Contracts-business plan?

Discussion in 'General Industry Discussions' started by Dr.NewEarth, Dec 19, 2011.

  1. Dr.NewEarth

    Dr.NewEarth LawnSite Bronze Member
    from Vancouver Canada
    Messages: 1,476

    I wonder how many of you guys (and companies) have an actual business plan written down on paper? And if those same people also use contracts?

    Are there more solo operators not using contracts?:drinkup:
     
    Dr.NewEarth, Dec 19, 2011
    #1
  2. CL&T

    CL&T LawnSite Senior Member
    from New York
    Messages: 493

    Don't know what one has to do with the other or what you're really asking. I can say though that a contract is always a good thing.
     
    CL&T, Dec 19, 2011
    #2
  3. Bears Lawn Service

    Bears Lawn Service LawnSite Member
    from waco texas
    Messages: 30

    A business plan is always good even if you just have it in your head. Its always better to know where your going and where you want to be going and how to get there. Also contracts all the way.
     
    Bears Lawn Service, Dec 19, 2011
    #3
  4. LindblomRJ

    LindblomRJ LawnSite Silver Member
    from Rapid City, South Dakota
    Messages: 2,570

    I am working on a business plan now. Also working on drafting contracts as well. Both are paramount if you plan to say in business.
     
    LindblomRJ, Dec 19, 2011
    #4
  5. GreenI.A.

    GreenI.A. LawnSite Silver Member
    from North East
    Messages: 2,131

    I put alot of time into building my business plan and have made plenty of adjustments along the way. It has been well worth it when walking into he bank asking for money. I also use contracts for eveything we do, except for one time, on the spot, service repairs. We do not do maintenance so it is a little different for us though
     
    GreenI.A., Dec 20, 2011
    #5
  6. Andrew & Ben's Lawn Care

    Andrew & Ben's Lawn Care LawnSite Member
    from Knoxville, Tennessee
    Messages: 141

    You can count me for both.
     
    Andrew & Ben's Lawn Care, Dec 20, 2011
    #6
  7. Roger

    Roger LawnSite Fanatic
    from McMurray, PA
    Messages: 5,929

    Roger, Dec 20, 2011
    #7
  8. 32vld

    32vld LawnSite Gold Member
    from Long Island, NY
    Messages: 3,984

    I see the need for hardscapes. A lot of money is at risk just on materials.

    However many LCO's doing maintenance seem to have a cancel clause in their contracts were either party can terminate service after a set period. So why even have a contract?
     
    32vld, Dec 20, 2011
    #8
  9. GMLC

    GMLC LawnSite Platinum Member
    from New Hampshire
    Messages: 4,345

    It has always been important to me to have a business and marketing plan in place. I use contracts on larger projects but not on everything.
     
    GMLC, Dec 20, 2011
    #9
  10. GreenI.A.

    GreenI.A. LawnSite Silver Member
    from North East
    Messages: 2,131

    Here in MA we can not have binding contracts for landscape maintenance and fert on residential lawns. The contracts can be terminated by either party at any time. The reason for the contract is to spell out all of the terms such as what you will do, when you will do it, and payment terms. These are to protect both parties, but mainly the contractor, so that the HO does not turn around and refuse to pay because he says you agreed to also mow the back 40, or try to claim you told him the spring cleanup would only be $150 when you bill him $500

    On other services its different, I had a contract sighned for irrigation, the customer ended up having another company install the system for him. I turned around and took him to court, he had to pay the full contract price
     
    GreenI.A., Dec 20, 2011
    #10

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