My New Lawn Signs - Bartering 101

Hedgemaster · #31 10-21-2011, 08:39 PM

Today, while mowing one of my regular client's lawns, I noted a truck drive slowly past mine, then a minute later it came back up the street and stopped near my truck. I paused, as I wasn't sure why he stopped where he did, and then I saw him looking at the yard sign behind my truck as he was writing on a piece of paper.

Then he noticed me and rolled the window down. He asked about getting a quote for leaf removal at his home around the corner. I gave him a card and he said he'd call when the leaves were done falling.

The signs do get noticed.

Speaking of getting "noticed" - I think that there are little things that can help draw attention to your truck, or sign that make people notice you, and get them thinking about things they may need done.
For example, I nearly always put cones out when I'm parked. I think that leaving my truck cap window open is more notable than when it's closed, and it doesn't hurt to leave a rake, or blower in sight during leaf cleanup season - even if you're just mowing a lawn.

When I'm finished trimming hedges, I place my FS90R with the hedge trimmer attachment where people driving by can see it. It's not your typical "hedge trimmer", and I think it tells people you've got some serious equipment - that you're not just some homeowner out trimming his hedges.

None of these cost a penny to do, yet are "advertising" just the same.

Steve · #32 10-24-2011, 04:01 PM

In the past we had talked a little about this. What if you had some type of sign that said warning landscaper ahead and then had your phone number on it? Something like this sign you put behind your trailer?

Hedgemaster · #33 05-11-2012, 09:33 PM

I had a woman stop her car on a busy road to come talk to me about a quote.

I was mowing when I looked up the slope towards the road, and there was a woman waving to get my attention. I noticed that she had parked her car up on the curb behind my truck and put her hazard lights on. LOL! I can't believe someone stopped on this busy road!

I went to look at her property when I was finished. I don't think I'll get it, nor do I think I want it.
The back is a large, steep hillside that must be accessed via an alley from the top. I HATE properties that require you to move your vehicle. It's like two jobs for the price of one.
Speaking of price... I asked what she had been paying. She said "$67 a month - cut twice". (for the whole property) Pfffffttt!!! I told her I couldn't come close to that. Said that the hill alone would be $45-$50. I gave a price of $80 biweekly (not for "the month") for the whole property.

She said she still has another estimate to get.I think I'm calling and telling her "No thanks". That hill is just an accident waiting to happen, and after talking, I foresee a "It doesn't need cut this week" situation.

Either way, the SIGNS WORK!!!