Done with chasing customers!

[golfnpreacher]

I have explained to my customers that they don't have to pay at time of service, but they must leave a payment before the next service. I will give them "grace" on the second cut, but payment must be in cash before the next cut. They can pay by check, but no service until the check clears, which means they generally miss a week and they have to pay a "catch up" fee when I return. When I explain the "whys", and I've had to do that often, every client has understood the reasoning and I've never had a problem.

[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

When I explain the "whys", and I've had to do that often, every client has understood the reasoning and I've never had a problem. What do you tell them as to why? I bet this could help alot of members who aren't sure on how to explain this.

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[golfnpreacher]

Originally Posted by Steve

What do you tell them as to why? I bet this could help alot of members who aren't sure on how to explain this.

There are several reasons all tied to keeping my costs down and my rates affordable.

1 - Non paying customers cause price increase for paying customers.
2 - To keep rates low, cash flow must be maintained. Non payment hinders that and checks slow it down. You never have to wait cash to clear the bank.
3 - Bad checks cost me money, if I can't trust you to pay on time, can I trust your check to clear? (of course this is said more "diplomatically"