Interesting call

[65hoss]

Got a call a few minutes ago. The girl said she has never used me before but I gave her an estimate for cutting this spring. She told me she went with someone cheaper. But he is no longer in business. haha. I even laughed on the phone. She then told me I guess you get what you pay for. She now wants me to give a price on leaves and told me if my price is still good on mowing for next year I will probably start doing it. I may not have been cheap enough this year to get the work, but she learned a lesson for next year. I bet she will be a very good customer now and pay on time too. :laugh:

[Crazygator]

Good for you! But dont get too cocky when bidding the leaves. She did remember you, which is awesome. Most times they just get whoever is in the area that they physically see. I hope it works out now and next year. Better get on your knees and pray for the rain to stop!

[tranum]

good things come to he who waits. (and sticks to his guns!)

[Unionturf]

I totally agree with Crazygator with everything except the rain thing, bring it on!!! We have water restrictions and burning bans everywhere around here!

Hoss, bid as you normally would, she may still take the low guy next year. Get the contract signed if she is serious.

[65hoss]

I would only bid it normal. I know nothing is 100%. These are the type of customers I like to pick up. They've had the cutters who don't show up regularly, don't do a good job, will not return calls, etc. They are the ones that will chase you around the yard with a check just to make sure you come back next week.

Point was originally, if you cut to cheap you end up out of business. Its got to be worth it and enjoyable.

[stslawncare]

thats one thing i learned, quality is everything

[Flex-Deck]

Good move 65hoss - pay for quality - pay for efficiency - OR get mediocrity or less. I used to do a lot, A LOT of woodworking - built rolltop desks - full wall entertainment centers etc - found out that if I was looking at a router for example and they had 3 routers that were priced $80 - $150 - $300 at first I bought the $80 router, and hated using it because it was light and vibrated. I ended up buying 7 $300 Routers and put different bits in them (carbide) and making furniture became fun.

People who want quality may have to go thru the cheap bid once to understand what the quality bid is before they realize that you pay for what you get.

Keep your scruples and bid what its worth - (Some mowing accessories are worth a lot tooooooooooooooo;) ;)

Thanks, Brad

[cpmayhewinc]

Good job Hoss, I haven't gotten over the disgust yet of having people tell me I'm too expensive but I will and yes it will come back to you someday.

[strickdad]

beware hoss she is telling you she will use you next year so you will give her a break on the leaves now... her feet are over the barrell and it sounds like she is kissing a little booty...

[65hoss]

Its possible Stickdad. I went yesterday and looked it over. Leaf job?? haha. Its more like doing a final cut with very few leaves mixed in. Its so few leaves most people would not consider even cleaning them up until spring. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being high difficulty and lots of leaves, this one is a 1.:laugh:

[G&S LANDSCAPING]

Do the leaf job for her, Price it fairley , And send her a christmas card . I bet you will have her as a customer for a long time.Always be honest and a professional .

[Turfdude]

Hoss,

Sounds like she could be a fussy one. Personally, the fussier they are the more I like 'em. 1. If you do a good job and please them, the neighbors notice and believe me it like "if they are happy w/ that service, ten it must be good" 2. Clients who prefer their properties well kept, usually give you carte blanche "whatever you would do to your own home, treat it as your own and just make it look good". 3. They always pay promptly.

The only downside is that yor help may complain that "they are a pain in the *****" That's why I lecture them --- see below