One Time Lawn Mowing

[ringahding1]

Does your landscape or lawn care company offer One time Mowing?

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08 F250 Ext Cab/05 F350/04 Chevy 3500
2 60 Toro Zmaster/Lesco 60, 54, 48
2 8'2" Boss V-Plows
20' Enclosed trailer/16' Open trailer
18' Skid Loader Trailer
S185 Bobcat 2-Speed



ringlawncare.com

[mark123]

Lawn care business tips

I don't accept one time mowing unless the planets align. In other words, if someone calls and requests it, has the money in hand, the lawn is near enough to a lawn I'm doing that day and I feel nice. I never feel nice.

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Boughter's Lawn Care Services Mowing and Fertilizing in New Castle, PA

[Hedgemaster]

There are rare occasions established lawn care providers will take on a “one time lawn mowing” jobs. Most hate to refuse work, but there are times they just have to. Newer lawn care providers may take on these type’s of requests in order to build-up a base of accounts, but soon will realize that they will have a hard time relying on a weekly income.

Receiving these particular calls, many customer’s can’t believe in this economy someone would refuse work. Established lawn care providers have a list of factors when making any decision regarding one time mowing:

Wear & tear on equipment
Client location
Maintenance of equipment
Scheduling
Customer service
Fuel
Hourly wages
Insurance

All landscape provider’s must watch the bottom line more accurately and wisely these days, since the cost of living continues to rise. Having such a demanding weekly schedule, not losing sight of their beginnings, and learning from their mistakes will help them adjust to their growth. Not losing sight that lawn mowing is their bread and butter, can only lead to success.

Being your own boss comes with responsibility that probably was not well thought out in the beginning and usually the following questions arise, maybe by word a mouth or maybe they read an article(like this one) somewhere: How much for insurance? Workmen Compensation? Fuel per month? Hourly wages? Part and labor costs? These are only a few of the most over-looked aspects of this industry.

When a potential client should all for a “One time lawn mowing“, they need to let them know that their schedule is set up for weekly lawn care , recommend them, or actually accommodate for this one time. Being upfront about your business and the services you provide will go along way. Some customers may not appreciate straight forwardness, but it will serve you well in the long run. “NO” is a word when implemented with kindness, can be respected.

If you have lost the passion or love of your niche, don’t just hang it up or quit. Take a step back and start over, YES I said start over and reevaluate your commitment to yourself and business and whom ever else will be affected by decisions you make. Growing and running a business can be scary in this economy or any economy for that matter. Having the right people in place for your operation can give the provider an opportunity to market and promote. Unless they have just enough accounts and figure there is no point to growing the business anymore. The landscape industry is demanding and only hard working and committed individuals are allowed.

I dunno... as someone with an advertising background it rubs me the wrong way. There's too much of a "negative" attitude in it. You want to address the situation in a positive manner. As it stands, it makes sense to "us", but as a consumer, I'd view it as a complaint against clients.

That doesn't come across as well as I had intended, but I hope it made some sense.

[ringahding1]

Originally Posted by mark123

I don't accept one time mowing unless the planets align. In other words, if someone calls and requests it, has the money in hand, the lawn is near enough to a lawn I'm doing that day and I feel nice.

I never feel nice.

If we do, it would have to be close to our route and already maintained...none of that "I hope there is no boulders in this grass"

[Ducke]

Yup
But I charge a premium for doing it and I explain that right up front.

[ringahding1]

Originally Posted by Hedgemaster

I dunno... as someone with an advertising background it rubs me the wrong way. There's too much of a "negative" attitude in it. You want to address the situation in a positive manner. As it stands, it makes sense to "us", but as a consumer, I'd view it as a complaint against clients.

That doesn't come across as well as I had intended, but I hope it made some sense.

Your right. It did sound pretty negative.

[Steve]

I dunno... as someone with an advertising background it rubs me the wrong way. There's too much of a "negative" attitude in it. You want to address the situation in a positive manner. As it stands, it makes sense to "us", but as a consumer, I'd view it as a complaint against clients.

What's your view on how that all should be reworded to sound more pleasant?

[CHEESE2009]

I have the same exact problem. Trying to get my clients to understand the reasons behind my, "NO".

Tends to always seem so negative, and the clients get all offended for no reason.

Good luck brotherrrr!

[shadrach]

We do it & charge more than for a regular cut - provided it can be scheduled on a day we are in that area. An email confirmation is nice too.


I agree with Hedge about the advertising bit - I wouldn't list it at all. Would rather have to sort through a few more calls than potentially turn away work that I might be interested in.

[ringahding1]

Originally Posted by CHEESE2009

I have the same exact problem. Trying to get my clients to understand the reasons behind my, "NO".

Tends to always seem so negative, and the clients get all offended for no reason.

Good luck brotherrrr!

There are ways to say "NO" to a customer, but we all know how people are in general...so it will most likely be 50/50 they take offense. Focusing on the word "No"...is reflecting on my always saying "YES" (YES MAN) Yes sometimes can get you into trouble or take on work that may becoming overwhelming. I guarantee you LCO's that say yes yes yes all the time cannot deny they wish they would've just said "NO".