Tip Of The Day - 11/2/05 - Mowing Designs

[Sean Adams]

Not really a tip...more of a question....

When we did a lot of high end residential mowing, we were often asked about making their yard look like "Wrigley Field"...stripes - no problem. But several times we had clients request actual designs in their yard - a common one here in Pittsburgh was the Steelers logo. First time I heard the request I thought it was a joke....but amazing how many sports fans want to show all their buddies something "cool' on a Sunday afternoon at halftime. Anyone else get requests like this? Is it something maybe that should be offered? Might sound silly or like a waste of time, but the requests are there....

 

[dvmcmrhp52]

It's actually something I've considered, but where to start?
It's a whole other ballgame in pricing and then the design and............
But ya, it's something maybe to offer...............Maybe just a number of designs for certain holidays, birthdays, etc.

We've had some fun a few years back leaving messages in a certain friends back lawn, but............

 

[gardenkeeper88]

I too have thought about it but same thing, Just where do I start. Also do you cut the design shorter, longer or what? Also employees aren't going to care about getting it "right" just done so they can get home.

 

[jblawns123]

Well for starters, most of the designs are done with a roller, not when mowed

 

[PurpHaze]

We've had some fun a few years back leaving messages in a certain friends back lawn, but............

We don't mess around out here. We use gasoline.

One COULD use a contact herbicide and then the design would kinda fade in over time.

 

[GarPA]

most of our residential properties have so many beds that its a challenge to do different stiripe patterns each week without having to make way too many turns. If you do do what they ask, you should be paid extra for that mowing as it will certainly take longer.

My other problem with this woujld be that now they know you will do this and so they are "trained" to expect it....no thanks

 

[dvmcmrhp52]

most of our residential properties have so many beds that its a challenge to do different stiripe patterns each week without having to make way too many turns. If you do do what they ask, you should be paid extra for that mowing as it will certainly take longer.

My other problem with this woujld be that now they know you will do this and so they are "trained" to expect it....no thanks

I believe we're talking about "special" designs for "special" occasions, which would be an extra billable..................

 

[olderthandirt]

I done the same thing with special occasions B-Days were always the big one
large stencel and some paint or chalk dust. Throw the stencil down and the dust and presto!!!! happy customers and $100 or more.


The $$$$ were secondary the customer relations were the #1 goal
and it works great for getting the neighbors talking about your company

 

[DBL]

if anyones has any step by step cutting designs or diagrams i need more than the regualr basic stripes thanks

 

[Guthrie&Co]

most definatly. i would love to learn how to do this.