Half way Mark.

[Ducke]

Originally Posted by Steve As you are experimenting more, do you find there are certain services that customers just won't do themselves and would feel comfortable paying for it? I find that Lawn Mowing jobs are mostly Seniors and the price is shopped to death Most younger people mow there own lawns, its a no brainer push a mower around and have a few Beers. Light Landscaping is were the Money is Flower Gardens, Edging, Weeding, Fertilizer, Hedge Trimming, Vacation Services and Yard Clean ups. Its all about timing you have to be in the right spot at the right time.

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Last edited by Ducke; 06-21-2011 at 07:05 PM. Reason: spelling

[Cashin H&P]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by Ducke I find that Lawn Mowing jobs are mostly Seniors and the price is shopped to death Most younger people mow there own lawns, its a no brainer push a mower around and have a few Beers. Light Landscaping is were the Money is Flower Gardens, Edging, Weeding, Fertilizer, Hedge Trimming, Vacation Services and Yard Clean ups. Its all about timing you have to be in the right spot at the right time. I agree with that my number one money maker is vacation mowing. I have a few lawns that I mom every week but I can charge more for vacation mowing and the clients are always happy that they dont have to do it them selves

[mark123]

Most of the older folk around here have done the shop around for price thing and all it gets them is frustration and unreliability. I offer reliability and they seem to be willing to pay for it.

What is "vacation mowing"? Mowing for people that are on vacation and not at the property or mowing for people vacationing at the property you service? I'd think that repeat business would net you more than temporary jobs. Am I wrong?

[Cashin H&P]

Originally Posted by mark123

Most of the older folk around here have done the shop around for price thing and all it gets them is frustration and unreliability. I offer reliability and they seem to be willing to pay for it.

What is "vacation mowing"? Mowing for people that are on vacation and not at the property or mowing for people vacationing at the property you service? I'd think that repeat business would net you more than temporary jobs. Am I wrong?

I have actually seen that some of the vacation people end up signing a contract after. At the initial estimate I give them for the temp. service and one for long term I also offer a discount if they sign with me for a long term contract.

[Steve]

Are there other services you can offer to the vacation mowing customers that you can't offer to regular customers? Like for instance, a property check to make sure nothing was broken into? Or taking in their newspapers or mail while they are away? Maybe other services too?

[Hedgemaster]

The "vacation people" seem willing to pay more, as they know it's a temporary thing. They also don't seem to be interested in shopping around TOO much and seem to be OK with any price within reason.

Almost the same situation with young professionals - they have the money - they don't have the time (or desire) to maintain their own homes, so they agree without hesitation most times.

[Steve]

Do you try to sell them additional services that are catered to vacationers?

[Ducke]

Good example of a Vacation service Job.
I got a Vacation Job on a referral yesterday the couple is going away for 7 weeks.
This lawn would be a typical $35.00 mow Cut, Trim, Blow out of here 1/2 hour or less.
But because its a Vacation Service it becomes a $45.00 and I can fit it in were ever I want in my schedule, Its like an extra $45.00 dollars each week for the next 7 weeks $315.00 for the service and if you do a real good job there are always Tips and sometimes full time contract.
I find there is a huge market for this in the winter when people go south and want the snow removed for two weeks or so.
I also find this is a good service for Oil Platform workers 6 weeks out you mow six weeks back they mow. same with Duty military and in communities like this word of mouth goes far.

[Steve]

I got a Vacation Job on a referral yesterday the couple is going away for 7 weeks.
This lawn would be a typical $35.00 mow Cut, Trim, Blow out of here 1/2 hour or less.
But because its a Vacation Service it becomes a $45.00

Why is it a higher fee because it is a vacation service?

Also, how do you promote that you offer vacation services?

[Ducke]

Originally Posted by Steve

Why is it a higher fee because it is a vacation service?

Also, how do you promote that you offer vacation services?

Usually Vacation service is a 1 or 2 mow service, so just like a one off I charge a little more the convenience of having someone come and do your lawn while your away I also will snow blow your walk and driveway when you go down south in February for a higher fee then a regular seasonal customer. as for advertising I have it on the back of my business cards, web site as well as I included it on my flyers as an added service and as always word of mouth.