How do I get a commercial account?

[FeartheDeere]

Hello
I am a High School Junior and have been in the mowing business for 4 years now. So far I have only done residential jobs. As this season comes to an end, I'm beginning to think about possibilities for next year. One of my goals for next season is to land a larger commercial job. (I hear these pay more) I have sufficient equipment for some very large yards. So, my question is how does a guy go about selling his service to a commercial account? Are there any suggestions or things I should know before I plow into doing this?
Thanx,
Kevro's Mean Green Cut

[Phil Nilsson]

reply

Read this piece ...

http://www.lawnservicing.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1030

[Green Giant]

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Drive around your area. Target some businesses that you know you could handle. Write up a "call list". Be well prepared. Introduce yourself and your biz. Ask them when or if they are taking bids for maintenance. If they currently have someone ask if they are happy with the work.
If they give you a time frame of when they are accepting bids make sure you prepare a professional pkg. to deliver,on time. No biz cards or plain sheets of paper with something they can't understand.
Use or create a bid form that you can give to them along with a business card. Have some references available.
You'll need adequate insurance and in some cases,like here,a license.
Make sure you cover all the bases before you dive in.
Best of luck![]

[FeartheDeere]

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Thanks a lot to you guys!
I will consider your advice. And to Mr. Nilsson I feel priviledged that you noticed and replied to my post! I have learned the most from your posts and replies. Thanx for your time!

[qualitylandscaping]

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Fear,

I don't mean to sound mean, but your screwing yourself bigtime. If you bid commericals the way you priced your residentials, the commercials will just throw your bid away and laugh you off their property. If you ever want to be successful in the biz, get movin and get a minimum price ( I start $20 for Residential, and $60 for Commercial). I won't even consider doing it for less unless its really small next to another lawn that I cut for more...

Good luck and dont be afraid to BID HIGHER!!!

[Greenman]

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Yeah, what quality said.[]