Can I get commercial accounts?

[compute_a_nerd]

Hey guys. I've read Phil Nilsson's posts on getting commercial accounts. My question is: is it too late to try and get commercial accounts. I know they all have a service right now, but is there a possibility that some of them are upset w/ what they are getting. Would it be appropriate to call and ask if I could put in a bid?
thanks
Chris

[knowltondata]

It never hurts to try... better to try and know you can't or can than to not try and never know and kick yourself.

[chriscampbell]

I got a call today to bid on snow removal already.....by the way anyone with advise on snow. I told them that I would get back to them. I was planing to do holiday lighting to carry me through the winter, as an income. Is it worth it to do snow as well?

[work it]

I don't know about your area Chris, but in this area it's worth it to get into plowing. That's something you're going to have to ask snow plow operators in your area. In this area there's not much competition, but there's not much snow either...lol. I'm sure you (being in a large northern city) would have to deal with a lot of lowballers and other idiots who give away their services. Hum....sounds like the lawn industry. Taking that into consideration it might be better for you to just stick with holiday lighting.

[Countryside]

I would'nt advertise for commercial right now, but I would keep an eye out for properties that are getting any or lack of attendtion.

Then knock on the door and see if they are willing to change contractors or at least get your foot in the door for next year.

I will start contacting customers for snow around mid July, but must of our are recurring commercial accounts that are just waiting to hear/see a price.

And yes it should be a good money maker to get you through the winter..be carefull not to take too much on one good snow might leave you with a bad name. You should figure that a 5-8 accounts could tie you up for 8-10 hours per day/night.

[compute_a_nerd]

alright thanks guys
Chris

[Dr.Bizzaro]

Management Companies will at ANYTIME seek ways to come in under budget- therefore pitch them monthly....find out who is who- meet them....drop by once a month to see if anything has come up.....after they see you a few times- they'll know who you are, then when something DOES come up, you'll get a shot....sometimes you'll get a start working on someone's private res. and that's a great in...as they will "guide" you on bidding numbers...
atleast that's my story...

[chriscampbell]

I don't know about your area Chris, but in this area it's worth it to get into plowing. That's something you're going to have to ask snow plow operators in your area. In this area there's not much competition, but there's not much snow either...lol. I'm sure you (being in a large northern city) would have to deal with a lot of lowballers and other idiots who give away their services. Hum....sounds like the lawn industry. Taking that into consideration it might be better for you to just stick with holiday lighting.

We get on average about 80 inches per year. It is competive but there is only a few big names that dominate this industry. From the people I talk to the companys are smart enough to go with someone who is insured. I am unsure how to bid large properties. Does anyone in my area have any suggestions. PTL you are in my area? I will have one truck for salting, surban, dump and blazer for plowing and maybe a bobcat/small front loader if i get some big accounts.

Sorry for a few mis spellings i stoped at the pub on the way home....

[CleanCutMaint]

June is usually a good month to pick up customers who are not getting what they thought they would be from their provider.

[Phil Nilsson]

Hey guys. I've read Phil Nilsson's posts on getting commercial accounts. Chris

Do the Property Audits ... ANYTIME and continually!!!!!!!!!! non-stop ... there are hundreds if not thousands of properties to "go for"

Good luck ...

[compute_a_nerd]

Great advice everyone. I think I'm going to try those property audits.
Thanks
Chris

[Phil Nilsson]

Great advice everyone. I think I'm going to try those property audits.
Thanks
Chris

The audits worked for me ... rarely would an account say no ... since I asked for none of their time or even their grounds specs (just their okay to visit the site to assess it) ... "I'll give it a shot, (mail my findings and offer to you) if the numbers look good to you then call me" ... I said. We'll go from there.

[Team Gopher]

Hi compute_a_nerd,

The present is always a great time to make new business contacts. They may or may not use you now, but you now have made that initial contact and future contacts with them will be easier for you.

[ahlgrenlandscaping]

Hey Phil I tried to find that post you made about Property Audits because I didn't get a chance to read it could you send me a link?

[compute_a_nerd]

I went through and found It. There may be a more extensive one though.

http://www.lawnserviceforum.com/showthread.php?t=5149&highlight=Property+Audits

I tried the audit thing today. I only had time to make one call to a major drug store franchise. But they were completely willing and I am feeling fairly confident.

As far as calling people back monthly or bi-weekley. Do they ever get annoyed with you. I would hate to have people get upset with me. What do you think?
Thanks
Chris