Re: You bet I have!

Woody awesome post.

I have often thought about getting into the business and starting it slowly. Although there are a lot of people already doing this service in every town, I still believe there is a market for someone to start this business.

One thing to keep in mind, our population is aging and many can't mow their lawn anymore. Maybe there kids will mow the lawn but if you shoot them a good price, I would not be surprised the kids might even just pay for the service for their parents so they don't have to do it. Perhaps get some gift certificates printed up and advertise around Mothers Day or Easter.

Also there is extra work out there cleaning gutters and window washing if you want to diversify and already are at the residence and want to make a few extra bucks.

Key with elderly people is earning their trust and then you will get word of mouth referrals.

My 02 cents worth,
Mark
> Greetings Biznewbie,

> Instead of using the "Under Bid" approach, offer lawn package
> specials.

> Here are examples:

> * Reno Cut * - Consists of cutting lawn for $29.95

> * California Trim * - Consists of cutting lawn and trimming for $34.95

> * South Beach Lawn Diet * - Consists of cutting lawn, trimming and
> minor weeding for $39.95

> Using a choice method instead of a dollar method prevents you from having
> to unbid the competition or get into pricing wars. The choice method also
> allows your customers to only have you do what they want accomplished.

> One week it might be cut, trim and weed. But next week they may only want
> you to cut. The week after that cut & trim. It shows them that you are
> flexible.

> Whenever you stop by a client's home all you have to say is, "What
> service today, Mr. X? The Reno Cut, California Trim or South Beach Lawn
> Diet? Then let them choose.

> Another benefit to using the choice method is that you can introduce this
> month's special packages. An example of this would be flower bed
> rejuvenation or bark dust removal and replacement. The ideas are endless.

> Now if you have to increase your prices then put together a different
> service and introduce a new service package to your clients. Maybe a
> contract service that is renewable in 1 year.

> The other important issue is using numbers that people commonly recognize
> when they purchase. An example of this is when you offer to cut a lawn for
> $20 instead of $19.99.

> I don't know what it is, but when customers see rounded prices they seem
> to think that $20 is to much. However, when they see $19.99 they say
> "Great price". It's a penny! But it works.

> One final note about underbidding. Many homeowners know what the going
> prices are for lawn services. If they see you are trying to get the job
> and you are willing to go down they will try to get you to come down more.
> Don't play the under bidding game you will end up paying more in the long
> run.