late start this past season, need help on adding customer next season.

[berryjam]

Hi my name is Jim. I got started late last season. I really only had 5 to 10 customers until a buddy of mine who wanted out of landscaping gave me another 15 or so. What is the best way to get new customers? I passed out hundreds of flyer and nothing. By the end of next season I would like to have 40-50 customers. I am a one man show so I will be working my butt off and I want that. Is it wrong to lowball just to get work? I have no overhead(gas), so I don't need to charge high prices to profit.

[LawnCareMan280]

Lawn care business tips

Welcome to the forum I am an only man worker too and that's right it is good too work your butt off that is awesome. Yes lowballing is wrong because if you go too high then your screwed. 2 find what all your compettitors cost then make that your total.3 no I do not high price too make a profit because that just ticks off the customer. Hey I only have 3 accounts and starting out in 2013.Hoped this helped! Travis

__________________
Travis: owner of: Green Lawn Lawn Care& Snow Removal

[willshome]

I would not low ball. Starting next year with 20 customers you should find that it will grow fast, people will see you working and will ask you to do work for them. I am growing fast just by being out doing the work. Find people that value your time.

[Steve]

Hi Jim,

Have you been marketing to the neighbors of your current customers? Or asking your current customers for referrals? That might be a successful path to take.

Is it wrong to lowball just to get work? I have no overhead(gas), so I don't need to charge high prices to profit.

The strategy never really works out. Lowballing attracts picky cheap customers. Which is the worst type to have. Charging a price you can live on is a better way to go. Also, you have overhead, you just might not be thinking of all the things you have to buy. Equipment repairs, equipment replacement, insurance, salary, taxes, etc..

Keep building your social network and hand out business cards and you will find more customers.

[berryjam]

Can't figure how to put up new post so I'll try this. I'm trying to figure out how many quarts of oil my exmark 48in walk behind needs after I change the oil. Any help from anyone who see this will be appreciated.

[Steve]

Can you measure how much you take out when you drain it?

[nice2weedu]

Hi Jim...

I like to use the winter months to re-evaluate/re-invent myself. The down time helps me rejuvinate and become creative. Are you advertising just lawn service on your flyers? Do you offer all phases of landscaping? Customers like " one stop shopping ". Being visible on a job is key. I am routinely approached while I am in the field. If I have to turn down work, I keep the potential customers information. I follow up with postcards that I make myself. I do whatever I can to make sure I am not forgotten. Hope this helps. I have lots of tricks up my sleeveless T shirt and I am more than happy to share!

[Steve]

If I have to turn down work, I keep the potential customers information. I follow up with postcards that I make myself.

For what type of reasons if the work was turned down, would you keep their information and keep in contact with them and for which type of reasons wouldn't you?

[CHEESE2009]

If you just started and have already have 20 clients, pat yourself on the back and take a break from advertising, the rest of the client should fall into place over the next couple of years.

My website has brought in a lot of business, considered getting one?

[Tricountylawn]

Originally Posted by LawnCareMan280

find what all your compettitors cost then make that your total.3 no I do not high price too make a profit because that just ticks off the customer. Hey I only have 3 accounts and starting out in 2013.Hoped this helped!

Travis

This post will help no one, Best thing I ever did was forget what my competition is charging and started pricing MY services and knowing MY cost.