Stubborn customer

[Stephan Schwebke]

I've got a ding-dong customer from last year who insists on a every two week cut. His cool weather grass is fertilized and has sprinklers going God knows how many days per week. Then it's 8 - 9" tall & it looks like crap. He doesn't want to pay the extra charge for it being bagged. I can't seem to convince him that in the spring especially he needs to have it cut every week. What do I do?

Other than that my advertizing is beginning to kick in, and the taxes are due soon... So I'm doing well. Woo-Hoo!!

[MSL, INC.]

You are a patient person. He's probably laughing his ass off at how hard YOU have to work to get his lawn decent. Fire Him! Let some other l/c/o deal w/ him.

[highlander316]

If he continues to be stubborn, the drop him (if you can afford it). I've got a guy today, went to give an upgraded price (from scrub-level prices I had on some lawns from when I was young) and he said no, and it is still a little lower than what realistically should be charged for it. So I'm not gonna do it, I picked up some new ones that are worth the time instead of wasting around making jack-squat. Plus the guy is elderly, so that explains half of it. oh well

[Stephen M.]

Do what he wants and raise your price.

[dennis]

I agree with the ones who said drop him. If you can't raise the price then you are losing money. I have had some that we agreed on doing them every week then they switch up on me and wanted it every two weeks but wanted the same price. But just as you said it had sprinklers and was growing way to fast for 2 weeks. This was the same as cutting my price in half. And trust me some of these people know what that are doing that's why they have had so many different LCO'S. So say bye, bye and get another. Good luck.

[CrissBrothersLLC]

Sounds like he cares somewhat for the look of the property and the grass. If he can pay for the constant watering of his lawn, he can pay for your extra service. In your efforts to do a good job, he has succeded in taking advantage of your good will. He knows he can get away with this with you.

Beyond the annoyance of your extra time and labor, this problem yard is showing everyone that drives by that you dont perform a good service.

Explain that cutting that much off the grass every time is unhealthy for the lawn, promotes weeds, thatch, etc. Let the customer know that unless he will allow you to cut as needed or at least on a weekly basis, you will drop him.

[Stephan Schwebke]

Yes, guys I agree full-heartedly. Except, this is my second full year in the biz, and still have only 15 steady accounts. I cannot afford to drop this one. I do like the idea of being blunt...That's what I need to do. I was disgusted when I had to unclog the Walker two times, and continually raise the deck until it was high as it would go!!!! This guy is a financial advisor and is a frikin' puppet master. I need to be firm with him, and let him know I'm not going to play his games any more!! Thanks for the encouragement.

[MGO]

Drop him! It isn't worth it!

[P&C Lawn Care]

If you want to have a real business you need some business smarts. Don't think this ONE yard is going to make or break you. Explain you will have to charge more or drop him (unless you want to be know for the kid who mows and it looks like crap afterwards). Old people are cheap, they used to have someone mow their yard for a $1 (back in 52), or something like that. Do good work at reasonable rates (but not for free) and make a name for yourself. You will get more business by word of mouth than by any flyers, flyers only get the tire kickers and people looking for somebody cheap.

[sharp]

let me make money or find someone else

[joeslawncare]

Tell him if he does not let you do it like it needs to be done that you will remove your sign from his property, if you have one there, and drop his bum ass.

[edrenckh]

If you want the money, put your blinders on and cut. I had a customer last year that was the same way. Looked like a hayfield when I was done. He was happy, I got paid.

If you want to have a premium only service, good luck to you. I would rather have a tight route of good paying customers.