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Right, I hate when I charge $400 for a full clean up and we finish in 1.5hrs - 2 hrs. Then they make the comment of "how are you making $200 an hour, my doctor doesn't even make that". They never take into consideration of our set up time, gas for truck and equipment, dumping time, time driving to the client, and most of all the labor. One thing I will never do again is low ball myself just to get the job. If the money's not there, not worth all that time. I'd rather not do the job.
Semper fidelis Semper Paratus we trimmed 3 full sized African sumacs, front yard was full clean up. About 8-9 full sized shrubs trimmed. Also a tree upfront with light trimming. Weeds pulled, debris blew out. We gave him a deal. He was quite happy as well.
Yes, they also do not take into consideration the cost of customer acquisition (marketing). If you hand out flyers for instance for a few days and then land customers, that is time you weren't getting paid. A general practitioner can just roll up to work and immediately start making ~$100/hr from 8-5pm, charging the government or insurance companies huge amounts to give out referrals to specialists or common sense diagnoses lol
Semper fidelis Semper Paratus I'm here in Vegas bro. People are cheap asf here. I just run away from them and service people who can afford it. You gotta know your worth and stick to it.
I think we've all had that person or those people that don't understand that we make money by being productive. There's not a huge profit margin in lawns. I get the same thing with snow removal. Every so often someone gets bent at their bill and they complain that we're only there for 5 minutes. There's never any consideration to the prep work involved, the post storm repairs and maintenance, the white knuckle travel time to the account, or the $80k rig that facilitates my ability to plow your driveway in 5 minutes opposed to shoveling it in 45 minutes. Peace!
Yeah they don't realize the cost of the equipment and fuel, they should go and shovel it themselves so they can feel the true value of i the work, they probably won't finish in 5 minutes though! LOL , if they finish at all
I've been in business over 30 years. Just a one man operation. And yes I've had similar experiences to you. People saying I worked too fast. And others trying to get me to do extra work for the same price. "Oh, while you're here....." And I've had the same reaction. If you want me to do extra, expect me to charge extra. And feel free to hire someone else if you don't like my work. If you do the work you are hired to do, and do it well, there is no reason to try and hang on to constantly complaining customers. Too much stress. It's just not worth it. Same for low-balling an estimate just to try and get a job.
You have a couple good dudes working with you there. Keeping good employees speaks volumes about yourself and character. Keep doing you man, best wishes.
Had a lady call me who needed about 3,000 sq ft of 5 foot tall mature grass cut down. I come out and bid the job, tell her it'd be $75. She told me I could use her brush hog if I wanted because the last kids she hired couldn't even get through the grass with their weedeaters. Told her no thanks I only use my own equipment. Show up a week later to do the job, pull out my Stihl 130R w/ string attachment and cut that shit into layers within about 40 minutes. She told me I did a really good job and paid me and I was on my way. The next morning I woke up to a voicemail from her telling me I work too fast! She couldn't believe she had to pay me $75 for 40 minutes of work. She wanted me to weed her flower beds for free because I worked too fast. lol. She was at least polite enough to wish me luck with my business with the rates I charge. Lady, I can afford a $500 trimmer setup BECAUSE of the rates I charge.. lol
Happens to me yesterday removed 6 yards of black mulch and install 5 tons of 3/4 red barn in under 3 hours and now my Customer is complaining I did a bad job since she didnt expect it to be done in so little time. I mean it was a 3 men crew of course we'll move fast. Anyways you can't make everyone happy I'm firing her after my payment Is received.
Haha happens to everyone man! That’s why I never ever will do an hourly rate for anyone, with the right equipment you can do the job of 2-3 hours within an hour. That’s why there’s a difference between someone who does it professionally and for a living and someone who just does it on the side. Get that money brother.
They dont understand the cost of everything. I lost my rag with one customer who said something similar. I said I've just cut your over grown lawn with several thousand pounds (uk) of kit. They soon shut up and paid
There's always people who want something for nothing. And others just want to complain or feel like they've got the final say-so or be in control. I've always appreciated people that work quickly and efficiently. And as quick as i've seen you guys do yards unedited I know you and your crew have all the right moves and get it done quick. There is such a thing as doing a job fast AND doing it right. I guess that one home owner doesn't realize that. No loss. You've got people on the waiting list to get folded into your rotation.
The best way to handle that situation is say " i apologize if i missed anything and id be more than happy to fix any mistake or go over anything that i missed" usually that sufficiant but if they still arent happy than move along.. But i would never tell a customer that we dont make mistake or argue with them off the bat. I dont know how everything played out but i would hope thats not what you did
Omg, I'm glad my yard guys get done quickly! They are usually here as the sun comes up on Saturday morning. I think about my neighbors trying to sleep late. So, the quicker they get done, the happier I am. With 3 guys working, they can do my yard in 15-20 minutes. That's fine with me!
I do Pressure washing, you said “older clients” one thing I’ve learned about those is, if they say i believe in a fair days pay for a fair days work. Walk away. Unless you want to spend all day doing a 2 hour job
indeed. they always complain about price, always try to get you to do extra work for free and just in general bug you about every little thing. you spend more time talking with them about various things than you do actually completing the job.
There’s always that one customer who thinks that he’s not getting his money’s worth. I like what you told him. No pun intended, but if he thinks the grass is greener on the other side he’s in for quite the rude awakening. I’d also like to commend you for being a great mentor. Kids today, whether they’re white, black, Asian, Hispanic, are basically directionless and you, as the employer, have to fill in where the school system failed them. I like your judgment, fairness and that you don’t treat them like children, but like grown men, grown intelligent men. It’s up to them to prove you wrong. Your new man, Harris, is coming along well. I could see he readily responds to your teaching. And, by the way, I give you a thumbs up before I even see the video. You never let me down. Any one who gives you a thumbs down is either a competitor or an idiot. There’s no third option.
Good paying non complaining customers are few and far between. Just because we are efficient, doesn't mean we're bad service providers. That's how we make money. Keep production up and costs down. I have "1", count em....."1" customer who owned his own business and truly appreciates what we do because he knows what it's like being in business. He's forever giving us tips if we spend extra time on his property. Christmas bonus EVERY year for the past 13 years and has increased my yearly contract 4 times without me having to increase myself. He is a God Sent customer to us.
Some clients think they are your ONLY customer so you can spend all day with them or come running as soon as they call. Because we have nothing else to do.
so true. booked a client for 3 jobs. 10pm thursday night before the scheduled job he texts us and says he needs to reschedule. we say sure no problem. he wants saturday but we already have other jobs booked and wont be available until 3 pm. he really did respond with " i thought you guys said you were available at any time". yea any time at the time of scheduling for a specific day. not a week later after weve booked more jobs. he followed up with "im going to cancel your services then". of course we said we are not the right company for him and let him go.
I like the channel. I am also in the same industry, not mowing anymore, but I do treatments, and still deal with the same types of people and attitudes. A lot of people look at us as just lowly lawn guys. They want to see us bleed for our money, they hate that we come and get shit done and we are gone, fast. They want an even better job done, or they complain just like you stated, even though there isnt anything wrong, and theyll even ask for a cheaper price just to insult us even more. They have no problem paying for their fancy cars and in some cases million dollar homes, but they always want to get over on the lawn guy :/ Much respect for being a stand up business owner.
Im getting hands on business experience and learning how to deal with clients (customer service) by watching your videos. Its more than just cutting grass I see.
Funny you say that i watched a saving green video a while ago and his client litterally wanted him to push mow because they thought he was moving to fast lol
Sounds like you have a problem customer that needs to be dropped ASAP. If the customer's expectations do not fit your business plan than it is time to say goodbye.
hard working young men you got working for you. Your lucky and yes some old people want to squeeze or maybe its just in their DNA to always ask for a little more unless you stop them
My mother is the same way towards the house cleaner who services my house. If they do it in 2mins or 2hrs I dont care. As long as she does her job the right way thats all that matters to me. Your right its mostly older people.
We just left a woman that said we cut to fast. And we tried to explain that we have between 25 and 35 lawns a day. We do good work man. We have accommodated her alot. But we just couldn't do it anymore. And it's ok. Just like you guys there are plenty of people she can call.
Good vid as usual - thanks for sharing. I'm 6'3" and looooove my Darwin's Grips. The shorter guys I've had with me don't take to it as quickly (or see what the big deal is), but for me it was instant relief. I also have mine attached a bit further down the shaft, so when I stand up straight my left hand comes to a natural hang, if you get what I mean. Yours looks a bit closer to the original handle, which appears to force it into an odd position. Perhaps you could tweak the attachment point and angle, and maybe you'll like it better - just a suggestion. It definitely isn't for everyone but for me it's now a must-have.
I’ve got the opposite problem because I’m solo and don’t have the best equipment. You’re my inspiration for my goal of not spending so long in the customer’s yard. Most of my customers are at work when I’m there but still, I’ll never advance if I don’t start getting done faster. (No matter what, I tend to pick up tools too many times. Working on it.) Just watching your vids, I’ve never seen you miss a “blade of grass.”
Try not to let "getting done faster" compromise your quality. You may not have the best equipment, but do the best you can with what you got. Maintenance is a biggie: make sure the blade(s) is/are sharp; change the oil regularly; clean the deck after the day's work; try to use 100% gasoline if possible, rather than E10. Take care of your stuff so it will take care of you in the field. Save the money for upgrades and pay cash. It will take time but don't go into debt. Teach yourself how to become more efficient at the lawn jobs. For example, I only remove one tool at a time, and use it until it's absolutely not needed anymore. Learn from the mistakes; lord knows I made a ton of them last year! Anyway, good luck to you, I'm sure you'll do fine. Take care, and drink water!
We took over a large yard the owner had been using a push mower on that took him over 2 hours to mow, we show up with a 60" Z turn and a stander and had the whole yard mowed and wacked in 1/2 an hour and he pitched a fit because we charged him $45.00. Hmm, over $10,000 in mowers, $800.00 for trimmers, $500.00 back pack blower, $2000.00 trailer plus gas and oil. That what it takes to get it done faster.
I'm paying for results not time. I'd complain if the team took too long for a maintenance cut though. Get'er done gents. Love your channel and leadership for your team. Excellent example of a business man.
I also am a crew chief so to speak. And I have had clients say the same thing about how quick we finish. That’s because we invested hard earned money to be able to use top notch equipment so the job moves quicker. I wish my yards were bunched together closely like yours, I have a lot of windshield time between yards. I am servicing a very rural area in Erin TN there aren’t many subdivisions
I service pools and it's the same thing. The customer remembers the time when one person did it in 1 hour and forgets to do the math when there's 3 people. Appreciate your content mate.
i had a customer who once wanted to pay us less than what we initially agreed on because we finished the job earlier than she expected. Absolutely ridiculous, you are paying for the quality of the work and how you want it done, not on how quickly or long it takes us to do it.
case in point. i use to be a pest control tech on a route. i would plan my routes ahead of time, but some customers wanted me to sit there for a whole hour. i could do a whole house in under 20 minutes including spraying the exterior, inspecting for new pest, crack and crevice treatments on the inside as well as inspecting the interior. Then you'd get unemployed Sally who thinks their $$$ is their time with you. Unless youre doing something special....you bang them out and they just have to accept that.
Just catching the vid, thumbs up btw. I have an explanation for this. The older generation do not understand anything in regards to piece work. They're all used to /hr pricing for labor. You mow a lawn for say $40 a visit. In their head, they're calculating time based on some price they come up with. Lets say $25 an hour. Therefore they think you should be there for almost 90m no matter what. People like that will always put labor in terms of time, and feel they need to get their money's worth.
I have an old lady that is good with me now, but when I first started her yard about 10 years ago, some old guy with a push mower and a blower had been servicing it before me. She said he used to spend about half a day in her yard and she couldn't believe I could do the yard in 45 mins. I just told her when you have the proper equipment you can get the job done fast and still make it look great. There just isn't much you can tell these people.
Idk What it is with some of these customers. It's like they have a power trip and think they own you will you're on their lawn. I had a mow customer for years and she never complained, always renewed and loved service. This year She had surgery and is home during the day she gets cut. She comes out and talks to me about what's going on in her life and how she is having a block party and everyone always comments are her lawn looking the best. She goes back inside and I bang out her lawn as usual. When I'm loading up i see her standing at her door. I wave but she don't wave back and then i ask if everything is fine. She says I don't know but looks concerned and goes back inside. The next day she calls complaining that we just fly through her yard in 20 minutes and there is no way we can do a good job in that time because it takes her son 45 min just to cut the lawn with her push mower. For years never a problem but now that she sees the process she is unhappy. How do you appease these type of customers. They feel they are getting robbed not because the lawn doesn't look good but because they want more of your time.
just explain every time her neighbors complimented the yard it was done with the same 20 minute process. Also, her son and his garbage push mower arent equivalent to your professional equipment and service. give her that logic bro
I worked for a lawn care company for a summer and I can honestly say it was one of the most fulfilling jobs I ever had, keep up the great work guys, love the channel, stay hydrated! Cheers from California
I had a buddy that got a 25,000 commission for a huge mural. He submitted the plan, it was approved, he finished the job very quickly. When he was wrapping up the job site someone from the university accused him of doing the job too quickly. He simply asked if there mural looked like his submitted drawing, conversation over.
i know exactly what you are talking about. They want want to penalize us(landscape maintenance workers) or bitch to us,because we're so good and fast and experienced at what we do!!!
Im uploading a video tomorrow about an ex-customer that I had that was like that. I would finish her yard and she would want me to talk to her for 30 mins or do something extra for extra money, and she hadnt paid me for what I already did.
That darwins arm is amazing. You still have experiment with the position. When the young man was using it his left hand was too close to his body. So it must be installed further down.
Low prices result in faster work. That is just a simple economic reality. This is why I always impress on potential customers the fact that we are exchanging a set amount of money for a specified regular result. We do not charge for our time. We do not charge for the effort. We charge for the results. I tell them that if we show up in December, and nothing needs to be done to restore the standard set by our overhaul, their monthly charge is still due. I also let them know that, if it takes a 3 man crew 4 days to clean up a massive monsoon overgrowth in August, they do not pay extra. (Yes, that was extreme, but a 2 man crew an extra day is reasonable.) I present my service as a sort of yard insurance. I also compare to the phone company. You pay the plan rate no matter how many minutes you use, even if you use none. So, yes, people deal like this all the time, and happily do so again when they see it works to their ultimate benefit. Customers seeking low prices will always end up doing something like the complaint the customer brought up in the video.
Great video! It looks like you have a very good crew, i live in Clarksville TN and it’s very hard to find guys that care about the quality and are efficient at the same time.
You should do a video (if you haven’t) on how to fire a customer. Example: if your over booked and don’t want to hire another crew. Or if you have someone who you can’t get along with. Please and Thank you
What type of mower would you recommend getting for a new startup? I’m looking at either a zero turn or Stander along with a push mower for back yards. So zero turn or stander?
I feel ya... folks think you’re suppose to be there 1 1/2 hours... I’m in and out 40-45 minutes single man operation 20 min when my son is with me... I tell people it only take 5-7 minutes with these 60 inch z turn front and back. That other 15 is edge, hedges and blowing.. great video
One of my first costumers was someone I blew leaves for. I had no clue how long it would take me because the leaves were so thick, so I told her $25/hour. The next season I picked her up as a mowing client and we settled on $35/mow. After the first mow that took me about 30 minutes she told me that it should be $12.5 because she was going off if the $25/hour figure.
Had a lady tell me the same thing 2 weeks ago....she said I hadnt been there long enuff to mow....60 inch z can move along....think back in the 1960s her hubby had a snapper with a 26 inch cut and he worked all day on the yard....plus I remember my pops using hand shears to trim around the house where a push mower can't get lol
its usually women who cant compute that time is money and in order to make a profit one must be ahead of their curve. A business doesnt stay afloat dragging its feet.
All we can do bro is try and make everyone happy. Sometimes we win sometimes we lose. But at least we know we tried everything professionally possible. You do good work bro keep it up 👍
Had a guy tell me his lawn guys are to fast and not looking for work, keep in mind the guy is on a corner lot with lots of bushes. I ask how much is he paying them he says $80 a month I told him there goes your problem
$80.00 per month? Even for one guy that's not worth it, Even if it's just a Mow, Blow and go account no trimming for 15 minutes weekly. That's 1 hour net per month for $80.00 ? Then consider the travel time, Gas for the equipment, truck no way to become a Millionaire.
How did you get laser edge blades for your exmarks? I would love to get them for my mowers because sharpening all my blades every day is getting really old😂. Any info would be awesome!!
sounded like an idler pulley was banging around on the 36 vantage at 2:24. maybe just a loose belt. I watched George's vid right before this. yall have a solid week!
Support from your Mexican brother I deal with the same issues, they see that we get the job done early an want to throw in a smart comment will since that was easy for you guys you mind doing this an that......... an I simply reply of course not for an additional charge haha gets them all the time. Let’s be honest Work smart not Hard I use to worry about it but can’t make everyone happy so I stopped an moved on.
Hey man.. It might.. Just an opinion disregard if. U don't like it. Tell ur guys to do the line with the weed eater side ways instead of throwing it on ur shoulder and it might facilitate the edging with that attachment on
Your not fast .Your using what 30-40 inch rideons naturally it's going to be quicker than the old style push mower since your cutting anywhere up to 4 times the width if not more . In other words it's far more efficient & they're zero turn . You gotta love those castors on any type of mower
You don’t ever have to lower yourself down to your customers lack of knowledge on why you do things fast etc.. A quick simple class on what you do and why, they don’t get it then tell them professionally they are welcome to find someone else and be prepared to walk away, professionally.
You have that darwings Grip on too high. Look at my overveiw of the Darwins grip and where I have it. Very natural feeling. The way you have it set up your elbow is way to high and un natural. Your guys will like it close to where I have mine set.
Doing 20 property a day is easy for them cause they have a big lawnmower that does the job for them they just stand on it and let do the job. How come they get tired?
@@billydarley6925 I once was a wood floor installer. Had a few crews working for me. Most of my guys just wanted a chance to prove themselves. They did 95% of the time. I still love and respect every one. Even those that failed me.
Man, I was watchin the video thinkin what da heck is different, and goin crazy!! Da red shirtz is back baby!!! Glad things are going well bud. Dirty Jersey out!!!
took my kids to park and was watching a guy cut a front lawn only with a exmark 30". tract home maybe 1000 sq ft lawn.indian lady came out to watch him.when she got tired she sent her twenty something son out to watch him.took poor guy 20-30 minutes to cut.i was laughing at how slow he was moving for them to "get there money's worth" actually drove close by just to look
Johnny Mow said the same thing... They expect you to do the yard like it's your only one..... They compare it to the time they used to do it. But we have 30k in equipment and 2 to 3 employees . Those are the owners cost to do business and still be efficient so you can increase your bottom line. We're not getting paid by the hour.
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Blades of Grass Lawn Care, LLC do you find that you’re more productive with the stand on mowers compared to the sit down mowers?
Right, I hate when I charge $400 for a full clean up and we finish in 1.5hrs - 2 hrs. Then they make the comment of "how are you making $200 an hour, my doctor doesn't even make that". They never take into consideration of our set up time, gas for truck and equipment, dumping time, time driving to the client, and most of all the labor. One thing I will never do again is low ball myself just to get the job. If the money's not there, not worth all that time. I'd rather not do the job.
Well said
Semper fidelis Semper Paratus we trimmed 3 full sized African sumacs, front yard was full clean up. About 8-9 full sized shrubs trimmed. Also a tree upfront with light trimming. Weeds pulled, debris blew out. We gave him a deal. He was quite happy as well.
Yes, they also do not take into consideration the cost of customer acquisition (marketing). If you hand out flyers for instance for a few days and then land customers, that is time you weren't getting paid. A general practitioner can just roll up to work and immediately start making ~$100/hr from 8-5pm, charging the government or insurance companies huge amounts to give out referrals to specialists or common sense diagnoses lol
That covers the cost of the equipment. The shuts them down.
Semper fidelis Semper Paratus I'm here in Vegas bro. People are cheap asf here. I just run away from them and service people who can afford it. You gotta know your worth and stick to it.
I think we've all had that person or those people that don't understand that we make money by being productive. There's not a huge profit margin in lawns. I get the same thing with snow removal. Every so often someone gets bent at their bill and they complain that we're only there for 5 minutes. There's never any consideration to the prep work involved, the post storm repairs and maintenance, the white knuckle travel time to the account, or the $80k rig that facilitates my ability to plow your driveway in 5 minutes opposed to shoveling it in 45 minutes.
Peace!
Yeah they don't realize the cost of the equipment and fuel, they should go and shovel it themselves so they can feel the true value of i the work,
they probably won't finish in 5 minutes though! LOL , if they finish at all
I've been in business over 30 years. Just a one man operation. And yes I've had similar experiences to you. People saying I worked too fast. And others trying to get me to do extra work for the same price. "Oh, while you're here....." And I've had the same reaction. If you want me to do extra, expect me to charge extra. And feel free to hire someone else if you don't like my work. If you do the work you are hired to do, and do it well, there is no reason to try and hang on to constantly complaining customers. Too much stress. It's just not worth it. Same for low-balling an estimate just to try and get a job.
You have a couple good dudes working with you there. Keeping good employees speaks volumes about yourself and character. Keep doing you man, best wishes.
Took me YEARS to figure out, but personally, I don't take on clients of a certain age anymore. . .and I'll leave it at that. 😆😆
😎👍
lol, if they can remember paying $2 to get their grass mowed move on bro
Had a lady call me who needed about 3,000 sq ft of 5 foot tall mature grass cut down. I come out and bid the job, tell her it'd be $75. She told me I could use her brush hog if I wanted because the last kids she hired couldn't even get through the grass with their weedeaters. Told her no thanks I only use my own equipment. Show up a week later to do the job, pull out my Stihl 130R w/ string attachment and cut that shit into layers within about 40 minutes. She told me I did a really good job and paid me and I was on my way. The next morning I woke up to a voicemail from her telling me I work too fast! She couldn't believe she had to pay me $75 for 40 minutes of work. She wanted me to weed her flower beds for free because I worked too fast. lol. She was at least polite enough to wish me luck with my business with the rates I charge. Lady, I can afford a $500 trimmer setup BECAUSE of the rates I charge.. lol
Happens to me yesterday removed 6 yards of black mulch and install 5 tons of 3/4 red barn in under 3 hours and now my Customer is complaining I did a bad job since she didnt expect it to be done in so little time. I mean it was a 3 men crew of course we'll move fast. Anyways you can't make everyone happy I'm firing her after my payment Is received.
Haha happens to everyone man! That’s why I never ever will do an hourly rate for anyone, with the right equipment you can do the job of 2-3 hours within an hour. That’s why there’s a difference between someone who does it professionally and for a living and someone who just does it on the side. Get that money brother.
I hate customers like that, they think tha the stuff we use is free smh
Dammmmmm!!
They dont understand the cost of everything. I lost my rag with one customer who said something similar. I said I've just cut your over grown lawn with several thousand pounds (uk) of kit. They soon shut up and paid
There's always people who want something for nothing. And others just want to complain or feel like they've got the final say-so or be in control. I've always appreciated people that work quickly and efficiently. And as quick as i've seen you guys do yards unedited I know you and your crew have all the right moves and get it done quick. There is such a thing as doing a job fast AND doing it right. I guess that one home owner doesn't realize that. No loss. You've got people on the waiting list to get folded into your rotation.
The best way to handle that situation is say " i apologize if i missed anything and id be more than happy to fix any mistake or go over anything that i missed" usually that sufficiant but if they still arent happy than move along.. But i would never tell a customer that we dont make mistake or argue with them off the bat. I dont know how everything played out but i would hope thats not what you did
He says the guy couldn't show him any spots he missed, so it sounds like it played out like the customer was wrong and just bitching.
Omg, I'm glad my yard guys get done quickly! They are usually here as the sun comes up on Saturday morning. I think about my neighbors trying to sleep late. So, the quicker they get done, the happier I am. With 3 guys working, they can do my yard in 15-20 minutes. That's fine with me!
I do Pressure washing, you said “older clients” one thing I’ve learned about those is, if they say i believe in a fair days pay for a fair days work. Walk away. Unless you want to spend all day doing a 2 hour job
Great point, thanks for sharing!
indeed. they always complain about price, always try to get you to do extra work for free and just in general bug you about every little thing. you spend more time talking with them about various things than you do actually completing the job.
There’s always that one customer who thinks that he’s not getting his money’s worth. I like what you told him. No pun intended, but if he thinks the grass is greener on the other side he’s in for quite the rude awakening. I’d also like to commend you for being a great mentor. Kids today, whether they’re white, black, Asian, Hispanic, are basically directionless and you, as the employer, have to fill in where the school system failed them. I like your judgment, fairness and that you don’t treat them like children, but like grown men, grown intelligent men. It’s up to them to prove you wrong. Your new man, Harris, is coming along well. I could see he readily responds to your teaching. And, by the way, I give you a thumbs up before I even see the video. You never let me down. Any one who gives you a thumbs down is either a competitor or an idiot. There’s no third option.
Good paying non complaining customers are few and far between.
Just because we are efficient, doesn't mean we're bad service providers. That's how we make money. Keep production up and costs down.
I have "1", count em....."1" customer who owned his own business and truly appreciates what we do because he knows what it's like being in business. He's forever giving us tips if we spend extra time on his property. Christmas bonus EVERY year for the past 13 years and has increased my yearly contract 4 times without me having to increase myself. He is a God Sent customer to us.
Tell him if he not happy you can charge him the equivalent to a union package for each guy.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
One thing i could never afford in Australia is paying for a weekly or bi-weekly lawn mow
Some clients think they are your ONLY customer so you can spend all day with them or come running as soon as they call. Because we have nothing else to do.
so true. booked a client for 3 jobs. 10pm thursday night before the scheduled job he texts us and says he needs to reschedule. we say sure no problem. he wants saturday but we already have other jobs booked and wont be available until 3 pm. he really did respond with " i thought you guys said you were available at any time". yea any time at the time of scheduling for a specific day. not a week later after weve booked more jobs. he followed up with "im going to cancel your services then". of course we said we are not the right company for him and let him go.
I really like your setup, nice, organize, and clean, good job man.
I like the channel. I am also in the same industry, not mowing anymore, but I do treatments, and still deal with the same types of people and attitudes. A lot of people look at us as just lowly lawn guys. They want to see us bleed for our money, they hate that we come and get shit done and we are gone, fast. They want an even better job done, or they complain just like you stated, even though there isnt anything wrong, and theyll even ask for a cheaper price just to insult us even more. They have no problem paying for their fancy cars and in some cases million dollar homes, but they always want to get over on the lawn guy :/ Much respect for being a stand up business owner.
Im getting hands on business experience and learning how to deal with clients (customer service) by watching your videos. Its more than just cutting grass I see.
Oh... Yes, there's more
Funny you say that i watched a saving green video a while ago and his client litterally wanted him to push mow because they thought he was moving to fast lol
rookie kidd wow that guys an idiot.
OMG really LMFAO
I like how you keep it 💯 brother, keep up the good work! Yards are on point! Peace✌🏼
Sounds like you have a problem customer that needs to be dropped ASAP. If the customer's expectations do not fit your business plan than it is time to say goodbye.
hard working young men you got working for you. Your lucky and yes some old people want to squeeze or maybe its just in their DNA to always ask for a little more unless you stop them
Just by watching the video I feel like I accomplished something.😂🤘
My mother is the same way towards the house cleaner who services my house. If they do it in 2mins or 2hrs I dont care. As long as she does her job the right way thats all that matters to me. Your right its mostly older people.
We just left a woman that said we cut to fast. And we tried to explain that we have between 25 and 35 lawns a day. We do good work man. We have accommodated her alot. But we just couldn't do it anymore. And it's ok. Just like you guys there are plenty of people she can call.
These videos prepare me for when i start my business. Thanks bro!
I don't understand how one can work in lawn care and not wear a belt. It literally makes zero sense.
Maybe they have pants that fit...?
Good vid as usual - thanks for sharing. I'm 6'3" and looooove my Darwin's Grips. The shorter guys I've had with me don't take to it as quickly (or see what the big deal is), but for me it was instant relief. I also have mine attached a bit further down the shaft, so when I stand up straight my left hand comes to a natural hang, if you get what I mean. Yours looks a bit closer to the original handle, which appears to force it into an odd position. Perhaps you could tweak the attachment point and angle, and maybe you'll like it better - just a suggestion. It definitely isn't for everyone but for me it's now a must-have.
I'll try that tomorrow, thanks!
@@Bladesofgrasslawncare Most welcome!
I’ve got the opposite problem because I’m solo and don’t have the best equipment. You’re my inspiration for my goal of not spending so long in the customer’s yard. Most of my customers are at work when I’m there but still, I’ll never advance if I don’t start getting done faster. (No matter what, I tend to pick up tools too many times. Working on it.) Just watching your vids, I’ve never seen you miss a “blade of grass.”
Try not to let "getting done faster" compromise your quality. You may not have the best equipment, but do the best you can with what you got. Maintenance is a biggie: make sure the blade(s) is/are sharp; change the oil regularly; clean the deck after the day's work; try to use 100% gasoline if possible, rather than E10. Take care of your stuff so it will take care of you in the field. Save the money for upgrades and pay cash. It will take time but don't go into debt. Teach yourself how to become more efficient at the lawn jobs. For example, I only remove one tool at a time, and use it until it's absolutely not needed anymore. Learn from the mistakes; lord knows I made a ton of them last year! Anyway, good luck to you, I'm sure you'll do fine. Take care, and drink water!
We took over a large yard the owner had been using a push mower on that took him over 2 hours to mow, we show up with a 60" Z turn and a stander and had the whole yard mowed and wacked in 1/2 an hour and he pitched a fit because we charged him $45.00. Hmm, over $10,000 in mowers, $800.00 for trimmers, $500.00 back pack blower, $2000.00 trailer plus gas and oil. That what it takes to get it done faster.
You will never make everyone happy. I gave up on that years ago.
I'm paying for results not time. I'd complain if the team took too long for a maintenance cut though. Get'er done gents. Love your channel and leadership for your team. Excellent example of a business man.
That’s right keep it moving
I don't know why, but I love watching these videos
I also am a crew chief so to speak. And I have had clients say the same thing about how quick we finish. That’s because we invested hard earned money to be able to use top notch equipment so the job moves quicker. I wish my yards were bunched together closely like yours, I have a lot of windshield time between yards. I am servicing a very rural area in Erin TN there aren’t many subdivisions
I service pools and it's the same thing. The customer remembers the time when one person did it in 1 hour and forgets to do the math when there's 3 people. Appreciate your content mate.
i had a customer who once wanted to pay us less than what we initially agreed on because we finished the job earlier than she expected. Absolutely ridiculous, you are paying for the quality of the work and how you want it done, not on how quickly or long it takes us to do it.
And then, they wanna get upset when you try to explain that to them.
You guys got that yard looking sweet. I need you to come & do my yard
He's wearing airmax 97s to work
case in point. i use to be a pest control tech on a route. i would plan my routes ahead of time, but some customers wanted me to sit there for a whole hour. i could do a whole house in under 20 minutes including spraying the exterior, inspecting for new pest, crack and crevice treatments on the inside as well as inspecting the interior. Then you'd get unemployed Sally who thinks their $$$ is their time with you. Unless youre doing something special....you bang them out and they just have to accept that.
Just catching the vid, thumbs up btw. I have an explanation for this. The older generation do not understand anything in regards to piece work. They're all used to /hr pricing for labor. You mow a lawn for say $40 a visit. In their head, they're calculating time based on some price they come up with. Lets say $25 an hour. Therefore they think you should be there for almost 90m no matter what. People like that will always put labor in terms of time, and feel they need to get their money's worth.
That was a very honest opinion . Keep it moving bro
I have an old lady that is good with me now, but when I first started her yard about 10 years ago, some old guy with a push mower and a blower had been servicing it before me. She said he used to spend about half a day in her yard and she couldn't believe I could do the yard in 45 mins. I just told her when you have the proper equipment you can get the job done fast and still make it look great. There just isn't much you can tell these people.
Idk What it is with some of these customers. It's like they have a power trip and think they own you will you're on their lawn. I had a mow customer for years and she never complained, always renewed and loved service. This year She had surgery and is home during the day she gets cut. She comes out and talks to me about what's going on in her life and how she is having a block party and everyone always comments are her lawn looking the best. She goes back inside and I bang out her lawn as usual. When I'm loading up i see her standing at her door. I wave but she don't wave back and then i ask if everything is fine. She says I don't know but looks concerned and goes back inside. The next day she calls complaining that we just fly through her yard in 20 minutes and there is no way we can do a good job in that time because it takes her son 45 min just to cut the lawn with her push mower. For years never a problem but now that she sees the process she is unhappy. How do you appease these type of customers. They feel they are getting robbed not because the lawn doesn't look good but because they want more of your time.
just explain every time her neighbors complimented the yard it was done with the same 20 minute process. Also, her son and his garbage push mower arent equivalent to your professional equipment and service. give her that logic bro
i really appreciate Q's attitude. morale is everything
I worked for a lawn care company for a summer and I can honestly say it was one of the most fulfilling jobs I ever had, keep up the great work guys, love the channel, stay hydrated! Cheers from California
I had a buddy that got a 25,000 commission for a huge mural. He submitted the plan, it was approved, he finished the job very quickly. When he was wrapping up the job site someone from the university accused him of doing the job too quickly. He simply asked if there mural looked like his submitted drawing, conversation over.
i know exactly what you are talking about. They want want to penalize us(landscape maintenance workers) or bitch to us,because we're so good and fast and experienced at what we do!!!
I wish I lived in GA, you fellas do amazing work!!
People think because they work for an hour and get paid. You should do the same at their property.
Im uploading a video tomorrow about an ex-customer that I had that was like that. I would finish her yard and she would want me to talk to her for 30 mins or do something extra for extra money, and she hadnt paid me for what I already did.
That darwins arm is amazing.
You still have experiment with the position.
When the young man was using it his left hand was too close to his body.
So it must be installed further down.
He has a case, if your going so fast that you’re tearing up the turf. And that’s ONLY If your damaging the lawn.
Low prices result in faster work. That is just a simple economic reality. This is why I always impress on potential customers the fact that we are exchanging a set amount of money for a specified regular result. We do not charge for our time. We do not charge for the effort. We charge for the results. I tell them that if we show up in December, and nothing needs to be done to restore the standard set by our overhaul, their monthly charge is still due. I also let them know that, if it takes a 3 man crew 4 days to clean up a massive monsoon overgrowth in August, they do not pay extra. (Yes, that was extreme, but a 2 man crew an extra day is reasonable.)
I present my service as a sort of yard insurance. I also compare to the phone company. You pay the plan rate no matter how many minutes you use, even if you use none. So, yes, people deal like this all the time, and happily do so again when they see it works to their ultimate benefit.
Customers seeking low prices will always end up doing something like the complaint the customer brought up in the video.
Animosity in these these streets, keep flying
Keep it moving guys
Great video! It looks like you have a very good crew, i live in Clarksville TN and it’s very hard to find guys that care about the quality and are efficient at the same time.
Right Outlook Bro., God Bless....
🤝
You should do a video (if you haven’t) on how to fire a customer. Example: if your over booked and don’t want to hire another crew. Or if you have someone who you can’t get along with.
Please and Thank you
What type of mower would you recommend getting for a new startup? I’m looking at either a zero turn or Stander along with a push mower for back yards. So zero turn or stander?
Thanks. Only way to work out the issues is to go through them
I feel ya... folks think you’re suppose to be there 1 1/2 hours... I’m in and out 40-45 minutes single man operation 20 min when my son is with me... I tell people it only take 5-7 minutes with these 60 inch z turn front and back. That other 15 is edge, hedges and blowing.. great video
One of my first costumers was someone I blew leaves for. I had no clue how long it would take me because the leaves were so thick, so I told her $25/hour. The next season I picked her up as a mowing client and we settled on $35/mow. After the first mow that took me about 30 minutes she told me that it should be $12.5 because she was going off if the $25/hour figure.
Had a lady tell me the same thing 2 weeks ago....she said I hadnt been there long enuff to mow....60 inch z can move along....think back in the 1960s her hubby had a snapper with a 26 inch cut and he worked all day on the yard....plus I remember my pops using hand shears to trim around the house where a push mower can't get lol
its usually women who cant compute that time is money and in order to make a profit one must be ahead of their curve. A business doesnt stay afloat dragging its feet.
All we can do bro is try and make everyone happy. Sometimes we win sometimes we lose. But at least we know we tried everything professionally possible. You do good work bro keep it up 👍
Why do I get so much enjoyment watching a proficient, well oiled, skilled bunch of guys killing some lawns?
Watch ur videos every day bro
On string trimmers slide it down the shaft more So it's further down
I will, thanks!
@@Bladesofgrasslawncare great videos. ... glad to see pride and quality on the come back...
Time is money, the faster you can get the job done up to your high standards the more money your business makes.
Had a guy tell me his lawn guys are to fast and not looking for work, keep in mind the guy is on a corner lot with lots of bushes. I ask how much is he paying them he says $80 a month I told him there goes your problem
$80.00 per month? Even for one guy that's not worth it, Even if it's just a Mow, Blow and go account no trimming for 15 minutes weekly. That's 1 hour net per month for $80.00 ? Then consider the travel time, Gas for the equipment, truck no way to become a Millionaire.
How many lawns do you guys do a day? And what time do you guys start?
We average 17 to 21 lawns and start at 7:30 AM but all my properties are very close together
How did you get laser edge blades for your exmarks? I would love to get them for my mowers because sharpening all my blades every day is getting really old😂. Any info would be awesome!!
You should always follow the property line on your way in the yard then your way out of the yard perfect lines count
Not when the grass doesn't stripe.
Been their, they expect you to be their for one hour for the asking price.
I had the same problem! Either the grass is cut and looks good or it doesnt...we had 3 guys
We have a customer just like you described. Always wanting you to do more but doesn’t want to pay the extra.
sounded like an idler pulley was banging around on the 36 vantage at 2:24. maybe just a loose belt. I watched George's vid right before this. yall have a solid week!
That's the hand blower that I was using while filming.
@@Bladesofgrasslawncare i gotcha good to hear it wasn't from the mower.
Your guys work like there commission based
Support from your Mexican brother I deal with the same issues, they see that we get the job done early an want to throw in a smart comment will since that was easy for you guys you mind doing this an that......... an I simply reply of course not for an additional charge haha gets them all the time. Let’s be honest Work smart not Hard I use to worry about it but can’t make everyone happy so I stopped an moved on.
Thanks for sharing!
Blades of Grass Lawn Care, LLC soon I will be posting videos too your welcome anytime.
Hey man.. It might.. Just an opinion disregard if. U don't like it.
Tell ur guys to do the line with the weed eater side ways instead of throwing it on ur shoulder and it might facilitate the edging with that attachment on
Man you guys are the best
Thank you!
thats why i work alone, one man army
Nice going chief
I can relate on 5.05min : they realy thing you have to spend the whole day working on their lawn/property just because they're paying you. Shjeees 🙄😤
What’s the difference on the two zero turns? Sitting versus standing up? Thanks. God bless you and your team.
czcams.com/video/CrY9IqZKPMQ/video.html
I watched that Packard video, hilarious
Your not fast .Your using what 30-40 inch rideons naturally it's going to be quicker than the old style push mower since your cutting anywhere up to 4 times the width if not more . In other words it's far more efficient & they're zero turn . You gotta love those castors on any type of mower
You don’t ever have to lower yourself down to your customers lack of knowledge on why you do things fast etc.. A quick simple class on what you do and why, they don’t get it then tell them professionally they are welcome to find someone else and be prepared to walk away, professionally.
You have that darwings Grip on too high. Look at my overveiw of the Darwins grip and where I have it. Very natural feeling. The way you have it set up your elbow is way to high and un natural. Your guys will like it close to where I have mine set.
Thanks, I'll check it out.
Man... No wonder it felt like crap, take two tomorrow, thanks again!
It’s upside down lol
@@Bladesofgrasslawncare you welcome. Ima need a shout out lol
Doing 20 property a day is easy for them cause they have a big lawnmower that does the job for them they just stand on it and let do the job. How come they get tired?
Yeah keep mowing keep moving!! Client clients! Never stop complaining or asking to do more.
Sounds like you have a good crew going. Great job.
im glad to see them working and not getting into trouble.
@@billydarley6925 I once was a wood floor installer. Had a few crews working for me. Most of my guys just wanted a chance to prove themselves. They did 95% of the time. I still love and respect every one. Even those that failed me.
Where do find that attachment for your string trimmer? The long white extension. My shoulders are killing me. And can it attach to all trimmer?
Man, I was watchin the video thinkin what da heck is different, and goin crazy!! Da red shirtz is back baby!!! Glad things are going well bud. Dirty Jersey out!!!
Lol!!!
took my kids to park and was watching a guy cut a front lawn only with a exmark 30". tract home maybe 1000 sq ft lawn.indian lady came out to watch him.when she got tired she sent her twenty something son out to watch him.took poor guy 20-30 minutes to cut.i was laughing at how slow he was moving for them to "get there money's worth" actually drove close by just to look
lol!!!
I don't need to look at the video the caption is all I need to say this Business is business and is yours either step up or move out!
Johnny Mow said the same thing... They expect you to do the yard like it's your only one..... They compare it to the time they used to do it. But we have 30k in equipment and 2 to 3 employees . Those are the owners cost to do business and still be efficient so you can increase your bottom line. We're not getting paid by the hour.
Great