The $20 Lawn

[PineCrestWoods]

Been seeing them all over Craigslist. I know.... same old crap. I post on Craigslist, too....

Do these guys really disappear? It seems that there are so many, they will be around forever.


I like it when they say how much experience they have- so... they've been working for nothing for 8 years?!?!??!

What does a $20 lawn service look like?

Have you had any customers ask why you charge more than $12, $15, $18 for their "average size lawn"? What do you say?

[completelawncare]

B
Have you had any customers ask why you charge more than $12, $15, $18 for their "average size lawn"? What do you say?

They don't ask, but I tell them that I am probably more expensive than the guy on a bicycle pulling a push mower.

Because I have a college degree, I have tons of insurance, and I am licensed for lots of different things.

[Scagguy]

Been seeing them all over Craigslist. I know.... same old crap. I post on Craigslist, too....

Do these guys really disappear? It seems that there are so many, they will be around forever.


I like it when they say how much experience they have- so... they've been working for nothing for 8 years?!?!??!

What does a $20 lawn service look like?

Have you had any customers ask why you charge more than $12, $15, $18 for their "average size lawn"? What do you say?

I tell them that we fix $20 lawn care but, for way more than $20.

[DynaMow]

What does a $20 lawn service look like?

well its either a guy that does it part time, already had a truck, maybe even a trailer. Heck I'm gonna get me a mower and cut some lawns. No insurance, etc....

Or it is a guy that had a truck, maybe trailer, and lost his job. Just doesnt really know true costs, just looking for money. Especially while on unemployment.

The guy that doesnt even want to work, easy way out, get me about 25 lawns, make $500 a week, and party like a rock star.

Or, and hopefully, a guy that is just starting out, trying to do it the right way, doesn't know real costs, or how hard it is to achieve. Maybe he sticks it outs and learns, or he will be selling some stuff soon. I know, I was one of these.

[DynaMow]

well its either a guy that does it part time, already had a truck, maybe even a trailer. Heck I'm gonna get me a mower and cut some lawns. No insurance, etc... doesnt care.

should tell you all the story I had with a local lawn scrub at a local tavern. I knew he was, he didn't know me from Adam. Its a very interesting story and insight into some thinking.

it is a guy that had a truck, maybe trailer, and lost his job. Just doesnt really know true costs, just looking for money. Especially while on unemployment.

Around July customers grass will be getting longer between visits.

The guy that doesnt even want to work, easy way out, get me about 25 lawns, make $500 a week, and party like a rock star.

Around July customers grass will be getting longer between visits. Until they stop showing all together.

Or, and hopefully, a guy that is just starting out, trying to do it the right way, doesn't know real costs, or how hard it is to achieve. Maybe he sticks it outs and learns, or he will be selling some stuff soon. I know, I was one of these.

if its the guy that learns and hangs in there. He will always provide good service, no matter what his mistake was. The customer will like his company, and he will retain his clients.

[PineCrestWoods]

Now dangit Craig... thereya go almost making me feel bad.

[PineCrestWoods]

What's the story?

[DynaMow]

Now dangit Craig... thereya go almost making me feel bad.

nothing to feel bad about, but why the hell else would someone charge $20?

What's the story?

I will make a seperate thread someday.

[PineCrestWoods]

nothing to feel bad about, but why the hell else would someone $20

They're a charity?

[Sammy]

..... I post on Craigslist, too....

Hey, just found your ad !

We will mow any yard in Council Bluffs for 20 dollars. Includes mowing plus trimming and blowing of grass. 100% satisfaction or your money back. If interested, please email us at ABCmowingCb@hotmail.com or call 402-639-9996.

[GS]

Been seeing them all over Craigslist. I know.... same old crap. I post on Craigslist, too....

Do these guys really disappear? It seems that there are so many, they will be around forever.


I like it when they say how much experience they have- so... they've been working for nothing for 8 years?!?!??!

What does a $20 lawn service look like?

Have you had any customers ask why you charge more than $12, $15, $18 for their "average size lawn"? What do you say?

Did you see the one the other day. There were 2 ads back to back. They were both from the same guy but worded differently. Had same mane and number but in one he had 15 years experience and the other he had 10. To funny.

I was gonna pot it but don't even feel like helping him out with SEO

[PineCrestWoods]

I did see your Natura ad a few days ago, GS!

[PineCrestWoods]

Here's my favorite for the day:

My name is ...., I am a student taking the summer off, and am looking for more customers. I am currently on my 8th season of yardcare, and am looking for around 18 more customers. I guarantee you will be 100% satisfied with my services that are tailored to your needs. Other services include but are not limited to: Fertilization, aeration, tree care, etc.

$18 mows all season OR $70 a month if sign up before April 1st (No contracts needed!)

2 mows for $30

*Mows include: mowing, trimming, and clean-up


$15 dollar mows... I'm gonna see if he'll do my property!!!

[GS]

Here's my favorite for the day:

My name is ...., I am a student taking the summer off, and am looking for more customers. I am currently on my 8th season of yardcare, and am looking for around 18 more customers. I guarantee you will be 100% satisfied with my services that are tailored to your needs. Other services include but are not limited to: Fertilization, aeration, tree care, etc.

$18 mows all season OR $70 a month if sign up before April 1st (No contracts needed!)

2 mows for $30

*Mows include: mowing, trimming, and clean-up


$15 dollar mows... I'm gonna see if he'll do my property!!!

Ive got 4 acres do you think I could get in on that.

I love the no contracts. I don't step foot on a property without a contract signed.

[PineCrestWoods]

I'll do it for cheaper! I want your business.

[GS]

I'll do it for cheaper! I want your business.

Deal, I know you need the work. HAHA. I am holding you to it now that its public. I like it push mowed

[PineCrestWoods]

Look... I've been thinking about this issue. I think it comes down to education. I know not everyone is so obsessive about it, and will just grab a mower and go, but in this day and age, the information is out there, and so easy to find.......... so educate yourself!

Look around at what other people are doing. Sure, there is no straight answer about "what you should charge," but it's easy to find some basic guidelines to at least give you a ballpark idea.

If you are older than, say, 12, you should really look into what is an appropriate rate for lawncare. That's how I found places like this. I had the basic equipment, and an interest in picking up some lawns.... but what to charge? I didn't want to undersell myself, or undercut the market (which I still do from time to time, but not on purpose).

So look around.... pay attention.... if you're working for peanuts, you just don't do as good of a job. Plain and simple. Learn the market- for your benefit and the benefit of those around you.



**** "You" being a general term for anyone who may be reading this and does not know any better..... not necessarily "you." :-)

[Sammy]

You mean me ?

[DynaMow]

yes Sammie he is talking to you.


I have only used 1 contract one time.

Dont need them, wont use them. The only one I use is because they want a seasonal amount for winter.

[GS]

I have only used 1 contract one time.

Dont need them, wont use them. The only one I use is because they want a seasonal amount for winter.

I contract is kind of like insurance. You have it but rarely if ever use it but it is there to protect you when needed. It only benefits you and your customer. The only difference is that contracts cost pennies compared to insurance. Almost 10 times out of 10 my customers don't even read it they just sign away. You should really think about doing it. I wouldn't hurt.

[PineCrestWoods]

One from today.

One Man And A Goat Lawn Care -- Free estimates for any sized lawn in the ......... area. If you have a quote from a professional lawn service, I'll beat it. Give me a call...

I think he should have thought about the message he's sending. What does this say to you, "If you have a quote from a professional lawn service, I'll beat it"? So many things wrong with that statement. For one thing, I just got a quote for $15 to do my entire property..... honest.... now beat it! "Call someone who knows what they're doing, then tell me what they said, and I'll try to copy it.... but make sure you tell me how much they were charging, and I'll do it for a little less."


And if his goat chits on my lawn, I'm gonna be grillin' goat tonight!!!!!!!!! What does that even mean?

[Sammy]

It means, "Get Over It !".
Thats the way it is now days.
No reason to lose sleep over it.

[PineCrestWoods]

I actually enjoy it... not losing sleep.

[Sandgroper]

Some Wombat put in free mowing with each gardening job special for March,,its over 100 in the shade here,great deal but get 10 minutes of gardening and then they can mow your arce block thats 6 foot high,,

[completelawncare]

Some Wombat :

wombat.... thats a funny word...

[BORN TO MOW]

Its a funny animal.....eats roots shoots and leaves

all Aussies know its funny!