Sleeping and Phone Calls

[CHEESE2009]

You know when you're still sleeping, but you get one of those important phone calls that you answer before you get a chance to make sense of everything? How do you guys handle it? LOL. ::::: Me: Hello? Guy: I heard you are the subcontractor for xxxxx? Me: Yes? Guy: Well I wanted to know if you could come now to salt my walkway, its very slippery. (I had no idea what a walkway was at this point, I was that asleep) Me: Uh. Salt is a good idea, walkways.. are... slippery. Guy: Can you come now? My address is XXXXXXXXXX. (I really didn't want to, not right away anyway) Me: I will be there as soon as possible. Guy: Do you know of this new salt brand, starts with a "G"? (Now he's getting on my nerves.) Me: No... I will look into it. Guy: Ok good, because XXXXX said you would. (Why is this other company telling their clients to call me?) Me: Alright. *hangup* 5 minutes later my phone rings again from the same person calling. I don't answer. In my mind, I said that I'd be there as soon as possible, I'm not a goddamn magician! Thoughts?

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

Lawn care business tips

Thats when its time to break out the magic carpet. Not sure how many drives your doing but ill leave a bucket with salt by the door. It stops these phone calls. If they do call ill say you want me to drive there to spread salt for 30 seconds which is already there?

__________________
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Case 1816 Skid

[CHEESE2009]

Alright, I'm back.

What a waste of my time!


Alright, so we have freezing rain - but it's not a big deal today.

So after talking to the homeowner for what felt like a year, I finally got his salt out of his garage because we agreed to use his salt for now.

Client: So XXXXX said you would also salt my driveway along with the walkway.

Scott: Uh huh. Of course!

(What the heck bro? LOL. I didn't agree to anything!)

Client: Then you can go pick up this salt by a brand that starts with "G".

Scott: ... yup. Ok, I'm going to do it now, don't stay out here with me you'll get sick.

SO, I had to shovel the dusting off of this guys driveway and walkway, just so I could apply salt. I used up pretty much everything he had and left.

He calls me AGAIN, as I'm driving away.

Client: Are you done? I thought you would let me know?

Scott: I'm done.

Client: Oh ok, so I wont slip?

Scott: No, you're not going to slip. Call me later on if you have any trouble.

Client: Ok.

[CHEESE2009]

lololololol

[Steve]

It's amazing you got up and got over there! I'd figure most of us would just fall back to sleep, wake up hours later and think it was a dream!

What's your thoughts of having your phone on when your sleeping? Doesn't it mess you up at all when people call at odd hours? Or no?

[CHEESE2009]

Originally Posted by Steve

It's amazing you got up and got over there! I'd figure most of us would just fall back to sleep, wake up hours later and think it was a dream!

What's your thoughts of having your phone on when your sleeping? Doesn't it mess you up at all when people call at odd hours? Or no?

It's a nightmare, but it's basically in the job description haha!

During the hours I am asleep, I feel it's important to keep the phone on for emergency reasons (even work related). If I am asleep, I am unaware of the weather conditions, and I could wake up to many upset clients. Basically, they are kind of my alarm clock give or take.

Sure it comes with many headaches, and a ton of confusion to be woken up and be expected to talk as if I've been awake for hours... but it's better to be safe than sorry, and not be so paranoid about the calls I may be getting when my phone is off.

[Steve]

Do you ever have dreams you are answering the phone and talking to a client and then wake up to realize you aren't?

[CHEESE2009]

Originally Posted by Steve

Do you ever have dreams you are answering the phone and talking to a client and then wake up to realize you aren't?

LOL. I have those dreams, then I wake up to an actual client on the phone. :O


Every time my phone rings, I can't help but feel it's anything other than bad news, or something to ruin my day.

I will give myself a break this year, as I will be using contracts and invoices. My accountant is going to give me a CD with some nifty tool on it, kind of excited to see what it's all about, it's something to do with invoicing.

All of my clients will be paying via 3 post-dated checks at the beginning of the season (this idea is in the works), which I will be giving to my bank to deposit on their specific dates. With collections out of the way, I can actually get some more work done!

-

My season is typically 5 1/2 months.
I am debating with others about whether or not to request 6 post-dated checks, or three (3) for the entire season up front.

I figure by accepting 6 post-dated checks, I cater to a wider audience (low income folks), but I have no one on my side about this so I am iffy.

Anyone care to share their view?

[Steve]

As you have been talking to your accountant, did he/she have any advice on your accepting post dated checks idea?

[CHEESE2009]

Originally Posted by Steve

As you have been talking to your accountant, did he/she have any advice on your accepting post dated checks idea?

Haven't said anything yet, but I'll be sure to ask

I believe it all comes down to being one person, sure accepting all forms of payment sounds like I'd reach a wider audience, but that fact is I only have so much patience. To eliminate the burden of collecting funds when the client is capable/willing, I believe I will be able to sleep well at night knowing I'm not wasting my time doing things for free, and I also avoid conflict.