is this a good idea

[cjm2783]

is placing business cards in residential areas a good idea.... will it draw some business, or do i need some type of flyers

also, i want to offer the 2nd cut at half price to draw more accounts... do you guys think that's a good idea for someone who's starting a small business...

thanks for any comment

[nicess]

Flyers are a better idea for residentials, i've been told to expect around a 1% return from flyers. I think business cards are good if your talking to the person 1 on 1. I personally think that is a good idea for the second 1/2 off. Also i've heard of giving every 5th cut free. All up to you though man, Good Luck.

[sharp]

pick an area and put out flyers each month durning the season. If you know your numbers you will realize that you can not give a free cut ever. If you want to give some thing free give fert or pruning along with extra service which is paid. Remember your service is the best and they are lucky to have found you. be the best and a fair value.

[mariner]

Why not mowing free? Fertilizer cost you money, Mowing really doesn't.

[Phillip Baker]

Hey i give the first mow free with the signing of a 1 yr service agreement, it helps trust meeeeeeee....and yes make flyers and start putting them out tomm. your compition already has!!!!!!

[CNY Property Svcs]

I would also have to say flyers or doorknob hangers to promote your business in a residential area. I like the idea of the first mow free with a signing of a yearly contract, why not, it definitely would help. You could also offer a free trim of some bushes(limit the amount or size) and a free inspection of their other ornamentals while your at it. If you offer landscaping services, this could also generate more income for either chemical application (if you're certified) or possibly a chance to suggest some more plants to enhance what they already have. Be careful about the flyers- do not put them in the mailboxes- not legal- and make sure they are put in a conspicous place, where the customer will see it and read or dispose of it. Having your flyers blowing around the neighborood can cause more harm than good.

Good luck, let us know what you go with, and the response you get!!

Bill

[tulsa lawn guy]

Originally posted by Phillip Baker
Hey i give the first mow free with the signing of a 1 yr service agreement, it helps trust meeeeeeee....and yes make flyers and start putting them out tomm. your compition already has!!!!!!

Phillip...

Would you expand a bit on the formalities of the "agreement"? In order for the client to get their first mowing free, do they need to sign a 'binding' contract?

I too like the idea of "first mow free", I'm just don't want the customer to ditch me after their free mowing...

Thanks for the information.

[sharp]

Originally posted by mariner
Why not mowing free? Fertilizer cost you money, Mowing really doesn't.

If you are going to have a business and not a hobby every minute cost you money, from driving to mowing. The cost of the fert along with the time to put it out is less out of you pocket than running the mower. Plus it doesn't devalue your mowing service. A true "extra"

For people to feel like they are getting value = good deal, first you must feel like you are offering a value, that you provide something that is worth something. Giving away your main activities I think is sending the wrong message.

You have to set your self apart, try giving a 1 hour consultation with their yard. (sell extra work)

[J man]

yeah mowing doesnt cost nothing because those mowers you have were free and so was the gas that gos in them along with the upkeep and so on geeeeeeeeeeeeeez guys get real !! no wonder so many guys dont last in this biz

[tulsa lawn guy]

What do you think Mr. Baker?

[Elwood]

Why not mowing free? Fertilizer cost you money, Mowing really doesn't

The hours on the machine.
The pay of the operator. (If you have no employees, you should be paying yourself)
The fuel/lubricants for the machine.
The office expense for that cut.
The insurance for that cut.
Travel time for that cut.
ALL other expenses related to your COST PER MAN HOUR to operate.

and most importantly....YOUR PROFIT for that cut!


Sharp is right, if you must give something away for free, give away a different service, a service that you can probly upsell them on AFTER the free service is done. Also, put a price limit on that free service.

As for getting stabbed after the FREE service, if you are a real professional you should be using a written agreement. In that agreement, it should state that if the agreement is terminated before the end of the season, the FREE service will be charged to them at the time of the final bill.

[Phil Nilsson]

How about this ...

Oversize biz card ... your small photo on front to personalize it ... mailable, fold in half ... size of a greeting card ... inside all the details ... hole in left hand corner to use elastic to door handle ...

Phil

[Phillip Baker]

Tulsa , my mowing free gig was started by another lawn care co. here a couple of yrs ago, and myself and others followed with our own promotion like it. It basically entails them signing a service agreement for 1 yr of service. after which the pay on a 12 month contract. The winter months we dont mow we merely rake leaves and debris cleanup in Nov. Dec, Jan, Feb, we go by once a month and just check on the property March is when we start mowing agian. Thier contract starts when they sign up and go's for 12 months from the start date some months we dont even mow but they are billed monthley so we really aren't giving away a mow if that makes sense, because we make up for it in the winter months. And J Man i don't know how long you been in business but this is my fourth year and I'm right at 100 properties, good solid properties that are loyal to my Co. and I'll probably add 2 more empolyees this year to run my commercial division as the need has risen for me to seperate my commercial from my residential. I started out w/ a $99.00 mower from Wal-mart 4 yrs ago with 5 lawns, and Look at me now, 2 trucks F250, And F150, 3 trailors, 2 TORO 44" Z's, 2- 36" walkbehinds,1- 33" walkbehind, 2-21" Toro's....and the list goe's on I'm not bragging i'm just saying Im not planning on getting out any time soon and If you dont want to practice the free mow good for you i hope you make it your way!!!!!!