Mulch Your Way to a Better........anything!

[MrJimi]

Rutwad, I have your answer, find a overgrown lot and get ahold of the owner and ask if if you clear it that he wil let you put a sign up to advertise what you do, its a win, win situation for both of you and make sure its on a busy spot!!. Look at picture

Jim

 

[rutwad]

Sounds like some good ideas. I have a graphic designer working on me a "professional" flyer and brochure along with business cards. I had thought of soliciting in person to real estate agents, land developers, etc. I am scared that they may quickly discard something that comes to them in the mail. I thought it would be a great service for fence rows, but haven't thought to advertise with the fence companies.....thanks.

And Mr. Jimi I have thought of something similiar. What I would like to do is offer a discounted rate to a customer in good location, and then have corrugated signs made up that I could leave saying "Serviced by ......"

I am really going to concentrate on customer aweifaction. (that's a new one!) A satisfied customer is good, but the end results awe my customer, then his word should travel louder and faster.

But, what about my rates? Being new to the business, should I offer a discounted rate until I establish customers. Or do I present myself as completely professional and stick with a higher rate. I think appearance will make a difference. I bought a new truck, new trailer, and new equipment. My fliers, brochures, and business cards are all being gone professional. Not just some description printed on plain paper at home. I know there has to be a demand for this business, and I know that others are already in the business. So I really need to concentrate on "Professionalism" and customer satisfaction.

I need another opinion here. Once my logo is designed, I was thinking of having it printed up on three-page carbon copy estimate/invoices. I can right out the name, location of the job. Describe exactly what the owner wants done and what is to be left. Along with that, maybe I should include "Payment is due when services are rendered" or "every Thursday" if it's a big job. Sign it and give the owner the 2 bottom copies. Once he agrees to have the work done, have a place for him to sign saying he accepted the terms, and then return one of his signed copies back to me.
The reason 3 copies is because I may look at a job and have to send in the estimate. Then he can send one back if he accepts.
This is just something I have thought of because I don't want to get stuck with a non-paying customer. Runnning this equipment is expensive. If he doesn't pay, at least I have something in writing saying he agreed to it.

What should I do, any other ideas on that? Thanks for all your help guys. I've never taken such a chance as this. So far I have my wife's support, and I NEED to make it work.

 

[MrJimi]

Two things, make sure they are property owner and not just tired of looking at an overgrown lot, and the other one is get half your money before job start, then rest after done. You will lose less that way if it gets to that point
And make sure checks clear..
Jim

 

[6or7dazeaweek]

Rutwad: I do believe you're on the right track here. My neighbor purchased a JD tracked machine & has a big skid steer type of brush hog on it. He has gotten in tight with some of the developers & contractors & has more work than he can handle. He goes in, clears what the developer wants cleared on the homesites and goes on to the next job.

We're located in an area that is booming with new home construction so he is grinning from ear to ear. Good luck with your project...I think it will be lucrative for you if you can get in tight with some of the local developers in your area.

Jon

 

[Willl]

rutwad, you got any pics of this thing ?

 

[rutwad]

Here's one.

 

[tlbuser]

Sounds like some good ideas. I have a graphic designer working on me a "professional" flyer and brochure along with business cards.

Personally, I would skip posting flyers. They just turn into eyesores on the side of the road or on someones corkboard. I would target property management / large real estate companies first. Anywhere there is a junkie lot with a "For Sale" would be a good place to call, then sell them on the idea of how you could improve the appearance. I would be also be talking / showing local builders (especially the smaller guys) what a great asset I have to help them (maybe setup a demo for them or invite them to your jobsite)! The fence companies was another real good thought. Whatever your per hour price is, start there, don't lower it for a "one time" gig or else you'll be lowering it for every customer that guy talks to!
Word of mouth will make or break anyone. Be the type of guy that shows up ontime to do the job. Anytime we start a new customer, it's 100% imperative to show on the first day, even if it's rainy and you know you'll not get anything done. Yea, I know, that's maintenance and estimating time and........but
I even bring a thermos of coffee with an extra cup or two. A homeowner will be sitting and waiting and that "little extra" will go a long way in their mind. Another contractor may or may not be waiting on you, but unless you show up, you'll not know until they ask "where were you?".

You've also got yourself a huge liability potential, Cutting on someone else's property. I don't know of any way to get yourself released from it either. Might want to consider getting a larger liability policy.
Have you set the co. up as some type of LLC yet? That would probably be my first step, I might consider setting up a LLC separate from my other co., just in case.

 

[jdgreg]

Rutwad, Might also try making flyers and stuff them in rural mailboxes. I know I could use one right now, but dont think there's anyone in my area with the service. Might also check with fencing companies, to sub out to them to clear fence lines.

 

[ovrszd]

Rutwad, Might also try making flyers and stuff them in rural mailboxes. I know I could use one right now, but dont think there's anyone in my area with the service. Might also check with fencing companies, to sub out to them to clear fence lines.

OOOOOOPPPPPSSSSS!!!! Hold on there jdgreg, you just suggested he violate Federal Law. It's illegal to put anything in a mailbox except mail that has had postage fees paid and is being handled by a mail carrier.

Secondly, I would never do business with someone that puts flyers in my newspaper box or sticks one inside my door. I view that as an intrusion. Sorry, but that' my Missouri country boy attitude. I'll come find you for your service if I need it and I'll do that by using the Yellow Pages or the local trader newspaper.

 

[Glowplug]

Skywriting!!!


. . . sorry. The idea hit me and I couldn't resist. Elaborating on the previous comments though: don't put fliers on people's windshields either. When someone does that to me I make a conscious effort to definitely not do business with them.

Could you post some before and after photos just for everyone's amazement? It would be great to see some innocent unsuspecting 6" tree pulverized into mulch!