Having to pass on a bid

[picframer]

I am doing an excavation job in an area with no cell, I think due to the high voltage power lines so my blackberry is pretty quiet Anyhow I had 9 phone inquiries today, I listened to them on the way home, one shocked me, it was the school board for our city wanting a quote on lawn care, I think it strange as this would have to go for tender but the man sounded pretty agitated with the current provider and I know them well as we have taken a few of their accounts. As much as it hurts, I am going to have to pass, I know the company that does it uses 4 trucks, three WAM's and a pile of ZTR and puch mowers. Adding another 16 employees doesn't interest me, this company is already putting me in a situation where I have become an office manager which I don't like and won't do, I told my son today if I have to I will simply downsize. Good account for someone though.

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Andy
Halifax, Nova Scotia

[kdexpd]

Lawn care business tips

Ya I hear ya, sometimes growing pains hurt. I don't know all of your situation, but I would sure HATE to turn something like that down. If I was in a situation like that one, I'd tell them I need the first 4 months payment in advance and then go out and buy some equipment. Man I bet that's gonna be quite a chunk of $$ for you to lose, but if you're not happy, don't do it. That's what I love about this business, if it makes you happy do it, if it doesn't, pass it on.

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Kendrick
Cedar Lawn Care Services, LLC
Kirksville, MO

[justin_time]

I'll be there in 2 days or whatever how much time it takes for me to get my mowers and equipement on my trailer and on my way to Halifax

Ha, i wish !

[bruces]

Originally Posted by justin_time

I'll be there in 2 days or whatever how much time it takes for me to get my mowers and equipement on my trailer and on my way to Halifax

Ha, i wish !

hey neighbour,I was thinking the exact same thing .

[justin_time]

How's my neighbor doing ? Is he busy yet ??

We should meet up one day and go for coffee.

[bruces]

Originally Posted by justin_time

How's my neighbor doing ? Is he busy yet ??

We should meet up one day and go for coffee.

I am still busy with my winter job,and even though we have had some awesome weather,it still is a little early to get things going . .

[picframer]

Originally Posted by kdexpd

Ya I hear ya, sometimes growing pains hurt. I don't know all of your situation, but I would sure HATE to turn something like that down. If I was in a situation like that one, I'd tell them I need the first 4 months payment in advance and then go out and buy some equipment. Man I bet that's gonna be quite a chunk of $$ for you to lose, but if you're not happy, don't do it. That's what I love about this business, if it makes you happy do it, if it doesn't, pass it on.

Money is not the issue in this case or getting equipment, prepayment is not an option with government contracts, the problem is it's a massive account, next week we are back to full staff 17 and I do not want to even be this large, you would nt believe the paper work.

[cklandscapingorlando]

Yea they aint given up money till the work is done. On top of all the paper work you have, they will likely add a ton more and probly want it done for less than you would do another job of that size. At least down here they would.

[Steve]

I am sure many lawn care business owners will wrestle with this issue as they grow. Do you think there is any rule of thumb as to when to go with a job and when to pass?

I am sure there is money in this job that would certainly make most jump all over it, but there seems to be a downside to having to scale up so quickly.

How can you hold yourself back when presented with something that might be outside your businesses comfort zone?

[picframer]

Originally Posted by Steve

I am sure many lawn care business owners will wrestle with this issue as they grow. Do you think there is any rule of thumb as to when to go with a job and when to pass?

I am sure there is money in this job that would certainly make most jump all over it, but there seems to be a downside to having to scale up so quickly.

How can you hold yourself back when presented with something that might be outside your businesses comfort zone?

Yes there is money in the job, they are willing to sign a five year contract, subject to performance clause's in the contract which is fine.

We are already as big or bigger than I want to be, I am flattered they called me and we spoke twice today, they seem pretty intent on my taking over but I am honestly not interested, I might be next year but I have to find someone to manage the business as I would rather be out working.

I handle a situation like this by being very straight forward, we started a year ago, we have 16 staff, we have 159 landscaping projects, 196 lawn spraying clients and close to 90 lawn mowing jobs, I simply do not want to expand any further at this time.