The recap of my first year:

[LawnBoy0311]

Cheese, how many accounts did you lose when you switched to prepay or pay in advance? I'm going to be doing that for this year. Last year I did great. But around the end of the year I got a lot of aeration jobs and had to fire my helper. Then some customers were VERY slow at paying....had to send out a few nasty letters. It stressed me the hell out and I kept telling myself I'd have to change some things.

[John Lawson]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by yourscape I am west of Cleveland, in Elyria. I was born in Elyria. It's a great place to be from...

[PR-Fect]

Yourscape, congrat's on the the first year.It sounds like you have allot invested in your bussiness so far. Do not forget to invest in yourself. Take a hort. class at your local tec school or university extension. Get industry certified.Become profesional. Good luck in your next year.

[yourscape]

Originally Posted by John Lawson

I was born in Elyria. It's a great place to be from...

So far it has been good, the people are a lot different here.

[yourscape]

Originally Posted by PR-Fect

Yourscape, congrat's on the the first year.It sounds like you have allot invested in your bussiness so far. Do not forget to invest in yourself. Take a hort. class at your local tec school or university extension. Get industry certified.Become profesional. Good luck in your next year.

I have been reading a lot of books this winter. I am on the bubble on going to get my fertilizer license, just not sure if it will be worth it since according to Ohio there is a lot of extra expenses with insurance that I am not sure i would be able to profit from this.

Thanks for the Luck and same to you!!

[supermason50]

Yourscape**Congrats on year 1. At the begining of EVERY YEAR, dump 20% of your WORST customers. The remaining 80% you keep will make you 100% more efficient. It took me 3 years to learn this.

[Steve]

At the begining of EVERY YEAR, dump 20% of your WORST customers. The remaining 80% you keep will make you 100% more efficient. It took me 3 years to learn this.

What was the moment when you decided to go this way? Also, how do you figure which are the worst 20%? And whats the best way to dump them nicely?

[yourscape]

Originally Posted by supermason50

Yourscape**Congrats on year 1. At the begining of EVERY YEAR, dump 20% of your WORST customers. The remaining 80% you keep will make you 100% more efficient. It took me 3 years to learn this.

I totally understand what you mean on this one. I have 2 customers that are dragging me down with the season just right around the corner. I am actually send out a letter tonight to one of them.

I have realized that there are 2 types of customers out there. 1's that want the service and appreciate you and don't have a problem paying you what you are worth, and 1's that need the service for one reason or another and want you to feel bad for charging them and if they could suck you dry for every penny your other customers are paying you.

Thanks I needed this post!!!!!!!

[Steve]

I have 2 customers that are dragging me down with the season just right around the corner.

What do these customers do that make them the worst of your group?