Can't seem to get regular customers

[All Aspects Landscaping]

on the gas topic... we spend about $3000-$3500 a month on fuel...

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Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by [b Quote[/b] (All Aspects Landscaping @ May 11 2008,8:06)]on the gas topic... we spend about $3000-$3500 a month on fuel... * My buddy spends $180.00 every 2 days to fill each truck and he owns 3. If im doing the math right he spends $8,100 every month. In one year is $97,200 now thats crazy.. Hes making well over $700,000 yr so im guessing is not hurting so much..

Ouch...my new Ford Ranger is took $86 this week, as opposed to my old Mazda which usually took about $45/week. So that would be $350 or so I guess per month. We have two other trucks, but I don't have to deal with those.

[LawncareMarketingMagic]

Dave,

I'm probably a bit late on this post, but I wanted to chime in on your questions.

In terms of converting these one time jobs to long-time customers, are you presenting them with offers to help move them in that direction? What I mean by that is instead of simply agreeing to perform the one time job do you have several different service package you can present to them when discussing the one time job with them?

As Keith mentioned, you should raise your price for the one time job. One of the benefits of these other service packages you present them could be the fact they save money by agreeing to a longer service commitment.

In terms of Craig's List, several people have already mentioned this, but the majority of people on the site are looking for a great deal. Yes, you'll probably get some calls, but keep in mind their reason for calling.

With respect to fielding lots of calls, yes, it's important to be accessible to your prospects but at the same time your time is extremely valuable. Or at least it should. You need to have a process in place that weeds out the tire kickers so you only have to deal with serious, interested prospects.

Finally, generating new business requires consistent, proactive effort. Unfortunately the whole 'if you build it they will come' only works in movies. If you want customers to come, you've got to figure out a way to consistently get in front of them with a powerful sales message that tells them why you have the answer to their problems.

Thanks for the tips Chestin,

I've actually managed to get regular customers out of a couple of the craigslist people. I'm up to 28 clients right now, and I'm still getting a few calls a day. I printed up some flyers, but haven't had the time to hand them out yet. I've never actually flyered before, so I'm interested to see if it works at all. I figured I'd target areas within a couple of blocks of my current jobs to try and cluster them together a bit.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]I've actually managed to get regular customers out of a couple of the craigslist people.

Dave, can you give us a little insight as to how you managed to turn these one time customers into regular customers?

What kind of services did these one time customers call for and how did you get them to be regular customers?

Usually they're just surprised how reasonable my rates are for mowing. Other than that, when I'm discussing their property with them, I often bring up lawn issues or mention things about lawn care and that gets them interested. They really seem to like the organic lawn care angle.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]I often bring up lawn issues or mention things about lawn care and that gets them interested. They really seem to like the organic lawn care angle.

So you will point out problems with their yard and this will help sell them on you being able to resolve these issues?

Do you find that you are able to upsell them to other services besides simply mowing?

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]They really seem to like the organic lawn care angle.

Are you able to sell them a yearly lawn fertilization package?

[LawncareMarketingMagic]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]when I'm discussing their property with them, I often bring up lawn issues or mention things about lawn care and that gets them interested.

Dave, you hit on a great way to not only convert your prospects to long-term customers, but it's also a great way to convey added value, thus allowing you to charge a higher price.

You see, people don't mind paying a little more if they know they're going to get more than what they could get from someone else. By talking to them about their lawn and by educating them on the issues, they'll see you know your stuff and they'll begin viewing you as the expert.

If you don't offer anything to differentiate you from your competition, the only thing you have to compete on is price. And don't discount the fact that you're just talking lawns. You have knowledge and experience your prospects don't and even though your competition could do the exact same thing, they're obviously not. Capitalize on this.

[comanche]

when i get a call the first thing i wait for is if someone wants a quote over the phone. Then i know if their a price shopper or not. If the person asked me to come and see the yard, then i know their serious about getting some work done. The little things that you notice when you are there helps up sell yourself. Like if there are brown spots in the lawn or if the lawn needs fertilizing. Dont hesitate to ask if it has been done because then they know that you have the knowledge and you care.