Need customers ! What works?

[jdc21320]

I am a start up business with no customers. I inserted over 500 flyers in newspaper boxes, house to house, in nice neighborhoods with a $10 coupon for first mowing along and a no obligation estimate. So far I've only heard back from 2 people. What is the typical response time and how many customers should I expect ? What should be my next step in acquiring a customer base. Thanks for any advice.

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Hi jdc21320, Welcome to our forum! The typical response is like 1 to 2%. Could we see what your flyer looked like? Maybe we could offer some suggestions? Have you made yourself some business cards yet? If you haven't you should do that. Then hand them out to everyone you know. Network with the people you know first and work from there. Also, do you have any history you could share with us about you and why you decided to start your business? Maybe we could come up with a unique marketing angle to make your company stand out from competitors.

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I would try business cards, go door to door and introduce yourself, hang up flyers and business cards in local businesses, put ads in local newspapers, make sure to get truck and/r trailer signage, doorhangers, and perhaps try doing some direct mail such as postcards or letters.

Sometimes the first couple of years may be slow until you establish a name for yourself

[TigerTime]

I created flyers and went door to door. This is working for me right now. I just started this year and I already am looking to hire some help. The response that I have gotten has been great and word of mouth has really improved my business. The gopher team gave me some suggestions and I have used some of them and it really helped. Keep reading in this forum and I know that you will get soome real help. I know I have and my business is taking off.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]I created flyers and went door to door. This is working for me right now

Did you talk to homeowners as you handed out the flyers or did you just put them in the door?

Any suggestions to other lcos as to the best way to do this and when is the best time?

I very happy that everything is working out for you

[turf rat]

We are getting ready to distribute about 300 door hangers in our neighborhood. We made them ourselves, so the cost of the hangers was around 10 dollars. So if we get one customer it will be worth it.

[Steve]

Hi turf rat,

Could you show us what you created?

[StartALawnCareBusiness]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (jdc21320 @ May 05 2007,10:58)]So far I've only heard back from 2 people.

The first clients are the hardest to get.

What was the outcome of those two clients? *Did you get their business? *Now's the time to put "word-of-mouth" advertising to work. *Give those two customers fantastic service. *Ask them to tell their friends. *Don't offer discounts or any gimmicks, just say "I'm really trying to build up my business. *Will you please tell everyone you know about me?"

Ask them to mention you to their friends at church and work. *Maybe their family members need someone dependable. *

Knock on their neighbors' doors next time you do their lawn. *::Knock Knock:: *"I'm here doing your neighbor's lawn. *I would love to give you a free estimate on mowing your grass." *Be energetic and show enthusiasm...they won't turn you down. *Tell them you can do it right away since you have your equipment with you.

Post your flyer for us to see. Gopher is a master at flyer design and he will help you out.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]Don't offer discounts or any gimmicks, just say "I'm really trying to build up my business. Will you please tell everyone you know about me?"

One of the fascinating things about business is you can get two opposite views on what you should do and both can work.

Keith I have heard both ways of this (offering discounts and not). What is your view on why it's not a good idea to offer discounts or gimmicks when trying to gain new customers?