using a subcontractor ?

[B-2 Lawncare]

Would you guys use a subcontractor to do work that you didn't have the equipment for so that you get get a bigger job? What i had in mind was using a sprinkler guy to help with any thing that i cant handle. And the biggest thing that i need him for is in the fall to blow the sprinkler systems out.

[turfmaster]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by B-2 Lawncare Would you guys use a subcontractor to do work that you didn't have the equipment for so that you get get a bigger job? What i had in mind was using a sprinkler guy to help with any thing that i cant handle. And the biggest thing that i need him for is in the fall to blow the sprinkler systems out. Absolutely, It's good to build business relatsionships with other contractors. Referrals are the best way to get new business. For example: I have a guy who does my hardscape work. He in return recommends me for maintenance. etc.

[picframer]

Originally Posted by B-2 Lawncare

Would you guys use a subcontractor to do work that you didn't have the equipment for so that you get get a bigger job? What i had in mind was using a sprinkler guy to help with any thing that i cant handle. And the biggest thing that i need him for is in the fall to blow the sprinkler systems out.

The only things I sub out is floating our biggest excavator as I don't want to buy a 5 ton truck and snow plowing, there is little we can't do however if we are unable to do something, I simply state that we can't. I do have a lady that is a spe******t in plants and designing gardens, I don;t really consider her a sub although I send all our business in these areas to her, once she and the client agree on something, she calls in one of my supervisors or myself and explains what is to be done.

I did sub a few things last season and it did not work out, I am very fussy and if the sub doesn't do as good a job as we do, then I have to send a crew in anyhow and when they screw up, it's all of a sudden my problem. We have so much on the go once the season starts, the last thing I need is more headaches.

[Steve]

And the biggest thing that i need him for is in the fall to blow the sprinkler systems out.

We have had quite a few discussions on this topic with detailed description on how to do it.

Have you considered trying to offer this service yourself?

Here is one of them

http://lawnchat.com/?p=1153

[StartALawnCareBusiness]

Anytime I have subbed out work I stay on the job site to make sure the work is done to my satisfaction and to that of the customer. I agree with picframer that there is no bigger headache than being an intermediary between a customer and a subcontractor when things go wrong.


Keith

[cklandscapingorlando]

I do sub work for some GC's. If I sub out though it's for a specific job and thats all the sub does. Like hard scape. I might give a larger hardscape to a guy that only does hardscape. I'm not a fan of letting folks that can do your job get around your clients. I took about 5 maint jobs from a guy last year because he did'nt want to do sod work, or sprinkler work. Once I'm on site ad they see I know much more than him, they switch

I would definitely use a sub contractor. BUt I would make sure they sign a non competition clause/form so they can not steal customers. Unfortunately, people are not trustworthy.