Keeping customers informed

[golftman]

Since I have little contact with my customers over the winter, how do any of you keep them informed as to when your services are going to start up again? I have used a letter in the past, but didn't know if there were any ideas out there. I haven't lost any clients, but I would like to send something informative out to let them know it's time to start thinking about their lawn maintenance. Thanks.

[parkside]

I usually send out a company newsletter containing info such as benefits of aerating, proper fertilizing and watering ect ect....

[njnewbie]

Aside from a letter/newsletter, the only good idea I can think of is having a website with news updates throughout the off-season. But it's too late for that, as the only way to advertise it to your customers would be a letter. Before I used a letter I would write a handwritten note for current customers on flyers as I was flyering neighborhoods.

Just use a letter, and put up a website as soon as you can. At season's end, tell your customers to check the website for important news concerning when you'll be starting up again, etc. And then send a letter too.

[Seascape]

I used to send my mowing customers a "greeting" about this time of year. Almost a flyer? Or,,,,,,,,,,,, a gretting in flyer form made straight out of Micro Word. Usually said "Spring is almost here!" "We're waiting on your call" "services beginning March 1 " ect............ just depended what kind of mood i was in. Usually put a short list of services like areation, mulch,spring clean up,, ect........ It always got a few calls coming in plus touched base with them.

Try it,,, your phone will ring.

[dwyman]

I usually call my regular mowing customers and tell them I am just touching base before spring rolls in and see if they need estimates on anything else. Also give them their price for the year. My fert customers just get a letter.

[golftman]

Thanks for the support. I guess an informative letter will do the trick.

[dg0123]

I call last years customers in Feb or 1st of march to let them know that I will be starting soon and ask them if they need any pine straw, mulch, etc., etc... This way I get to speak with most of them instead of by email or snail mail.

[bobbycat02]

contacting cutomers

In mid feb i sent out a contract letter listing my avalible services for the up coming season and i send them a self addressed stamped envlope so it makes it easy for them to respond there is also a dead line when to respond and we request a small deposit that way there locked in and i know they are serious and not wastin my time that way i can advertise to make up any one who has moved on it gives me heads up on just what services they well be needing that way i can plan on how many empolyees i might need if any. these letters are always signed and dated by the customer that way there is never a problem its all legal.last year did a clean up customer said i didnt ask for that im not paying showed them the contract that they signed got paided that day its well worth the small invsetment in time and money. you wont have to wonder whats going on for the upcoming season a little planing goes a long way becuse time is money it has worked well for me and ive been in the biz since 1992 hope this helps some of you new guys just starting out

[bushmaster]

I generally call all of my customers , around March 15th. (I start my regular mowing season the 1st week of April .) I offer early mowing to the
occasional client who needs it ,and upsell spring clean-ups to those who have not already had this done . This has consistantly worked well for me (17 years in the biz,now) I usually pick up a few neighbors from my existing clientele and have enough time and flexibility to finalize my scheduling plan for the upcoming season.

[Bobbygedd]

"dear customer, spring is upon us, and we look foward to starting our schedule. basically, I GET THERE, WHEN I GET THERE. in the meantime, please make sure your payments are on time, to avoid late fees + penalties. thanx"