How to drop this customer?

[Cashin H&P]

So here is my issue, I have an account that has given me enough problems all year for landscaping. Just a royal pain in the ***. Now for plowing the are doing the samething. They are contracted for $2250 for the season with three payments of $750 (the lot is very small). The contract was signed in April, in November they wanted me to lower the price, which was not going to happen. So I was paid (4 days late I might add), I'v salted there twice now. Well today I herd through the grape vine that they are going to stop using me because the new mechanic has a plow truck. So my question is, How should I go about dropping this customer? I am so sick of all of the ******** they give me. Can I get the rest of the money

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

Lawn care business tips

Without knowing the contract its hard to say. Getting the rest of the money will be based on the payment schedule and work performed. If you started work that hasnt been paid for you can do two things. 1 is bill them per event and materials. 2 is try to collect for the whole 3-4 months. 1 is going to be a lot easier to collect on then 2. I had a pita customer all year long. I did the snow removal and landscaping. I ran into one of the owners and had a casual conversation. I guess I was expected to plow this winter and continue landscaping next year. Now I just found this out a few days ago mind you. So I sent a new contract for both with 20% raises. They signed it and I already have a check in hand. To me this is a win win. I can put up with the nitpicking for a extra $3000. It seems like you cant raise prices in your situation. So I would just bill them for what you did already with a nice letter discontinuing services.

__________________
South Eastern Connecticut Landscaping /Lawn Care /Pressure Washing /Snow Removal /Gutter Cleaning
52" Brutus/52" Super Surfer/44" Pro Line/60" ZMaster
EB630/EB802/EBZ7150/EBZ8000/BR400/Billy Goat 8Hp
FS55&90/FC95/km110/L322&326/TR2350S
HC150/HC155/CHTZ2460
CS440/MS290
Case 1816 Skid

[Cashin H&P]

Im just going to send them a letter monday, stating discontinuation of service and say they need to pay half of the remaining cost anf if they dont Ill send it to a collection agency or take them to court. The probably wont pay but if they do I'll be happy. If they dont I probably wont bother taking them to court because thats a huge pain in the butt.

[LawnBoy0311]

I'm not too sure what your contract states, but if you have it in there, you can try it and see if they pay.

What wouldn't make sense is....if you pull the plug on their service, then turn around and tell them to pay you the remaining part of the contract.

Why not make up a little white lie? Try sending them a letter and say due to hard times, you have to do a price increase. But you want to be fair to them, and offer them the option of buying out their contract. That way its a win win. Negotiate the buy out price, obviously not too high if you want them to quit. If they take the price increase, finish out the contract with them and then dump them. At least by that time you got some extra cash to deal with all the whining.

[ringahding1]

You may just have to move on...usually is for the best. Unless your contract does not have a "No termination fee" or something like this.

[Steve]

Have they paid you for all work you have done so far? Might it be worthwhile to you if they have to just have a talk with them and part on good terms? Maybe even if they don't need you now, they may need you later in the season?

[willshome]

I would not drop them mid season that looks very un-pro
I would look at your contract and see if dropping them next time their late paying would work.
I never drop customers just raise the rate next year to make them worth doing

[Grass Doctor]

let them pay you for the next month, then send them the cancellation notice and a summary of the material u invested out of your pocket and cut them a check for the rest, of the money why should u loose.

[Cashin H&P]

Well guys I dropped there january bill off today, The manager (dumb 24 year old girl) says her father (the owner) is un happy with the plowing. Well I explained to her that I did the best I could with the customers cars to be worked on parked in the only place to store snow on the whole lot.

So I dont think ill be getting paid. But before they have a chance I am going to send them this, keep in mind that this is only the second time I have had to write this type of letter. What do you guys think, and please be nice haha



Liam Cashin
Cashin Home and Property Services
53 Highland Farms Drive
Bedford N.h. 03110


Rpm Fuels
137 Route 101
Bedford N.h 03110


RE: Termination of service



I regret to inform you that service to your property at 137 Route 101 in Bedford is being terminated for the following reason;

• I cannot plow the parking area with the cars parked on the west end of the lot. I have brought this to your attention numerous times and you have not complied with this request.
• Communicating with your business has proven to be very difficult at best.

I feel it would be best for both of our business if we part ways. I do not owe you any services nor do you owe me any money. I’m sorry that we have to end our business relationship this way, however I fell it is best for both business.


Regards

[SECTLANDSCAPING]

If you feel there was no other way. Only you know whats best for your business.

I have pita customer. I was called out 3 times after the storm to address different issues. I spent about 2 hours waiting for cars to be moved. So I would plow a space or 2 at a time, instead of hitting from the side and clearing them all at once. I would drop them too if I wouldnt be losing 20 grand.