Is a cell phone worth it

[kingstownquad]

I'm trying to decide if a cell phone is worth the costs. I do not like cell phones but realize i loose business because i do not have one. Also my number is long distance so some customers may not call. Any suggestions?
Ted

[Scott]

I'd be lost w/o my cell and for a while I had two. BUTT, my wife is from WV and I know that you don't always get reception up in the hills and if that is you're case you might be better off with just a bizness line at your home/office. There are plently of times that when people are calling to get a service and they get an answering machine they'll either; hangup and go to the next guy or leave a message and you're still likely to lose that job.

[GrassMaster]

The savings is more than worth it....

The cell phone will save you enough in Time & Gas alone to pay for itself every month.

What happens if there's an emergency with a member of the family, do they try to track you down or what.

I make a lot of long distance calls to my folks, they are a 100 miles away. I talk to them 3 to 5 hours a week, plus I make other long distance calls.

My wife & I both have cell phones, 600 minutes & unlimited nights & weekends (Long Distance Included) $79.95 a month for both phones with different numbers. No cost if we call each other.

[chriscampbell]

Worth its weight in gold, I am a believer in tech toys. Cell phones improve communication, track employees (ie GPS) and keep me in touch with the office. I also have email on my phone, wireless internet in the truck. Just a few features that you can do with a cell phone.

[MASTERMOWER]

I have a cell phone, but rarely use it or for that matter, rarely is it close by me at all times. I also try to not give customers my cell number. But, I do believe a cell phone is invaluable for a larger business. Communication is key to keep a business running smoothly and a cell phone is a no-brainer in the communication mix.

Because your number is long distance, then why hesitate to get a cell phone? Just gaining 1-2 clients per year would pay for the phone!

[turfman]

great topic...

I use my cell phone as my business line. Nextel is my service provider. The only thing I do not like about Nextel is the automated voice that says
"Please wait while the Nextel subscriber you are trying to call is located" when you are out of service.

I like the idea of a cell phone for business reasons but would prefer getting sent directly to a voice mail/answering machine being that the caller would have no idea they are actually calling a cell.

[Jims5964]

A cell phone is a must these days....

For your customers or potential customers to have a live person to talk to and so you can call the wife and tell her what time you are going to be home and she better have dinner on the table......
or else!!!!

[ECS]

My wife & I both have cell phones for the business and no land line. Whenever one of our customers/clients call, we can always answer the phone, whether it be while plowing, shoveling, riding the mower, trimming or what ever. We are a service company and believe that answering the phone when a customer calls is a must. We have landed several customers/clients because we do answer the phone. I can call friends and family 2200 miles away on the weekends and it doesn't cost me a thing, as long as it is on the weekends or between 9:00PM and 8:00 AM. My customers very rarely call me at night or on the weekends, unless it is for an emergency or something special. This has happened about 6 times in the past year.

[GeorgiaLandscaper]

I hate the dang thing, but could not imagine doing buisness without it.

[Bulldog26]

It's a must have! To solve the problem with long distance I have two numbers that go to my phone. One is a local call around my house and the other is a local number to the neighboring area that is long-distance to me. Easy fix and I think I costs me 2-3 dollars a mounth. Get one, but talk to people in your areas to see what company gets the best service.
bt

[Getter Done Lawn]

it's almost impossible to run this kind of business without one

[DJC]

We would be up the creek if we didn't have cell phones. If you want your business to stay a float get one!!!! Plus the security of knowing family members can reach you.

[Jimmy&Sons]

I finally broke down and got one last month but I lost the dang thing a week later. Don't see a need for it. Customer wants me they can leave a message at home and I'll call em when Im good and ready. That said theres sometimes it would come in handy.

[PTLlandscapingIL]

LOL about the nextel i second that but i have had other companys and nextel i would say is the best all my workers have them ifs great for landscaping and snowplowing and the extras i have weather channel updates instantly adn the GPS is great

[Team Gopher]

Hi kingstownquad,

If you miss calls, you could miss jobs so i think it is very important.