newbie..getting paid question

[Rick3401]

Hi all,
First post-first question. from time to time when our regular lawn guy was on vacation I would take care of the mowing, hedge trimming at our townhouse complex. The guy decided it was time to retire and I was asked if I was interested in taking over. Not a big job... the place is on a corner lot and not much lawn on 2 sides. The biggest area is 50" wide by 100" long. We have all the equipment needed provided by the association. Anyway they offered me $4000 to mow once weekly and keep the hedges trimmed from April 1 to November 1. Not to shabby. My question is they pay quarterly and I'm told my first payment will be July 1st. Wouldn't it be customary to collect first payment when I start on April 1st? Just wondering. Thanks.

[jonathan thomas]

It depends. Every commercial account pays different I had one that paid every 45 days.
But if they are going in contract I would ask for the first quarter up front.

[stevef1201]

If you have a written contract for that then sorry for ya. however you can ask the managment company for a 200 dollar deposit-a bit of a sob story help- maybe they will maybe they wont.

[Rick3401]

Thanks for the replies. Actually its not that big of deal, I can wait. Was just curious what the norm was. I own and live in one of the townhouses and in addition to the $4000 per season I also got a reduction in my association fees of $50 monthly so I wont quibble about the 90 day wait.

[jonathan thomas]

Well not really because after your first 45 days then I received a check every week.
But if that will work out for you then go for it. Expescially if they are gonna cut down on your cost.

[Steve]

You can negotiate any payment method you want. Would you prefer to be paid monthly? Quarterly is kinda goofy on their part if you ask me. I don't know how many lawn care business owners would put up with that for a small account.

[CHEESE2009]

Would it be possible to ask this person to give you post-dated checks?

$571.42 - Apr
$571.42 - May
$571.42 - Jun
$571.42 - Jul
$571.42 - Aug
$571.42 - Sep
$571.42 - Oct till Nov 1

or, recommended way;

(deposit(s) written for end of months or start of months)

$1000 - Apr/May
$1000 - Jun/Jul
$1000 - Aug/Sep
$1000 - Oct till Nov 1

or, the stupid way;

N/A - Apr/May/Jun
$2,285.71 - Jul
N/A - Aug/Sep
$1,714.29 - Oct till Nov 1