hire price than they ask me to do it for. **** just this year big lots hired a third party and they contacted me to plow. I doubled the price they ask me to do it and they didn’t hesitate to send me the contract. I work for about 7 of them and make way more money than my direct costumers. Don’t think you know how to upscale mark.
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115 Posts
It’s called business. Not everyone is to be trusted specially now in this world. When high end customers are gone half the year or people that own the business you are mowing for don’t even live in the state. Proof is nice and they pay for it so why not charge 20 percent more for a couple pics. Are you afraid how bad your yards would look on photo?
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8,012 Posts
Commercial work it's to be expected to a certain degree and should be part of the contract and priced accordingly. If it's for a residential account and they want to add that to the list of services while I'm there then I'll gladly add that to the bill.
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1,511 Posts
I know the first time I packed up the truck and drove 15 minutes up the road. Then had to drive back to take a picture to get paid, I would be over the arrangement and ready to bow out.
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