I'd skip the part about using a company that sprays. I also don't give my customers choices of what brand of fertilizer that I use. I'd also shorten it a little. Over all its good.

 

Agree with bob, Gary. You can supply the fertilization needs, period. And forget the details & brand names; in future you may find better or more economical products. Use a standard/regular/simple program and a premium/better program.

Sell yourself as an improvement over the third party service. OK to offer extras for tree/shrub/etc. thru a third party.

 

Very good letter! This one is much more subtle than the last, and much more pleasing to the customer. Might I suggest just a few refinements. First, instead of telling them increases on "some" accounts, which might make them feel like one of the "singled out" ones, I would say, perhaps, all the accounts.(even though this may not be the case). This way it looks straight across the board. Also, do NOT "urge" your customers to compare with other licensed lawn care companies. That drops a thought into their mind that they may not have been there, and for the ones that may have it slightly, influences them even more to do just that. I would just state a fact and say something like; Our prices are still competetive with those of other comparable licensed services. And last sentence, say this may be useful, as opposed to this "would". Other than that, very nice letter!

 

I'm not too sure about using the word unreasonable. Just say what you said without that sentence. Also bag the part about the spray co. too. Do that yourself and make the $$$. That's where the real $ is anyway, not just mowing. I mow because it leads to aerating, pruning, spraying, etc. I wish you success this year!

In fact, you should really not accept accounts that have other companies do their appliactions and then you won't have to deal w/the last two paragraphs at all.

 

I agree with runner

 

Much better than the first one! I am not sure I would go into detail about how you plan to use a sub for spraying. I would just offer the service. My old sprayer, before TG/CL and before I got my own license, use to give me a price cut, so I could say to the client I was getting them a better price by using all my accounts to negotiate a better price at their benifit.

I disagree slightly with Jim about name dropping of products manufacturers if it can be used to benifit you. Scott's is a great name to use as a qaulity product, but some people think it might mean they could buy it themselves at Wal-mart. So, if you are using a product like a Professional version, then capitolize on it. They are doing the advertising for you. Example: why do some LCO's put manufacturers logos of their mowers, irrigation heads, etc,.. on their enclosed trailers and trucks? It lets the customer know that you are using quality products that they know as being a quality product.

[Edited by Skookum on 02-27-2001 at 10:07 PM]

 

Definitly dont give them so much deatail... the last thing you need is for customers to start telling you that they can buy scotts fertilizer for "x" amount and too lower your price. I would use the best fertilizer available to you... dont give them a cheap option! Either they want a plush green lawn or they dont!

 

Gary,

Here is what I would change in your letter:

loose the part of the future of my business: instead say to stay competive

Never Never Never justify charges or pricing structure by doing this you open the flood gate for people who are satisfied with your service but are just trying to save a buck

No choice of fert. One brand only cuts down on your stock sell them the brand you have in stock what I mean by this they are more than likely to ask your recomendation you sell them what you have

Do not explain the fert. problems of finding the right balance. Most people understand the concept of fert.

Do not say you are subbing the liquid fert. program out just tell them you offer it only tell it's subbed if asked directly

Do not say an addtional charge may be needed if you do fert. people read this is "if we get fert. then we pay more for mowing.

These subtle changes will you your letter the polished and professional image your company deserves.

Rex

 

Thanks. I used some ideas and shaved a few phrases.
Putting my foot down about too much fertilizers by other sources . That is what I am trying to get across this year. I am offering more than one fert choice this year to see what works. Subing the spray because I do not want to invest this year and customer base would be weak. Spent too much last season and need to recoup this year. Also so this is a make or break year. Market here sux and I may relocate.

Thanks for all the great ideas. Thanks runner good input. Used all of it.

 

Dear Sir or Madam,
I’d like to thank you for your business in the past, and once again need your attention for a couple of minutes to review this proposal for the 2001 season. The white copy has all of the services I offer for this season and the prices for your property.
With increasing fuel, equipment and other costs I have made some price adjustments on some accounts. I know that we are all having tough times in the valley now but I must consider the future of my business.
If after you review this proposal and find the prices unreasonable, then I urge you to call me and allow me to explain the changes. I also urge you to compare with other licensed lawn care companies. Lawn care prices in our area are still well below national averages, whereas cost of doing business is not.

This year I will offer some different fertilizer program choices. The first is fertilizer only and are the products I get from Wilbur-Ellis Co. They are good products and are the cheaper of the programs I offer.
The other program is Scott’s brand premium fertilizer with or without weed control. Scott’s suggests a 4-step program. To keep your lawn green and healthy four applications may not be necessary. Every lawn is different and I can help you decide what it may need. Prices are on the white copy.

If you would rather have a spray fertilizer program, I can arrange that with a licensed, bonded service that I can trust to not over fertilize. That program can be billed through me, saving you from having to pay two different companies. I can also arrange for your tree and shrub spraying needs, dormant spray and insect control.

What I’m trying to get away from are fertilizer programs that tend to over fertilize and cause extreme growth, leaving me to deal with the consequences. Excessive growth due to poor turf care practices may result in increased charges. The only way I have to deal with this problem may be to charge by the hour instead of flat rate prices.
All services can be combined as a contract if you wish and billed as a monthly flat rate from March to December. This would be useful if you are on a budget. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Gary Gallipo


TwoToros-
Just a few suggestions on your letter-
Opening line should read- Ranier Lawn Care would like to thank you for allowing us to provide you with quality lawn care service last year. Leave out, I'd like to take a couple of minutes-unnecessary-just state the intention of your letter. Enclosed you will find the 2001 proposal for service on your account. Please review the proposal as there have been a few price increases due to operating expenses and the increase in fuel prices. I would leave out the whole part about tough times-the customer will only need to be provided with their new costs and they will decide if it is ok for them. Of course you should include a comment about contacting you should they want to discuss the increase or have any suggestions for you. I also think that it is a good idea to ask them to comparison shop, maybe word that a little bit differently. Another suggestion-leave out all the names and brands of products-most people don't care what product you use, they just want there lawn to look good, obviously you'll need to provide different costs for different kinds of services, but I don't think people are interested in knowing all the details in your letter-maybe just have those costs on your white copy. I would also leave out the part about "leaving me to deal with the consequences"-also unnecessary-people don't want to hear that-it sounds like you don't care to do the extra work this product may cause. How about" We also offer a budget plan for those who wish to maintain the same cost on a monthly basis-sounds better!!! Ok, don't mean to butcher your letter, but I just think it needs a little work. Just put yourself in the customer's position-if you were receiving that letter, how would it sound to you? Would you want to read it? Try to make it short and sweet yet provide the necessary information. Again, just some suggestions-

Linky

 

I reworded it a lot, so read it carefully and use what you like. I am not going to go into all the details of all the changes, but I did change what I would if I were in your situation. (signature above your printed name down below)

************************************
24 Feb 2001

Dear Mr. and/or Mrs. Smith:

I would like to bring something to your attention:
This will be my sixteenth year in business and I must consider the future of my business, so I need to change the way I work and/or my prices. My main concern is the heavy growth that has been occuring recently. For some reason, your grass has been growing a lot quicker than normal. This may be because of several reasons, but regardless of the reason, it is still growing as much as 6 inches a week. I am sure you know that this is would make mowing much more difficult.

So I would like to come up with a solution for the both of us. I would suggest either lowering fertilizer quantity and/or frequency and/or watering quantity and/or frequency. If you you do not like this suggested solution then I will be forced to either charge more for the heavier growth or increase the frequency of cuts, unless of course we decide on another solution. I will be calling you soon to schedule a day and time when we talk this over and find a solution.

Some other changes that will be implemented this year have to do with my fertilizer program. This year I will offer two grades of fertilizer. The lesser grade I buy from Wilbur-Ellis Co. It is a good product and is the cheaper of the two. The other is Scott’s brand premium fertilizer. Please inform me of which you would prefer.

I am also now offering Scott’s crabgrass as well as Scott’s weed control, which can be applied late spring and early fall. The Scott’s fertilizer can be applied instead of the weed control products if you do not like herbicides on your Lawn.

I would suggest 5 applications:
Crabgrass/fertilizer-early spring
Broadleaf control/fertilizer-late spring
Fertilizer-summer
Broadleaf control/fertilizer-early fall
Scott’s winterizer-late fall

The white copy has all of the services I offer for this year an well as my prices for you. Please call me if you have any further questions.

Reminder:
Please try not to water your lawn 24-72 hours before mowing. 24 hours before when it’s hot, 48 hours before when it’s warm, and 72 hours before when it’s cool. This will prevent any ruts that might happen if it were wet.

Your lawn needs deep, infrequent watering. All you lawn needs to be healthy is 1 inch of water per week or 1.5 inches if it is hot. This equals two deep watering cycles per week.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Gary Gallipo

[Edited by Vibe Ray on 03-02-2001 at 12:06 AM]

 

good letter. try to leave out the word unreasonable